Weekly Wrap-Up: TSSAA Division II

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>High school football season is here and that comes with plenty of strong matchups that will push teams to reach a new level of their potential, especially with the private school programs in Tennessee.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Several private school programs had big wins this week, creating a strong level of excitement that region play will produce this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We take a look the notable storylines to takeaway from the second week of the season among the private school classifications.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Division II-A</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>WEEK TWO SYNOPSIS</em></strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This was a significant week for the top programs in this classification, as there were three intriguing matchups on the docket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The most impactful one was between a pair of teams inside the classification as <strong>Jackson Christian</strong> beat <strong>DCA</strong> by three scores, ending with a 36-15 victory. This is a key win early in the season for Jackson Christian that puts them squarely in the West Region title race. On the other hand, this loss is a tough look for a DCA program that will have arguably the top two teams in the classification on their region schedule.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The two teams that reached the state championship last season played up against private schools in higher classifications and both fell just short on Friday night. <strong>USJ</strong> lost 14-10 to an <strong>ECS</strong> program that beat by three scores just a season ago. This seemed like a game that USJ should win despite the classification rank, but they will have to put that experience behind them now as the West Region could be a three-way race for the title now.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/d_slim1/status/2093523036897234981?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/d_slim1/status/2093523036897234981?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nashville Christian</strong>, the defending state champions, travelled to face DII-AAA contender <strong>Ensworth</strong>. After falling behind 14-0 right from the jump, they worked back into the game, but eventually dropped the game 35-21. The Eagles showed some good things in this game, especially with an offense that is a dynamic unit despite it being led by new faces. They remain the clear top program in the class until proven otherwise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>MTCS</strong> is another program that played up a level as they dropped their game to <strong>Franklin Grace</strong>. The Cougars are going to be a very sneaky team in the classification this year and they played competitive with the DII-AA team, eventually losing 16-7.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>IMPACT PERFORMERS</em></strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>NCS 2028 RB [player_tooltip player_id='1588776' first='Hudson' last='Smith']</strong>: 23 carries, 119 yards, 5.2 yards per carry, touchdown</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>MTCS 2028 DB Judah Jansen</strong>: nine tackles, two interceptions</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Division II-AA</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>WEEK TWO SYNOPSIS</em></strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While it was week two for everyone else, it was week one for <strong>GCA</strong> and they were ready for it, blowing out a solid local 4A program 56-7. The Rams have a very exciting offense and that was on full display during the game, led by senior tailback [player_tooltip player_id='933067' first='Terrion' last='Thomas']. The defense and special teams made a large impact on the game as well, showing why people around the program are so excited about this year's team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Silverdale</strong> blew the season opener to <strong>Tyner</strong> for a second straight season, but proceeded to beat a strong <strong>South Pittsburg</strong> team by one score in week two for the second straight season. Vanderbilt tackle commit [player_tooltip player_id='1674006' first='Luke' last='Burger'] was a force from the nose tackle position, even blocking a field goal that proved to be huge in a one-point victory. As the Seahawks held strong and stopped the two-point attempt, they left their home field with a 14-13 victory. The program added a pair of speedy transfers this offseason and both have made a significant impact on the offense this fall. As they move from playing the top local public schools to Division II-AA competition, that offense has the potential to translate nicely under <strong>Mike Conner</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/shaynep_media/status/2093532036854063460?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/shaynep_media/status/2093532036854063460?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Notre Dame</strong> made a strong commitment to their football program this offseason, reworking the infrastructure in an attempt to become a competing team once again, attracting a large wave of talented young prospects. The raw talent was there, but there was always going to be uncertainty with the team until the young talent proved itself at the high school level. Well, Friday night was their opportunity to prove it and they did not squander it, defeating a strong 5A Rhea County program 22-21 to remain unbeaten. If the young talent is helping the teams win games already, this could be a sneakily competitive team in a tough region. A forced fumble by senior defensive end Javieon McWhorter with their backs against the goal line sparked the Irish's momentum in this game, turning a 21-0 deficit entering the 4th quarter into a one point victory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After blowing out <strong>South Gibson</strong> last week, <strong>FRA</strong> hosted <strong>Cookeville</strong>, a 6A program with exciting young trenches in their own right. The Panthers jumped out to a 28-0 halftime lead and left the game with a 28-7 victory. This team's offense is seemingly more dynamic than it was this time a year ago and 2029 prospect [player_tooltip player_id='1538206' first='Remello' last='Armstrong'] has been an explosive playmaker on both sides of the ball to start the season. He could be the ultimate X-factor when it comes to the important region and postseason games on the schedule.