Week Six Top Matchups/Game Predictions

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">We have a monster slate of games taking place this week with several ranked matchups, including multiple that will dictate region winners. Here we breakdown the top ten matchups for "Week Six" while providing expert predictions for each game. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#9 MBA (5-0) at #1 Baylor (5-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The premier game for “Week Six” pits two undefeated D2-Class AAA programs that have their eyes on winning their region then chasing after a state title. For either one of those to happen, either MBA or Baylor must win this game and it should be an interesting one to follow, especially the Big Red, who has a great shot at making a moment Friday night against <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1210671' first='David' last='Gabriel-Georges'] </strong>and a powerhouse Red Raiders football team. It will be a tall task knocking Baylor off on their home field but the Big Red has played good football this season and beaten some good opponents along the way. This will be the biggest challenge of the year for MBA, so I'm interested to see how they approach the game and what kind of game plan they bring to Chattanooga to upset the top ranked team in the state.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Finding a way to slow down Gabriel-Georges is objective number one. I don't think MBA will be able to but at least minimizing the damage is crucial. The Big Red definitely need a strong offensive game to keep pace with the Red Raiders. Quarterback <strong>Charlie Verner </strong>has been a game changer this season and another top level performance is needed for MBA to pull out the win. I actually do think the Big Red will be able to hang for a while but in the end, I just think Baylor will have too much firepower for the road team to overcome. Regardless if MBA does lose this game, as long as they compete hard and stay right there in striking distance, I think it will benefit them in the long run and make their team much better.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game Predictions</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chris Smith: </strong>Baylor 38 MBA 20</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Drew Toennies: </strong>Baylor 24 MBA 21</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Shayne Pickering: </strong>Baylor 42 MBA 14</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Conner Smith: </strong>Baylor 31 MBA 21</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tim Swift: </strong>Baylor 35 MBA 21</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hudson Cregg: </strong>Baylor 31 MBA 21</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2343099,"width":"300px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/08/Photo-Aug-23-2026-10-03-36-AM-crop-1183x776-1787493948.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2343099" style="width:300px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Baylor OT [player_tooltip player_id='1305226' first='Haddon' last='Thornburg']. Photo from his Instagram.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#3 Southwind (5-0) at #7 Briarcrest Christian (5-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- This is the biggest West Tennessee football game of the year up to this point and a contest that could go multiple ways with either team being able to finish as the victor. Briarcrest and Southwind head into this game undefeated with two teams loaded with talent and two well versed coaching staffs that have their eyes on Chattanooga and competing for a state title. This game won't change that dynamic as it's an out of the region matchup but it is a litmus test that will show who the better team is and how far along either the Saints or Jaguars are at the mid-way point of the football year. I expect there to be a full crowd for this game Friday evening, which should make this Memphis area matchup an entertaining game to be at that may not be settled till late in the 4th quarter.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The biggest area I'm watching in this game is the line of scrimmage. That's where I think this game will be won. Southwind has one of the best O-line's in the state, led by seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1159814' first='Antonio' last='Keefer']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='378854' first='Chris' last='Campbell'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2154591' first='Micah' last='Ashby']</strong>, so the Briarcrest D-line must find a way to slow down their run game while generating enough pressure on <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1759477' first='Malcolm' last='Jack']</strong>. On the other side for the Saints, they must find a way to let <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1857024' first='J.D.' last='Donaldson'] </strong>get going against a strong Jags D-line, spearheaded by game wrecker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1699523' first='Roosevelt' last='Bates']</strong>. How the Saints perform up front and how they run the ball I believe will be a key factor in the home team winning. I do give an edge to Southwind due to their big men but I definitely would not be surprised to see Briarcrest take the victory and keep their undefeated season going.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game Predictions</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chris Smith: </strong>Southwind 27 Briarcrest 21</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Drew Toennies: </strong>Briarcrest 31 Southwind 17</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Shayne Pickering: </strong>Briarcrest 38 Southwind 20</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Conner Smith: </strong>Southwind 34 Briarcrest 28</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tim Swift: </strong>Briarcrest 27 Southwind 23</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hudson Cregg: </strong>Briarcrest 28 Southwind 14</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#5 Riverdale (4-1) at #18 Columbia Central (5-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- After taking a loss in the first week of the season, Riverdale has reeled off four wins in a row, so they are heading into Friday night feeling confident with an offense, led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1287058' first='Gavin' last='Hampton'] </strong>that can put up a lot of points. The Warriors will be taking on a strong Columbia Central defensive unit that has played at a high level this year with multiple college level guys in the front seven like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2135959' first='Xzavior' last='Murphy']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1721111' first='Tyshon' last='Dodson']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1669977' first='J'Mari' last='Hall'] </strong>that consistently makes plays week in and week out. While everything in this game matters, I do believe everything comes down to the Riverdale offense going against the Lions defense and whoever wins that battle, should win the game. Watching how the Lions front seven gets after Hampton will be intriguing because if the Warriors O-line keeps him clean, it may turn into a high scoring affair from the road team.