Week Eight Top Matchups/Game Predictions

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Many teams across the state are on "Fall Break" this week but doesn't mean the action stops, as matter of a fact, we have some top tier games set for "Week Eight." Inside we breakdown the top ten games of the week with a brief analysis along with our expert predictions in what could be a fun slate of games. </h2>     #20 Sevier Co. (5-1) at #20 GCA (6-0) - Thursday   - This week's action kicks off in a big way Thursday evening as Sevier Co. travels East into Knoxville to take on an undefeated Rams team that has demolished every opponent faced so far this season. This is a ranked matchup of two East Tennessee ball clubs that have goals on ending the 2026 season as state champions. This game won't dictate anything within their respective classifications but it will be a battle that should test both and prove to one another how good they actually are. Seeing that this game is at GCA, the Rams will be considered the favorite but the Rams can't get big headed as the Smoky Bears are legit with a senior core that has won a lot and knows how to compete and win in big ball games. I fully expect this game to be close, hard fought and not settled till somewhere in the 4th quarter.    Two “Top15” ranked senior quarterbacks go head to head in this game with [player_tooltip player_id='1142902' first='Cooper' last='Newman'] (Sevier Co.) and [player_tooltip player_id='1292341' first='Corbin' last='Hobson'] (GCA) and both have strong backfields to work with. The skill players like [player_tooltip player_id='1182191' first='Brayden' last='Maples'], [player_tooltip player_id='933067' first='Terrion' last='Thomas'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2136012' first='J.V.' last='Stinson'] working alongside Newman and Hobson will play key roles in this game and could be difference makers. I think the biggest key in this game is the Sevier Co. defense against the Rams offensive unit. GCA has been scoring the ball at will, moving it well both through the air and on the ground. If the road team is to win, they must find a way to slow down Hobson and his offense, otherwise the Rams will remain undefeated. I do believe this game will stay close for a while until the GCA athletic playmakers take over and make plays to push the Rams towards victory.    Game Predictions   Chris Smith: GCA 42 Sevier Co. 25    Drew Toennies: Sevier Co. 22 GCA 21    Shayne Pickering: Sevier Co. 38 GCA 31    Conner Smith: Sevier Co. 31 GCA 28   Tim Swift: Sevier Co. 24 GCA 13    Hudson Cregg: Sevier Co. 28 GCA 24    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/jvstinson.jpg?w=754" alt="" class="wp-image-2139678" style="aspect-ratio:0.7353566990654842;width:227px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    #14 Antioch (7-0) at #22 Franklin Rd. Academy (5-2) - Thursday   - The biggest test of the 2026 campaign for Antioch comes Thursday night as they travel into Nashville to take on a veteran FRA football team that provides a lot of challenges for a Bears squad facing their first ranked team on the season. The first thing to watch for in this game is the play of [player_tooltip player_id='378901' first='Andre' last='Adams']. Sitting within the Mr. Football conversation, Adams has been clean and efficient all season long but will be facing the best defense he has seen all year, spearheaded by senior standouts [player_tooltip player_id='866750' first='Keilan' last='Neal'] and [player_tooltip player_id='903954' first='Kwadir' last='Fletcher']. Seeing how the Bears offensive line holds up against the Panthers front seven will be interesting to see as FRA has the ability to get after Adams and make life difficult for him. Getting Adams outside the pocket to either make quick throws or let him loose with his legs may be an avenue to victory for the road team.    The Panthers will have their attention fully on Adams but I think the Antioch defense will have their eyes set on Fletcher. Over the past several weeks and throughout the season, the FRA senior two-way backer has been a force, a steady presence running the ball and producing a ton while anchoring the defensive second level. It's a balanced offensive approach for FRA with Fletcher carrying the football and [player_tooltip player_id='1037670' first='Jack' last='Nimitz'] providing dual threat abilities that the Antioch defense may have trouble handling. I'm very interested to see how the Bears show up and perform in this Mid-Tennessee contest as this is a great chance to prove their worth and show how legit they are as we inch closer to postseason play.    