D2-Class A Championship Preview: Nash. Christian vs. USJ

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Championship week is here and Prep Redzone Tennessee will have complete coverage on every matchup taking place in Chattanooga, starting with our game previews. Here we breakdown the D2-Class A showdown between the Bruins and the Eagles.</h2>   Prior to the start of the 2025 season, both Nash. Christian and USJ were looking like top teams within D2-Class A that could potentially punch their ticket to Chattanooga for the state championship game. The Bruins and the Eagles were unstoppable throughout the regular season, and continued to prove themselves during the TSSAA playoffs.   The Bruins and the Eagles are extremely talented football clubs with an assortment of talent on both sides of the ball. While Nash. Christian has gone undefeated this season, USJ has dropped only one game, faltering 27-26 to Dyer County. It's going to be a very interesting matchup between these two talented squads as both teams are capable of making big plays on both sides. I'm very eager to see which team leaves Chattanooga with the "gold ball."   - - - - -    Key Players to Know   Nash. Christian Eagles   '26 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='402548' first='Jared' last='Curtis']: Curtis is one of the most explosive, if not the most explosive player in the state of Tennessee. Curtis is extremely fast off the snap, proving his ability to easily connect with his receivers anywhere on the field. I also like how Curtis can adapt to pressure, using his size and speed to march past the defense on the ground. Curtis will likely be a huge key in his team's success in the D2-Class A title game.   '26 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1238919' first='T.J.' last='Ward']: Ward is another offensive weapon on the Eagles' roster to watch out for in Thursday's championship game. What makes Ward such a monster on the ground is his ability to pick up speed off the handoff and be physical in the pocket. I also like how Ward can handle more than one defender, proving his durability and his ability to fight for those extra yards.   '26 (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1549102' first='Javin' last='Drewelow']: Drewelow is one of the top receivers in the Eagles' arsenal, showing off his ability to make the clutch touchdown catch all season long. Drewelow is very hard to contain as his size and speed help him to create seperation from along the edge. Drewelow also makes a big difference on third-down, proving he can get in prime position for the quick pass.   - - -    USJ Bruins   '27 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='446208' first='Cayden' last='Creech']: Creech is another strong signal caller that has established himself this season. What I like about Creech's playstyle is his ability to adapt to pressure and get the ball into the hands of his receivers before the defense makes contact. I also like Creech's arm strength and ability to scan the backfield for open receivers.   '28 (TE) [player_tooltip player_id='1092711' first='Jake' last='Payne']: Payne has been a gamechanger for USJ this season, showing off his athleticism and strong catching ability down the stretch. Payne is good at getting wide open in the endzone and hauling in the touchdown pass.   '27 (DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1687518' first='Bradley' last='Stamper']: Stamper is another receiving weapon on the Bruins' roster to watch out for in the D2-Class A title game. Stamper is a quick runner that can easily create seperation from the defense in the backfield. I also like how Stamper can elevate off the ground to haul in the touchdown pass.   - - - - -    How Can Nash. Christian Win?   The Eagles will have to play their best football all season, capitalizing on every opportunity. Offensively, Curtis is going to be a huge determinor in the team's success as his ability to create plays has been electric all season long. The Eagles' offensive line will need to buy Curtis as much time as possible to make plays. The Eagles also have several strong receivers that can make challenging catches under pressure. Drewelow is one guy to watch out for as he's been unstoppable this year. I'm also looking at Ward having a great game on the ground, helping Nash. Christian consistently convert on third down. The Eagles will also need to be solid defensively and lock down receivers in the backfield.   - - -    How Can USJ Win?   In order for the Bruins to defeat Nash. Christian, they're going to have to lock down Curtis defensively, which will be very difficult to do. USJ's offense is also going to need to be locked in from start to finish as the Eagles are very good at running away with the lead. With an excellent quarterback in Creech and several outstanding offensive weapons, I believe the Bruins have the firepower to upset the undefeated Eagles.   - - -    Game Prediction   There's a ton of talent on both of these rosters, but only one team can be victorious in the state title game. I'm predicting that team to be Nash. Christian as the Eagles have been unstoppable all season long thanks to guys like Curtis, Drewelow, and Ward. While USJ certainly has some playmakers, I expect the Eagles to run away with this one.   Score: Nash. Christian 42, USJ 28