Week Four Top Matchups/Game Predictions

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">It's time for another week of high school action here in Tennessee with a "Week Four" slate that has several interesting matchups, including a few ranked contests and other games that may dictate region championships by season's end. Here we breakdown the top ten games across the state while also providing are expert predictions for each matchup. </h2>     #17 Ensworth (2-1) at #2 McCallie (3-0)   - Coming off their first loss of the season, Ensworth must forget about it and move on as they hit the road to take on one of the best teams in the state and a program that has their eyes on competing for another state title. McCallie has been impressive through three weeks but are coming off a lackluster performance in their 23-16 win over Father Ryan. The Blue Tornado, led by [player_tooltip player_id='1362634' first='Louis' last='Fortier'] and their explosive offense, will be looking to put forth a better showing this Friday night, so Ensworth must come ready for a battle. For the road Tigers to sneak out with a win, they must bring [player_tooltip player_id='1940925' first='E.J.' last='Gibson'] and their run game to Chattanooga and lean on him to shorten up the clock and keep the ball out of Fortier's hands.    The Ensworth defense has been solid through three weeks but still has higher levels to their games. Last week in their loss to Briarcrest, the Tigers struggled to stop the Saints run game, which led to the passing game being opened up. Tackling was a problem against Briarcrest but so was getting into the backfield. Those two things must change this Friday if Ensworth wants to take down McCallie. I'm also interested to see how the Tigers secondary matches up with the speed that [player_tooltip player_id='1455068' first='Levi' last='Scott III'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2370755' first='Patrick' last='Meyers III'] brings to the gridiron. Those two are game changers that Ensworth must not lose track of. I do expect this game to be closer than some may think but in the end, I foresee McCallie continuing their winning ways and remaining undefeated.    Game Predictions   Chris Smith: McCallie 33 Ensworth 20    Drew Toennies: McCallie 28 Ensworth 24    Shayne Pickering: McCallie 27 Ensworth 20   Conner Smith: Ensworth 31 McCallie 27   Tim Swift: McCallie 24 Ensworth 21    Hudson Cregg: McCallie 31 Ensworth 27   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/08/Macc-Chapin-crop-1846x1211-1787537612.jpeg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2343554" style="width:303px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: McCallie Football</figcaption></figure>   - - - - -    #25 Cleveland (3-0) at #12 Maryville (2-1)   - Jumping into our “Big School” Top 25 after starting the season undefeated, Cleveland hits the road this Friday for their biggest game of the season as they are set to take on Maryville in a contest that may eventually dictate the region championship. This is one of the more interesting matchups for “Week Four” as the Blue Raiders are playing good football right now, receiving strong play from both sides of the ball and gaining more and more confidence each week. Cleveland will most certainly be tested in this game as Maryville has one of the best quarterbacks in the state with [player_tooltip player_id='1723184' first='Will' last='Jones'] and a defense that has gotten better each week, spearheaded by a talented crop of linebackers. A big key I see in this game is the Blue Raiders run game or ability to maintain possession and keep Jones on the sidelines as much as possible.    Receiving a strong game from senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1660896' first='Kason' last='McGowan'] will be important but so too will the performance of their playmakers, particularly [player_tooltip player_id='1695341' first='Kyreece' last='Westfield'], who is off an excellent start to the season. Westfield could be a game changer in this matchup that the Rebels secondary has a hard time dealing with. I'm expecting the Blue Raiders offense to score enough points to win but can [player_tooltip player_id='2113113' first='Daxton' last='Evans'] and the Cleveland defense cause enough havoc versus Jones and the Rebels offense to sneak out with a road victory. I do believe the home team has the edge but Cleveland is playing good ball right now, so it will be interesting to see how they perform under the bright lights of a big inner-region matchup that could have a lot of postseason implications.    