Statewide Roundup (Week Seven Recap)

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">It wasn't the most glamourous schedule in "Week Seven" but we got some interesting results that could play big by the end of the season. Several teams also kept their undefeated seasons going, including a few that have their eyes on competing for a state title. Catch up on last week's action here in Statewide Roundup that takes you East to West of the Volunteer State. </h2>     Briarcrest Wins Rival Game Classic   - Coming off their best win of the season, Briarcrest Christian had a big test against rival Christian Brothers and the Purple Wave pushed them to the brink as the Saints had to come from behind to win 29-28. Gathering information from a far, this was a back and forth, physical classic that saw both teams create winning moments but the Saints produced that one extra play that pushed them over the top. A key player in this win for Briarcrest was [player_tooltip player_id='1857024' first='J.D.' last='Donaldson']. The Saints senior playmaker was dynamic in this contest, producing multiple big ways, including one in the 4th quarter that put his team in position to take the lead. Briarcrest also had a strong showing from [player_tooltip player_id='1036114' first='Cayden' last='Dixon'], their offensive leader that has some of the best pocket presence and poise in the state. When plays needed to be made, the Saints top players produced and did everything they could to help their team win and it worked.    This win for Briarcrest continues to prove how legit they are but also how much work they have left to go. Winning is like a fever, everyone can catch it and that's how the Saints are performing right now. They are hot at the moment with a knack for finding ways to win. I do see areas that need more development but overall, Briarcrest is playing good football with everybody contributing one way or another. The path ahead doesn't get any easier for the Saints as they have upcoming matchups against Brentwood Academy, Lipscomb Academy and MUS to close out the regular season. The Saints are in play to win their region championship but they must defeat the Eagles and Mustangs over the next two games for that to happen. I like their chances but it will be tough. These Saints have been battle tested, seen in last week's one point win over Christian Brothers and they have the personnel to keep the train rolling but they must forget about past results and continue working full steam ahead.    - - - - -    Mt. Juliet Gives Gallatin 1st Loss of the Season   - The Green Wave went into “Week Seven” undefeated but saw that come to an end last Thursday evening as they took on a rising Mt. Juliet team that has gotten better as the year has rolled along and possibly put together their best performance of the season. The Golden Bears knocked off Gallatin, holding the Green Wave to ten total points and keeping their playmakers in-check for most of the night while their offense leaned on the run game and wore down the Gallatin defense. The Mt. Juliet offense has been up and down throughout the year but their defense has been steady while improving week by week. It showed in the Golden Bears 16 point victory over Gallatin where they gave the Green Wave offense fits and wouldn't allow them to gain any consistency or traction on offense.    This loss to Mt. Juliet might have been the worst overall performance of the year from Gallatin as nothing seemed to work. The Green Wave defense did have their moments, keeping their team in the game but even that side of the ball had some struggles against a Golden Bears offense that has had problems all year providing balance, especially with their passing game. It will be interesting to see how Gallatin bounces back after their bye this week when they take the field again versus a strong Beech football team. That game has no consequence within their region but Beech is a 5A power that will show who Gallatin is right now and if certain areas need to be fixed.    What this loss did do is make the region up for grabs. The Green Wave losing opened the door for Green Hill, Lebanon and Mt. Juliet to finish in the top spot. Gallatin has a win over Green Hill but the Hawks still have games left with Lebanon and Mt. Juliet. The Golden Bears have a region loss to Lebanon but the Blue Devils remain undefeated within the region with upcoming games against Gallatin and Green Hill. There is still a lot left to play for and the Green Wave are still right there to win the region but they can't have any more slip ups for that to happen. This loss to Mt. Juliet might be what Gallatin needed to re-focus their attention and get things back on track. We will see what happens but what I do know is that the final four weeks of the regular season should be fun to watch and see who finishes as the region champ.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/10/ygizaw.jpeg?w=822" alt="" class="wp-image-2429236" style="aspect-ratio:0.8035265889180291;width:201px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Baylor Demolishes McCallie   - The Red Raiders continued their dominance in “Week Seven” as they took their rival in McCallie to the woodshed with a 49-7 beatdown of the Blue Tornado to move their season to 7-0 overall. Going into this Chattanooga area showdown, I pretty much expected this result to happen, maybe not how wide the margin was but a double digit Baylor victory. The Red Raiders have been a machine this season with [player_tooltip player_id='1210671' first='David' last='Gabriel-Georges'] being the engine. He was excellent against McCallie but he received help from [player_tooltip player_id='939950' first='Keegan' last='Croucher'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1022131' first='Antwaun' last='Adams'] in the passing game as well along with outstanding play up front from a big and powerful offensive line. Whatever the Red Raiders wanted to do on offense in this game, they did it and did so with explosion and precision.   McCallie is going through some things right now as they haven't looked like they usually do most seasons. They are a relatively young ball club this year that is learning on the job but could also be lacking the overall talent that you usually find on the Blue Tornado roster. There is enough talent however for McCallie to be much better than they are. This loss to Baylor is their fourth in a row. Mind you, they have lost to some good football teams but McCallie is a proud program that believes they should win every game. The Blue Tornado have three games left against Knox. Catholic, MBA and CPA. They have the opportunity to win all three games and bring more confidence back into the locker room. There is still a lot to like about McCallie but they must figure things out during the upcoming bye week and bring a better product to the field in two weeks versus the Fighting Irish.    - - - - -    Silverdale Takes Down Lakeway Christian   - We didn't have too many upsets from “Week Eight” but one that did happen was Silverdale putting an end to Lakeway Christian's undefeated season by knocking off the Lions, 33-15. While the Seahawks have a solid ball club with a few college level players, I nor others expected them to beat Lakeway, especially with how the Lions have performed so far this season. It was a masterful performance by the Silverdale defense that did a good job of limiting big plays, providing good coverage against the Lions playmakers while applying occasional pressure on their quarterback. I actually thought this was a good matchup for the Lions, especially with [player_tooltip player_id='1674006' first='Luke' last='Burger'] out for the season but that's why you play the game as you never know what can happen.    This was a much needed win for the home Seahawks as they came into this game limping a little bit but their staff put together a strong game plan that their players executed almost to precision. Senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1535798' first='Connor' last='Jenne'] had a solid game, did what was asked of him and while putting his team in position to score. The defense was the shining star in this regional matchup. The Silverdale defense did well at keeping the Lakeway Christian offense dormant and not allowing them to gain consistency. How the Seahawks performed in “Week Eight” is how they need to play the rest of the year. I don't think they are state title caliber but they can make some noise and play spoiler if they use the kind of game plan that worked in defeating the Lions.    Coming off their first loss of the season, I'm expecting Lakeway Christian to bounce back and use this loss as fuel. Last week against the Seahawks was simply one of those games where a team doesn't click on all cylinders and it ends up getting you beat. The Lions have a good ball club, led by a defense that has been strong all year, spearheaded by their senior D-line duo of [player_tooltip player_id='2116601' first='Sinai' last='Dikisongele'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1649499' first='Maki' last='Bell'] that can be game disruptors. I expect their offense to figure out what didn't work against Silverdale and get things back on track. The Lions still have a shot at winning their region but they can't lose anymore. Big games are ahead against GCA and CAK that will determine the region champs and if the Lions knock off those two teams, the Lions will finish in first place to earn their first ever region title. The Lions must understand what went wrong against Silverdale and fix it for their region hopes to come true.    - - - - -    Cross Town Rival Gives JCS 1st Loss of the Season   - While the season has been kind to Jackson Christian, they finally have a number in the loss column as the Eagles fell last week to TCA, 28-14. This was a somewhat surprising loss by the Eagles as I felt they had the better team with more talent but credit must be given to the Lions for executing their game plan and making things difficult on their cross town rival. The Trinity Christian offense, led by [player_tooltip player_id='2141935' first='Lake' last='Helton'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1618410' first='Cameron' last='Hardin'], did well at moving the ball, putting pressure on the Eagles and scoring enough points to squeeze by. Their defense however was the force that earned this victory. The Lions defensive unit did a good job of getting pressure on [player_tooltip player_id='1613258' first='Karson' last='Scott'] and making things tough for him while limiting the Eagles run game as well. They also didn't allow [player_tooltip player_id='1580777' first='Kelsey' last='Rose Jr.'] to go off like he has in weeks past. What the TCA coaching staff did to get their team ready for this regional game worked and it's something they can build on moving forward as they look ahead to postseason play.    This loss could be a wake up call for Jackson Christian. The Eagles have been playing with fire for weeks now, getting by opponents with just enough points but the offense must find a higher level to their games if they want to win their region and make a run in the playoffs. Developing Scott at quarterback is key but also establishing a more sustainable running game is needed as well. The Eagles have good enough playmakers on the outside with Rose Jr. and [player_tooltip player_id='932936' first='Kingston' last='Robinson'] but leaning on Jay Pirtle and their rushing attack is what could lead them to more victories. The Eagles have three games remaining, all regional contests with a big one at the end of the regular season versus University School of Jackson that could determine the region winner. I'm interested to see how Jackson Christian responds after this loss and if they are able to right some wrongs to get things back on track. This win by Trinity Christian was a big one for them and a victory that might build confidence and form the Lions into a team others may not want to see in November.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/10/camhardin-e1791234699617.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2429240" style="aspect-ratio:1.6177351707609346;width:309px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Cornersville Stays Undefeated at 7-0   - Going into “Week Eight”, one of the more surprising undefeated teams left in the Volunteer State are the Bulldogs of Cornersville. They kept their winning streak alive after a big regional 23-14 win over Richland that saw the Bulldogs use a collective team effort to defeat the Raiders. For most of the season, the Bulldogs have been led by their backfield of [player_tooltip player_id='1595020' first='Jackson' last='Smith'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2374743' first='Easton' last='Lombardi'] and while both were key pieces in their victory over Richland, it was their defense that I felt helped them finish on top. As we get deeper into the season and into the cold months, running the ball and playing strong defense are important towards winning games, so seeing the Bulldogs use both to defeat Richland is a good sign for them moving forward. Cornersville is playing complimentary football right now that translates into the postseason with veterans leading the way and setting the example each and every week.    