Game Predictions   Chris Smith: FRA 38 Antioch 35    Drew Toennies: FRA 34 Antioch 27    Shayne Pickering: FRA 41 Antioch 30    Conner Smith: FRA 45 Antioch 42   Tim Swift: FRA 45 Antioch 42    Hudson Cregg: FRA 35 Antioch 31    - - - - -    Lausanne (2-3) at Collierville (4-3) - Thursday   - Both these Memphis area programs are destined for the playoffs, so this game won't deter either squad from getting there but what this matchup will do is test each other and show where each is headed into postseason play. It's been tough to judge Lausanne fully this season due to injuries and other factors but the Lynx still have enough talent to give Collierville a game and potentially upset them, especially if the Dragons allow [player_tooltip player_id='1556594' first='Lawrence' last='Britt'] and others to go-off. How I see the road team winning is by running the ball and playing ball control offense. The Lynx don't have the passing attack to provide balance but do have a good O-line and enough athletes to make a difference in the run game.    The Dragons defensive line will be tested up front. Senior big men [player_tooltip player_id='1703375' first='Braylon' last='Warren'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1675675' first='Christian' last='Coleman'] will be under the spotlight to play physically in the trenches and not allow Britt and the Lynx to run the ball with ease. The defense as a whole for Lausanne will be under the spotlight as well. The Dragons have seen an offensive resurgence over the past few weeks with freshman [player_tooltip player_id='2220104' first='Dominic' last='Rocconi'] under center. His steady game play has been excellent but also allowed others like [player_tooltip player_id='1285495' first='Tae' last='Walden, Jr'], [player_tooltip player_id='378893' first='Larry' last='Johnson III'] and others to shine. Both teams need to run the ball to win as well as play clean football, meaning no turnovers and low penalties. I do like the home Dragons in this game but I'm interested to see how Lausanne competes and if they can hang into the 4th quarter with a chance to win.    Game Predictions   Chris Smith: Collierville 31 Lausanne 20    Drew Toennies: Lausanne 31 Collierville 21    Shayne Pickering: Collierville 28 Lausanne 20   Conner Smith: Collierville 27 Lausanne 20    Tim Swift: Lausanne 35 Collierville 21    Hudson Cregg: Lausanne 24 Collierville 21    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/chsdragons.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1453970" style="aspect-ratio:1.4992711876171305;width:297px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    #2 Nash. Christian (5-1) at #9 Tyner Academy (6-1)   - Two of the better small school programs in the Volunteer state face off in Chattanooga Friday night in what could be one of the more entertaining games coming out of the “Week Eight” slate. The Eagles of Nash. Christian have one blemish on the year but since that loss, they have played better football and started to look like a championship caliber team. They bring a potent offense to town, led by [player_tooltip player_id='1196806' first='Tate' last='Mathis'], [player_tooltip player_id='933063' first='Kaden' last='Grigsby'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1588776' first='Hudson' last='Smith'] that should challenge a Tyner defense that has been battle tested this year but may be facing the best offense they have seen yet. The Eagles have a balanced attack that should keep the Rams guessing but stopping their run game is critical as it would force Mathis into passing situations against an athletic Tyner Academy secondary, led by star safety [player_tooltip player_id='1565851' first='Antonio' last='Edwards'].    For the home team on the offensive side of the ball, their running game has been a steady fixture throughout the season and it needs to be strong yet again versus the Eagles. This is where I think the game will be won and lost for either squad. The Rams must lean heavily on their two headed tandem of [player_tooltip player_id='1881268' first='Jadarius' last='Hinton'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1038480' first='Dee' last='McNealy'] in this matchup while receiving strong play from [player_tooltip player_id='1592127' first='Carmello' last='Peoples'] and their offensive line. Playing ball control with the run game and keeping the Nash. Christian offense on the sidelines will be key to victory and a recipe that can work for the Rams. I'm expecting this game to stay close into the 4th quarter where I believe Tyner should win but it would not surprise me if the Eagles camp out on top as well.    Game Prediction   Chris Smith: Tyner Acad. 27 Nash. Christian 24    Drew Toennies: Tyner Acad. 28 Nash. Christian 21    Shayne Pickering: Nash. Christian 24 Tyner Acad. 20   Conner Smith: Nash. Christian 24 Tyner Acad. 20   Tim Swift: Nash. Christian 28 Tyner Acad. 27    Hudson Cregg: Nash. Christian 27 Tyner Acad. 24   - - - - -    #6 Briarcrest Christian (7-0) at #7 Brentwood Academy (5-2)   - This could be the best game of “Week Eight” as you have an undefeated Briarcrest team, ranked 6th in the state headed to Mid-Tennessee to take on a highly talented Brentwood Academy that will be looking to give the Saints their first loss of the season. It's been a magical year thus far for Briarcrest but this game with Brentwood Academy will be their biggest test of the season. The Eagles have a potent offensive unit, led by seniors [player_tooltip player_id='834810' first='Crews' last='Jenkins'], [player_tooltip player_id='723428' first='Larry' last='Sanders II'] and [player_tooltip player_id='378855' first='Kesean' last='Bowman'] that present a big challenge for a Saints defense that has been opportunistic in the secondary but lacking a pass rush up front. Getting after Jenkins and making the night difficult for him is key for the Saints and them winning this big regional road game. If he is given time to throw it to Bowman, [player_tooltip player_id='1410131' first='Lexton' last='Baskin'] and others, Briarcrest might be taking on their first loss of the 2026 campaign.    