Game Predictions   Chris Smith: Maryville 34 Cleveland 21    Drew Toennies: Maryville 17 Cleveland 14    Shayne Pickering: Maryville 38 Cleveland 14   Conner Smith: Maryville 28 Cleveland 13   Tim Swift: Maryville 24 Cleveland 17   Hudson Cregg: Maryville 24 Cleveland 14    - - - - -    #16 MBA (3-0) at #21 Christian Brothers (3-0)   - It's been a wonderful start to the 2026 season for MBA as they sit undefeated going into “Week Four” and much of the same can be said about Christian Brothers as well. These two D2-Class AAA teams have been two of the bigger surprises to start the football year and this Friday they clash in Memphis with only one of them remaining without a loss. The Big Red come to town feeling confident and playing at a high level, especially on offense where Charlie Verner, [player_tooltip player_id='1568969' first='Warner' last='Hart'] and others are generating a lot of points and showing guts as they have had to come from behind in several games. They battle against a Purple Wave defense that has been stellar thus far with good play in the trenches along with a young but talented secondary that gets better week after week.    On the opposite side of the ball, the Purple Wave offense is starting to form into a strong unit that is seeing sophomore quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1717494' first='Nate' last='Brick'] come into his own. He presents a big challenge for the Big Red defense that has given up a lot of points and yards so far this season. They must bring their “A” game into this matchup if they plan to leave Memphis with a victory. I think it's key for MBA to generate some kind of rushing attack to slow the game down and keep the ball out of Brick's hands for the road team to have a shot. If they can do that, I like the Big Red's chances but if Brick and the Purple Wave offense is able to spend all night on the field, the home team might see their undefeated season continue.   Game Predictions   Chris Smith: Chrst. Brothers 35 MBA 31    Drew Toennies: MBA 31 Chrst. Brothers 17   Shayne Pickering: MBA 38 Chrst. Brothers 17   Conner Smith: MBA 35 Chrst. Brothers 24    Tim Swift: MBA 35 Chrst. Brothers 20   Hudson Cregg: MBA 31 Chrst. Brothers 20   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/BCMBA84-crop-899x590-1781199190.jpeg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2226572" style="width:295px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    #8 Oak Ridge (3-0) at Dobyns-Bennett (1-2)   - This could be one of the more sneaky good games we have from the “Week Four” slate that sees the undefeated Wildcats hit the road to take on a good Dobyns-Bennett team that is better than their record may show. The Indians have played two out of state games and one against Knox. Central where they have lost two games by a combined two points. Dobyns-Bennett has been highly competitive, led by quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1954620' first='Levi' last='Chappell'] and a potent offensive unit that presents a challenge to Oak Ridge. The Wildcats defense is highly talented with plenty of future college guys but Dobyns-Bennett may provide the best offensive team they have seen so far this season. It will be interesting to see how these two units compete on Friday and which side prevails in the end.   Over on the Oak Ridge offense, it's been a balanced, committee style approach that has used two quarterbacks under center in [player_tooltip player_id='1535791' first='Brody' last='Sparks'] and Kipton Feagin while leaning on their playmakers. Much as it is with the Dobyns-Bennett offense, this will be the best offense the Indians defense has seen this year. Early on, the Indians must find a way to get off the field and limit the offensive touches for Oak Ridge. If they can do that and hang in there throughout, being there in the 4th quarter with a shot to win is possible but if the Wildcats score quickly in their drives and do so by way of the big play, it could turn into a blow out. We will see how things play out but I'm banking on Dobyns-Bennett battling and keeping things close.    Game Predictions   Chris Smith: Oak Ridge 27 Dobyns-Bennett 20   Drew Toennies: Oak Ridge 21 Dobyns-Bennett 20   Shayne Pickering: Oak Ridge 35 Dobyns-Bennett 20   Conner Smith: Oak Ridge 27 Dobyns-Bennett 17   Tim Swift: Oak Ridge 24 Dobyns-Bennett 16   Hudson Cregg: Oak Ridge 24 Dobyns-Bennett 17   - - - - -    #19 McMinn Central (2-0) at #5 Meigs Co. (3-0)   - This will only be the fourth week of football action but this contest between the Chargers and Tigers may turn out to be the game that dictates the region championship. Both teams come into this game playing good football, so I'm expecting a hard fought, close contest till the 4th quarter where one play could determine the outcome. This game may come down to the playmakers and the two guys at the top of the list that could be game changers are [player_tooltip player_id='1565598' first='Kaiden' last='Brewster'] from Meigs Co. and [player_tooltip player_id='2210419' first='William' last='Mayfield'] out of McMinn Central. I could see either one of those guys making some kind of play in the 4th quarter that puts either squad ahead and potentially into the win column. It won't be easy as both teams have solid defenses that are keyed on stopping the run and that's what both squads want to do.    