Statewide Roundup (Week Eight Recap)

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">We didn't have a deep schedule last week as many teams were on Fall Break but the action was still strong that saw some championship caliber teams pick up big wins while others maintained their excellent game play. Here we breakdown some of the biggest stories coming out of "Week Eight" along with some future forecasting as we inch closer to the postseason. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brentwood Academy Shuts Down Briarcrest</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Through seven games, nobody had given Briarcrest Christian a loss but that changed last Friday evening as the Saints faced their toughest competition of the season and saw how far away they are from competing for a D2-Class AAA state title. The Eagles of Brentwood Academy took the Saints to the woodshed in their 42-7 win over Briarcrest and the game was never close. Almost immediately as the Eagles offense hit the field, they scored and continued to pour it on throughout the game. There was nothing the Saints defense could do to stop <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='834810' first='Crews' last='Jenkins']</strong>, <strong>Larry Sanders</strong> <strong>II </strong>and the Eagles offense, especially Sanders who ran for 199 yards on the Briarcrest defense while producing five rushing touchdowns.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This game was a humbling experience for the Saints and hopefully a game they learn from. This could be a result that re-centers Briarcrest and puts them back to work to not just improve but adjust some things that puts them closer to being state title capable. Brentwood Academy definitely proved who the better team was in this contest and how talented they are compared to the rest of the teams on the D2-AAA level, except for Baylor. Ever since their loss to the Red Raiders earlier this season, the Eagles have gotten better each week and more dominating. That definitely showed in their 35 point win over a previously undefeated Briarcrest team last week.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I expect the Saints to bounce back and keep this result fresh in their minds, knowing what they must do in the playoffs because Briarcrest might see Brentwood Academy again. The Saints have a good ball club with plenty of college level guys and a veteran core that will flush this result and move forward. If these two teams saw each other again in November, I would be very interested to see how things played out and if Briarcrest would provide a better game. Regardless of that and for now, the Eagles definitely flexed their muscles as the clear superior team and a squad forming into a legit championship caliber team that could find their way back in Chattanooga come early December.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2133733,"width":"240px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"0.8398460282281581","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/cjenkins.jpg?w=860" alt="" class="wp-image-2133733" style="aspect-ratio:0.8398460282281581;width:240px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Statement Victory for Tyner Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Ranked as the 2nd best small school team in the state, Nash. Christian went down to Chattanooga last Friday night to face Tyner Academy and the Rams put it on the Eagles, 44-28 and showed why they are capable of winning a state title this season. Many expected Nash. Christian to go down to Tyner and win but the Rams had other plans and proved to be the better team. The home team received a great performance from their offense where <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1038480' first='Dee' last='McNealy']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1881268' first='Jadarius' last='Hinton']</strong> and others ran the ball with success against the Eagles defense while providing the occasional pass play. The Rams defense wasn't as strong but did enough to keep the Eagles offense in-check, especially not allowing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1196806' first='Tate' last='Mathis']</strong> and his playmakers to go-off. The Eagles have several skill players that could have a future in college but the Rams did a nice job of bottling them up and not allowing them to get loose.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I personally expected this game to be a lot closer with Nash. Christian possibly winning but Tyner Academy showed they were capable of competing with a state title contending team. The Eagles will be fine and still at the top of the list on the D2-Single A level for winning their state championship. I think this game speaks more about Tyner Academy and how they may finally be ready to compete for a state title as long as they stay healthy the rest of the way. The only thing missing for the Rams is a passing game but otherwise, they have the rushing attack, the line of scrimmage and playmakers on both sides of the ball to win through the playoffs and find themselves in their home backyard, competing for the 3A state championship. I think this win over Nash. Christian proves that and puts the rest of the 3A competition ahead on notice that the Rams are for real!&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Southwind Earns Region Title Over Whitehaven</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- One of the top premier games from “Week Eight” lived up to the hype for a while until <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='905235' first='Khamoni' last='Williams']</strong> went off in the second half to push Southwind ahead in the Jaguars 40-28 region title win over Whitehaven. Early on in this contest, the Tigers were in command, holding a solid lead and looking like the better team. Well adjustments were made with the biggest one being giving the ball to Williams and letting him run over Whitehaven defenders. The future Auburn Tigers ball carrier ran for 216 yards and four touchdowns against the Tigers and being that X-Factor guy that pushed the Jaguars to victory. The Southwind defense stepped up in the second half as well, doing a better job of stopping the Whitehaven run game and getting after their quarterback.