Statewide Roundup (Week Two Recap)

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Football action here in Tennessee last week was interesting as we saw several high caliber teams excel and look dominant while a few others faltered, taking on their first loss of the season. We had tons of strong individual performances as well. We recap some of the biggest stories here inside our latest statewide roundup that takes you across the entire Volunteer State! </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ensworth Flexes on Nash. Christian</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- One of the more highly expected games from “Week Two” turned into a double digit victory for Ensworth as the Tigers knocked off Nash. Christian, 35-21. Early on and into the second half, this game was close but Ensworth started to impose their will up front and lean on senior ball carrier <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1940925' first='E.J.' last='Gibson']</strong>. The road team did a good job of staying right there with Ensworth but their power and size up front along with the strong running style of Gibson proved to be a difference maker. The Tigers O-line, led by Oklahoma St. commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1673214' first='Jake' last='Baker']</strong>, is playing well early this season and showing the kind of trench play that can take them a long way this season. The Tigers look like a well coached team that does all the small things right and competes hard with physicality and technique.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Through two games, Ensworth has two good wins over Whitehaven and Nash. Christian, which tells me that these Tigers may be legit, especially in the trenches and on defense. The offensive pass game is still a work in progress but <strong>Isaiah Hasselbeck </strong>has been solid up to this point and gotten better week to week. If the Tigers can become more explosive on offense to go along with the ground and pound provided by Gibson, Ensworth could be a team that upsets some power programs within their classification, makes a deep run in the playoffs and potentially play their way to Chattanooga for the D2-Class AAA state title game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Antioch Holds Off East Nashville</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Two of the better Mid-Tennessee football programs played a classic on Friday night as Antioch had to stave off a talented East Nashville team to defeat the Eagles, 28-26 and move to 2-0 on the young season. The Bears are led by future Colorado quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='378901' first='Andre' last='Adams'] </strong>and the senior signal caller proved to be a difference maker in this game as he went for 277 yards passing and 2 touchdowns along with 90 yards on the ground and two more scores. His game play and leadership pushed the Bears out to a big lead in the first half but the home team had to hang on as East Nashville would not go quietly and even made this a close contest by the 4th quarter.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eagles defense and opportunistic game play is what got them back but in the end, Antioch proved to be strong in the trenches as <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1896649' first='Djay' last='Denton'] </strong>made a big tackle on 4th down to halt their drive and seal the game away. East Nashville was coming off a big road over Collierville in “Week One”, so the Eagles came into this confident but they struggled early in the 1st that put them in the hole. Antioch capitalized on the Eagles faulty play and put some distance between the two on the scoreboard, which gave the Bears some leeway for the rest of the game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is a big win for an Antioch team that is replacing several key players from last year and had a few unknowns going into the season. I still think the Bears are a work in progress but this victory over East Nashville shows how good they can be. Having a guy like Adams behind center is big for Antioch as they have someone with a lot of experience to guide his youthful teammates and show them what is needed to win. This victory over East Nashville should help the Bears gain plenty of confidence moving forward and potentially help them regain their region title.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2347062,"width":"254px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/08/aadams.webp?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2347062" style="width:254px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Boulder Daily Camera</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Undefeated Start for Gibbs&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Playing in one of the toughest regions on the Class 4A level, Gibbs has started their 2026 season at 2-0 after a hard fought, close win last week over Knox. Halls. They are led by a sneaky Mr. Football candidate in quarterback <strong>Keith Jones, Jr</strong>, who was a game changer against the Red Devils that produced both with his arm and his legs. This game went back and forth for a while until Gibbs held control late and watched the time run out. The Red Devils, led by quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1909557' first='Lincoln' last='Wilson'] </strong>and Clemson commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1294979' first='Jarrell' last='Chandler'] </strong>made some plays throughout the game to keep them in the mix but Jones was too potent on offense to keep the Eagles out of the win column. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The road ahead won't be easy for Gibbs but with Jones at the helm, the Eagles have a shot to make some noise throughout the season. We will find out this coming Friday how good this Gibbs team is as they hit the road to face Alcoa. Even if the Eagles lose, as long as they compete hard and stay right alongside the Tornadoes, I think it speaks volumes on how legit the Eagles may be and how scary of a team that may become in the postseason.