Week Two Slate (Top Games/Matchups)

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Action for "Week Two" kicks off this evening with Knox. Catholic at Anderson Co. in what should be an outstanding game. We have broken down that contest and others inside our latest weekly coverage on the top games to watch along with our game predictions. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Week Two Top Matchups</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#15 Page (1-0) at #17 Green Hill (1-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Both of these teams were well tested in “Week One” but both Page and Green Hill have a bigger challenge on their hands this Friday when they face each other in what should be one of the better games from this week's slate. You have a deep and talented Patriots squad coming to Mt. Juliet faces a strong Hawks squad that is well balanced on offense with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='964976' first='Kannon' last='Burroughs'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1841394' first='Zachery' last='Cartwright'] </strong>but so is Page. Last week against Giles County, junior quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='693877' first='Cameron' last='Kruse'] </strong>had a solid debut and he will be joined by a two-headed monster at running back with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1532741' first='James' last='Pierre'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1571091' first='Isaac' last='Otey']</strong> that could allow the Pats to play keep away. Whichever team is able to run the ball and keep the clock in their favor, may find the edge needed to come out on top.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Expert Predictions</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chris Smith </strong>- Page 27 Green Hill 17&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Drew Toennies </strong>- Page 24 Green Hill 17</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Shayne Pickering </strong>- Page 31 Green Hill 14</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Conner Smith </strong>- Page 17 Green Hill 14</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#16 Knox. Catholic (1-0) at #25 Anderson Co. (0-0) - Thursday</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- This East Tennessee showdown kicks off the action for “Week Two” on Thursday evening and you can bet the home Mavericks are itching to get on the field after their first game was called early due to weather. Knox. Catholic is coming off a strong road victory over Riverdale but definitely didn't perform like they wanted to, especially on offense. The biggest in-game matchup to watch here is <strong>J.D. Gillum </strong>and the Mavs passing attack versus a highly talented Fighting Irish secondary, led by seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402532' first='Chaston' last='Smith'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1188597' first='George' last='Mancini']</strong>. The Knox. Catholic defensive backfield wrecked havoc last week against Riverdale and has the potential to do so again this week. It will be a tougher gig as Gillum is a smart, cerebral guy that knows how to find the open receiver.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Expert Predictions</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chris Smith </strong>- Knox. Catholic 28 Anderson Co. 17&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Drew Toennies </strong>- Knox. Catholic 31 Anderson Co. 21</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Shayne Pickering </strong>- Knox. Catholic 24 Anderson Co. 20</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Conner Smith </strong>- Knox. Catholic 31 Anderson Co. 14&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1856683,"width":"213px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/08/gmancini.jpg?w=770" alt="" class="wp-image-1856683" style="width:213px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#4 Covington (1-0) at Haywood (1-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- This game should be fun! You have two of the better West Tennessee programs here facing off against each other in what could be one of the more hard fought, closest games of “Week Two.” The Chargers come to town after an impressive game one victory that saw junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1659259' first='Jaheim' last='Smith'] </strong>go-off for a big game. The Tomcats have a challenge on their hands slowing him down. Haywood is strong in the secondary with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='811046' first='Caden' last='Harris'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1162582' first='Jaden' last='Butler'] </strong>but do they have enough up front to halt the Chargers rushing attack. That's the matchup to watch in this game. If Covington is able to move the ball at will, they can pull off the road win but if Smith is bottled up, the Tomcats could be the team that comes out on top.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Expert Predictions</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chris Smith </strong>- Haywood 24 Covington 21&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Drew Toennies </strong>- Haywood 34 Covington 27</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Shayne Pickering </strong>- Haywood 28 Covington 20</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Conner Smith </strong>- Haywood 21 Covington 17</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#6 Ensworth (1-0) at #2 Nash. Christian (1-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The defending D2-Class A state champs in Nash. Christian are stacked yet again to chase down another “Gold Ball” while the road Tigers have aspirations of competing for a championship as well. You have two high quality football teams going head to head here in this greater Nashville matchup that could go down to the wire, especially if the home Eagles are able to hold up in the line of scrimmage. Ensworth will have the advantage in the trenches but Nash. Christian has the best player in this game with quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402548' first='Jared' last='Curtis']</strong>. Keeping him in-check for the Tigers is at the most important in this game for the road team to come out with a victory. I'm very interested to see how this game plays out and how the Tigers defense performs versus Curtis.