Statewide Roundup (Week Three Recap)

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Signs were there headed into "Week Three" that things get interesting and that's what happened as we saw some major upsets take place while others continued their domination and remained undefeated. Here we recap of all the action across the Volunteer State from last week, including a Mid-State victory that hasn't taken place since 2011. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Smyrna Stuns Oakland; First Win Over Pats Since 2011</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- It's been a long time since we have seen an upset as big as the one that took place last Friday evening where Smyrna took down 6A powerhouse Oakland, 22-21 in a victory nobody saw coming. The Bulldogs went into the game 0-2, so beating Oakland was not something I or others thought would happen but it's football, meaning anything is possible. A two point conversion was needed at the end of the game to defeat the Patriots but the Bulldogs offense got the job done and provided one of the biggest upset wins we have seen from the Mid-Tennessee area in many years.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For a Smyrna football team that is under the coaching of a new staff this season, this win should be a major boost to morale and a victory that could propel the Bulldogs into the future. This may also be a win that starts something big as I see the Smyrna program as a sleeping giant that has potential to win championships in the future as long as things line up properly. I'm interested to see what Smyrna does moving forward this season and how much they build upon this win to potentially contend at the top of their region. It won't be easy as regional opponents Blackman, Rockvale and Riverdale present challenges but the Bulldogs have already beaten the best public school team in the state, so anything can happen.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I am also interested to see how Oakland bounces back as well. Knowing how the Pats coaching staff works, you can bet the Patriots team will be practicing extra hard not just the coming week but the rest of the entire season to write this wrong and get back to their dominating playing style. I am also curious to see how the region plays out as well. This loss to Smyrna puts Oakland kind of behind the eight ball a little when it comes to winning the region but the Patriots are well equipped and talented with guys like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1868595' first='Jacob' last='Vaughn']</strong> to beat everybody else and still finish out on top. The rest of the year will play out but for now, this victory for Smyrna could be a game changer and something their staff and team needed to happen to see how good the Bulldogs program can be.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Impressive 3-0 Start for Knox. Catholic&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Going into the 2026 season, expectations were high for Knox. Catholic and so far through three games, they are living up the hype and still have yet to hit their stride. It hasn't been easy as each victory has been close but somehow the Fighting Irish have found ways to win and remain undefeated headed into “Week Four”. What impresses me most about the 3-0 start is who Knox. Catholic has beaten. Their three wins consist of Anderson Co., Riverdale and Lipscomb Academy, who they defeated last Friday night. Those are three good teams the Fighting Irish have beaten, which tells me they could handle themselves well against other D2-Class AAA top tier programs and maybe even contend for a region title.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Even though the Fighting Irish are 3-0 with impressive victories, I still think they haven't played their best football nor have all the parts performing at the level needed to win championships. Their offense, led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='496084' first='Mack' last='Bartholomew']</strong>, has been ok and done enough to get by but consistency is needed while producing more explosive plays. It's been the Knox. Catholic defense that has stood out through three games. The front seven has been stout while their secondary, spearheaded by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1031949' first='Brooks' last='Johnston'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1031890' first='Braylen' last='Gibbs'] </strong>have been suffocating. I think the Fighting Irish have a championship caliber defense but their offense needs to step it up over the coming weeks to stay on path with other D2-Class AAA powers.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Regardless of what could be, you have to give credit to the Knox. Catholic coaching staff for keeping their team engaged as a postseason ban was put on them prior to the start of the season. The defensive staff has put together good game plans each week to keep their squad in games while flashes of strong offensive play has occurred, especially through the running of <strong>Kruise Buntyn</strong>. I think leaning on the run game more while banking on their defense is a strong recipe towards success the rest of the way for Knox. Catholic. I'm interested to see how this team performs over the coming weeks as the Fighting Irish have upcoming games against MBA, Ensworth, McCallie, CPA and Baylor to close out the regular season. I don't expect Knox. Catholic to go undefeated but seeing how they perform against powerful programs will speak towards how good this team could be.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1855133,"width":"264px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"0.8328513591671486","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/08/bjohnston.jpg?w=852" alt="" class="wp-image-1855133" style="aspect-ratio:0.8328513591671486;width:264px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Knoxville Catholic safety [player_tooltip player_id='1031949' first='Brooks' last='Johnston']. Photo by Knox Catholic Athletics.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Potential Transition Year for Ravenwood?