Week One Top Matchups/Game Predictions

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Football action gets started Thursday evening with "Week One" providing a loaded schedule to follow all the way into Sunday. Here we breakdown our top ten games to watch over the next several days along with our expert predictions on who we think will start the 2026 season 1-0. </h2>     #2 Brentwood Academy at #1 Baylor   - Possibly the biggest matchup of “Week One” takes place Thursday evening, under the bright lights of national television but only one private school powerhouse can win. This is a rematch of last year's D2-Class AAA state title game where Baylor defeated Brentwood Academy, 28-24 in a game where star running back [player_tooltip player_id='1210671' first='David' last='Gabriel-Georges'] took over and I'm expecting the same thing this week. The Eagles might be better equipped in the front seven with [player_tooltip player_id='1140547' first='Dylan' last='Taylor'], [player_tooltip player_id='1318538' first='Roman' last='Jennings'] and others to contend with Gabriel-Georges but I don't know if they have enough to leave with a road victory. Slowing down the Red Raiders star running back while going against their college level offensive line will be critical towards Brentwood Academy starting 1-0 for the 2026 season.    I can see this game being high scoring, more so than last year as both teams have high level quarterbacks in [player_tooltip player_id='939950' first='Keegan' last='Croucher'] and [player_tooltip player_id='834810' first='Crews' last='Jenkins'] along with a bunch of skill out wide and in the backfield. Whichever defense is able to find a recipe to achieve multiple defensive stops may gain an edge towards victory. The Eagles will throw the ball with Jenkins to [player_tooltip player_id='378855' first='Kesean' last='Bowman'] but slowing the game down and running clock with [player_tooltip player_id='723428' first='Larry' last='Sanders II'] and their run game could be the answer in defeating the Red Raiders. This opening contest may also prove to be a preview of this year's D2-Class AAA state championship. Having a game like this to open up the football season is big time, especially with it being on national television. All signs point towards this being an entertaining game that goes deep into the 4th quarter where I give the edge to the home team and their uber talented roster.    Game Predictions   Chris Smith: Baylor 28 Brentwood Acad. 20   Drew Toennies: Baylor 24 Brentwood Acad. 21   Shayne Pickering: Brentwood Acad. 24 Baylor 23   Conner Smith: Baylor 31 Brentwood Acad. 27   Tim Swift: Baylor 30 Brentwood Acad. 24   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/08/JP-Etoo.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2325993" style="aspect-ratio:1.2503256056264653;width:256px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Baylor School Football</figcaption></figure>   - - - - -    #1 Westview at #3 MASE    - Coming off winning the Class 3A state title last year, the Chargers return a roster for the 2026 season that could help them go back to back but they must start their campaign against possibly the best team on the 2A level this year in MASE. The Phoenix have a very talented roster that should test the Chargers and could even come out with a victory, especially due to their line of scrimmage. The state's top D-lineman in [player_tooltip player_id='1527497' first='Jamarkus' last='Pittman'] handles the middle for MASE while his brother [player_tooltip player_id='2206384' first='Jamaris' last='Pittman'] mans the edge. Off-season transfer [player_tooltip player_id='2231184' first='Chase' last='Jefferson'] can be a difference maker as well up front. Westview is somewhat reloading on their offensive line, so their battle against the MASE defensive front could be the inner-game matchup that dictates who wins and loses this West Tennessee contest.    The battle in the trenches will be one to watch, especially on the MASE side of things as they try to slow down and disrupt Westview star quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='424594' first='Graham' last='Simpson']. If the Chargers signal caller goes through the game clean, without much pressure, Simpson might go off and put a lot of points on the board. It will be critical for the Phoenix to generate pressure on Simpson and get him off schedule. MASE can't just focus on Simpson as their attention must be on stopping [player_tooltip player_id='1103496' first='Asa' last='Barnes'] and the Chargers run game as well. This game features two of the better senior running backs in the state with Barnes and MASE ball carrier [player_tooltip player_id='2149120' first='LeAndrew' last='Branch'], so if either passing attack doesn't work, leaning on the run game could be a recipe for winning. I actually think this may be a fun game to follow with either team having a shot to win but I'm leaning on Westview to pull off a close one and begin the 2026 season 1-0.    