The home team goes into this contest as the favorite but you can't sleep on the Chargers. They play hard and are well coached, so I'm not expecting them to beat themselves while working with a good game plan that should keep McMinn Central in the game. Whoever stops the run on a consistent basis while not turning the ball over, I think comes out on top. That could be either team, which makes this a fun game to follow and to see who wins. I do like Meigs Co. to squeak by but it won't be easy as I expect the Chargers to give them everything they want and then some. This should be a four quarter game that is not settled till nearly the final whistle.    Game Predictions   Chris Smith: Meigs Co. 24 McMinn Cent. 21    Drew Toennies: McMinn Cent. 28 Meigs Co. 14   Shayne Pickering: Meigs Co. 28 McMinn Cent. 13   Conner Smith: Meigs Co. 24 McMinn Cent. 21    Tim Swift: McMinn Cent. 27 Meigs Co. 24   Hudson Cregg: McMinn Cent. 24 Meigs Co. 17   - - - - -    #7 Oakland (2-1) at Pearl Cohn (1-2)   - Oakland heads into Friday night's road contest against Pearl Cohn coming off one of the bigger upsets in recent memory as they went down to Smyrna in “Week Three”, 22-21. It was a very surprising outcome that nobody saw coming, so it will be interesting to see what kind of mindset the Patriots have this week and what they can do on the road versus a talented Firebirds football team. What I'm expecting is a hyper focused Oakland squad that will have gone through the practice ringer this week and be prepared for Friday night. I'm looking at their rushing attack with [player_tooltip player_id='1868595' first='Jacob' last='Vaughn'] and their O-line, spearheaded by [player_tooltip player_id='1635143' first='Chandler' last='Cates'] to establish the ground game early and often and continue to ride that game plan as long as possible. I bet being physical is at the top of the list for Oakland in this game and something the coaching staff wants to implement from the first play.   If the Patriots bring the onslaught early, the Firebirds must maintain their poise and not allow the game to get away from them. If they can battle the storm and keep the game close into the second half, they may have a shot in the 4th quarter. Pearl Cohn has a talented offense with guys like [player_tooltip player_id='1286233' first='L.J.' last='Funk'], [player_tooltip player_id='1608413' first='Stephen' last='Saulter'] and others but things just haven't clicked as of yet. The Firebirds have played a tough, early schedule but I'm sure the staff is looking for more out of their offense. I am forecasting a big bounce back from Oakland this Friday but I do leave a little hope for Pearl Cohn to make this contest with a slight chance to win.    Game Predictions   Chris Smith: Oakland 35 Pearl Cohn 10   Drew Toennies: Oakland 28 Pearl Cohn 14   Shayne Pickering: Oakland 38 Pearl Cohn 17   Conner Smith: Oakland 38 Pearl Cohn 17   Tim Swift: Oakland 34 Pearl Cohn 17   Hudson Cregg: Oakland 31 Pearl Cohn 17   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/08/oakland2-crop-497x326-1786308851.png?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2325106" style="width:281px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: WGNS Radio</figcaption></figure>   - - - - -    #11 Page (3-0) at Brentwood (2-1)   - The biggest test of the 2026 season comes this Friday for Page as they hit the road to face a solid Brentwood team that is coming off a 34-0 road victory over Summit. The Bruins are a young team that is learning on the fly but have a few veterans like [player_tooltip player_id='903953' first='Jones' last='Merrill'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1595026' first='Parker' last='Emerson'] that present challenges for the Pats defense. The Bruins also have one of the best signal callers in the state with [player_tooltip player_id='904978' first='Gavin' last='Strang'], who has the arm talent to throw for a ton of yards against an average Page secondary. There is opportunity here for Brentwood to put forth their best overall game and offensive performance in this contest with Page but their offensive line must hold up against a very good Patriots defensive front seven to win this Williamson County matchup.    