Week Three Top Matchups/Game Predictions

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The first two weeks were fun but "Week Three" presents the best slate yet for the 2026 season. We have multiple ranked matchups. We have cross town rivalry games. We also have some under the radar contests that could play out big inside regional play. Here we breakdown the top matchups of the week while providing some expert predictions! </h2>     #7 Knox. Catholic (2-0) at #13 Lipscomb Academy (1-1)   - This could be the most star studded contest we have for “Week Three” as both teams have a bevy of future college players on their roster with upside to play their ways into championship contention. This game will go a long way towards either Knox. Catholic or Lipscomb competing for their region while placing themselves in the playoffs with a high seed and a nice road towards Chattanooga. The Fighting Irish have begun the season undefeated after wins against Riverdale and Farragut while Lipscomb dropped a game in “Week One” but bounced back in impressive fashion last Friday in their victory over Ravenwood. I think both these teams are coming into this game confident and big believers in their brand of football.    I think the biggest inner-game matchup will be [player_tooltip player_id='496084' first='Mack' last='Bartholomew'] and the Knox. Catholic offense against the Lipscomb defensive unit. The Mustangs look quite strong on defense this year with a stout defensive front seven, led by senior [player_tooltip player_id='2143337' first='Harris' last='Fisher']. They are also quite good on the back end as well with emerging sophomore safety [player_tooltip player_id='2365473' first='Matai' last='Poutoa-Alo'] standing out early this season. Throughout his high school career, Bartholomew has been up and down with his game, so getting pressure on him and forcing quick decisions could be a recipe that guides Lipscomb towards victory. If the Fighting Irish are able to establish the run while getting timely throws from Bartholomew, the road team may gain an advantage. I could honestly see this game go either way, which means it might be a fun one and a close battle to the end.    Game Predictions   Chris Smith: Lipscomb Acad. 20 Knox. Catholic 14    Drew Toennies: Knox. Catholic 28 Lipscomb Acad. 21    Shayne Pickering: Lipscomb Acad. 27 Knox. Catholic 13    Conner Smith: Lipscomb Acad. 24 Knox. Catholic 23    Tim Swift: Knox. Catholic 17 Lipscomb Acad. 14    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/Photo-Jan-16-2026-7-19-27-PM-crop-1320x867-1780255158.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2220239" style="width:308px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Knox Catholic QB [player_tooltip player_id='496084' first='Mack' last='Bartholomew']. Taken by @865flics on Instagram.</figcaption></figure>   - - - - -    #12 Riverdale (1-1) at #20 Blackman (2-0)   - We are only into “Week Three” but we get a cross town rivalry early this season between these two “Top 20” big school programs that will gain an edge towards competing for a region title by winning this game. The Warriors come to “Blaze Field” after a dominating victory over Father Ryan last week while Blackman did the same in their contest over Cane Ridge. Both teams are talented ball clubs that have game changers as well as familiarity between the two that should make this matchup quite fun to follow. Senior receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1103038' first='Brylan' last='Oduor'] spent most of his high school career at Blackman before moving over to Riverdale and guarding him on Friday night will be important because you can bet he is looking to perform well and win. Stopping the Warriors passing attack will be key as they will certainly look to spin it early and often with [player_tooltip player_id='1287058' first='Gavin' last='Hampton'] and his talented crop of receivers, led by Oduor.    Watching the Blackman secondary compete against the Riverdale receivers should be interesting to watch as the Blaze has talent on the back end that could slow the Warriors down a good bit. I think generating a pass rush up front is ultra key. The Blaze must find a way to get to Hampton early and stay consistently in his face all night to have a chance in the 4th quarter. I also think establishing [player_tooltip player_id='1029916' first='Micah' last='Nance'] and their run game will be critical as well, which would keep Hampton and the Riverdale offense on the sidelines. I do give an edge to Riverdale based around the overall talent but the fact this game is at Blackman along with the playmakers the Blaze team has, gives the home team a shot at pulling off the upset.    