#TNHSFB Playoffs: Top Matchups (2nd Round)

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Get prepared for the 2nd Round of the Tennessee HS Football playoffs with our look at the top games to watch across the state. It's a strong draw with several matchups that might have ramifications on state titles. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Southwind (10-1) at Beech (10-1) - Class 5A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Possibly the best overall game from the second round is this 5A matchup between the road Jaguars and the home Buccaneers. Both teams are state title contending teams that come into this game both at 10-1 and two of the better offenses in the state. Both these squads are well coached teams that don't make too many mistakes. Offensively, the Jags bring an athletic offense to town, led by junior quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='480742' first='Kelvin' last='Perkins']</strong>. The Bucs counter the Jags offense with a stellar defense, spearheaded by senior standouts <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='951112' first='Gunnar' last='Clary']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='976622' first='Josiah' last='Moore'] </strong>and others. This will be an interesting game to follow due to the contrast of offensive styles. Whichever defense can impose their will, should gain an upper hand towards victory.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Powell (9-2) at Sevier Co. (11-0)</strong> <strong>- Class 5A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Can the Panthers head over to the Smoky Mountains and put out one of the best teams in the Class 5A ranks? It's very possible as Powell heads to Sevier Co. with a confident team and a coaching staff that has a lot of postseason experience. The Smoky Bears have been stellar all season long with both sides playing at a high level but Powell may be the best team they have seen yet. What the Panthers present is a solid defensive front with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1154536' first='Iverson' last='Garcia'] </strong>and others that could make a difference against the rush but also create pressure versus Mr. Football semi-finalist <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1142902' first='Cooper' last='Newman']</strong>. I still like the Smoky Bears in this game but don't be surprised if the Panthers pull off the upset.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>BGA (9-2) at USJ (10-1)</strong> <strong>- D2-Class AA</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- I think this D2-Class AA matchup may be one of the better games we have from the second round and a game that could have ramifications on the eventual title game. Both the Wildcats and Bruins are title contending teams but only one can make it out of this game alive. BGA will be the best team the Bruins have seen this year and a defense, led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1230849' first='Locke' last='Kennedy']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='866788' first='Nate' last='Fleming'] </strong>and others that can cause issues for the USJ offense. The Bruins will need another big game from Mr. Football contender <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1080185' first='Noah' last='Spencer'] </strong>and strong play up front from their offensive line. I also feel <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='841237' first='Alex' last='Wallace'] </strong>and the Bruins defense has to get after <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='914547' first='Kaedyn' last='Marable'] </strong>and make things uncomfortable for him, otherwise the Wildcats could get hot and score at will. This should be a fun one with either team being capable of advancing.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1335231,"width":"209px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/nspencer.webp?w=623" alt="" class="wp-image-1335231" style="width:209px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mt. Juliet (10-1) at Oakland (10-1)</strong> <strong>- Class 6A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Two proud 6A programs face off in Murfreesboro on Friday for a clash in the second round that will have the home team as the favorites but you definitely can't sleep on the Golden Bears. Both teams come into this game at 10-1 but the Pats are probably more battle tested due to their schedule. Mt. Juliet has a veteran squad, led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219402' first='Tyler' last='Travers']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219347' first='Jonmikael' last='Crudup']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='250859' first='Atticus' last='Fiorita'] </strong>and others that have to step up big on Friday, if the Golden Bears plan to walk out with a win. It will be tough because Oakland is Oakland and with Coach Creasy at the helm, you can bet the Patriots will be well prepared. If the road team can hang in there throughout, they may have a shot in the end to play their way to victory.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>East Robertson (10-1) at Marion Co. (9-2)</strong> <strong>- Class 2A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- These two teams might be the top two squads when it comes to winning the Class 2A state championship but one of them must watch their season come to an end after this Friday's contest. After taking a defeat to Westmoreland, the Indians have been on a tear through the 2nd part of the season as <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1422904' first='Kason' last='Young'] </strong>and his offense have gelled together. They will be tested on Friday versus a good Warriors defense, led by their front seven with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1282603' first='Myles' last='Mays']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219406' first='Braydon' last='Coffelt'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1423635' first='Taylor' last='Scharber']</strong>. I could see either team coming away with the win but I like how Marion Co. is playing right now and might have too much firepower on both sides of the ball for East Robertson to keep up with.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1420961,"width":"255px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/mmays.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1420961" style="width:255px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lausanne (8-2) at Boyd Buchanan (11-0)</strong> <strong>- D2-Class AA</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- It's been a dream year for the Bucs and they are a top contender to return back for the D2-Class AA championship but they must get past possibly their toughest opponent yet in Lausanne. The Lynx should be the most athletic team the Buccaneers have seen this season as well as one of the more physical squads too. The identity that Boyd Buchanan plays with should do fine against Lausanne, which is to run the ball with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402534' first='David' last='Green'] </strong>and play good defense but it will be a battle. Keep an eye on <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='860627' first='Jawell' last='Rodgers'] </strong>as a potential game changer for the Lynx, who could prove to the difference maker that pushes the road team over the top.