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On the other side, the Columbia Central offense poses a threat to Riverdale with their ability to hit the big play and do so both passing and running the football. Senior quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1885892' first='Daniel' last='Booker'] </strong>is working on a Mr. Football season right now, so you can bet stopping him will be critical for the Warriors defense and their hopes of keeping the Lions off the scoreboard. Finding a way to slow down <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1193547' first='Jamari' last='Brown'] </strong>will be key as well. The Riverdale secondary, led by safety <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='378857' first='Hudson' last='Fuqua']</strong>, can't let Brown get loose, otherwise he will burn them. This is a very interesting game to me as I could see either team coming out on top. Riverdale may have the edge due to more overall talent but the fact this game is at Columbia, gives the Lions a shot at keeping their undefeated season alive.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game Predictions</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chris Smith: </strong>Riverdale 41 Columbia Cent. 24</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Drew Toennies: </strong>Riverdale 28 Columbia Cent. 14&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Shayne Pickering: </strong>Riverdale 38 Columbia Cent. 14</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Conner Smith: </strong>Riverdale 35 Columbia Cent. 24</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tim Swift: </strong>Riverdale 31 Columbia Cent. 20</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hudson Cregg: </strong>Riverdale 35 Columbia Cent. 21</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1925296,"width":"293px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"1.5230037017451084","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Photo-Sep-19-2025-9-29-29-PM-rotated-crop-4284x2813-1759440219-crop-797x523-1759440260-crop-796x522-1759440323.jpg?w=795" alt="" class="wp-image-1925296" style="aspect-ratio:1.5230037017451084;width:293px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Riverdale QB [player_tooltip player_id='1287058' first='Gavin' last='Hampton']. Taken by Conner Smith, Prep Redzone</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#15 Franklin Rd. Academy (4-1) at #12 Battle Ground Academy (3-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- These two programs have been rivals for a long time but really have cranked things up over the past several as both teams have become state title contenders, which is exactly what happened in Chattanooga last year with BGA taking the trophy over the Panthers. This will be the first time they have seen each other since that game, so you can bet FRA wants some revenge but BGA is coming off a bye week. I expect the Wildcats to be prepared for this matchup with some fresh playmakers in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1030085' first='Max' last='Curry'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1537396' first='Maddox' last='Porter'] </strong>that could be major game changers against a FRA secondary that is solid with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='903033' first='Omarii' last='Sanders'] </strong>but could be susceptible to giving up the big play. If the Panthers want to win this game, they can't allow Curry and Porter to go off and try to keep their receptions to minimal gains.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A big factor in this matchup could be the play up front from both squads. The Wildcats have a solid offensive line, led by star <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='423394' first='Koehn' last='Dial'] </strong>that will be looking to keep <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='866750' first='Keilan' last='Neal'] </strong>quiet and try not to allow him to disrupt the backfield. Neal can be a game changer for the Panthers and someone that might make a big difference in stopping the run while also getting after <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2161201' first='Bo' last='Bryan']</strong>. The Panthers offense leans on <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='903954' first='Kwadir' last='Fletcher'] </strong>and their run game and I believe will be a focal point for the BGA defense this week to stop. If the Panthers can maintain offensive possession while punching in touchdowns with Fletcher, I think they have a shot at winning but if BGA is scoring quickly and often, it may not matter and the Wildcats maintain their status at the top of the region.