The Saints offense has a challenge as well but I feel it is equipped to score enough points to win. Junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1036114' first='Cayden' last='Dixon'] has been strong and steady all year long but so has [player_tooltip player_id='1857024' first='J.D.' last='Donaldson'], the team's top playmaker and go-to target, who is used both out wide and in the backfield. Getting him the ball and letting Donaldson work is critical towards the Saints success. The O-line, which is big and physical, needs to hold up as well versus a talented Brentwood Academy defensive front seven that will be looking to slow down Donaldson and the Saints rushing attack. It's tough to pinpoint this game and how it will play out because I could see both teams winning in multiple ways. I do lean towards the home team in this game but it would not surprise me to see Briarcrest pull off the road victory.    Game Predictions   Chris Smith: Brentwood Acad. 35 Briarcrest 25    Drew Toennies: Briarcrest 28 Brentwood Acad. 24   Shayne Pickering: Brentwood Acad. 38 Briarcrest 27   Conner Smith: Brentwood Acad. 35 Briarcrest 14   Tim Swift: Brentwood Acad. 31 Briarcrest 20    Hudson Cregg: Brentwood Acad. 42 Briarcrest 21    - - - - -    #11 Southwind (5-1) at Whitehaven (5-1)   - A region title will be on the line within this Memphis area, Class 6A matchup where I could see either Southwind or Whitehaven coming out on top as the victor. This should be a battle, a hard fought close contest that comes down to the wire between two highly talented teams that are looking to make a run after the Class 6A state title. Southwind took their first loss of the season two weeks to Briarcrest but responded nicely in their 46-6 win over Kirby in “Week Seven” while Whitehaven had a week to recoup and recover after a big non-region victory over Munford. The Tigers have more rest going into this matchup but Southwind has the edge at a few positions, mainly their offensive line, spearheaded by four future college guys in [player_tooltip player_id='1159814' first='Antonio' last='Keefer'], [player_tooltip player_id='378854' first='Chris' last='Campbell'], [player_tooltip player_id='904973' first='Zachais' last='Ratliff'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2154591' first='Micah' last='Ashby']. Generating a pass rush while stopping the run will be absolutely critical for the Whitehaven defense and their hopes at winning.    Another area where I think Whitehaven needs to have success in this game is on offense, especially with [player_tooltip player_id='1588108' first='Jour'din' last='Shelton'] and his dual threat abilities. The Jaguars defense is solid but is susceptible to give up yards and big plays on occasions. Shelton could be a difference maker in this contest with both his arm and his legs that the Jags defensive unit must account for on each play. Defensive tackle [player_tooltip player_id='1699523' first='Roosevelt' last='Bates'] needs to have a big game up front for the Jags as he can be a disruptor to cause problems for Shelton. I do see this game being high scoring but close until the 4th quarter where I'm predicting Whitehaven to finish ahead and take complete command of the region.     Game Predictions   Chris Smith: Whitehaven 24 Southwind 17    Drew Toennies: Southwind 21 Whitehaven 17   Shayne Pickering: Southwind 30 Whitehaven 28   Conner Smith: Southwind 41 Whitehaven 30   Tim Swift: Southwind 38 Whitehaven 27    Hudson Cregg: Southwind 35 Whitehaven 28    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/09/southwind-crop-822x540-1790270492.webp?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2414846" style="width:296px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    #3 Marion Co. (7-0) at Grundy Co. (6-1)   - Another region title will be on the line in this East Tennessee showdown that presents a big opportunity for Grundy Co. to make a statement versus a Marion Co. team that has their eyes on winning a state championship. The Yellow Jackets have been steady all year with only one blemish on their record. They have one of the better rushing attacks on the 2A level, led by [player_tooltip player_id='1668505' first='Vince' last='Bryant'], who could be a darkhorse candidate to become a Mr. Football semi-finalist. He will be important in this game as will the rest of the Grundy Co. offensive players as they look to continue their scoring ways against an active and physical Warriors defense that is strong in the front seven. Marion Co. does some of the best defensive work in the state at getting into the backfield, so the Grundy Co. offensive line has a tall task on their hands at knocking the Warriors defenders backwards and opening up running lanes.    