Statewide Roundup (Week Five Recap)

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Big Red kept their winning streak alive over a region foe. Gallatin stepped into the region driver seat after knocking off Green Hill. Oak Ridge saw their undefeated season come to an end by the hands of Cleveland. Briarcrest is rolling right now but has a big game this week versus a top three team. All this and more reside inside our latest Statewide Roundup! </h2>     Cleveland Stuns Oak Ridge   - Coming off a tough loss to Maryville, the Blue Raiders of Cleveland had no choice but to move on and focus on their next opponent, which happened to be undefeated, top ten ranked Oak Ridge. Well the Blue Raiders were up to the challenge as they put together possibly their best performance of the season as they knocked off the Wildcats, 35-14 in a game Cleveland completely controlled from start to finish. Myself and others did not see this win coming for the Blue Raiders. After being shut out by Maryville, you had no idea what kind of team Cleveland would be in this contest but they did a great job of flushing the loss and focusing on one game. Their game plan and work in this region matchup was big time and a win the Blue Raiders should build on moving forward.    A big factor behind the Blue Raiders upset win over Oak Ridge was the play from senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1660896' first='Kason' last='McGowan']. The Cleveland signal caller was on point in this game, delivering accurate footballs while driving down field, into his playmakers hands. Junior wideout Jeremiah Brownlow was a key target, hauling in three passes for 158 yards and two touchdowns. His athleticism and speed proved to be a difference maker against a good Oak Ridge secondary. The Blue Raiders defense was also stout as well, holding back a Wildcats offense that has a lot of weapons but Cleveland did a great job of bottling up their playmakers. All the stars aligned in this game but Cleveland had to put in the work. The Blue Raiders deserve a lot of credit for getting into a proper mindset and executing their game plan to near perfection to knock off a state title contending Oak Ridge football team.    - - - - -    MBA Wins Again, Stays Undefeated   - Going into the 2026 season, there weren't big expectations for MBA but that has completely changed as the Big Red head into “Week Six” undefeated at 5-0 after their commanding home win over previously undefeated Knox. Catholic. The Fighting Irish walked into Nashville feeling confident and looking like a top tier team but MBA had something to say about that as they nearly dominated in their 34-7 victory. First and foremost, the Big Red owned the line of scrimmage and won in the physicality department. The collection of big men MBA has in [player_tooltip player_id='2143590' first='Crosby' last='Bonde'], [player_tooltip player_id='1704636' first='Jake' last='Meinhardt'], [player_tooltip player_id='2205374' first='Mason' last='Wells'] and others purely manhandled the Fighting Irish defensive front, opening holes for their ball carriers while giving Charlie Verner plenty of time to throw the ball. Win you own the line of scrimmage, more times than not, you will win ball games and that's what MBA did on Friday night.    Credit must also be given to the Big Red defense. They shut down the Fighting Irish offense, bottling up the run game while making things difficult for their quarterback. Between the play up front and the lock down coverage by their secondary, the MBA defense put themselves in the right spots to succeed and provide their offense multiple possessions, including a few that started with good field position. Knox. Catholic could not find any consistency on the offensive side of the ball and a lot of that is due to the Big Red defense and their near perfectly executed game plan.    Moving forward, the road doesn't get any easier for the Big Red but I feel like they are equipped for whatever challenge comes their way. Their biggest challenge of the season comes next Friday as they hit the road towards Chattanooga to compete against Baylor, viewed as “the” best football team in the state. The rest of the schedule isn't a cake walk but it's manageable for the Big Red, especially after watching MBA perform through five weeks of action. This is a banner season up to this point but one many didn't see coming. I think at this juncture, it's fair to say MBA is a legit good team that could play their way into the D2-Class AAA title game as long as they stay healthy and continue playing at a high level.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/04/Photo-Apr-02-2026-3-30-04-PM-crop-1046x687-1775161917.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2164198" style="width:274px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: MBA QB Charlie Verner during a game. Photo from his Instagram.</figcaption></figure>   - - - - -    Jellico Remains Unbeaten After Big Win Over Hampton   - One of the bigger surprises coming out of the East Tennessee region this season is Jellico and their magic continued in “Week Five” as they knocked off a good Hampton team, 36-22. The Blue Devils did not have a lot of hype surrounding them going into the 2026 season but they have exceeded expectations and placed themselves as a legit region title contending team. That statement starts to become true, especially after beating Hampton last Friday night in a game that many had the Pirates sitting as the favorite. There is still a lot to work on and learn about this Jellico football team but they definitely have the attention of their opponents and as we get deeper into the season, we may be looking at a sleeper team that might be able to make a run in the playoffs.    