TNHSFB Week Nine Statewide Recap

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">It was another lite week of action here in Tennessee as many teams were on Fall break but we still had plenty of games of importance. Region placement took place. A few non-region upsets happened. State powers continued to win. All this and more can be found inside our latest Statewide Recap. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Week Nine Top Stories&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Stock Up</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>Green Hill </strong>had to hold off <strong>Lebanon </strong>in their 22-15 win but the Hawks prevailed and pushed themselves one step closer towards winning their region. This game between the Hawks and Blue Devils was a de facto region championship game with the winner gaining a big edge towards finishing in first place. Lebanon came into this game undefeated with an offense that had been scoring a lot of points of late but <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1610497' first='Omeiza' last='Daniyan'] </strong>and the Green Hill defense did a good job of keeping the Blue Devils in-check and slowing down their run game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I always thought Green Hill was the best team in the region but Lebanon has been playing good football and gotten better as the season has gone on. Even though the Blue Devils took defeat, their efforts at keeping the Hawks explosive offense to 22 points shows their defense is capable of helping take their team on a long run into the playoffs. For the Hawks, this was another step in the right direction as they have aspirations of not just winning their region but competing for a 6A title. I like both these teams and their chances at winning multiple games and possibly more in the coming postseason.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1621075,"width":"267px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/odaniyan.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1621075" style="width:267px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- One of the bigger surprises coming out of “Week Nine” was <strong>Jefferson Co. </strong>knocking off <strong>Powell</strong>, 27-24 and pushing their overall record to 6-2. This was not a region win for the Patriots but it is a victory that turns heads and shows that Jefferson Co. is a team many others may not want to face once we reach postseason play. The biggest takeaway from this matchup is the Patriots defense and their ability to hold the Panthers offense in-check and not allow <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1111032' first='Deuce' last='Rodgers'] </strong>to go off. The front seven did a nice job of plugging up the run game while playing good coverage on the back end.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jefferson Co. has improved as the football year has gone on and appears to be finding their groove. They did take defeat to <strong>Dobyns-Bennett </strong>a few weeks back, which puts them behind the Indians for the region title but I like how the Patriots have performed this year and their chances in the playoffs. Two-way talent <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1276432' first='Shawn' last='Jackson'] </strong>has started to emerge as the team's top offensive weapon. Quarterback <strong>Mason Henderson </strong>has been steady. Jefferson Co. may not have everything in place that screams championship caliber but they are a good football team, which was proven last week in their victory over Powell.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- This has been a comeback season for <strong>Goodpasture</strong>, meaning the Cougars have been down for a while over the years but are starting to build their program back. Their efforts are going well this Fall as Goodpasture sits at 6-2 overall after their big win in “Week Nine” over previously undefeated <strong>Franklin-Grace</strong>, 24-7. This was an impressive win from the Cougars. They did a great job on defense keeping the Lions run game quiet while getting after the quarterback. Their offense, led by quarterback <strong>Chase Angell </strong>and ball carrier <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='492601' first='Caden' last='Stroud']</strong>, played ball control offense, letting the run game lead the way, keeping the Lions offense on the sidelines.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Beating Franklin-Grace was the best win of the season from the Cougars. Hopefully they can build upon this victory and gain more confidence as it will be needed because Goodpasture takes on BGA in “Week Ten” and the Wildcats might be the team top contender for the D2-Class AA title. The victory over the Lions does solidify Goodpasture's spot in the coming playoffs. This team is still probably a year away from potentially doing something special but I like what the Cougars coaching staff has done to develop their talent and put them back in contention for postseason play.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- After starting the season at 1-3, <strong>South Gibson </strong>has reeled off four wins in a row, including their 24-14 win over <strong>Crockett Co. </strong>in “Week Nine”. Their victory over the Cavaliers was a big one as it put the Hornets in sole possession of first place and a few steps closer towards winning a region title. The South Gibson defense was strong in their win over Crockett Co. and it's been the side of the ball that has been consistent throughout the season. The Hornets have an excellent defensive line, led by seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='889227' first='Yahya' last='Gaad'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='854396' first='Jack' last='Smith'] </strong>that shut down the Cavs run game while harassing and making things difficult for their quarterback.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This West Tennessee team had high expectations going into the 2025 season, so to me it's not surprising to see the Hornets coming into their own and starting to play the kind of football I thought they would. What is exciting about South Gibson right now is their offensive ascension over the past few weeks. If the offense can continue to play at a high level to go along with their salty defense, the Hornets might be a team to watch for in the coming playoffs to go on a deep run. You might call them a 4A title sleeper.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1664912,"width":"409px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/ygaad3.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1664912" style="width:409px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Staying on the 4A level and inside the same region as South Gibson, a team many should start paying attention to is <strong>Lexington</strong>. The Tigers have two losses on the season to the Hornets and Crockett Co. but sit 6-2 overall after taking down previously undefeated <strong>Lewis Co. </strong>last week in their 37-28 victory. This West Tennessee program could be a sleeper team in the playoffs due to their ball control, run based offense and a defense that has flashed strong play throughout the season. Their style of play is something that works well in the postseason. The Tigers may be a team others aren't excited to see in the playoffs and a team that could pull off a few upsets.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As long as the Tigers pull one win out of their last two, they are playoff bound. There is a scenario out there where Lexington loses the last two and misses out on the postseason but I feel confident in saying they will get the job done. I do like how the Tigers are performing right now and their chances to continue improving over the next few weeks. Their win over Lewis Co. shows they are locked in and still engulfed in the season with their goals still intact.