Another key factor in the Bulldogs success this season is the play of Smith at quarterback and the protection he is receiving up front from his offensive line. I don't know if Smith is at the top of the list for Class 1A Mr. Football but at this point, he has to be in the conversation. He has produced a lot of good numbers thus far but none of it happens without the execution from the offensive line. Having Lombardi produce at running back helps as well. It provides balance to the Bulldogs offense and takes pressure off Smith from having to be the main offensive weapon. Cornersville is in the driver seat right now to win their region but they can't sit on their hands and expect things to magically work out on their own. The Bulldogs must continue fighting with three games remaining and two of them against region foes Moore Co. and Huntland to become champions. I do like their chances over the coming weeks and I like how they are performing right now as a collective unit that might be able to make some waves in the coming playoffs.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/08/jacksmith.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-2346741" style="width:213px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Keep Eyes Out for Science Hill   - As we have gotten deeper into the 2026 season, one team that has stayed under the radar without much hype is Science Hill as the Hilltoppers sit at 6-0 overall going into their bye week while defeating their opponents with near ease each and every week. The Hilltoppers are coming off a dominating performance in their 58-0 win over Morristown-East. That was their second shutout of the season and third game where they have held their opponent under 10 points. It's been a balanced approach by Science Hill every week where their offense is scoring points while the defense plays sound football, showing up big in key moments. It's a recipe that has worked very well to this point for Science Hill and one that can travel into postseason play.    The Hilltoppers are led by their offense, a unit that has been consistent throughout the season, receiving strong play from their backfield. The combination of [player_tooltip player_id='2227596' first='Pearson' last='Harrison'] at quarterback and [player_tooltip player_id='2077252' first='Kiantai' last='Harris'] at running back, who has played himself into consideration for Mr. Football, are two guys with a college future and playmakers that are vital towards the team's overall success. Harrison has the arm to push the ball down field and spray it wherever he needs while Harris is a big play threat with the ball in his hands, sporting the ability to find the end zone anytime he touches the field. Those two have been stellar but a lot of offensive success must be given to the offensive line that keeps Harrison clean and opens holes for Harris in the run game.    The defense has been solid, though I think it can be better. They have done their job to this point, getting off the field enough to put the Hilltoppers offense back in play and allow them to work. If Science Hill is to compete for a state title, their defense must find another level to their game play and search more ways to cause disruption on the opposition. I do like the Hilltoppers offense and what they can do in the playoffs. First things first and that's winning the region, which Science Hill sits in the driver seat right now. They have a big one upcoming to end the regular season against Dobyns-Bennett, which I believe will dictate the region winner. Regardless of what happens in the region, I like what I have seen from Science Hill this season and their potential to win multiple games during the November playoff season.    - - - - -    Brentwood Continues to Emerge   - Sporting a young team for the 2026 Fall season, the Bruins didn't have a ton of big expectations placed on their name but after seven weeks of action, Brentwood sits at 6-1 overall and 3-0 within their region. They are coming off another impressive performance in “Week Seven” where they destroyed Coffee Co., 55-0. The Bruins have steadily gotten better each week this season and appear to be going to new levels after a three game stretch where they have defeated their opponents by a combined score of 133 to 13. Everything on both sides of the ball are clicking right now with [player_tooltip player_id='904978' first='Gavin' last='Strang'], [player_tooltip player_id='1595026' first='Parker' last='Emerson'], [player_tooltip player_id='903953' first='Jones' last='Merrill'] and the Bruins offense moving the ball efficiently while the defense has been lights out, playing physical up front while limiting big plays in the secondary.    This team still has some limits with overall athleticism and size but the coaching staff has a bunch of hard playing, smart football players that are playing together and doing all the right things needed to win ball games. I expected the offense to be solid, especially with Strang at the helm and solid skill players around him but it's the Bruins defense that has surprised the most. Except for one game against Brentwood Academy, the Bruins defense has kept every opponent faced this season 20 points and under. That's quite impressive and when you're good on defense, you have a chance to win a lot of games and potentially go deep in the playoffs.    The ride isn't finished yet as Brentwood has some big games on the horizon. After a bye week, the Bruins have three region games remaining against Franklin, Independence and Ravenwood at home, which could be for the title. I would consider Brentwood the favorite in the next two games with the Raptors coming last in what should be an outstanding football game. This is probably a nice break for the Bruins so they can get healthier while working on some development prior to the final stretch. It's been a great coaching job this year and regardless of how the season plays out, Brentwood has been a big surprise for the 2026 season that is building for what could be a bright future on the gridiron.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/07/gstrang-e1782926177256.jpg?w=495" alt="" class="wp-image-2239657" style="width:244px;height:auto" /></figure>