The Blue Devils have a balanced ball club that is receiving good play from both sides of the ball with maybe their defense being the most formidable unit. Before giving up 22 points to Hampton, the Jellico defense, led by stud D-lineman [player_tooltip player_id='2156626' first='Julian' last='Jones'], had only allowed 26 total points on the season. Offense is exciting but defenses win championships, so having a strong unit on that side of the ball lends well for the Blue Devils and their chances at keeping their winning ways going through the rest of the season. Looking ahead at the rest of their schedule, I like the Blue Devils chances at finishing the regular season undefeated and winning their region. Nothing will be easy but Jellico will be considered the favorite in the rest of the games and as long as they stay healthy, we might be looking at the best season ever in the history of Blue Devils football.    - - - - -    Briarcrest Stays Hot, Shuts Out St. Benedict   - Expectations were high for Briarcrest Christian going into the 2026 campaign and so far, they have lived up to the hype and yet, I still don't think they have played their best football. The Saints are coming off an impressive, 49-0 victory over previously undefeated St. Benedict as they commanded everything in this contest and never took their foot of the gas. Led by junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1036114' first='Cayden' last='Dixon'], the Saints offense has presented a well balanced attack this year that throws the ball when needed but allows [player_tooltip player_id='1857024' first='J.D.' last='Donaldson'] and their run game to lead the way. Their rushing attack, helped by [player_tooltip player_id='1651712' first='Artie' last='Anderson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1206975' first='Tanner' last='Mills'] and the O-line was on full display in this win where the Saints dominated the line of scrimmage, allowing their playmakers to do just about anything they wanted.    The Briarcrest defense has been stellar as well. All three levels have performed well up to this point and still have higher levels of play yet to go. Every part of this team is clicking at a high level right now but each week presents a new challenge. The Saints are about to enter their toughest stretch of the season, beginning next Friday night at home versus the number three ranked team in the state, Southwind. After that out of region matchup, Briarcrest takes on Christian Brothers, Brentwood Academy and Lipscomb Academy in consecutive weeks. While we know a good bit about the Saints, we will know a heck of a lot more after the next four games. I think they are equipped to handle the challenge ahead but it will be interesting to see how they perform against some really talented opponents and if they are truly a championship caliber football team.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/09/briarcrest.webp?w=682" alt="" class="wp-image-2409698" style="aspect-ratio:0.6660191480505064;width:213px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Could Gallatin Be Legit??   - Anytime you start the season 5-0, it's impressive but I don't know if we saw that happening with Gallatin but the Green Wave are undefeated after hanging on 23-21 over Green Hill in what may prove to be a huge region victory. It's been an interesting start to the 2026 campaign for the Green Wave as they have played within close games every step of the way but found a recipe to victory each time. That recipe worked again in their win over Green Hill as their defense bowed up when it needed to and their offense provided big plays at critical times. The Hawks definitely presented a challenge and had chances to win but the grit, toughness and togetherness of the Gallatin football team prevailed.   Going into the fall football year, I had an inkling that Gallatin could be a solid ball club as they have a few guys on their roster that present next level upside. Guys like [player_tooltip player_id='2165628' first='Jason' last='Morton'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1675569' first='Preston' last='Mooney'] on defense have performed well, making plays while providing senior leadership. The offense has a stud in [player_tooltip player_id='1595502' first='K'Saun' last='Barksdale'] out wide and a solid crop of running backs that share carries. Their young quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1547415' first='Landry' last='Roddy'] has had some rocky moments but appears to be getting better each week and growing into a serviceable signal caller. A lot of the parts on this team are playing well together right now and could get better the deeper the season goes.    Getting this win over Green Hill is huge as the Hawks were the favorite going into the year as the eventual region champs. I think that status goes to Gallatin now as the team in the driver seat. The rest of the region to me doesn't present a massive challenge. Now that doesn't mean the Green Wave can take a step back now because they can't but they will be the favorite in each region game the rest of the year. The rest of the schedule is interesting. The Green Wave step out of region next week against Station Camp then jump back in with a big game at Mt. Juliet. The final three games consist of Beech at home before finishing things out on the road at Lebanon and Wilson Central.    That game versus Lebanon may turn out to be for the region championship, if both teams stay on their current path. Regardless of how things play out, I like this Gallatin team and how they are performing along with the type of mindset they have each and every week. I don't know if they are state title caliber but you may not want to see them in the playoffs as they have the makeup to knock you off.    - - - - -    Region Title Showdown: Powell vs. Knox. Central   - We are doing a little look-ahead here in this section as it appears that we have a massive game on the horizon in “Week Six” between the Panthers and the Bobcats that should dictate the eventual region champion. You have two undefeated ball clubs here that are coming off impressive “Week Five” wins that saw Powell handle Karns, 42-0 while Knox. Central demolished region-foe Clinton, 48-7. It's been impressive 5-0 starts for both teams but someone must lose next week in what has the makings as a “Game of the Week” style of contest that could see both offenses explode with points.    