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- As we head into the final weeks of the regular season, <strong>Elizabethton </strong>sits under the radar as a 7-1 team that should receive a top two seed in the coming playoffs and be a team that could win multiple games. A big part of why the Cyclones are 7-1 is due to their defense. Led by seniors <strong>Justius Wallen </strong>and <strong>Zack Wallin</strong>, the Cyclones have one of the better statistical defensive units from the East Tennessee region. Playing good football in the line of scrimmage and on defense are recipes towards postseason success but if Elizabethton wants to go on a deep run, their offense must take themselves to another level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cyclones are going into “Week Ten” on a seven game win streak after their 56-21 victory last week over Sullivan-East. They have two games remaining in the regular season with a shot at winning the region but they have to get past Top 20 ranked Greeneville. Before they meet the Green Devils, the Cyclones take on Seymour this week. Regardless of how the regular season ends, Elizabethton continues to get better each week and form into a team that could do some special things in the postseason, especially if their offense continues to perform like they have over the past several weeks.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Playing out of region in “Week Nine”, <strong>Dyer Co. </strong>pulled off one of the bigger upsets across the state as they defeated <strong>USJ</strong>, 27-26 to move their season record to 6-2 overall. Beating the Bruins is impressive as they were previously undefeated and a well oiled machine that hadn't been tested that much this season. Even though the Choctaws sit with six wins, they have been a little up and down this year as they have a roster worthy enough to win their region but that doesn't look like it will happen.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What the Choctaws can do is continue building off last week's big win and form into a team that others may not want to face in the playoffs. Dyer Co. has a talented roster with multiple guys that could have a college future. Not all the parts have come together just yet but maybe they finally are as we creep in the back half of the season. I'm curious to see how the Choctaws continue to perform the rest of the way because I see big potential with them and their chances at making some waves in November.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1969672,"width":"315px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/10/dyerco2-crop-884x580-1760976509.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1969672" style="width:315px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Stock Down</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Going into the final two weeks of the regular season, <strong>Lincoln Co. </strong>must find a way to get back on track after taking their only two losses of the season in two of the past three weeks. The Falcons are coming off a gut wrenching 28-27 defeat to <strong>Columbia Central </strong>that pretty much cost them the region title. That was a definite goal for Lincoln Co. but the season is not lost, so they must refocus, shore up some holes and get things right because they will be a part of the postseason.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Falcons are led by senior quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='523936' first='Maddox' last='Franklin'] </strong>and he has some solid pieces around him along with a defense that has been pretty consistent all year long. This is a balanced team that has the capabilities of getting things back on track and making a run in the playoffs. Getting the run game going may be a key factor towards Lincoln Co. succeeding moving forward. The Falcons have a big one this Friday as they host Lawrence Co. in what will be a game for second place, so Lincoln Co. has a great opportunity this week to get back on the right path and begin their pursuit into the playoffs.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Last Friday was a humbling moment for <strong>Sale Creek </strong>as they felt defeat for the first time this season in their 56-0 loss to <strong>South Pittsburg</strong>. The Panthers had been 7-0 going into the contest with the Pirates but was clearly overmatched. Taking this loss is honestly not that bad for Sale Creek as I see it as a teaching moment for everyone involved. The players saw how you were supposed to perform at a championship level while the staff saw how far away they were in competing with the best. No matter how everything ends, this is a banner year for Sale Creek as they should finish in second place with a chance at advancing in the playoffs. This season can also provide a look into the future and what the Panthers staff needs to do to continue building a program that can compete for championships.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>McMinn Co. </strong>took a surprising loss in “Week Nine” to <strong>Red Bank</strong>, 21-11 and while it was a non-region loss, it was the Cherokees second in a row and a loss that might showing some chinks in the armour. Everything still looks good for McMinn Co. when it comes to competing in the playoffs but their offense appears to have hit a wall. They very well could be dealing with injuries but the offensive output over the past two weeks has not been good enough. It's somewhat surprising too with guys like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402530' first='Camden' last='Goforth'] </strong>blocking up front and skill guys like <strong>Jakyran Dyer </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1566136' first='Nathan' last='Kessler'] </strong>being playmakers at their respective positions.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The path doesn't get any easier either over the next two weeks as the Cherokees have big region games with Rhea Co. and East Hamilton. Opportunity is in place for McMinn Co. to finish second place inside their region but they have to basically win out to assure that happens. We will certainly find over the next two weeks who this McMinn Co. team is and how their 2025 season will finish. I still like the pieces to turn things around and go on a deep playoff run but things must get fixed asap and instituted this Friday against the Golden Eagles.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- At this point in the 2025 season, we can officially say that <strong>Halls </strong>and <strong>Obion Co. </strong>have not lived up to preseason expectations. The Tigers were a team I saw competing for a region title but something just hasn't clicked this year as they go into “Week Nine” at 2-6 overall and 0-4 within their region. Neither side of the ball has been consistent or good this season nor showed much hope towards improvement. Having guys like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1648058' first='Khadon' last='Piphus']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1571430' first='Jeremiah' last='Harris']</strong> and others, I expected a better year out of the Tigers but things just haven't worked out.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I didn't project a region title season for Obion Co. but I saw them being much better than their current record of 4-4 overall and 1-3 inside their region. The Rebels are on the verge of missing out on the playoffs but they still have hope to get there with wins in their final two games against Bolivar Central and Ripley. Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1584097' first='Morgan' last='Carpenter'] </strong>is one of the leading tacklers in the state right now but he hasn't received enough help. The Rebels have played some good teams, which is a factor behind losing four out of their last five games but I still expected them to be much more competitive. The season does look to be almost over for Halls but for Obion Co., they still have hope but must get back on track these final two regular season weeks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1738248,"width":"244px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/jerharris.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1738248" style="width:244px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->