The Pats have been stellar in the trenches so far this season. Their O-line is strong with guys like [player_tooltip player_id='905242' first='Caleb' last='Coffman'] while the defensive front seven is potent with [player_tooltip player_id='2206375' first='Connor' last='Sullivan'], [player_tooltip player_id='1801346' first='Taylen' last='Cisneros'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2088523' first='Liam' last='Perry']. The line of scrimmage is where I think this game will be won and lost. The Bruins offense must perform but their defense has to find a way to slow the Patriots run game with [player_tooltip player_id='1571091' first='Isaac' last='Otey'] and star quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='693877' first='Cameron' last='Kruse'], who does present dual threat abilities. If the home team can generate some turnovers while maintaining possession, I can see a scenario where Brentwood wins but I give the edge to Page due to their veteran playmakers and strong play in the line of scrimmage.   Game Predictions   Chris Smith: Page 34 Brentwood 17   Drew Toennies: Page 21 Brentwood 17   Shayne Pickering: Page 28 Brentwood 20   Conner Smith: Page 28 Brentwood 14   Tim Swift: Page 27 Brentwood 10   Hudson Cregg: Page 21 Brentwood 17   - - - - -    Beech (2-1) at #7 East Nashville (2-1) - Thurs.    - The “Week Four” slate kicks off with this Mid-Tennessee matchup on Thursday evening as Beech travels down to Nashville to take on a talented Eagles team that has already been tested early this season. The Buccaneers are coming off a big road victory last week over Henry Co., so they come into this game confident. East Nashville scored 52 points in their “Week Three” win over Hillsboro and pose a threat offensively for a Beech defense that is solid but vulnerable as well. Senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1668630' first='Dallas' last='Covington'] has a chance to put forth a big game in this matchup with both his arm and his legs. The Bucs defensive unit must key on getting pressure on Covington while seeing their secondary lock things down enough and not allow the Eagles pass catchers to break loose.    A key recipe towards a Beech road victory could be their run game. Having [player_tooltip player_id='1206523' first='D.K.' last='Williams'] back in the fold helps a ton and aligning him alongside Devin Crutcher and [player_tooltip player_id='1657131' first='J.R.' last='French'] gives the Bucs a three headed force in the backfield that could wear down the Eagles defensive front seven. If the Buccaneers are able to sustain long offensive drives with their run game while keeping the East offense on the sidelines, they may have a good shot at leaving Nashville with a win. It will be interesting to see who's philosophy wins out in the end and which team is able to implement their will on the other. I do like the Eagles to win but it would not surprise me to see Beech execute their game plan and somehow find a way to defeat East Nashville.    Game Predictions   Chris Smith: East Nashville 28 Beech 21   Drew Toennies: Beech 27 East Nashville 14    Shayne Pickering: East Nashville 29 Beech 24   Conner Smith: Beech 41 East Nashville 38   Tim Swift: East Nashville 38 Beech 35    Hudson Cregg: Beech 31 East Nashville 28   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/05/Photo-May-04-2026-5-57-01-PM-crop-1400x920-1777935819.webp?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2201949" style="width:299px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: East Nashville WR Damien Elder. Taken by Alan Poizner of The Tennessean.</figcaption></figure>   - - - - -    Seymour (3-0) at Greeneville (3-0)   - It's been a magical start to the 2026 season for Seymour but now things get serious as the Eagles hit the road to take on Greeneville, a Class 4A perennial power that is in contention for a state championship. If the Eagles can go on the road and defeat the Green Devils, they will be labeled as “legit” and put into the conversation as a team others don't want to face in the playoffs. It's been a balanced approach from Seymour thus far where their offense, led by quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='2371898' first='Levi' last='Carlson'], scoring a lot of points while their defense has been stellar and limiting big plays from opposing offenses. That defense in particular will need to show up in this matchup as Greeneville presents an explosive factor to their offense where quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='2371879' first='Kaine' last='Ricker'] has been producing a lot of touchdowns and yards.    