Five Questions Heading into Beech versus Page

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Heading into the third round of the TSSAA football playoffs, we have multiple great matchups. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>However, I'm going to Beech versus Page this Friday, and I'm here to break down the game with my five biggest questions heading into this contest.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both squads are loaded and are built the same way, so it should be one of the best games of the season. Now, let's get into my five biggest questions about this one.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2054360} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/PageLB.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2054360" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: The Page linebackers. Taken by Shayne Pickering, Prep Redzone.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How does Beech's running game fare against Page's linebackers?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Buccaneers have one of the best rushing attacks in the state of Tennessee, led by a trio of talented players. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='800803' first='Chelton' last='Swafford'] is the do-it-all tailback, while [player_tooltip player_id='903534' first='DK' last='Williams'] and quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='866718' first='Kaden' last='Powell'] are more powerful runners who make the group dynamic.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On the flip side of things, Page boasts arguably the best and deepest linebacker room in the state. Whether you talk about [player_tooltip player_id='1178947' first='Cohen' last='Grissom'], Liam Perry, Grady Cason or [player_tooltip player_id='1801346' first='Taylen' last='Cisneros'], they're all standout players who make life tough for opposing offenses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is the most crucial matchup of the game and will significantly influence the outcome of this quarterfinal contest.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2058490} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/Jeramy-Laster-Jr.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-2058490" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Beech WR [player_tooltip player_id='1028041' first='Jeramy' last='Laster'] Jr. The Tennessean Sports.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Can Page contain [player_tooltip player_id='1028041' first='Jeramy' last='Laster'] Jr?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Beech's [player_tooltip player_id='1028041' first='Jeramy' last='Laster'] Jr has been nothing short of impressive for the Bucs in 2025. He's only a sophomore, but don't doubt his abilities. He's been highly productive in all facets of the game as a wide receiver, return man and defensive back.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Through the regular season, Laster Jr had over 1,500 all-purpose yards and 18 touchdowns, while rotating in as a cornerback.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On offense, he's excellent at high-pointing the football and playing like a bigger receiver, even though he's around 6-foot tall. Beech also uses him as a gadget guy due to his outstanding athleticism, speed and elusiveness.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If the Page Patriots can't contain him, it could be a tough day for that stout defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1639402} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/03/kwilson.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1639402" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Page DB [player_tooltip player_id='540028' first='Knight' last='Wilson']. Photo by Page Athletics.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Can Beech score enough points on Page's elite defense?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Speaking of defense, can Beech score enough points to beat Page? That's one of the biggest questions in this matchup, with a top-five defense in the state facing off against a potent offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I don't want to sound like I'm counting the Buccaneers out, because I'm not. But the Patriots are giving up 10.3 points per game with a ferocious front seven that has shut down nearly everybody they've faced.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While they are a run-heavy group, Beech certainly has the playmakers out wide to challenge this great Page defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This could be a lower-scoring game, but can the Bucs be on the winning side of things? Only time will tell.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2058221} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/Photo-Nov-18-2025-10-34-13-PM.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2058221" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Page RB [player_tooltip player_id='1571091' first='Isaac' last='Otey']. Photo by Page Athletics.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Can Beech defend Page's two-headed monster at running back?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Page's offense is built similarly to Beech, where they have multiple stud running backs to set the tone with a few good wide receivers to stretch the field. But right now, I want to focus on that two-headed monster tailback unit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1571091' first='Isaac' last='Otey'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1532741' first='James' last='Pierre'] are two standout backs who have terrorized the 5A classification. They complement each other with Pierre being a more physical runner and Otey being that lightning-in-a-bottle player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Running the football well is vital to winning these kinds of games. So, it's essential to win this matchup if you're either team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1513376} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/kpowell.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1513376" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Beech QB [player_tooltip player_id='866718' first='Kaden' last='Powell']. Taken by John Decker, Main Street Preps.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How does [player_tooltip player_id='866718' first='Kaden' last='Powell'] affect the game?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='866718' first='Kaden' last='Powell'] is one of the most intriguing players in the state. He has a big arm, but also great size for a quarterback, standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 240 pounds with a lean, athletic frame. The senior signal caller can sling it, but is also productive in the run game due to his size and athleticism.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With both teams built on stout defenses and quality running games, the quarterbacks will be the difference-makers in this game. I trust Powell more due to his veteran presence and dual-threat ability, but it won't be easy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If he has a good game, then Beech will be in a great spot to win, and vice versa.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->