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Expert Predictions</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chris Smith </strong>- Ensworth 34 Nash. Christian 21&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Drew Toennies </strong>- Ensworth 28 Nash. Christian 21</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Shayne Pickering </strong>- Ensworth 34 Nash. Christian 31&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Conner Smith </strong>- Ensworth 27 Nash. Christian 21</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#19 Upperman (1-0) at #23 Greeneville (1-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Bees are traveling back to the East Tennessee region this week to face a heavy hitter on the 4A level in Greeneville. Last week against Knox. Webb, the Bees handled the Spartans with ease behind a strong rushing performance from senior quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1254853' first='Bronzden' last='Chaffin']</strong>. Upperman also received stellar play from their defense. They will need Chaffin and that defense again in a big way Friday versus a well coached and talented Green Devils team. Senior two-way talent <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1181026' first='Zaydyn' last='Anderson'] </strong>presents a big challenge for the Bees. They must keep his game changing abilities in-check if they want to gain another road win. Greeneville has the beef up front too that could present issues for Chaffin. This is a really fun matchup you don't see too often, so I'm very interested to see how this game plays out.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Expert Predictions</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chris Smith </strong>- Greeneville 20 Upperman 17&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Drew Toennies </strong>- Greeneville 21 Upperman 14</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Shayne Pickering </strong>- Greeneville 31 Upperman 16</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Conner Smith </strong>- Upperman 35 Greeneville 24</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1641288,"width":"254px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/03/zharris2.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1641288" style="width:254px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#9 Brentwood Academy (1-0) at Brentwood (1-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- We have an inner-city, Williamson County battle here between the road Eagles and the home Bruins. Both teams are coming off opening season wins last week but Brentwood barely got past Smyrna while Brentwood Academy demolished Lawson. The Bruins have a young ball club this year but still enough vets like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1597026' first='Jackson' last='Allen'] </strong>to keep this game close and be there in the end. It will be a tough challenge for the home team as Brentwood Academy has a talented team this year with a potent passing attack, spearheaded by juniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='834810' first='Crews' last='Jenkins']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='378855' first='Kesean' last='Bowman']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1118087' first='Eli' last='Ferguson']</strong>. The one strength for the Bruins might be their secondary, so watching them compete against the Eagles talented wideouts will be interesting to watch. I do like the Eagles here but bragging rights are on the line, so ya never know what could happen!&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Expert Predictions</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chris Smith </strong>- Brentwood Academy 28 Brentwood 10&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Drew Toennies </strong>- Brentwood Academy 31 Brentwood 14</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Shayne Pickering </strong>- Brentwood Academy 31 Brentwood 17</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Conner Smith </strong>- Brentwood 31 Brentwood Academy 24</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Pope Prep (1-0) at #5 East Robertson (1-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The road Knights are under new management this year and the new era started off well in their road win over Lakeway Christian but now Pope Prep must face a good East Robertson team that has aspirations of winning a state title. The Indians struggled late in their win over Liberty Creek but looked impressive most of the way. They present a challenge against the Knights passing attack with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='820950' first='Zach' last='Groves'] </strong>rushing the backfield and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1630972' first='Cade' last='Brooks'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1738236' first='Angel' last='Blair'] </strong>roaming in the secondary. Senior quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='795241' first='Isaiah' last='Batten'] </strong>had a strong debut last week but he will need to perform even better this Friday for his Pope Prep team to walk away with the road victory. It would be a statement win for the Knights if they can pull it off.