Game Predictions   Chris Smith: Riverdale 35 Blackman 20    Drew Toennies: Riverdale 34 Blackman 21    Shayne Pickering: Riverdale 27 Blackman 20    Conner Smith: Riverdale 34 Blackman 27    Tim Swift: Riverdale 21 Blackman 14    - - - - -    #21 Sequatchie Co. (2-0) at #9 South Pittsburg (1-1)   - There is a big opportunity Friday evening for Sequatchie Co. to establish themselves as legit contenders within their classification by knocking off 1A power South Pittsburg. The Indians come into this matchup feeling good about themselves, especially on offense where quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1136154' first='Hunter' last='Minton'] is off to a hot start and his strong play must continue in this game for his team to win. His offensive line needs to hold up in this contest to keep Minton clean but also open holes for two-way backer [player_tooltip player_id='904934' first='Kason' last='Hicks']. Maintaining possession is something I think is key towards the Indians success. Keeping [player_tooltip player_id='1577095' first='Dayon' last='Cooper'] and the Pirates offense on the sidelines as much as possible would bode well for the road team to stay right there in the end to pull off the upset.    The home Pirates are coming off their first loss to the season, taking defeat to Silverdale while scoring only 13 points. You can bet the Pirates staff and players will be looking to explode offensively in this game and make “Week Two” an anomaly. They have the firepower to get things right but their O-line must play better while getting impactful play from quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='2212362' first='Knox' last='Israel']. I do believe that the Sequatchie Co. offense will move the ball and score enough to win but will their defense perform above their head and keep the Pirates offense dormant? That's where I think this game will be won and lost. The Pirates have the edge in this game with it being at home but they better not sleep on the Indians as they are quite confident right now headed into Friday night's matchup.    Game Predictions   Chris Smith: South Pitt 28 Sequatchie Co. 20    Drew Toennies: South Pitt 20 Sequatchie Co. 14    Shayne Pickering: South Pitt 35 Sequatchie Co. 14   Conner Smith: South Pitt 41 Sequatchie Co. 20   Tim Swift: South Pitt 28 Sequatchie Co. 14    - - - - -    Gibbs (2-0) at #4 Alcoa (2-0)   - Looking through the Tornadoes schedule, I don't see many teams having the chops to knock them off but this game against Gibbs could be one of them. Now let me go ahead and state that Alcoa should win this game based on their talent alone but Gibbs is a good football team that is coming off a confident building win over Knox. Halls. The Eagles are feeling good about themselves but they can gain even more confidence if they walk into Tornadoes stadium and knock off the number four team in the state. For the road team to do that, they will need a Mr. Football caliber performance from junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1178594' first='Keith' last='Jones Jr.'] The Eagles signal caller has been outstanding through two games and he presents some problems for Alcoa due to his dual threat capabilities and knack for making big plays.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/06/Photo-Jun-25-2026-5-24-01-PM.jpg?w=953" alt="" class="wp-image-2235129" style="aspect-ratio:0.9315765639488496;width:271px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Photo: Alcoa ATH [player_tooltip player_id='904844' first='Micah' last='Jones'] during the 2025 state championship. Photo from his Instagram.</figcaption></figure>   The other part of this game I'm interested to watch is how the Gibbs defense holds up against [player_tooltip player_id='2058759' first='Thomas' last='Manu'], [player_tooltip player_id='904844' first='Micah' last='Jones'] and the Alcoa offense. I expect the Tornadoes to lean on Jones and their run game early to wear down the Gibbs defensive front then look to pour it on with the pass later in the contest. The Eagles must find a way to slow down Jones and force Alcoa into 3rd and medium or long early in this matchup and throughout the entire game for them to have a shot at winning. I do think Jones will perform well and put a scare into the Tornadoes but in the end, Alcoa will be too strong to knock off at home. Hanging tough and losing close for Gibbs may be a small win for them as they go through the rest of their schedule.    