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game Prediction</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chris Smith: </strong>BGA 42 FRA 31&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Drew Toennies: </strong>BGA 24 FRA 21</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Shayne Pickering: </strong>BGA 31 FRA 28</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Conner Smith: </strong>BGA 41 FRA 38</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tim Swift: </strong>BGA 42 FRA 28</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hudson Cregg: </strong>BGA 27 FRA 20</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#9 Sevier Co. (4-0) at #21 Greeneville (5-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The biggest test of the 2026 season for Sevier Co. comes Friday night as they travel East to take on a Greeneville team that is undefeated on the season and playing dominating football. Through five games, the Green Devils are beating their opponents by an average score of nearly 40 points a game and receiving heavy contributions for both sides of the ball. The Smoky Bears have a big challenge in trying to slow down Mr. Football contender <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2371879' first='Kaine' last='Ricker'] </strong>and the Greeneville offense. Attention must be given as well to receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1427702' first='Taren' last='Claridy'] </strong>as he has been torching secondaries all season long. The Sevier Co. defense, led by stud edge defender <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103040' first='Jaxson' last='Perry']</strong>, will need to bring their “A” game because if they don't, Greeneville will put the ball into the end zone and provide the Smoky Bears their first loss of the season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As for the Sevier Co. offense, they need to continue their consistent game play they bring to the field each week but possibly crank things up a little more. The Smoky Bears have been solid on offense this year but I think has higher levels to their operation. Senior quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1142902' first='Cooper' last='Newman'] </strong>is the catalyst while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1577078' first='Parker' last='Newman'] </strong>is his main target. Those two seniors need to excel in this matchup and become a problem the Green Devils defense must account for throughout the entire game. I think this may be one of the better games coming out of “Week Six” with many thinking the road Smoky Bears will come out on top but for me, I actually like Greeneville here due to Ricker and his game changing abilities</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game Predictions</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chris Smith: </strong>Greeneville 33 Sevier Co. 30</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Drew Toennies: </strong>Sevier Co. 34 Greeneville 27</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Shayne Pickering: </strong>Sevier Co. 28 Greeneville 27</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Conner Smith: </strong>Sevier Co. 28 Greeneville 21</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tim Swift: </strong>Sevier Co. 27 Greeneville 20</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hudson Cregg: </strong>Sevier Co. 31 Greeneville 24</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#14 Powell (5-0) at Knox. Central (5-0) - Thursday</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- We have a region title at play here in this East Tennessee showdown. Whoever wins this game, should be in the driver seat to win the region as the regular season finishes, which makes this contest between Powell and Knox. Central possibly the most important game coming out of “Week Six”. Both these teams head into Friday night's matchup undefeated and playing strong football. Powell has a balanced offense, led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='904027' first='Jaylon' last='Benjamin'] </strong>and their passing attack that has started to gain traction in the run game with sophomore <strong>KeShawn Thomas</strong>. Knox. Central has a multi-year starter at quarterback in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1104268' first='Kaden' last='Long'] </strong>that does just about everything for his offense from spinning the ball through the air to using his legs to run past defenders. Seeing how both offenses operate, I'm expecting a high scoring affair here that might come down to a defensive stop or a turnover that may dictate who comes out on top.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I see the main key to victory in this matchup will be defensive game play. Whichever defensive unit is able to cause enough havoc or generate multiple stops, should gain an edge towards winning. Allowing either quarterback to get comfortable and operate in a smooth manner would be disastrous. Leaning on Thomas and the run game could be a game plan that generates a victory for Powell, especially if they are able to maintain possession on long drives. Long needs to be a game changer for the Bobcats and if he is, this game could be a benchmark performance that leads to Mr. Football nominations. Part of me wants to go with Knox. Central as the favorite but another piece says the Panthers could be the best team. That alone should make this a fun, entertaining game to follow and to see how truly is the best of the region between Powell and Knox. Central.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game Predictions</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chris Smith: </strong>Knox. Central 45 Powell 42&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Drew Toennies: </strong>Powell 24 Knox. Central 20</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Shayne Pickering: </strong>Powell 28 Knox. Central 24</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Conner Smith: </strong>Knox. Central 34 Powell 31</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tim Swift: </strong>Powell 24 Knox. Central 17</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hudson Cregg: </strong>Knox. Central 28 Powell 24</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1666856,"width":"241px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/05/klong.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1666856" style="width:241px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#21 Jackson Co. (5-0) at #17 Gordonsville (4-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- This Mid-Tennessee matchup should be another game in “Week Six” that could dictate the region winner. All signs point towards either Jackson Co. or Gordonsville being the eventual region winner, so whoever takes this game will be in the driver seat with their eyes on a top seed in the upcoming playoffs. It's been a magical season thus far for the Blue Devils being that this is the best ever start in school history but they face their biggest challenge of the football year, going on the road to knock off Gordonsville. Led by junior quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2001531' first='Colt' last='Loftis']</strong>, the Blue Devils have been beating opponents by a wide margin but I don't know if that will happen here as the Tigers defense presents a big test and a unit that won't be a push over.