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Expert Predictions</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chris Smith </strong>- Pope Prep 21 East Robertson 17&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Drew Toennies </strong>- Pope Prep 21 East Robertson 20</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Shayne Pickering </strong>- Pope Prep 24 East Robertson 16</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Conner Smith </strong>- East Robertson 27 Pope Prep 14</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Knox. West (0-0) at #22 Maryville (0-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- One team will be playing in their first game of the year while the other doesn't want to begin the 2025 campaign at 0-2, so seeing how things play out here will be interesting. Knox. West is under a new regime and we have yet to see how this year's team will perform. The Rebels have some playmakers that can give Maryville problems, especially after seeing athletic skill get the best of their defense in last week's loss to Alcoa. The favorite to win this game has to be Maryville with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1723184' first='Will' last='Jones'] </strong>at quarterback and a solid offensive line keeping him clean. It will be their defense to see if they can bounce back and close things out versus a Knox. West team that has some unknown headed into this contest. If the home Rebels play well up front in the defensive line, I like their chances at winning this matchup.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Expert Predictions</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chris Smith </strong>- Maryville 28 Knox. West 14&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Drew Toennies </strong>- Maryville 31 Knox. West 28</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Shayne Pickering </strong>- Maryville 27 Knox. West 20</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Conner Smith </strong>- Maryville 34 Knox. West 10</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1532532,"width":"230px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/maryville.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1532532" style="width:230px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#18 Huntingdon (1-0) at #20 Camden Central (1-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- A sneaky good game from the West Tennessee region in “Week Two” is Huntingdon hitting the road to take on a Camden Central team that is coming off an impressive road win over Riverside. The Lions had to go to overtime to pull out the victory but they got it done behind a strong performance from their defense and rushing attack. They need those again as they take on a well coached Mustangs team that also impressed in “Week One” with their own potent run game. Huntingdon is known for running the ball, so <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1651781' first='LaMarkus' last='Grigsby'] </strong>and the Camden defensive front must bring their “A” game on Friday. If they can slow down the Mustangs ball carriers, the Lions might head home still undefeated.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Expert Predictions</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chris Smith </strong>- Camden Central 24 Huntingdon 21&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Drew Toennies </strong>- Huntingdon 30 Camden Central 21</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Shayne Pickering </strong>- Huntingdon 40 Camden Central 20</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Conner Smith </strong>- Huntingdon 21 Camden Central 20</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Gallatin (1-0) at Franklin (1-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Both these Mid-Tennessee programs are coming off strong opening season performances but one must take this loss in Friday's matchup. Gallatin comes to town with a seasoned offense, led by seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='353896' first='Jackson' last='Stroup'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1291272' first='Malachi' last='Harper'] </strong>that moved the ball very well versus Hendersonville. They will face off with a sneaky good Franklin defense that is stacked at linebacker along with one of the best safeties in the state in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1476160' first='Luke' last='Thompson']</strong>. I think the Green Wave can move the ball against the Admirals but they will have to play with balance leaning on both their run game and passing attack to get the job done. I can see either team coming out on top but whoever wins, will start the season at 2-0 and become highly confident going forward.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Expert Predictions</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chris Smith </strong>- Gallatin 28 Franklin 17&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Drew Toennies </strong>- Franklin 28 Gallatin 21&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Shayne Pickering </strong>- Franklin 27 Gallatin 17&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Conner Smith </strong>- Gallatin 21 Franklin 13&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Top Week Two Matchups&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>East TN: </strong>Tyner (1-0) at Chatt. Christian (1-0), Oak Ridge (1-0) at Clinton (0-1), Meigs Co. (1-0) at East Hamilton (1-0), Powell (0-0) at Farragut (0-1), GCA (0-0) at Carter (1-0), Gibbs (1-0) at Knox. Halls (0-1), Rhea Co. (1-0) at Notre Dame (1-0), Jefferson Co. (1-0) at Sevier Co. (1-0), Sequatchie Co. (1-0) at Signal Mountain (1-0), Silverdale (0-1) at South Pitt (0-0)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mid TN: </strong>Tullahoma (1-0) at Coffee Co. (1-0), Pearl Cohn (0-1) at CPA (0-1), Antioch (1-0) at East Nashville (0-1), Lincoln Co. (1-0) at Independence (1-0), Ravenwood (1-0) at Lipscomb Acad. (0-1), Father Ryan (1-0) at Riverdale (0-1), Clarksville (0-1) at Springfield (1-0)&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>West TN: </strong>Chester Co. (1-0) at Adamsville (1-0), Kirby (1-0) at Briarcrest Chrst. (1-0), Bartlett (0-1) at Germantown (1-0), Whitehaven (0-1) at Houston (0-1), DCA (1-0) at Jackson Chrst. (1-0), Dresden (0-1) at McKenzie (0-1), Memp. Biz. Acad (0-1) at TCA (1-0), Dyer Co. (1-0) at Union City (0-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1524523,"width":"251px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/jstroup.jpg?w=819" alt="" class="wp-image-1524523" style="width:251px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->