Game Predictions   Chris Smith: Alcoa 38 Gibbs 21    Drew Toennies: Alcoa 34 Gibbs 21    Shayne Pickering: Alcoa 38 Gibbs 10    Conner Smith: Alcoa 45 Gibbs 31   Tim Swift: Alcoa 42 Gibbs 21    - - - - -    #22 Pearl Cohn (1-1) at #8 Battle Ground Academy (2-0)   - One of the more impressive teams thus far through two weeks of action has been the BGA Wildcats. They have dominated both opponents and done so with ease but I don't think this Friday against Pearl Cohn will be a cake walk. The Firebirds will be the best team BGA has seen this year and Pearl Cohn could give them that work, especially if they can find a running game. That's been lacking through two teams for Pearl Cohn but if they can find, it may turn things around for a Firebirds offense that is loaded at other positions with [player_tooltip player_id='1286233' first='L.J.' last='Funk'], [player_tooltip player_id='1608413' first='Stephen' last='Saulter'] and others. It won't be easy to run the ball against a strong BGA front seven, led by [player_tooltip player_id='902956' first='Justice' last='Pittman'], who is playing his best football to date and [player_tooltip player_id='2124388' first='Mannie' last='Fentress'] at linebacker that has a nose for finding the football.    If the road Pearl Cohn football team wants to win this game, they may have to air it out and do so all game long. The Firebirds may have to play a back and forth offensive game due to the quick firepower put on the field by the BGA offense. The combination of [player_tooltip player_id='2161201' first='Bo' last='Bryan'] at quarterback and his receivers in [player_tooltip player_id='1030085' first='Max' last='Curry'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1537396' first='Maddox' last='Porter'] have been highly potent thus far and I don't know if the Firebirds have anybody that can slow them down. Defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='2076919' first='Landan' last='Left'] may be a critical player in this contest that is tasked with making plays in the secondary to somehow slow down the BGA passing attack. The Wildcats are rolling right now and I think that continues Friday evening but they can't sleep on Pearl Cohn as the Firebirds do have enough talent to make this game and potentially win.    Game Predictions   Chris Smith: BGA 42 Pearl Cohn 20    Drew Toennies: BGA 56 Pearl Cohn 42    Shayne Pickering: BGA 28 Pearl Cohn 15   Conner Smith: BGA 41 Pearl Cohn 38    Tim Swift: BGA 45 Pearl Cohn 28    - - - - -    #17 Briarcrest Christian (2-0) at #10 Ensworth (2-0)   - We have two teams here that have started the 2026 season at 2-0 but only one can leave Friday night undefeated with a region win in hand. This will be the biggest test of the season thus far for the road Saints, who bring a talented offense to town, led by quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1036114' first='Cayden' last='Dixon'] that presents challenges for an Ensworth defense that has been strong through two games. I think this game is won between the Briarcrest offense and the Ensworth defense. Those two units are the strength of each team but one has to give in on Friday evening for either squad to walk away with a victory. I am interested to see the matchup between [player_tooltip player_id='1857024' first='J.D.' last='Donaldson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1407745' first='Caden' last='Sage'] and the Saints receivers versus [player_tooltip player_id='1585715' first='Quinn' last='Taylor'] and the Tigers secondary. Donaldson is a crafty pass catcher while Sage is a rising star that presents an athletic challenge for the Ensworth defense as a whole.    What could benefit the home team is maintaining offensive possession by leaning on [player_tooltip player_id='1940925' first='E.J.' last='Gibson'] and their run game while keeping Dixon and the Saints offense on the sidelines. Gibson has been a bell cow through two weeks that has been around and through would-be tacklers. His presence Friday night will be key towards Ensworth winning this region game and keeping their undefeated record intact. I do believe that Briarcrest will challenge Ensworth and give them a good game. I expect this matchup to stay close into the 4th quarter where I think Gibson and the Tigers rushing attack takes over and leads Ensworth to a 3-0 record.    Game Predictions   Chris Smith: Ensworth 24 Briarcrest Chrst. 20   Drew Toennies: Ensworth 34 Briarcrest Chrst. 28    Shayne Pickering: Enworth 24 Briarcrest Chrst. 21   Conner Smith: Ensworth 17 Briarcrest Chrst. 14   Tim Swift: Ensworth 28 Briarcrest Chrst. 24    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/03/caydixon.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1642168" style="width:250px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    #11 Franklin Road Academy (2-0) at #21 Montgomery Bell Academy (2-0)   - This could be one of the more intriguing games to follow from the “Week Three” slate. You have two undefeated Nashville area football teams that have performed well up to this point while leaning on their run games and defenses to lead the way. The road Panthers pounded the ball last week in their win over Cookeville while MBA did the same in their 54-0 blowout victory over Hamilton. I expect the same recipes to be used by both teams in this game but what may give FRA the edge is [player_tooltip player_id='1037670' first='Jack' last='Nimitz'] at quarterback, who presents a threat passing the football. His dual threat abilities could come into play in a big way Friday evening. The Big Red defense will need to slow down the Panthers run game on early downs and force Nimitz to spin it, where their secondary will have a chance to make game changing plays.    