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The home Tigers are one of the more consistent programs we have in the Mid-Tennessee area. They have played in games like this a ton but Jackson Co. has not. It will be very interesting to see how the Blue Devils handle the pressure of this matchup and if they can remain focused on the objective throughout the entire game. Jackson Co. must receive a strong performance from Loftis and the Blue Devils offense while their defense tries to slow down <strong>Turner Bucher </strong>and the Tigers potent rushing attack. If the Blue Devils can hang early and not allow Bucher and the Gordonsville offense to run at will, I think they have a great shot at pulling ahead late and taking the victory. If the Tigers get comfortable and dominate the line of scrimmage, the home team will come out on top and yet again take this region.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game Predictions</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chris Smith: </strong>Gordonsville 24 Jackson Co. 21&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Drew Toennies: </strong>Gordonsville 17 Jackson Co. 10</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Shayne Pickering: </strong>Gordonsville 28 Jackson Co. 20</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Conner Smith: </strong>Gordonsville 21 Jackson Co. 20</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tim Swift: </strong>Gordonsville 20 Jackson Co. 14</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hudson Cregg: </strong>Gordonsville 17 Jackson Co. 13</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#22 Sweetwater (4-0) at #5 Meigs Co. (5-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- As we head into “Week Six”, the Wildcats of Sweetwater sit undefeated at 4-0 and inside our small school Top 25 but this Friday night, we will find out how legit they are as they hit the road to face a strong Meigs Co. team that has one of the best playmaking quarterbacks in the state with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1565598' first='Kaiden' last='Brewster']</strong>. Slowing down Brewster is absolutely critical for the Wildcats and their chances at pulling out the road victory. The defense as a whole needs to be big in this game. I expect Sweetwater to score enough points to put themselves in position to win but they can't allow the Tigers to get comfortable on offense and move the ball at will. If that happens, it could turn into a long night for Sweetwater and their hopes of winning the region is completely dashed.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Meigs Co. has some challenges of their own. They have shown some leaks this year on defense but still done enough to win ball games. They can't have too many leaks in this matchup as Sweetwater is a confident team that has seen success with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1893783' first='Ty' last='Fitch'] </strong>and their rushing attack. Bottling him up and keeping the Wildcats offense in long down and distances will be key towards the Tigers defense having success and winning this game. Everything is key with Sweetwater starting fast and getting on top with a lead then maintaining it throughout the night. If they start slow and fall behind, I expect Meigs Co. to take the region win and remain undefeated going into “Week Seven.”&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game Predictions</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chris Smith: </strong>Meigs Co. 35 Sweetwater 14&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Drew Toennies: </strong>Meigs Co. 28 Sweetwater 17</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Shayne Pickering: </strong>Meigs Co. 35 Sweetwater 17</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Conner Smith: </strong>Meigs Co. 31 Sweetwater 17</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tim Swift: </strong>Meigs Co. 35 Sweetwater 20</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hudson Cregg: </strong>Meigs Co. 35 Sweetwater 24</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cleveland (4-1) at #2 Tyner Academy (5-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Coming off a massive region win over Oak Ridge, the Blue Raiders must re-focus and bring things down to earth as they travel into Chattanooga this Friday night to take on Tyner Academy, the number two ranked small school team in the state. This is an out of region game for both teams but a matchup that should tell us how good each squad is based around the talent on both rosters. Quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1660896' first='Kason' last='McGowan'] </strong>has been stellar thus far and his team will need another top tier performance from him, especially against a talented Rams secondary that is led by stud junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1565851' first='Antonio' last='Edwards']</strong>. Passing the ball is something the Cleveland staff leans on right now with McGowan and speedy wideout <strong>Jeremiah Brownlow </strong>but maybe generating a solid rushing attack may turn out to be a key to victory.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Rams do run the ball on a consistent basis with a strong two-headed tandem of senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1881268' first='Jadarius' last='Hinton'] </strong>and junior two-way backer <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1038480' first='Dee' last='McNealy']</strong>. The Blue Raiders defense has a tough challenge on their hands but so far this year, they have been physical and steady up front, led by rising edge defender <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2113113' first='Daxton' last='Evans']</strong> that will need to bottle up the Tyner Academy run game for them to win this game. This is a very interesting game to predict because I can see either team winning and doing so in multiple ways. I think the biggest keys are Cleveland continuing their scoring ways while letting their defense swarm but they must stop the Rams run game for that to happen. I do lean towards the home team here but definitely would not be surprised to see the Blue Raiders pull off the road upset.