I do think it's key for Seymour to continue their scoring ways on offense but I feel it's even more important for their defense to find a way to slow down Ricker and the Green Devils offensive unit. Attention must also be given out wide to Taren Claridy, who has been torching defensive backs through three games. I do see a scenario where Seymour scratches and claws their way to victory but it's going to be tough against a program that is not used to losing games. If the Eagles can hang tough early while getting enough defensive stops, they can stay in this game and potentially pull it out late but I expect Greeneville to generate enough points to get by and remain undefeated.    Game Predictions   Chris Smith: Greeneville 35 Seymour 17   Drew Toennies: Greeneville 28 Seymour 14   Shayne Pickering: Greeneville 42 Seymour 13    Conner Smith: Greeneville 31 Seymour 7   Tim Swift: Greeneville 35 Seymour 14   Hudson Cregg: Greeneville 24 Seymour 10   - - - - -    #13 Gordonsville (3-0) at Liberty Creek (2-1)   - This Mid-Tennessee game may be a non-region matchup but it could be one of the more entertaining contests we have this week. Sporting an undefeated record, Gordonsville hits the road looking to keep the train rolling but they must do so against a feisty, gritty Liberty Creek team that is coming off an offensive explosion in their 70-0 win over Sycamore. The Wolves are feeling confident right now and I'm sure geared up for this big home matchup against Gordonsville. The Tigers must bring their “A” game if they want to go home with an undefeated record and for that to happen, they must play a ball control game where their rushing attack leads the way and their defense forces quick three and outs, keeping the Wolves offense on the sidelines.    Gordonsville is a run-heavy team that likes to maintain long offensive drives, which allows their defense to rest and play at a high level. That is the recipe to win this road game. Liberty Creek must change that recipe and put the game into the favor and how they do that is creating their own long drives that end with points while creating turnovers on defense. I actually think this will be a closer game than some may think with the home Wolves having a great shot at coming out with the victory. A big play or two along with a turnover or two might prove to be the difference maker that pushes either Gordonsville or Liberty Creek over the top and into the winning column. I'm expecting the Tigers to pull out a close win here but you definitely can't sleep on the Wolves.    Game Predictions   Chris Smith: Gordonsville 21 Liberty Creek 20    Drew Toennies: Liberty Creek 17 Gordonsville 14   Shayne Pickering: Gordonsville 17 Liberty Creek 14    Conner Smith: Gordonsville 20 Liberty Creek 17   Tim Swift: Liberty Creek 20 Gordonsville 13    Hudson Cregg: Liberty Creek 20 Gordonsville 14   - - - - -    Other Top Week Two Matchups   East Tennessee   Notre Dame (2-1) at Boyd Buchanan (2-1)   Oneida (2-1) at CAK (2-1)   Sullivan-East (1-2) at Eagleton (2-1)   Red Bank (0-2) at East Ridge (3-0)   Volunteer (3-0) at Elizabethton (1-2)   #22 Happy Valley (3-0) at Hampton (3-0)   Coalfield (2-1) at Oakdale (1-2)   Soddy Daisy (2-1) at Rhea Co. (2-1)   #4 Marion Co. (3-0) at Sequatchie Co. (2-1)   GCA (2-0) at Silverdale (2-1)   Chuckey-Doak (3-0) at Unicoi Co. (2-1)   - - -   Middle Tennessee   Nolensville (3-0) at Blackman (2-1)   Montgomery Cent. (3-0) at Northwest (2-1)   Henry Co. (1-2) at Dickson Co. (2-1)   Cascade (2-1) at Eagleville (2-1)   Coffee Co. (2-1) at Franklin (2-1)   DeKalb Co. (3-0) at #12 Friendship Chrst. (2-1)   Davidson Acad. (2-1) at Goodpasture (3-0)   MUS (2-1) at #22 Lipscomb Acad. (1-2)   #23 Columbia Cent. (3-0) at Marshall Co. (1-2)   Summertown (2-1) at Mt. Pleasant (2-1)   Springfield (3-0) at Station Camp (2-1)   White Co. (3-0) at Tullahoma (1-2)   Stone Memorial (2-1) at Upperman (2-1)   - - -    West Tennessee   Riverside (2-1) at Adamsville (1-1)   Father Ryan (1-2) at #13 Briarcrest Chrst. (3-0)   Brighton (2-1) at Covington (2-1)   McNairy Cent. (3-0) at Dyersburg (1-2)   Trezevant (2-1) at Fairley (1-2)   Whitehaven (2-1) at Germantown (2-1)   Chester Co. (3-0) at Hardin Co. (2-1)   Jackson North-Side (2-0) at Lexington (3-0)   J.C. Merry (2-1) at Peabody (2-1)   #15 Jackson Chrst. (3-0) at St. Georges (3-0)   Obion Co. (3-0) at #1 Westview (3-0)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/05/Photo-May-04-2026-5-51-01-PM-crop-957x628-1777935609.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2201945" style="width:313px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Gordonsville WR [player_tooltip player_id='1851167' first='Camrix' last='Stott']. Photo from his Instagram.</figcaption></figure>