Game Predictions   Chris Smith: Westview 34 MASE 14   Drew Toennies: Westview 21 MASE 14   Shayne Pickering: Westview 28 MASE 0   Conner Smith: MASE 41 Westview 24   Tim Swift: Westview 31 MASE 17   - - - - -    #9 Lipscomb Academy at #4 McCallie    - Yet another D2-Class AAA top battle takes place in “Week One” where Lipscomb Academy travels to Chattanooga to take on a McCallie team that is a little younger than year's past but still highly talented. Last year was a bit of a transitional season for Lipscomb but things appear to be trending up for the Mustangs after bringing back Trent Dilfer to run the team while enhancing their roster with talented transfers. I can see this contest going multiple directions as both teams have the talent to win but whoever does will certainly earn it. I'm expecting a physical battle in the trenches here between a talented McCallie offensive line, spearheaded by [player_tooltip player_id='1312032' first='Bowen' last='Gottselig'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1734274' first='Andrew' last='Carlin'] against a solid Lipscomb front seven, led by senior linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1894518' first='Colby' last='Barone'] and junior D-linemen in [player_tooltip player_id='1177924' first='Langston' last='Robinson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1030665' first='Cheyenne' last='Harris'].    Winning the line of scrimmage will be important in taking this game but so too will be getting pressure on both quarterbacks. The Mustangs look like they are going young under center with either [player_tooltip player_id='1633607' first='Turner' last='White'] or [player_tooltip player_id='1090807' first='Myles' last='Teague'] while McCallie is running with a uber talented gunslinger in [player_tooltip player_id='1362634' first='Louis' last='Fortier']. The Blue Tornado front seven, led by [player_tooltip player_id='892300' first='Zachael' last='Fortin'] could prove to be what gets the home team over the top, especially if they are to make things uneasy for either young Mustangs quarterback. I don't give the complete edge towards McCallie as I like this Lipscomb Academy team and who they can be by the end of the year. It would not surprise me to see the Mustangs pull off the road upset but I have to ride with the home squad due to having a little more talent at certain positions and the culture of winning that resides with McCallie.    Game Predictions   Chris Smith: McCallie 30 Lipscomb Acad. 21    Drew Toennies: McCallie 28 Lipscomb Acad. 21   Shayne Pickering: McCallie 27 Lipscomb Acad. 14   Conner Smith: McCallie 24 Lipscomb Acad. 14   Tim Swift: McCallie 31 Lipscomb Acad. 14   - - - - -    #6 East Nashville at #6 Collierville   - What a fun matchup here to kick off the 2026 season as you have a Class 2A program in East Nashville hitting the road to face Collierville, a 6A squad that has their eyes on winning a state title this year. Both these teams have college talent on their roster and both are well coached football teams that play physically up front while supplementing the big men with talented skill guys. Looking at this matchup on paper, both teams have uber talented quarterbacks in [player_tooltip player_id='905003' first='Brayden' last='Santibanez'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1668630' first='Dallas' last='Covington'] that both squads must find a way at slowing down and keeping in-check for most of the contest. Both Santibanez and Covington have the arm talent to cause damage against the opposing defense and generate a lot of scoring drives and points. Establishing the run game may prove to be the difference maker on offense for either team to come out on top.    Another area I'm watching in this game is how the East Nashville secondary will handle [player_tooltip player_id='1285495' first='Tae' last='Walden, Jr'] and the Dragons receivers. This should be a battle as both positional groups have college level talent and the ability to make plays out of nowhere. Seniors KeVontae Pitts and [player_tooltip player_id='1974488' first='Cason' last='Reed'] are ball hawks, so Santinbanez must pay attention to where they are on the field and work at getting the ball out quickly before they break on the pass. I do like the home Dragons in this game but I'm very interested to see how East Nashville performs and how close talent wise they are to a 6A program like Collierville. I expect this game to remain close throughout but in the end, I feel the Dragons will have enough to get by and pick up a big win to start off the 2026 season.    Game Predictions   Chris Smith: Collierville 33 East Nashville 20    Drew Toennies: Collierville 34 East Nashville 14   Shayne Pickering: Collierville 28 East Nashville 14   Conner Smith: Collierville 34 East Nashville 21   Tim Swift: Collierville 27 East Nashville 17   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/08/collierville4-crop-1639x1076-1755709133.