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>IMPACT PERFORMERS</em></strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>GCA 2027 QB [player_tooltip player_id='1292341' first='Corbin' last='Hobson']</strong>: 11-14, 237 yards, four touchdowns, interception; receiving touchdown</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>BGA 2027 QB [player_tooltip player_id='2161201' first='Bo' last='Bryan']</strong>: 9-9, 189 yards five touchdowns</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>GCA 2027 RB [player_tooltip player_id='933067' first='Terrion' last='Thomas']</strong>: four carries, 15 yards, touchdown; two receptions, 64 yards, touchdown; two punt returns, 69 yards, touchdown; 6-yard touchdown throw</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>CAK 2029 RB Isaac Kannah</strong>: 13 rushes, 108 yards, two touchdowns</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>BGA 2028 WR [player_tooltip player_id='1030085' first='Max' last='Curry']</strong>: three receiving touchdowns</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Notre Dame 2029 WR JaMari Whiteside</strong>: 92 receiving yards, two touchdowns, sack</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Davidson Academy 2027 WR [player_tooltip player_id='1394355' first='Brady' last='Adams']</strong>: four receptions, 75 yards, two touchdowns</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>GCA 2030 WR [player_tooltip player_id='1695516' first='Braylen' last='Mathis']</strong>: two receiving touchdowns</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>FRA 2029 ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1538206' first='Remello' last='Armstrong']</strong>: two receiving touchdowns</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Silverdale 2027 OL/DL [player_tooltip player_id='1674006' first='Luke' last='Burger']</strong>: blocked field goal</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Notre Dame 2027 DE Javieon McWhorter</strong>: forced fumble</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>GCA 2027 LB [player_tooltip player_id='1587377' first='Jackson' last='Coffey']</strong>: seven tackles, three tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/jcoffey0209/status/2093747752903622723?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/jcoffey0209/status/2093747752903622723?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Division II-AAA</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>WEEK TWO SYNOPSIS</em></strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The DII-AAA classification has been heralded as the top level of competition inside the state and that claim was bolstered as <strong>Lipscomb Academy</strong> defeated last year's 6A runner-ups on the road at <strong>Ravenwood</strong>. This was a battle between defensive fronts that dominated for each all night long, but the Mustangs were the team that made the clutch plays and it resulted in a 16-6 victory. The defense for Lipscomb Academy is going to be the anchor for the team moving forward, but tailback [player_tooltip player_id='243535' first='Mikel' last='Stephen'] (Duke commit) and tight end [player_tooltip player_id='2142230' first='Gregory' last='Kirwan'] give the offense just enough firepower each night. There is a lot of talented players on this team, but most are stepping into large roles for the first time and how consistent they can be each week will determine the ceiling of this team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Staying one the west side of the classification, <strong>Brentwood Academy</strong> absolutely dominated a good <strong>Brentwood</strong> squad in a road rivalry game, winning 49-14. Tennessee linebacker commit [player_tooltip player_id='1585726' first='Kenneth' last='Simon'] made an instant impact, scoring on an interception return early in the game. [player_tooltip player_id='1410131' first='Lexton' last='Baskin'] has emerged as a legit playmaker with a knack for hitting explosive plays. The Middle Tennessee commit has taken full advantage of getting all the slot snaps in his senior season and already has Power Four programs showing interest in him. South Carolina tight end [player_tooltip player_id='402854' first='Judah' last='Lancaster'] flashed his ability as a receiver against <strong>Baylor</strong> and put it all together in this game with both he and Baskin accounting for over 100 yards. Make no mistake — this is a <em>very</em> dangerous team that is <em>very</em> capable of winning the state championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/ESBN_BA/status/2093504220951384159?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/ESBN_BA/status/2093504220951384159?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Speaking of <strong>Baylor</strong>, they had their way with a new, yet talented academy from Virginia, winning 37-12 to remain unbeaten. A pair of 2028 prospects stole the show in this game for the Red Raiders. The performance that received the hype was from [player_tooltip player_id='1022131' first='Antwaun' last='Adams'], who showed off his dynamic 22 mph speed on offense (131 yards) and special teams (kickoff return touchdown was called back). The underrated performance came from standout cornerback [player_tooltip player_id='1029798' first='Xavier' last='Bowman'] who hauled in a pair of interceptions. The offense was able to rotate playmakers and showed the true depth that side of the ball holds. Someone who was not able to rotate was freshman quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='2112089' first='Marshall' last='Manning'] as he is now slated to miss a couple of weeks with a foot injury.