You have two senior quarterbacks in [player_tooltip player_id='904027' first='Jaylon' last='Benjamin'] (Powell) and [player_tooltip player_id='1104268' first='Kaden' last='Long'] (Knox. Central) that have played at a high level so far this year and could both be in the conversation for Class 5A Mr. Football. Those two are big leaders but both have good pieces around them in the likes of [player_tooltip player_id='1708407' first='Zi' last='Jackson'], Keshawn Thomas (Powell), [player_tooltip player_id='1597007' first='J.J.' last='Sackie'], [player_tooltip player_id='1187259' first='Rondell' last='North'] (Knox. Central) and several others. Even with all that offensive weaponry, this game could come down to which defense can generate enough pressure on the opposing quarterback while playing blanket coverage in the secondary. Forcing turnovers should play a big role as well.    This should be a fun, entertaining game that isn't settled till late into the 4th quarter. I could see this matchup coming down to which quarterback is able to make a play late that not only pushes their team ahead but into the winners column. A key defensive stop, however it's done, may play a big role as well. Looking at the region, I do expect either Powell or Knox. Central to win the title, so this game is uber important on who finishes in the top spot and grabs a number one seed headed into the playoffs.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/09/jaybenjamin.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-2409705" style="width:216px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Robertson Co. Shines in “Week Five”   - Two teams out of the Robertson Co. area had good showings on Friday night and did themselves well when it comes to the statewide mindset of being legit football squads that have shots at competing for titles. Both East Robertson and Springfield stepped out of region in “Week Five” and had battles on their hands against formidable ball clubs but found ways to win and maintain their undefeated records. The Indians hosted “5A” opponent Kirkwood and all four quarters were needed to get past the Cobras, including a big second half surge. Trailing at halftime, East Robertson quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1422904' first='Kason' last='Young'] stepped up big in the second period throwing for two touchdowns while using his legs to pick up multiple first downs. Senior two-way playmaker [player_tooltip player_id='1136733' first='Brody' last='Perry'] played a key role in the victory as well. If the Indians would have lost, it wouldn't have done any damage to their region title hopes but winning against Kirkwood did open the eyes further towards East Robertson being a legit Class 2A state championship caliber football team.    Every minute on the clock was needed to win for Springfield as [player_tooltip player_id='1193376' first='Jermaine' last='Cobbins'] made a last minute reception in the end zone to knock off East Nashville by one, 27-26. Much like East Robertson above, this win wasn't needed to further their region titles hopes but it did help the Yellow Jackets in the minds of Tennessee high school football fans when it comes to competing for a state championship. They defeated a good East Nashville team that is now 2-3 on the season but the Eagles have played a very tough schedule. This was a gritty, tough win by the Yellow Jackets and a battle they might have needed to further their team growth, especially with a monster game looming in “Week Six”, on the road against Pearl Cohn.    - - - - -    Lexington Headed Towards a Region Title?   - Expectations were high for Lexington going into the 2026 season and so far, the Tigers have lived up to the hype and then some. Their football excellence continued in “Week Five” where Lexington handled Chester Co., 42-7 to move to 3-0 in their region and the team to beat moving forward. The Tigers have a balanced ball club that is scoring a lot of points with [player_tooltip player_id='1086454' first='Ross' last='Wilson'] at the helm and a defense that has had some weak moments but overall, have played strong football. The defensive side of the ball has some studs like [player_tooltip player_id='1085958' first='Aviance' last='Huddleston'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1549656' first='Redding' last='Wilson'] that have played well so far this season while providing two way abilities that help their offense shine. All three of these players are highly important towards the Tigers success this season, so they must stay healthy moving forward and continue performing at a high level for Lexington to win their region.    The Tigers are in the driver seat to take the title, especially having already defeated Crockett Co. and Jackson North-Side, who I think are the biggest competitors for the top spot. Every game presents its own challenges and each week provides an opportunity to get beat but I like how things line up the rest of the way for Lexington. The Tigers do have four region games remaining but they will be considered the favorite in each contest. Their biggest challenge may come in two weeks when they hit the road to take on a South Gibson team that we picked to win the region in the preseason but we don't know which Hornets team will show up. I do like the chances of Lexington finishing the regular season undefeated and placing themselves as a top seed in the playoffs. I don't know if they will be considered a top contender for the 4A state title but the Tigers are legit and a team others may not want to see listed on their schedule.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/lexington-crop-1081x710-1762790141.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2044050" style="width:317px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Lexington Progress </figcaption></figure>