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1840213" style="width:266px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Roger Cotton Roger Cotton Photography</figcaption></figure>   - - - - -    #5 Alcoa at #14 Maryville   - The annual battle between cross town rivals Alcoa and Maryville takes place here in “Week One” and it should be another good one with the outcome potentially not being settled until the 4th quarter. The road Tornadoes head into this matchup as the favorite with a loaded roster that has multiple Power Four, D1 guys on both sides of the ball. They bring in a Mr. Football candidate at quarterback in [player_tooltip player_id='2058759' first='Thomas' last='Manu'] that will have a solid skill group around him, led by receivers [player_tooltip player_id='817933' first='Jamir' last='Dean'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1028069' first='Haynes' last='Hawkins']. The Maryville secondary could have a tough night if they can't deny or bring down Dean in the open field. Where the Rebels could help their cause is creating pressure against Manu. Maryville may have the best linebacking core in the state with [player_tooltip player_id='1305810' first='J.P.' last='Peace'], [player_tooltip player_id='1707489' first='Dax' last='Cole'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1694317' first='Wyatt' last='Wilber'] and I expect them to make a bunch of tackles but someone on the line of scrimmage needs to step forward and push their way into the backfield on a consistent basis.    It will be tough getting pressure for Maryville as their opponent in Alcoa has a strong offensive line, spearheaded by college level guys in [player_tooltip player_id='904845' first='Marlee' last='Watts'], [player_tooltip player_id='2090696' first='Caden' last='Gang'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1598500' first='Weston' last='Davis']. For the home team to gain an edge with a shot to win, they must get strong play from [player_tooltip player_id='1723184' first='Will' last='Jones'] and their offense while the Rebels defense limits the big plays on the other side of the ball. I expect Alcoa to move the ball but if the Rebels can hold them to field goals or create turnovers, they may have a shot in the 4th quarter to pull ahead. I think in the end, the Tornadoes will have too much firepower and a defense that will do enough to keep Maryville off the scoreboard. Things could be entertaining early but the prowess of Alcoa should win out by the end of the game.    Game Predictions   Chris Smith: Alcoa 34 Maryville 17   Drew Toennies: Alcoa 28 Maryville 17   Shayne Pickering: Alcoa 28 Maryville 20   Conner Smith: Alcoa 35 Maryville 21   Tim Swift: Alcoa 34 Maryville 20   - - - - -    #8 Riverdale at #12 Knox. Catholic   - There is a little bit of “stink” surrounding the Knox. Catholic program going into the season after being handed a two year postseason ban last month but the Fighting Irish are still a very talented team that should provide a big challenge for the incoming Warriors. These two teams faced off last year where Riverdale came out on top but Saturday may be different, especially if the Knox. Catholic offense can find a recipe that works. They return senior [player_tooltip player_id='496084' first='Mack' last='Bartholomew'] at quarterback and he simply needs to run the offense and not put the ball in harm's way for the Fighting Irish to have a chance. Leaning on [player_tooltip player_id='1305180' first='Kruise' last='Buntyn Jr.'] and the run game may prove to be the direction that leads them to victory but the O-line must hold up against a potent Riverdale defensive front, led by edge rushers [player_tooltip player_id='1207775' first='Julius' last='Malden'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1588087' first='Gael' last='Lara'].    Riverdale's offense versus the Fighting Irish defense may be where the game is won and lost. The Warriors bring a high octane offensive unit to Knoxville, led by Mississippi St. quarterback commit [player_tooltip player_id='1287058' first='Gavin' last='Hampton']. He has a strong receiving core to work with in [player_tooltip player_id='1103038' first='Brylan' last='Oduor'], [player_tooltip player_id='1538130' first='Luke' last='Tritch'] and an offensive line that should do enough to keep him clean. Watching how [player_tooltip player_id='1031949' first='Brooks' last='Johnston'], [player_tooltip player_id='1031890' first='Braylen' last='Gibbs'] and the Knox. Catholic secondary competes against the Warriors receivers will be a fun inner-game matchup to watch. I actually think this may be one of the more entertaining games we have in “Week One” that may not be settled till late in the 4th quarter. I do like the road team in this matchup but I could see a scenario where Knox. Catholic generates enough offense and their defense slows down Hampton to pull out the victory.    