MBA can't lean on their defense the entire way as they will need Charlie Verner and their offense to perform at a high level to knock off the Panthers. The Big Red will throw it with Verner but they like to use him on the ground and it's a recipe that has worked through two games. While I think the MBA defense will be critical in this game, I believe the Big Red offense will be even more important as they have the ability to run some clock with their run game and keep Nimitz and two-way backer [player_tooltip player_id='903954' first='Kwadir' last='Fletcher'] on the sidelines. The explosive upside that the FRA offense presents, could be the difference maker in this contest as I expect this to be a line of scrimmage game that will be dictated by the big play and creating turnovers.    Game Predictions   Chris Smith: FRA 31 MBA 17    Drew Toennies: FRA 41 MBA 28    Shayne Pickering: FRA 28 MBA 20    Conner Smith: FRA 35 MBA 21    Tim Swift: FRA 35 MBA 24   - - - - -    #24 Lausanne (0-1) at Christian Brothers (2-0)   - I am fully expecting this Memphis area matchup to be one of the more entertaining games coming out of “Week Three” with both teams having a great shot at winning. The Lynx are coming off a bye week where they were able to dissect their opening night, close loss to Southwind, so the Purple Wave must be ready for a prepared Lausanne football team. They are led by “do-everything” athlete [player_tooltip player_id='1556594' first='Lawrence' last='Britt'], who is now taking snaps behind center. Slowing him down while keeping the Lynx run game as a whole quiet for most of the night will be key for the Christian Brothers defense, which is a unit that has allowed only 13 points through two games. Finding a passing attack to go along with the Lynx run game would go a long way towards the road team finding themselves in the winners column.    Where I think this game will be won is on the Purple Wave offensive side of the ball. After struggling last week versus a good White Station defense, the Christian Brothers offense has a chance to bounce back against another good defense that will test sophomore quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1717494' first='Nate' last='Brick']. The Purple Wave signal caller is a budding star but is still young and learning on the job. I think this game against the Lausanne defense will be a good test for him to see if he can step up and deliver. This is honestly a tough game to forecast as I could see either team winning. The play up front against each team's run game along with creating turnovers could play big roles in dictating the outcome, which I favor the home but only slightly.    Game Predictions   Chris Smith: Chrst. Brothers 23 Lausanne 20    Drew Toennies: Lausanne 28 Chrst. Brothers 21    Shayne Pickering: Chrst. Brothers 17 Lausanne 15    Conner Smith: Lausanne 20 Chrst. Brothers 17    Tim Swift: Lausanne 20 Chrst. Brothers 17    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/08/lausanne2-crop-4640x3045-1786649377.webp?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2327768" style="width:280px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Red Bank (0-1) at #2 Tyner Academy (2-0)   - After sitting a week, steaming on their close “Week One” loss, Red Bank is headed into their Friday night, cross town matchup against Tyner Academy, the number two ranked “small school” team in the state. This is another big game for the Lions and an opportunity to prove their worth while also getting back on track for the rest of the season. The Lions have a challenge versus a talented Rams team that has yet to hit their groove, which could be a scary thing this Friday and moving forward. Tyner is led by [player_tooltip player_id='1038480' first='Dee' last='McNealy'] and their run game, which has a solid O-line paving the way, spearheaded by Western Ky commit [player_tooltip player_id='1592127' first='Carmello' last='Peoples']. They have several athletes to utilize as well like Karontae Cunningham and [player_tooltip player_id='1565851' first='Antonio' last='Edwards']. The Lions can't allow the Tyner playmakers to cut loose or establish a consistent run game or it might become a long night for the road team.    