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game Predictions</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chris Smith: </strong>Tyner Acad. 34 Cleveland 31&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Drew Toennies: </strong>Tyner Acad. 31 Cleveland 28</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Shayne Pickering: </strong>Tyner Acad. 35 Cleveland 24</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Conner Smith: </strong>Tyner Acad. 21 Cleveland 10</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tim Swift: </strong>Tyner Acad. 24 Cleveland 13</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hudson Cregg: </strong>Tyner Acad. 34 Cleveland 30</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1665735,"width":"208px","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/3/2025/04/dmcnealy.jpg?w=683" alt="" class="wp-image-1665735" style="aspect-ratio:0.6669960474308301;width:208px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>White Co. (5-0) at Macon Co. (5-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Flying under the radar headed into Friday night amongst a strong “Week Six” schedule, this Mid-Tennessee matchup could be one of the better games to follow, especially because this contest has big ramifications on winning the region title. I think whoever wins between Macon Co. and White Co. will be the leader to win the region and place themselves as a top overall seed for the coming playoffs. Both these teams have played stellar football up to this point in the season. Both the Tigers and the Warriors lean on their run game while banking on their defense to play stout up front. Something must give in this contest, meaning whoever wins the line of scrimmage, will win this game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior ball carriers <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2149062' first='Xavier' last='Bentley'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2089830' first='Cole' last='Sims'] </strong>will be marked men. Those two are the lead guys in the backfield that will have both defenses keying on and focused to slow down. Finding some kind of passing attack in this contest may turn into a difference maker, though I don't see either squad throwing the ball too often. Forcing the opposing offense into long down and distances while somehow creating a turnover or two may prove to be something that inches either squad into the lead and towards victory. I expect this matchup to be a physical in the trenches with plenty of long rushing gains. I also don't see the outcome being settled until late in the 4th quarter with both team's having a shot to win.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game Predictions</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chris Smith: </strong>Macon Co. 38 White Co. 31&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Drew Toennies: </strong>White Co. 34 Macon Co. 31&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Shayne Pickering: </strong>White Co. 35 Macon Co. 28</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Conner Smith: </strong>White Co. 31 Macon Co. 30</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tim Swift: </strong>White Co. 27 Macon Co. 24</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hudson Cregg: </strong>White Co. 35 Macon Co. 34</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Top Week Six Matchups</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>East Tennessee</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#23 GCA (4-0) at Concord Christian (3-2)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#15 Greenback (5-0) at Eagleton (3-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rhea Co. (3-2) at East Hamilton (3-2)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Austin-East (3-1) at Kingston (4-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>East Ridge (4-1) at Loudon (4-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hardin Valley (4-1) at #6 Maryville (4-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hampton (3-2) at North Greene (2-2)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Elizabethton (3-2) at Northview Acad. (3-2)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#19 Lakeway Chrst. (5-0) at Notre Dame (3-2)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bradley Central (3-2) at #20 Oak Ridge (4-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#7 South Pitt (4-1) at Red Bank (1-3)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#9 Forrest (5-0) at Sequatchie Co. (3-2)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cherokee (4-1) at Seymour (4-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Middle Tennessee</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Henry Co. (2-3) at Brentwood (4-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#16 Antioch (5-0) at Cane Ridge (3-2)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kirkwood (4-1) at Dickson Co. (3-2)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#8 Brentwood Acad. (3-2) at Ensworth (3-2)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ezell-Harding (4-1) at #10 Friendship Chrst. (4-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lebanon (4-1) at Hillsboro (4-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nolensville (5-0) at James Lawson (4-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#16 Giles Co. (3-1) at Lincoln Co. (4-0)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Blackman (3-2) at #4 Oakland (4-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Springfield (5-0) at Pearl Cohn (2-3)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>West Tennessee</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lakeland Prep (3-2) at Arlington (4-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jackson North-Side (3-1) at Crockett Co. (4-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#14 Humboldt (5-0) at Dresden (3-2)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Obion Co. (3-2) at Dyersburg (3-2)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Milan (3-2) at J.C. Merry (3-2)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#1 Westview (5-0) at Lausanne (1-2)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mitchell (3-2) at MASE (2-3) - Thurs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chester Co. (3-2) at McKenzie (3-2)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Germantown (2-3) at #11 Memp. Central (5-0)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Whitehaven (4-1) at #25 Munford (4-0)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2199880,"width":"257px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/05/wwalrond.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-2199880" style="width:257px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->