Game Predictions   Chris Smith: Riverdale 24 Knox. Catholic 13   Drew Toennies: Knox. Catholic 24 Riverdale 21   Shayne Pickering: Riverdale 28 Knox. Catholic 17   Conner Smith: Riverdale 31 Knox. Catholic 21   Tim Swift: Riverdale 28 Knox. Catholic 20   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/10/Gavin-fight.jpg?w=807" alt="" class="wp-image-1958924" style="aspect-ratio:0.7880910683012259;width:203px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1287058' first='Gavin' last='Hampton'] leads the Riverdale Warriors</figcaption></figure>   - - - - -    #25 Whitehaven at #16 Ensworth    - Traveling from Memphis to take on a D2-Class AAA power, Whitehaven is looking to start the 2026 season with a potential upset and they may have the talent to get the job done. The Tigers hit the portal hard this off-season to boost their roster and I think it makes them relevant as a region title contender and someone you may not want to see in postseason play. Ensworth will get the first test to see how good this Whitehaven team may be. Everything starts with [player_tooltip player_id='1588108' first='Jour'din' last='Shelton'] under center and his progression throughout the season will dictate a lot on how far this Tigers team can go. The skill players around him should be strong but it's the Whitehaven offensive line I have questions about. I think that unit will be tested by a solid Ensworth defensive line that will show us what Tigers have inside their offensive front five. Finding a run game may prove to be the X-Factor that Whitehaven needs to pull out a road victory.    On the other side of the ball, the Ensworth offense may be a work in progress as we go through the early season. I'm not sure right now who their guy is under center but what I do know is the Tigers have a big time player at running back with [player_tooltip player_id='1940925' first='E.J.' last='Gibson']. Leaning on him and their offensive line, led by Oklahoma St. commit [player_tooltip player_id='1673214' first='Jake' last='Baker'] may be what leads the Ensworth offense early on and throughout the 2026 season. It will be interesting to see how [player_tooltip player_id='906615' first='Shelvy' last='Clark'] and the Whitehaven linebackers do against Gibson and the Tigers run game Friday night. If the road team is able to minimize the damage from Gibson and keep him in-check, I could see Whitehaven pulling off the upset and starting the year 1-0. Stopping the run on defense, special teams and turnovers are the three categories that might play a big role on who comes out on top.    Game Predictions   Chris Smith: Ensworth 21 Whitehaven 17    Drew Toennies: Ensworth 17 Whitehaven 7   Shayne Pickering: Ensworth 31 Whitehaven 13   Conner Smith: Ensworth 21 Whitehaven 10   Tim Swift: Ensworth 21 Whitehaven 10   - - - - -    (#8) McKenzie at (#15) Huntingdon   - The defending Class 2A state champs open their 2026 campaign at home against one of the toughest opponents they will see all season in McKenzie, which makes this game one of the better matchups for “Week One” within the West Tennessee region. The home Mustangs are replacing several key starters from last year's title team but do return a few high level guys like [player_tooltip player_id='932932' first='Kenton' last='Smith'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2085663' first='Taylin' last='Strayhorn'] to guide others stepping into starting roles. Huntingdon will need some new names to be established, especially to start the season versus a Rebels squad that has their eyes on winning a Class 1A state championship this year. A lot of attention from the Mustangs will be on getting after [player_tooltip player_id='1603459' first='Cole' last='Brown'] and making things difficult for him. It will be a challenge as the McKenzie quarterback is vastly experienced and a year better with more power coming out of his right arm.    The key for the home team winning will be getting after Brown and making him play off script. He can beat the Mustangs defense with both his arm and legs, so everybody on the Huntingdon defensive side of the ball must stay disciplined and focused on their keys throughout the entire game. What may also help the Mustangs is keeping the ball with Smith on offense and letting him do his thing while burning the clock. Keeping Brown and the Rebels offense on the sidelines as much as possible would definitely help the cause as well. While I think the home team will keep things close early and Smith might go off for a big game, I just feel McKenzie is too good this season to falter out the gates.   Game Predictions   Chris Smith: McKenzie 31 Huntingdon 17    Drew Toennies: Huntingdon 28 McKenzie 14   Shayne Pickering: Huntingdon 31 McKenzie 24   Conner Smith: McKenzie 28 Huntingdon 27   Tim Swift: Huntingdon 24 McKenzie 21   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/huntingdon-crop-600x394-1756749181-crop-479x315-1761290665.jpg?w=478" alt="" class="wp-image-1974563" style="width:291px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: The McKenzie Banner</figcaption></figure>   - - - - -    (#14) Giles Co. at (#21) Page   - Coming off their first ever football state championship, the Patriots are looking to continue their winning ways but must face a really good Giles Co., team in “Week One” that should have the home squad on upset alert. Page returns several key players from last year's title team, especially [player_tooltip player_id='693877' first='Cameron' last='Kruse'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1571091' first='Isaac' last='Otey'] in the backfield. Those two alone are a problem for a Bobcats defense that has some questions within their defensive front seven that need answered. Kruse also has a top tier receiver in [player_tooltip player_id='2141270' first='Dylan' last='Streeter'] to work with on the outside. On paper, it does look like a challenge for the Giles Co. defense but I just have a feeling they will do enough to keep themselves in the game and provide their offense to win it in the 4th quarter.    