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>McCallie</strong> also eased to a win over an out-of-state program, winning 67-17 against <strong>St. Mary's Ryken (MD)</strong>. Mikey Bartlett is an explosive downfield threat as a receiver and there was clear potential for a breakout junior season as he stepped into an expanded role. He tapped into that potential in an overwhelming way in this game, which should be very exciting news for head coach Joel Bradford, who knows how to get his explosive perimeter playmakers open. Freshman tailback [player_tooltip player_id='1307180' first='Macc' last='Chapin'] continues to take the state by storm with another high-level performance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/MikeyBartl74845/status/2093772141565280651?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/MikeyBartl74845/status/2093772141565280651?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After a stunning victory over a top 6A program last season, <strong>Knoxville Catholic</strong> had another solid test against local 4A power <strong>Anderson County</strong> and they handled it with ease, winning 42-21 on Thursday night. ETSU quarterback commit [player_tooltip player_id='496084' first='Mack' last='Bartholomew'] stole the show with 150 passing yards and over 100 rushing yards. He has an excellent running back room to complement him in the backfield and they delivered again this week, led by [player_tooltip player_id='1305180' first='Kruise' last='Buntyn Jr.']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>CPA</strong> also played a 4A power in <strong>Pearl-Cohn</strong>, but did not have the same luck on Thursday night, falling 18-13 and continuing their slow start to the season. The schedule will not get any easier for the Lions, so that jump forward is going to have arrive in the immediate future. Junior tight end prospect [player_tooltip player_id='1912208' first='Wright' last='Martin'] was a bright spot in the game, but this offense is going to have to find some level of explosiveness soon after averaging just 10 points per game through the first two weeks of the season. Their next three games are road trips to out-of-state powers and then down to the DII-AAA defending state champs. They will be the clear underdog in each of those three games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/SBurton615/status/2093133412517191930?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/SBurton615/status/2093133412517191930?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ensworth played another strong program to kick off the season with DII-A defending state champions <strong>Nashville Christian</strong> coming to town. The Tigers jumped to an immediate 14-0 lead and remained in front to earn a 35-21 victory, led by a strong performance from tailback [player_tooltip player_id='1940925' first='E.J.' last='Gibson'] as he ran behind a strong offensive line. However, for a second straight week they have allowed the opponent to establish the run, which does raise some early concerns when you look around at the quality of rushing attacks in this classification. This is a team that features a very large number of new starters and that should be taken into account, but if that area of the defense is not improved quickly, the playoffs could not be kind to a program that has the ability to make a deep run this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em><strong><em>IMPACT PERFORMERS</em></strong></em></strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>McCallie 2028 QB [player_tooltip player_id='1362634' first='Louis' last='Fortier']</strong>: 19-23, 441 yards, four touchdowns</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brentwood Academy QB Crews Jenkin</strong>s: 20-25, 371 yards, four touchdowns; two carries, 18 yards</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Baylor 2027 QB [player_tooltip player_id='939950' first='Keegan' last='Croucher']</strong>: 21-30, 312 yards, three touchdowns</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Knoxville Catholic QB [player_tooltip player_id='496084' first='Mack' last='Bartholomew']</strong>: 10-14, 150 yards, three touchdowns; five rushes, 112 yards, touchdown</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ensworth RB [player_tooltip player_id='1940925' first='E.J.' last='Gibson']</strong>: 31 carries, 260 yards, four touchdowns</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>McCallie 2030 RB [player_tooltip player_id='1307180' first='Macc' last='Chapin']</strong>: 12 carries, 90 yards, three touchdowns</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>McCallie 2028 WR Mikey Bartlett</strong>: six receptions, 223 yards, two touchdowns</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brentwood Academy WR Lex Baskin</strong>: five receptions, 154 yards, two touchdowns</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Baylor 2028 ATH Cornbread Adams</strong>: five receptions, 131 yards, touchdown</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brentwood Academy TE [player_tooltip player_id='402854' first='Judah' last='Lancaster']</strong>: seven receptions, 107 yards, two touchdowns</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>CPA TE [player_tooltip player_id='1912208' first='Wright' last='Martin']</strong>: five receptions, 81 yards, rushing touchdown</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Baylor 2027 EDGE [player_tooltip player_id='1357924' first='Hans' last='Emery Julien']</strong>: three sacks</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brentwood Academy LB [player_tooltip player_id='1585726' first='Kenneth' last='Simon']</strong>: 36-yard pick six</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Baylor 2028 CB [player_tooltip player_id='1029798' first='Xavier' last='Bowman']</strong>: two interceptions</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Judah_lan3/status/2093748657824620585?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Judah_lan3/status/2093748657824620585?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->