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior defensive tackle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1699523' first='Roosevelt' last='Bates']</strong> was a menace up front while the Jaguars secondary did a nice job of coming up and providing help in stopping the run. Junior safety <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1617036' first='Miguel' last='Moore']</strong> in particular was a steady performer that produced 8 total tackles, 1 pass defended and 1 forced fumble on the night. The offense of course is important for Southwind but I think it's their defense that is even more important when it comes to chasing down a 6A state title. Last Friday was a nice step in the right direction for them but higher levels of game are needed during the final stretch of the 2026 football season and into the playoffs.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Even though Whitehaven took a loss in this regional matchup, I still think the Tigers can be a formidable team in November. There is a good bit of talent on their roster that has shown flashes of strong game play throughout the season but too inconsistent at times. The offense can be high scoring and explosive, led by quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1588108' first='Jour'din' last='Shelton']</strong> and a deep group of playmakers. The defense is where I think the Tigers can be better and form into the kind of unit that shuts down some teams and helps Whitehaven go on a deep playoff run. If that is to happen, the Tigers need to correct some things asap and start playing better football over the coming weeks. Both these teams have a strong roster with enough talent to take them deep into November and possibly sneak their way into competing for a state title, as long as both Southwind and Whitehaven step up to the plate.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Antioch Wins Classic Over FRA</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The most entertaining game from the greater Mid-Tennessee area last week came from Nashville where Antioch went on the road and knocked off a good FRA team, 34-31 with star quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='378901' first='Andre' last='Adams']</strong> putting together a Mr. Football caliber performance. The Bears trailed most of the night and didn't look too strong in the first half where they allowed <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='903954' first='Kwadir' last='Fletcher']</strong> to go off for a 200 yard plus rushing game but the Antioch coaching staff made adjustments while reminding the team that tougher game play was needed. That toughness came by example from Adams, who basically willed his team to victory, doing everything necessary to help his team win.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2347062,"width":"239px","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/aadams.webp?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2347062" style="width:239px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Boulder Daily Camera</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Adams was sensational in this non-region matchup. The future Colorado signal caller displayed outstanding poise in the pocket along with gritty play that showed up in his ability to elude the rush to create plays with his legs. Throwing the football helped get Antioch back in the game with Adams tossing the ball for nearly 400 yards and 3 touchdowns but it was his legs that picked up big first downs when they were needed. Late in the 4th quarter, down four points, Adams took his offense on a long drive where the Bears quarterback ran the ball on 4th down to pick up the first then two plays later, he delivered a rope to younger brother <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1617205' first='Aaden' last='Adams']</strong> in the end zone to put his team out in front. It was a beautiful football delivered by Adams and one you will see on the NFL playing stage.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This was a big win for Antioch that showed growth within their program and the possibility of them being ready to make a run in the 6A playoffs. They needed grit and toughness to come back and defeat FRA and the Antioch players provided that. The Bears showed they had the internal fortitude to compete with a state title caliber program and do so on the road within non-familiar territory. I still like a few other 6A teams better but Antioch isn't far behind as a team that could make a run to Chattanooga. If they play with the kind of toughness they showed in the 2nd half versus FRA, I could see the Bears making a run and beating some quality teams, especially with Adams running the show behind center.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>GCA Knocked Off Sevier Co., Remains Undefeated</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Rams kept their undefeated season alive after knocking off Sevier Co. last Thursday evening, 50-48 in what turned out to be one of the better overall games coming out of “Week Eight”. This was a back and forth affair for almost the entire game where both offenses went score for score and kept the fireworks going until the final whistle. The Rams in particular played from behind most of the game but really got things going in the second half where the three headed monster of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1292341' first='Corbin' last='Hobson']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='933067' first='Terrion' last='Thomas']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2136012' first='J.V.' last='Stinson']</strong> became difference makers and proved to be the forces that put GCA into the winners column. Hobson threw for over 300 yards while Thomas produced five total touchdowns and Stinson put over 200 yards rushing on the ground. Sevier County's offensive weapons, led by seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1142902' first='Cooper' last='Newman']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1577078' first='Parker' last='Newman']</strong>, who produced 186 yards receiving and 3 touchdowns, were high volume competitors as well but the Rams did a little bit more compared to the Smoky Bears.