I expect the Page offense to impress but I'm interested to know how the Patriots defense does against a Bobcats offense that has some talent, especially at the skill positions with [player_tooltip player_id='1668515' first='Carter' last='Pettigrew'] and junior receiver Damarii Allen. The offensive line looks solid as well but it's the most important position at quarterback that I'm unsure about headed into game one. The Bobcats are known for running the ball, so I fully expect them to lean on Pettigrew to move the chains and burn the clock. This could be a physical game in the trenches that plays a big role in the eventual outcome. If the road team can maintain ball possession and become opportunistic on defense, they may have a shot to win but if Kruse and Otey are allowed to go-off, the Bobcats could be starting the season with a loss.    Game Predictions   Chris Smith: Page 28 Giles Co. 14   Drew Toennies: Page 21 Giles Co. 7   Shayne Pickering: Page 31 Giles Co. 17   Conner Smith: Page 31 Giles Co. 24   Tim Swift: Page 28 Giles Co. 10   - - - - -    Rockvale at Independence   - This is our top un-ranked matchup of the week with two teams that look like playoff caliber squads going into the season but only one can leave Friday night with a victory. I think this is a good litmus test for both teams to see how good they are and where they can go throughout the coming season. The home Eagles have one of the better senior quarterbacks in the state with [player_tooltip player_id='1150069' first='Matthew' last='Horner'] and he has a solid core of receivers to work with, including [player_tooltip player_id='1663276' first='George' last='Mabury'], who has the size and skill set to play on the college stage one day. Those two will go against one of the better secondaries you will find from the Mid-Tennessee region. Rockvale has multiple guys on the back end with [player_tooltip player_id='2101048' first='Kingston' last='McQueen'], [player_tooltip player_id='1662944' first='Dallas' last='Johnson'], [player_tooltip player_id='2233340' first='Jeremiah' last='Chandler'] and others that could provide blanket coverage and make things difficult for the Eagles receivers.    I do expect the home Eagles to score enough points to stay in the game but it won't be easy going against a Rockvale defense that can cover on the back end but also put pressure on Horner with [player_tooltip player_id='1675717' first='Dallas' last='Pauldo'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1815536' first='Jayden' last='Agberodiola']. Generating a run game by Independence I think will be critical towards them staying in the game with a chance to win it in the 4th quarter. The Rockvale offense is something I'm interested to watch as well. There are some unknowns on that side of the ball for the Rockets, so game one will certainly give us an idea on what their offense could be for the 2026 season. I do see this as a close, hard fought game that goes till the end where either team could pick up the victory. This matchup is a “pick-em” in my eyes and potentially one of the better contests we have coming from “Week One”.    Game Predictions   Chris Smith: Rockvale 21 Independence 14   Drew Toennies: Rockvale 14 Independence 7   Shayne Pickering: Rockvale 28 Independence 10   Conner Smith: Rockvale 24 Independence 10   Tim Swift: Independence 21 Rockvale 20   - - - - - - - - - -   Other Top Week One Matchups   East Tennessee   Powell at Anderson Co. (Thurs.)   Sequatchie Co. at Bledsoe Co.   CAK at Concord Chrst. (Sat.)   Knox. Central at Dobyns-Bennett   Science Hill at Elizabethton   Hardin Valley at Karns   (#10) Oak Ridge at Knox. Halls    William Blount at Loudon   Bradley Cent. at McMinn Co.   Red Bank at Rhea Co.   Silverdale at (#4) Tyner Acad.   Cleveland at Walker Valley (Thurs.)   - - -   Middle Tennessee   Green Hill at Beech   Clarksville at (#24) Blackman   (#3) Oakland at (#19 CPA)   Columbia Cent. at Dickson Co.   South Gibson at (#17) FRA   Coalfield at (#20) Gordonsville   Gallatin at Hendersonville   Lakeway Chrst. at Pope Prep   Nolensville at Lebanon (Thurs.)   Lincoln Co. at Marshall Co.   Antioch at Mt. Juliet   MBA at (#11) Pearl Cohn   Knox. Webb at Upperman   - - -    West Tennessee   Riverside at Camden   Fayette-Ware at Chrst. Brothers (Thurs.)   Dyersburg at Dyer Co.   Henry Co. at Haywood (Thurs,)   Germantown at Houston   J,C, Merry at Jackson North-Side   (#18) Melrose at (#23) Memp. Central   Bartlett at MUS   (#9) USJ at Northpoint Chrst.    (#18) Lausanne at (#7) Southwind   Middle Coll. at St. Benedict (Thurs.)   Dresden at (#23) Trinity Chrst. Acad.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/03/Photo-Mar-26-2026-9-51-59-PM-crop-1320x867-1774580204.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2159530" style="width:298px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Rockvale OLB [player_tooltip player_id='2165321' first='Gabriel' last='Gory'] during a game. Photo from his Instagram.</figcaption></figure>