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The third week of high school action here in Tennessee provided several surprising scores, including Ravenwood taking their second loss of the season to Green Hill, which may spark a bigger question going forward for the Raptors. Falling to the Hawks 29-28, Ravenwood must now get back to the drawing board and figure out what isn't working, otherwise the Raptors may be headed for a transitional year. There is talent within the Raptors roster but some of it is young while others have stepped into bigger roles this Fall but something just isn't clicking at the moment. The offense, led at quarterback by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2113901' first='Brooks' last='Brown']</strong>, hasn't been that explosive or established a consistent run game with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103577' first='Caden' last='Pace']</strong>. I think a big reason for both is the play up front on the O-line but if the staff can get that unit playing better, we might see improved offensive play the rest of the season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Over on the defensive side of the ball, the Raptors have been ok, showing flashes of good play but also have had lapses. We have seen exceptional game play up front at times with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1177837' first='Ayden' last='Woodruff']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2102390' first='Zyan' last='Brown'] </strong>and others but that back seven have been inconsistent. I also think the D-line could step up even further as well by providing more pressure on opposing quarterbacks. I do believe by the end of the season that Ravenwood will be just fine while maintaining their status as region champs. I am interested to see how they respond next week and beyond to see exactly what kind of the team the Raptors have this year. The schedule does ease up for Ravenwood the rest of the way but do have big games against CPA and Brentwood to close out the regular season. I personally think it's just a bump in the road early on for Ravenwood and things will get back on track but it's still a blinking light to pay attention to that may dictate a transition season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Surprise 3-0 Team: Seymour Eagles&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Every year after the third week of action, we always have several teams that surprisingly sit undefeated at 3-0 and one of those squads for the 2026 season are the Eagles of Seymour. After producing wins over Gatlinburg-Pittman, Pigeon Forge and Cocke County last Friday, the Eagles are feeling confident right now and it shows in the outcomes. Their defense, led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2231361' first='Tripp' last='White']</strong>, has only allowed 20 points on the season while their offense is averaging more than 45 points on the year. Seymour is dominating their opponents right now, receiving balanced play from both sides of the ball and looking like a formidable team their opponents must deal with the rest of the way.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What is standing out to me the most right now about Seymour is the play of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2371898' first='Levi' last='Carlson'] </strong>at quarterback and how he is leading his offense. The Eagles have looked sharp through three games with Carlson providing a passing attack while the O-line has held up well both in the run game and with their pass protection. The Eagles have a few sneaky good ball players on offense, especially <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2179871' first='Mason' last='Brown'] </strong>at receiver, who has become Carlson's top target. I see sustaining power for the Eagles offense this year as long as Carlson, Brown and others keep playing at a high level while remaining healthy.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Credit must be given to head coach <strong>Caleb Olive </strong>and his staff for implementing a winning mindset into this program since their arrival. The Eagles haven't won a lot of ball games over the years but appear to be turning a corner this Fall and beginning to lay some building blocks for the future. I'm curious to see how this team handles success moving forward. Looking at their schedule ahead, it does look manageable and promising for the Eagles. I'm expecting them to win most of their games going forward with two games against Greeneville this Friday and Elizabethton down the road that present the biggest challenges. Seymour could easily slip up along the way but I like how they are playing right now and the potential they have for the rest of the 2026 season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2381782,"width":"315px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/09/seymour.webp?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2381782" style="width:315px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Could Christian Brothers Be Legit?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The D2-Class AAA landscape is full of top end talented teams but maybe one of them could be Christian Brothers as the Purple Wave head into “Week Four” undefeated, coming off a commanding victory over Lausanne. Through three games, Christian Brothers has been impressive, showing explosive offensive game play while receiving strong action from their defense. The Purple Wave offense is led by sophomore star quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1717494' first='Nate' last='Brick']</strong>, who is coming off a big game against the Lynx. Brick might be the best signal caller prospect from his class that shows a big arm that can spread the ball all over the field to his athletic, talented skill players. He is performing well beyond his years right now but the rest of the team is playing at a high level too, which makes me intrigued to see how they do the rest of the year.