I think the formula towards victory for Red Bank will be harnessing [player_tooltip player_id='1590252' first='Austin' last='Jones'] and his running abilities at quarterback while using his arm to hit the big play on occasions. The Lions have a few athletes themselves, like [player_tooltip player_id='1654041' first='Marcus' last='Jones'] that could cause problems for the Rams defense. I do think the Red Bank offense will be able to move the ball and score enough to stay in this game but I worry about their defense and their ability to slow down McNealy and the Rams rushing attack. This game could start and finish in a variety of ways. If Red Bank can get through the first quarter with a tight game, they may be able to gain confidence and stay right there into the second half but if the Rams go-off early and maintain control of the ball, the home team could remain undefeated going into “Week Four”.    Game Predictions   Chris Smith: Tyner Acad. 33 Red Bank 20    Drew Toennies: Tyner Acad. 24 Red Bank 17    Shayne Pickering: Tyner Acad. 28 Red Bank 10   Conner Smith: Tyner Acad. 27 Red Bank 21    Tim Swift: Tyner Acad. 28 Red Bank 24   - - - - -    #16 Trinity Chrst. Academy (2-0) at #22 University School of Jackson (1-1)   - The battle of Jackson takes place Friday evening between two “small school” ranked programs that are looking to gain a regional edge by taking this victory. The road Lions come in undefeated and playing good football with a balanced ball club that has performed well on both sides of the ball. The TCA offense is what has my attention with this game. The Bruins sport the best defense TCA has seen this season, so I'm interested to see how playmakers like [player_tooltip player_id='2141935' first='Lake' last='Helton'], [player_tooltip player_id='1618410' first='Cameron' last='Hardin'] perform and if they are able to go-off like they have through two games. There is still a lot to learn about the Lions but early on, they look well equipped to not only win this road game but potentially take their region as well.    USJ does present a challenge, especially coming off a “Week Two” loss that was unexpected. The Bruins have a senior signal caller in [player_tooltip player_id='446208' first='Cayden' last='Creech'] that can be a difference maker in this contest as could junior tight end [player_tooltip player_id='1092711' first='Jake' last='Payne']. The Lions defense must focus on stopping the run on early downs and forcing Creech into long, 3rd down passing situations. If they can do that while establishing the run themselves, I like the road team in this game but a lot depends on how the game plays out in the 1st quarter and who gets off to a good start. Strong defensive play and creating turnovers should play big roles here as will who can generate a big play or two. This local rivalry matchup should be a close one until the 4th quarter where it could be anybody's game.    Game Predictions   Chris Smith: TCA 20 USJ 17    Drew Toennies: USJ 21 TCA 14    Shayne Pickering: USJ 17 TCA 14    Conner Smith: USJ 30 TCA 17    Tim Swift: TCA 24 USJ 20    - - - - -    Other Top Week Two Matchups   East Tennessee   Oneida (2-0) at Bledsoe Co. (1-1)   Notre Dame (2-0) at CAK (1-0)   Tullahoma (1-1) at Cleveland (2-0)   Unicoi Co. (1-1) at Gatlinburg-Pittman (1-1)   #23 Powell (2-0) at Knox. Halls (0-2)   Knox. Central (2-0) at Knox. West (1-1) - Thurs.   Boyd Buchanan (2-0) at Lakeway Chrst. (2-0)   Walker Valley (1-1) at McMinn Co. (1-1)   Greeneville (2-0) at Northview Acad. (1-1)   Rhea Co. (1-1) at Ooltewah (1-1)   Eagleton (1-1) at Providence Acad. (1-1)   Tenn. High (2-0) at Science Hill (2-0)   - - -   Middle Tennessee   Gallatin (2-0) at Centennial (0-2)   White Co. (2-0) at Cookeville (1-1)   Northwest (2-0) at Davidson Acad. (1-1)   Hillsboro (1-1) at #8 East Nashville (1-1)   #19 Ravenwood (1-1) at Green Hill (1-1)   #15 Fairview (2-0) at Hickman Co. (1-1)   Kenwood (1-1) at Kirkwood (2-0)   #12 Forrest (2-0) at Mt. Pleasant (2-0)   Hendersonville (1-1) at #15 Page (2-0)   Cornersville (2-0) at Perry Co. (1-1)   James Lawson (2-0) at Stratford (2-0)   Houston Co. (2-0) at Waverly (2-0)   - - -    West Tennessee   J.C. Merry (1-1) at Brighton (2-0)   South Gibson (0-2) at Chester Co. (2-0)   Lexington (2-0) at Crockett Co. (2-0)   Dyer Co. (2-0) at Hardin Co. (1-1)   Beech (1-1) at Henry Co. (1-1)   #6 Southwind (2-0) at Houston (1-1)   #20 Milan (2-0) at #10 Huntingdon (2-0)   ECS (1-1) at #17 Jackson Christian (2-0)   Bartlett (1-1) at Melrose (1-1)   #18 MASE (0-2) at Trezevant (2-0)   Marshall Co. (1-1) at #1 Westview (2-0)   #18 Memp. Central (2-0) at White Station (1-1)   Fairley (1-1) at Whitehaven (1-1)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/Photo-Feb-26-2026-3-52-32-PM-crop-1143x751-1772143570.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2139963" style="width:322px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Trinity Christian WR [player_tooltip player_id='2141935' first='Lake' last='Helton']. Photo from his Instagram.</figcaption></figure>