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Looking at the schedule ahead for Gibbs, after their game against Alcoa, I could see the Eagles going 9-1 on the year and placing themselves with a good seed for the playoffs. The offensive line and the defense as a whole must continue to improve while keeping Jones clean and healthy but I like the potential this team brings to the field. I could also see Jones getting into the Mr. Football conversation as long as he produces and his Eagles team continues to win ball games. This 2-0 start is impressive but much work is left to go for Gibbs, so I'm excited to see how they continue to perform, especially in “Week 3” against one of the best teams in the state.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Early Season Dominance from Munford</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Some of the best football through two weeks of action has come from Munford. The Cougars have been absolutely dominating after two games, shutting out both opponents while scoring a combined 119 points. Everything the Cougars have done on the field thus far has been near perfect but the competition ramps up soon, however I think Munford is well prepared. They once again have a potent rushing attack, led by Mr. Football candidate <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1585458' first='Tay' last='Starks'] </strong>with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1597028' first='Jaydien' last='Mullins'] </strong>and a solid offensive line in front of him paving the way. The defense has been stellar too, performing very well against the run while being opportunistic versus the pass.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I am not surprised by the offensive output from Munford as they consistently move the ball and score under this current coaching staff. It's their defense, led by linebackers <strong>Braxton Grant </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2201153' first='Caleb' last='Polk']</strong>, that has impressed the most. They have been suffocating up front and shutting down both opponent's run games. Defensive back <strong>Qua Bell </strong>and others have blanketed receivers on the back end. If any team is to win championships, you must be strong on defense and it looks like Munford and should continue to get stronger as the season rolls along. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Their schedule does get tougher over the coming weeks and months. The Cougars have upcoming games against Haywood and Whitehaven then a big one at the end of the regular season versus Memphis Central. If Munford can continue their play and get through the next few weeks, I expect them to be undefeated when they meet up with the Warriors, which should be a game for the region title. I also think the Cougars might be a squad others don't want to see come postseason play as a strong defense and run game are key components toward winning playoff games.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2366247,"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/3/2026/08/tstarks.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2366247" style="width:232px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Giles Co. Bounces Back, Defeats Henry Co.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- After falling to Page in “Week One”, the Bobcats bounced back in a big way last Friday night as they went back on the road to take on a good Henry Co. where they defeated the Patriots, 42-28. It was an impressive win from Giles Co. that displayed the potential I and others saw from them going into the 2026 season. Their game against Page didn't show the upside the Bobcats offense can have but against Henry Co., it did and it could be the starting point they need to remain consistent throughout the season ahead. It does help having talent and the Bobcats do with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2089183' first='Xavier' last='Randolph'] </strong>at quarterback, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1668515' first='Carter' last='Pettigrew'] </strong>carrying the ball and junior stud <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1662941' first='Damari' last='Allen'] </strong>catching passes out wide. As long as the Giles O-line performs well and holds up throughout, I'm expecting more high scoring games from the Bobcats.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I think the offense will be fine moving forward but it's the Giles Co. defense that I still have questions about after two weeks of action. They have given up big gains and points but done it against two strong teams. I'm curious to see if any adjustments will be made going into “Week Three” and beyond. Stopping the run should be the main focus while looking to create more turnovers.&nbsp; If the defensive side of the ball can increase their game play, the Bobcats should form into a region title, contending team that could be a hard team to face come playoff time.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Keep Eyes Out for Cascade, Humboldt and McMinn Central</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- We are only two weeks into the season but there are some small school teams that have impressed and shown potential sustaining power as hopeful championship contenders. There is a long way to go but I really like what I've seen thus far from Cascade, Humboldt and McMinn Central. The Champions have looked good on both sides of the ball with their offense leading the way. Senior quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1142033' first='Sam' last='Bradley'] </strong>runs the show and he has helped put 77 points on the board through two games and I don't expect the Cascade offense to slow down anytime in the near future. The Champions play in a tough region but they appear to be equipped to contend and make a run in the playoffs.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There have been a few defensive challenges thus far for Humboldt but they have faced two solid games and yet came out with two victories. A lot of the success has come from senior two-way talent <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='933041' first='Darion' last='Taylor']</strong>. The Vikings future defensive back has been stellar thus far, putting up strong stats while providing playmaking abilities that have helped his team win. Humboldt had some buzz surrounding their team going into the season and so far, they are living up to the hype.