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I do think this Purple Wave team is legit but it's tough to gauge how they will finish the year with a tough schedule upcoming. They have a battle with another undefeated team this Friday in MBA then host Brentwood Academy and Briarcrest Christian after that. They hit the road to finish out the season against Lipscomb Academy, MUS and Father Ryan. I do like the Purple Waves chances at getting through this schedule and positioning themselves as a top seed in the playoffs but it won't be easy. Key players like Brick, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2236291' first='Ezra' last='Caswell']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1402723' first='William' last='Umsted'] </strong>and others must stay healthy but I like what I've seen from Christian Brothers up to this point and how strong they can become over the coming months.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tough Starts for Centennial &amp; Independence</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- After three weeks of play, both Centennial and Independence are 0-3 on the season with tough schedules ahead for both. It hasn't been the prettiest of starts for either team but both the Cougars and the Eagles have enough talent to turn things around, however that process must start this week. Centennial has a new coaching staff in-place this year, so I knew things would be a little tough getting things going but I'm sure they didn't expect to begin the season at 0-3. The Cougars aren't far behind as they have been competitive through three games but still have yet to win. It will be a work in progress for Centennial as they are working with a young roster that are learning on the fly. Their schedule the rest of the way doesn't get any easier either. The Cougars are on the road the next four weeks with upcoming games against Green Hill, Antioch, Page and Franklin then have late season home matchups with Nolensville and James Lawson, who are both undefeated, so it may turn into a long season for Centennial if they don't figure something out soon.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Much of what is said above about Centennial can be said about Independence, however expectations were much higher for the Eagles going into the 2026 season. Sporting a veteran quarterback in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1150069' first='Matthew' last='Horner']</strong>, the Eagles had hoped they could turn this corner this year but that doesn't appear to be happening. Independence has taken losses to three good teams thus far but that doesn't excuse the 0-3 record and the lack of offensive firepower seen in all three matchups. The Eagles are coming off a 48-7 beat down to Columbia last week where they couldn't generate any consistency on offense. The schedule does lighten up a little bit the next few weeks, so maybe Independence can turn things around but it needs to happen soon as the back half looks tough with games set against Ravenwood, Page and Brentwood. I'm interested to see how both Centennial and Independence perform the rest of the way and if they can find some kind of success that may be able to sneak them into the playoffs.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Upset Filled Week Three</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- We have already mentioned several upsets above but they weren't the only ones. Some of the results may not be seen as upsets to some but they are when it comes to the Prep Redzone Tennessee weekly rankings. We saw Briarcrest Christian go into Nashville and put a 42-17 spanking on Ensworth. The Saints, led by offensive standouts <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1036114' first='Cayden' last='Dixon'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1857024' first='J.D.' last='Donaldson'] </strong>were the clear better team that did just about anything they wanted to on offense while the Briarcrest defense, spearheaded by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1187260' first='Octavius' last='Flynn, Jr'] </strong>shut down the Tigers offensive unit. One of the top teams on the D2-AA level is FRA but they took their first defeat last week to MBA, who is now 3-0. The Big Red have played some close ball games thus far but have played tough football to find themselves undefeated. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the more surprising outcomes coming out of “Week Three” was Lakeway Christian completely shutting down Boyd Buchanan, 49-0. The Lions have been strong so far this year but really made a statement in this win, showing themselves as potential D2-Class AA state title contenders. Lakeway has one of the best defensive tackle tandems in the state with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2116601' first='Sinai' last='Dikisongele'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1649499' first='Maki' last='Bell'] </strong>along with a young but talented offensive unit that is well balanced through three games. Don't be surprised to see the Lions manhandle other opponents along the way while becoming a team you don't want to face in the playoffs.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two West Tennessee scores stood out to me from last week's action. The top two programs from the greater Jackson area in USJ and TCA went head to head last Friday with the Bruins coming out with a 35-7 win over the Lions. This is not a major upset as we have USJ ranked higher than TCA in our preseason rankings but the Bruins took defeat two weeks ago, so they fell behind the Lions. They proved who the better team was and maybe the Bruins are back on track for the rest of the season. Seeing Hardin Co. knock off Dyer Co. was a bit of a surprise to me. The Tigers have been in transition for a few years now but may be coming, especially if their win over the Choctaws show an indication of that. Dyer Co. was a sleeper team in their classification for me going into the year but they appear to still be figuring things out.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2155770,"width":"221px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"0.6669960474308301","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/03/sdiki.jpg?w=683" alt="" class="wp-image-2155770" style="aspect-ratio:0.6669960474308301;width:221px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->