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's been a special season up to this point for GCA but they haven't accomplished their goals just yet. They have a big one ahead this coming Friday night where they host CAK, a fellow region competitor that is undefeated as well. The Rams versus the Warriors may prove to be for the region title, so whoever wins Friday night will be gaining a big edge headed into the final two weeks of the regular season. What excites me about the Rams is how much better they have gotten each week along the way. They are playing good football right now, especially on offense where they have the firepower to score against almost anyone they face. The defense does need to play a little better compared to “Week Eight” but they have senior leaders like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1587377' first='Jackson' last='Coffey']</strong> that can help get things back on track. I like this Rams team and their potential the rest of the season at possibly playing their way into the D2-Class AA state title game with a good shot at possibly winning it.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2448146,"width":"400px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"3.003128258602711","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/10/gca2.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2448146" style="aspect-ratio:3.003128258602711;width:400px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cannon Co. Earns Big Region Win</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- It took a while for Cannon Co. to get going this season but the Lions are playing at a high level right now, especially coming off their “Week Eight” victory over Jackson County. The Lions played one of the best games of the season against the Blue Devils, knocking them off 34-7 and keeping their offense dormant while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1614250' first='Corbin' last='Garrett']</strong> and the Lions moved the ball well versus the Jackson Co. defense. It was a solid all around showing from both sides of the ball for Cannon Co. that displayed the kind of team they can be and who they may become the rest of the way as we get into the postseason play. I also think this is a victory that can build tons of confidence for the Lions as they look to earn a home game in the first round of the upcoming playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lions defense is solid, led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1591156' first='Zeke' last='Walkup']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1570553' first='Jayden' last='Shannon']</strong> and others but it's their offense that has me excited about what they can do in the month of November. The Cannon Co. offense is averaging nearly 35 points a game with a balanced attack, spearheaded by Garrett, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2347360' first='Andrew' last='Alexander']</strong> and the Lions passing game. The fact that Cannon Co. can score the ball bodes well for them in the playoffs but for them to go far, their rushing attack must play at a higher level while their defense provides more consistency, especially within the front seven. Over the next two weeks, Cannon Co. has games against Warren Co. and Trousdale Co., where I expect the Lions to handle business and finish out the regular season at 8-2. These next games provide an opportunity for this team to continue playing good football while enhancing their dominance. If the Lions can continue impressing on the gridiron, I could see them becoming a sleeper team to watch in the 2A playoffs that their competition must not sleep on.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Undefeated Season Continues for Nolensville</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- If you look through the high school terrain here in Tennessee, you will find an undefeated Nolensville team that has flown under the radar but heads into the final stretch of the regular season without a loss while placed in position to compete for a region title. The Knights kept their winning ways going in “Week Eight” where they destroyed region foe Centennial, 31-0. It was another strong performance from <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1607186' first='Jake' last='Sentell']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2139595' first='Andrew' last='Harrison']</strong> and the Nolensville defense that has been suffocating all season long and can be the unit that takes the Knights on a deep run in the coming playoffs. The offense has been nothing special but steady and efficient enough to get the job done.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2340838' first='Ryan' last='Newell']</strong> has done a good job of leading and doing what is asked of him. He provides dual threat abilities with his legs being the most prominent and a threat that has caused issues for opposing teams. There are a lot of parts within the Knights team that are clicking together right now that makes them a team to watch for once we get to postseason play. Their recent win over Centennial showed how together this year's team is as both sides of the ball compliments each other well while everybody on the team appears to be doing all the small things correctly, which collectively leads to winning ball games.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Knights do have an opportunity to win their region but they must get past Page to make it happen. Nolensville and the Patriots match up in a few weeks to end the regular season, which should be a game for the region title and a number one seed in the coming playoffs. The way Page has performed over the second half of the season tells me that Nolensville has a great shot to defeat them and take the region. The Patriots have more overall talent but Nolensville has played better football consistently throughout the season. Regardless of what happens in that region matchup, Nolensville has put forth a very good season to this point and a good coaching job by the staff that has this team as someone others may not want to see in the playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2448147,"width":"252px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/10/aharrison.webp?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-2448147" style="width:252px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->