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McMinn Central was a football team I needed to learn more about going into the Fall football year. Through two games, the Chargers have performed at a high level and impressed me, showing an athletic and explosive offense, headlined by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2210419' first='William' last='Mayfield'] </strong>and a defense that has done well at limiting big plays. They are coming off an impressive win over Eagleton, who was previously ranked inside our “Small School” Top 25 rankings. That win alone opens my eyes further on McMinn Central and who they can be throughout the season. The Chargers have a big game this Friday against Meigs Co., so we will certainly learn more about this Mid-Tennessee program after “Week Three”.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2264176,"width":"277px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"1.2278308321964528","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/08/sbradley.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2264176" style="aspect-ratio:1.2278308321964528;width:277px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Shelbyville Times-Gazette</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dominating Two Weeks for Battle Ground Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Through two weeks of action, I don't know if anybody has been more impressive than these Wildcats and I think BGA is still finding their groove, which could be scary for every team left on their schedule. Their opening game on national television against St. Michaels out of Alabama, the Wildcats dominated then turned things up even more last Friday in their 62-0 win over Columbia Academy. Everything is clicking right now on both sides of the ball for a team looking to repeat as state champs and it's beginning to look like a real possibility.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One big question going into the year was at quarterback but senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2161201' first='Bo' last='Bryan'] </strong>has quickly put that to rest. He has been near flawless through two games but it helps to have two of the best receivers in the state with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1030085' first='Max' last='Curry'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1537396' first='Maddox' last='Porter']</strong>. Those two wideouts have been unguardable. Their ball skills and speed are next level and opposing defenders have no answers for them. The defense has been very strong as well, especially up front with enhanced play from senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='902956' first='Justice' last='Pittman']</strong>. The secondary hasn't been tested that much as of yet, so I'm interested to see how they perform going forward.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Overall, I don't see many weaknesses with the Wildcats. There is of course plenty of development and work left to go but they look like a well oiled machine right now that knows who they are and what they must do to win. Competition does pick up over the next four weeks with upcoming matchups against Pearl Cohn this Friday, next week versus Milton, Georgia and four weeks from now against region rival Franklin Road Academy. We will certainly find out how good this BGA team really is but I think regardless of the upcoming results, the Wildcats are championship caliber and the favorites to once again bring home the D2-Class AA state title.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lipscomb, Maryville, Pearl Cohn, Riverdale bounce back</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Four of the top “Big School” programs for the 2026 season all took losses in “Week One” but bounced back big last Friday to get their season's back on track. The biggest win last week between the four has to be Lipscomb Academy. The Mustangs took on a talented Ravenwood team and shut them down, harassing the Raptors offense all night long and holding them to 6 points total. The front line of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2143337' first='Harris' last='Fisher']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1030665' first='Cheyenne' last='Harris']</strong>, <strong>Nate House</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1177924' first='Langston' last='Robinson'] Jr. </strong>did a great job of putting pressure on <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2113901' first='Brooks' last='Brown'] </strong>and forcing him to do things he didn't want to. The offense did enough to get by but it was the Mustangs defense that impressed the most.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Maryville and Riverdale both had blowout victories over Knox. West and Father Ryan. Both teams were impressive on offense, led by top senior quarterbacks in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1723184' first='Will' last='Jones']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1287058' first='Gavin' last='Hampton']</strong>. The Rebels and Warriors played tough opponents in “Week One”, so I don't think that was indicative of who those teams are and will be. I expect both to win eight plus games this Fall and be right there to contend for their region titles.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After dropping game one to Montgomery Bell Academy, the Firebirds picked up a big win in “Week Two” over a talented CPA football team. It wasn't the most impressive performance but Pearl Cohn won and can now build off a victory going into their top tier matchup on Friday against BGA. The Firebirds have a lot of talent on their roster, led by D1 caliber guys in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1286233' first='L.J.' last='Funk']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1608413' first='Stephen' last='Saulter']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1847720' first='Mikhai' last='Moshay']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2076919' first='Landan' last='Left'] </strong>and others that can take them all the way back to the 4A title game with a great shot at winning it all. Continued work must happen but last week's win over CPA is a good start in the right direction.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2229956,"width":"267px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"0.8711082432650428","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/06/Photo-Jun-16-2026-8-11-42-PM.jpg?w=892" alt="" class="wp-image-2229956" style="aspect-ratio:0.8711082432650428;width:267px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Photo: Pearl-Cohn QB LJ Funk before a game. Photo from his Instagram.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->