Five Questions Heading into Oakland Versus Blackman

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Heading into the fourth round of the TSSAA football playoffs, we have multiple great matchups. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>However, I'm going to Blackman versus Oakland 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, so it should be one of the best games of the season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1925942} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/10/bryoduoe.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1925942" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Blackman wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1103038' first='Brylan' last='Oduor']. Photo by Blackman Athletics.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Can Blackman Get [player_tooltip player_id='1103038' first='Brylan' last='Oduor'] Involved?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Junior wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1103038' first='Brylan' last='Oduor'] is one of the most dynamic players in Tennessee. Not many offensive players have his athleticism and speed in a 6-foot-3 body. So, Blackman needs to get the ball to him as many times as possible.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oakland boasts one of the best defensive fronts in the state, making it challenging to run the football. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While they also have two stud defensive backs in [player_tooltip player_id='1281472' first='Joel' last='Wyatt'] and [player_tooltip player_id='856867' first='Craig' last='Tutt'], if the Blaze can get Oduor the football and force the Patriots to spread out defensively, more plays can be made.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2065201} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/IMG_2269.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-2065201" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Blackman running back [player_tooltip player_id='1029916' first='Micah' last='Nance']. Photo by Blackman Athletics.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>What Did the Blaze Learn from Its First Matchup?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The first time these two teams played, it was a competitive game, but a big fourth quarter led to a 32-0 final score. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>So, what did Blackman learn in that game that they can use to potentially get payback for that embarrassing defeat earlier this season?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's going to be a tall task regardless of whether they learned things or not. But having extra notes will be vital in making this a ball game the second time around.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Blackman has the athletes to go toe-to-toe with Oakland, but coaching and preparation will win this one.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2045543} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/Photo-Nov-11-2025-8-17-20-PM.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-2045543" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Oakland running back [player_tooltip player_id='856867' first='Craig' last='Tutt']. Taken by Cam Reid, 615 Preps.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>What Does Oakland Look Like Following a Near Loss?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This was the worst possible thing that could have happened to Blackman. Historically, Oakland has dominated the game following a loss or near loss to teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Over the past three seasons, they have remained undefeated and outscored their opponents 231-76 in those contests.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Patriots typically jump on their opponents early, regardless of whether they are coming off games like these, so the first quarter is crucial for the Blaze. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If they can roll with the punches that Oakland throws in the first half, this will be a good game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2058994} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/Photo-Nov-19-2025-2-22-12-PM.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2058994" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Oakland running back Kamani Bass. Photo by Oakland Athletics.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Can The Patriots Continue to Run the Ball on This Elite Defense?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Over the past 12 years, Oakland is most known for its potent rushing attack. Tutt and junior Kamani Bass are electric weapons at running back, but Blackman is no slouch defensively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They have one of the best fronts in 6A, led by standout junior defensive tackle [player_tooltip player_id='1648682' first='James' last='Stewart'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The last time these two teams played, the Patriots rushed for 365 yards on 41 carries. However, a large chunk of that came from quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='866735' first='Donte' last='Cameron']. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After being gashed by him in the first game, I can't see Blackman allowing him to do that again.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1879185} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/addavis.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1879185" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Blackman safety [player_tooltip player_id='1589509' first='A'Darien' last='Davis']. Photo by Blackman Athletics.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Does This Contest Turn into a Defensive Battle?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Yes, both sides have dynamic offensive players at their disposal. But these are arguably two of the top five defenses in 6A.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After being embarrassed by Oakland earlier in the campaign, Blackman will come prepared and ready to make a statement. I could see a scenario where this turns into a defensive slugfest, and I would love it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Watching great defenses battle it out is pure cinema; that's what this could be.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oakland's defensive front and Blackman's secondary are truly elite. If they have the other parts of that unit step up as well, this one could be an outstanding contest.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->