TNHSFB Playoffs: 2nd Round (Top Games/Matchups)

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Playoff football here in Tennessee continues this evening with a strong second round slate that might see a few state title contending teams advance or see their season's come to an end. Here we break down our top ten matchups across the state in what could be a very entertaining night of football! </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Alcoa (10-1) at Upperman (9-2)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- </strong>What a showdown we have taking place here in “Round Two” with the Tornadoes traveling west to face a senior laden Upperman squad that has pieces in place to pull off an upset. This is a matchup of two in-state powers that both have their eyes on Chattanooga and a Class 4A state title. We also have a strong quarterback showdown in this game between <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1254853' first='Bronzden' last='Chaffin'] </strong>and <strong>Thomas Manu</strong>. Stopping those guys will be critical towards either team's success. The Tornadoes have more firepower with guys like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1630037' first='JaColby' last='Cooper'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='817933' first='Jamir' last='Dean'] </strong>compared to the Bees but the home team has an upper hand being in Baxter along with a senior class that has won a lot of ball games. This could be an entertaining game as long as Upperman keeps the Tornadoes offense in-check while being able to establish their ground game going.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1765419,"width":"237px","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/jcooper.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1765419" style="width:237px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Munford (10-1) at Beech (9-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- </strong>If you enjoy watching teams run the football, this is the game for you! Both the Buccaneers and Cougars like to dictate games by using their rushing attacks and both squads have some star backs to lean on in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='800803' first='Chelton' last='Swafford']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1585458' first='Tay' last='Starks']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1206523' first='D.K.' last='Williams'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1281919' first='Bricen' last='Turnage']</strong>. You will see the occasional pass but this will be a ground and pound type of game where offensive possessions could be at a minimum. Beech should have a home field advantage but I don't think the Cougars will be phased by it and should be ready to go. Time of possession, getting defensive stops and creating turnovers should play big roles on who comes out on top. Both Beech and Munford are 5A title contenders, so it sucks that one school has to see their season end in round two. This is an old school, physical style of game that may not be too entertaining but it should be a close one that is not settled till the final minutes.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>McCallie (9-2) at Briarcrest Christian (7-3)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Blue Tornado handled business in “Round One” but now they must hit the road and travel all the way to Memphis to face a confident Briarcrest Christian team that has an offense that could present some problems. Led by senior quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='492553' first='Hudson' last='Tucker']</strong>, the Saints have been playing good football down the stretch, especially on offense where running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1651725' first='Darreus' last='McFadden'] </strong>has started to emerge. The Blue Tornado have shown moments this year where the offense has struggled to move the ball but they are still highly talented with guys like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='986024' first='Keeyshawn' last='Tabuteau'] </strong>being a tough matchup for whoever he lines up against. I do think the Saints have a shot here but their defense must play a top level game and find a way to keep Tabuteau quiet as much as possible. I do favor the road team here but it would not surprise me to see Briarcrest find a way to win.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Stone Memorial (10-1) at Anderson Co. (8-2)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Everybody looking at this game will immediately see Anderson Co. as the favorite and I would too but you can't sleep on the Panthers and the fact they are 10-1 headed into this second round matchup. They are led by senior quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='491549' first='Noah' last='Potter'] </strong>and a talented offense that could cause issues for the Mavericks defense, especially out wide with guys like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1608559' first='Kadyn' last='Page'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1740835' first='Carson' last='McCoy']</strong>. The Anderson Co. pass rush and secondary coverage will be vital for the Mavs in finding ways to clamp down the Panthers passing attack. Helping that cause will be the play of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='806042' first='Jayzon' last='Thompson'] </strong>and his ability to hit the home run. The Mavs will spin it as well with <strong>J.D. Gillum </strong>but I could see them leaning on Thompson and their run game to pull out the victory.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1895819,"width":"236px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/jaythompson.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1895819" style="width:236px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Huntingdon (10-1) at Lewis Co. (10-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- One of the better small level second round matchups we have is this West Tennessee vs. Mid-Tennessee game that pits two state title caliber teams against each other but only one can move on. You have two combined losses between these two teams, which tells you both are well coached, hard playing squads that do the small things right to succeed. Both the Mustangs and the Panthers like to run the ball, so stopping each other's rushing attack will be key towards advancing. Over the back half of the season, senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1648079' first='Tyreke' last='Hutch'] </strong>has emerged as a go-to, dynamic playmaker for Huntingdon coming out of the backfield. Lewis Co. has their own star back in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103499' first='Drew' last='Ray']</strong>, who was recently named a Mr. Football Semi-Finalist. I expect this game to be close and hard fought with the outcome not settled till the final minutes.