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>White Co. (9-2) at Loudon (11-0)</strong> <strong>- Class 5A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- This is my upset special from round two as I see the Warriors of White Co. going into Loudon and knocking off the undefeated Redskins. The road team brings a gritty, tough ball club to town that is battle tested and sports a game changing talent in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1102967' first='Tripp' last='Pinion']</strong>. The Warriors have a veteran squad with a nice mix of youthful talent, especially on the D-line with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1405051' first='Hunter' last='Broyles'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1617402' first='Lex' last='Winfree'] </strong>that could cause issues for the Loudon offensive line. The home team won't be a pushover. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1263171' first='Bronson' last='Scrivner'] </strong>has been excellent this year at quarterback and the defense has been salty. I just think the experience and playmaking abilities from Pinion will prove to be the difference in this matchup that takes White Co. into the quarterfinals.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bartlett (7-3) at Houston (9-2) - Class 6A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- This will be the second time this season these two teams have faced off with the home Mustangs taking the first bout. This time could be different as the Panthers are coming into this game confident, sporting the kind of college talent that could take them a long way in these playoffs. Coming off a beatdown of Kirkwood, the Panthers appear healthy with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1002741' first='Geron' last='Johnson'] </strong>back to form while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='795560' first='Austin' last='Howard'] </strong>is laser focused right now on defense. Houston must use their culture and identity in this contest to push past Bartlett. I expect the Mustangs to be ready but it could be a challenge and a game that could see either team win.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1553814,"width":"369px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/20241108_211332.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1553814" style="width:369px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Knox. Halls (8-3) at Knox. West (8-3) - Class 5A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- These two teams played a classic earlier this season where the Rebels barely came out on top, so you can bet the Red Devils are eager for this matchup. These two squads know each very well, so this contest could go in a variety of directions. The home Rebels are hot right now, playing their best football of the season while the Red Devils have a talented offense, led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1102989' first='Amari' last='Lethgo'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219379' first='Drew' last='Ross'] </strong>that could push them to the quarterfinals. The culture at Knox. West is real and being that we are in the playoffs, I have to give the edge to the Rebels but I could see Knox. Halls coming in and pulling off the victory. Whoever has the ball last might be the team to come out on top and advance.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Gibbs (10-1) at Greeneville (8-2) - Class 4A </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Could the home Green Devils be on upset alert here against a sneaky good Gibbs team? We will see as the Eagles come to town confident and ready for the challenge. Greeneville is the favorite to win but have to be prepared because Gibbs is a well coached team that plays an efficient, physical brand of football. The Green Devils have to maintain explosive play on offense with <strong>Carson Quillen </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1181026' first='Zaydyn' last='Anderson'] </strong>but I think it will be <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='390715' first='Drew' last='Armbrister'] </strong>and their defense that will push the home team to the quarterfinals. I do think Greeneville will come out on top but I would not be overly surprised if Gibbs takes it and advances.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1375092,"width":"292px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/zayanderson.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1375092" style="width:292px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Top 2nd Rd Matchups …..</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>East TN</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chatt. Prep (8-3) at South Pittsburg (9-2)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Gatlinburg-Pittman (9-3) at Unicoi Co. (10-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chatt. Central (7-4) at Sequatchie Co. (10-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Science Hill (8-2) at Maryville (10-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>FRA (10-1) at Silverdale (9-2)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mid TN</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Macon Co. (9-2) at Upperman (11-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brentwood (9-2) at Stewarts Creek (10-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TCA (7-4) at Columbia Acad. (8-3)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>GCA (9-2) at CPA (11-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brentwood Acad. (7-3) at Father Ryan (7-3)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>West TN&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Middle College (9-2) at Union City (9-2)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>South Fulton (9-2) at MASE (9-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jackson Central (9-2) at Milan (10-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dyersburg (7-3) at Westview (11-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Crockett Co. (8-3) at Dyer Co. (10-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Haywood (8-3) at Melrose (7-3)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1103346,"width":"281px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/syhoard.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1103346" style="width:281px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->