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Antioch (10-1) at Collierville (8-3)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Plenty of college talent will be on the field Friday night in this 6A matchup in what could be a high scoring affair. This is also a big opportunity for Antioch to prove their worth versus the best team they have seen this season and they have the quarterback in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='378901' first='Andre' last='Adams'] </strong>to get the job done. The Bears have scored a lot of points this season behind Adams and his talented receiving corps, led by seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='966033' first='Brandon' last='Goliday'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1523324' first='Khalil' last='Ferguson']</strong>. The Dragons defense has a big challenge on their hands here but they have some horse up front in <strong>Marshall Smith Jr.</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1703375' first='Braylon' last='Warren'] </strong>and others to cause havoc against Adams and the Bears offensive line. Running the ball with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1669050' first='Lawrence' last='Autry'] </strong>could be a recipe in keeping the Antioch offense on the sidelines and pushing the Dragons to victory. I'm very interested to see how this game plays out and how the road Bears perform on the big stage.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Walker Valley (8-3) at Sevier Co. (10-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- If we had this game set up over a month ago, many would have seen the Mustangs as a team that could knock off the Smoky Bears but Walker Valley has struggled over the past several weeks and might have an uphill challenge in this 2nd round game. If the Walker Valley offense we saw early on this season shows up Friday night, we might be in for a high scoring, close ball game that goes deep into the 4th quarter. Two of the better East Tennessee quarterbacks in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='540015' first='Chase' last='Stephens'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1142902' first='Cooper' last='Newman'] </strong>will be going throw for throw in this game, so each team's secondary must be locked in. The home team is certainly the favorite in this 2nd round showdown but Walker Valley has the offensive talent to make things very interesting. Sevier Co. could be on upset watch if they don't bring their “A” game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Battle Ground Academy (10-1) at Grace Chrst. Academy (9-2)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- These two D2-Class AA programs haven't seen each other this year, so there is some mystery headed into the second round matchup where the home Rams have a shot to pull off the upset over the considered top favorite to win the state championship. For the home team to win, they must find a way to slow down <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='914547' first='Kaedyn' last='Marable']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1030085' first='Maximus' last='Curry']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1537396' first='Maddox' last='Porter'] </strong>and the Wildcats passing attack. Leaning on <strong>J.V. Stinson </strong>and their run game may be key for the Rams as they would love to keep the BGA offense on the sidelines as much as possible. GCA can't let the Wildcats get off to a fast start and move the ball at will because if they do, it might turn into a long night for the Rams. If they are able to hang in there early, GCA might have a shot in the 4th quarter to pull out the win. I do like BGA in this contest but I'm interested to see how the home comes to play and performs.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1971836,"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/3/2025/10/mporter.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1971836" style="width:255px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Science Hill (8-3) at Green Hill (9-2)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Coming off a big upset in round one against Oak Ridge, the road Hilltoppers are looking to do it again as they travel to Mid-Tennessee to face a well coached, talented Green Hill team that has been consistent throughout the 2025 season. The Hawks have a veteran squad with several college prospects, so this won't be easy for Science Hill but they are playing confident football right now with an offense, led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1577633' first='Lane' last='Clement'] </strong>that is performing very well right now. Getting <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='491463' first='Aiden' last='Perry'] </strong>back has been a juice of energy for Science Hill and could be a difference maker in this game. The Hawks do have one of the better defenses in the Mid-TN area. Sporting college level guys like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='981349' first='Ethan' last='Harris'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1610497' first='Omeiza' last='Daniyan'] </strong>could make things difficult for the Toppers and their ability to sustain drives. This is a very intriguing game to follow this Friday as I could see either team coming out with the win and advancing.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bledsoe Co. (9-2) at Happy Valley (11-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- It's been a dream season for the Warriors, who go into this game undefeated and highly confident but they are set to face a Bledsoe Co. team that is a perennial playoff competitor that won't be scared of the moment. This is possibly the biggest game in Happy Valley football history. Will they be ready for the big stage? I think they will be but it won't be easy getting past a good Warriors football team. Happy Valley has to lean on the guys that got them here. Running back <strong>Keelin Releford </strong>has been steady all year. Junior <strong>Lane Parker </strong>is a playmaker that produces on both sides of the ball. Those guys along with others must continue their strong play for the Warriors to move on. I expect this to be a ground game where time of possession and creating turnovers will play key roles. Don't be surprised if Bledsoe Co. comes out on top, which should tell you this will be a fun game to follow.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Top 2nd Round Matchups&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>East TN: </strong>Oliver Springs (7-4) at South Pittsburg (10-1), Midway (8-3) at Clay Co. (10-1), Bledsoe Co. (9-2) at Happy Valley (11-0), South Greene (8-3) at Marion Co. (10-1), Forrest (8-3) at Gatlinburg-Pittman (11-0), Sequatchie Co. (8-3) at Meigs Co. (10-1), Unicoi Co. (9-2) at Tyner Acad. (10-1), Lincoln Co. (9-2) at Powell (9-1), Blackman (10-1) at Dobyns-Bennett (10-1), Riverdale (8-3) at Maryville (10-1)&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mid TN: </strong>South Fulton (9-2) at Richland (9-2), Peabody (9-2) at East Robertson (11-0), Dyersburg (7-4) at Fairview (9-2), Dyer Co. (9-2) at Marshall Co. (8-3), Lexington (8-3) at Springfield (10-1), Kirkwood (9-2) at Page (10-0), Providence Chrst. (9-2) at Friendship Chrst. (9-2), Jackson Chrst. (9-2) at Nash. Christian (10-0), Silverdale (7-4) at FRA (9-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>West TN: </strong>Mt. Pleasant (9-2) at Milan (10-0), MTCS (6-3) at Trinity Chrst. Acad. (9-2), CAK (7-4) at Lausanne (7-3)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1306479,"width":"232px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/ethharris.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1306479" style="width:232px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->