The biggest thing to watch in this game is how does the Grundy Co. defense compete versus a potent Marion Co. offense, led by stud athlete [player_tooltip player_id='2065483' first='Zaiden' last='Humphrey']. The Warriors are a run based team that will ground and pound all night long, so do the Yellow Jackets have enough up front to slow them down and get the Warriors off the field? We will find out but if they don't, Marion Co. will keep their undefeated record intact while taking the region lead. I do expect this game to remain close early on and into the second half where I think Marion Co. will eventually take over and run out the clock to victory. Regardless of the result, I do think this game will help both teams prepare for the playoffs where running the ball and defense plays big factors.    Game Predictions   Chris Smith: Marion Co. 35 Grundy Co. 20    Drew Toennies: Marion Co. 14 Grundy Co. 3   Shayne Pickering: Marion Co. 38 Grundy Co. 21    Conner Smith: Marion Co. 21 Grundy Co. 7   Tim Swift: Marion Co. 24 Grundy Co. 13    Hudson Cregg: Marion Co. 28 Grundy Co. 10   - - - - -    Boyd Buchanan (4-2) at Silverdale (3-3)   - Coming off a big upset win over Lakeway Christian last week, Silverdale has another big one on deck this Friday night as they host cross town rival Boyd Buchanan in what should be a statement game for both Chattanooga area football teams. Being this late into the season, we will know which one of these teams are headed in the right direction and which one continues to show faults that may put them out early in the playoffs. The Seahawks are better than their 3-3 record may show but still have some deficiencies that Boyd Buchanan could exploit. If the Buccaneers are to win this game, leaning on [player_tooltip player_id='2132913' first='Jack' last='Ferguson'] and their run game could be the answer. Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='2371887' first='Andrew' last='Rivers'] is talented but has struggled of late, so leaning on the run game might be the path to victory for the road team.    The Seahawks have been solid on defense all year and will need another strong performance Friday evening. They will also need a good night from [player_tooltip player_id='1535798' first='Connor' last='Jenne'] and the offense. The Silverdale offense has been hit or miss throughout the season but appears to be finding their groove late in the season. Boyd Buchanan will need to generate pressure on Jenne and force him into quick passes. If he is allowed time to scan the secondary, it could turn into a long night for the Buccaneers. This game is tough to pinpoint as both teams have a shot to win while both have shown the ability to lose when it wasn't expected. Whoever wins the turnover battle while running the ball to succession, will gain an edge and win this regional contest.    Game Predictions   Chris Smith: Silverdale 28 Boyd Buchanan 17    Drew Toennies: Boyd Buchanan 17 Silverdale 14    Shayne Pickering: Silverdale 24 Boyd Buchanan 21    Conner Smith: Boyd Buchanan 21 Silverdale 10   Tim Swift: Boyd Buchanan 28 Silverdale 17    Hudson Cregg: Boyd Buchanan 21 Silverdale 14    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/03/Photo-Mar-06-2026-12-11-49-PM-crop-1320x867-1772820827.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2146231" style="width:292px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Silverdale QB [player_tooltip player_id='1535798' first='Connor' last='Jenne'] during a game. Photo from his Instagram.</figcaption></figure>   - - - - -    #22 Jackson Co. (6-1) at Cannon Co. (5-2)   - Barring a miracle, winning the region title is not in the cards for Jackson Co. or Cannon Co. this Friday night but finishing in second place is, so this is a big game for placement in the playoffs. Both teams are coming off victories in “Week Seven” and both are feeling confident about themselves, especially on the offensive side of the ball where quarterbacks [player_tooltip player_id='2001531' first='Colt' last='Loftis'] (JC) and [player_tooltip player_id='1614250' first='Corbin' last='Garrett'] (CC) are spinning the ball at a high level. Both teams will need their quarterbacks to continue throwing the ball well in this matchup to win but would also gain an edge if either running game could be established. That's the area where both these Mid-Tennessee teams have struggled this year. That leads me to think that the line of scrimmage will play a big role and whoever wins that battle, should win the game.   The difference maker could be [player_tooltip player_id='1591156' first='Zeke' last='Walkup']. Currently committed to Maryland, Walkup has nearly been held quiet for most of the year but appears to be coming on late in the season. He is a natural pass rusher that presents a lot of issues for the Blue Devils offensive line. Walkup is a good reason why Jackson Co. must establish somewhat of a run game to come out on top. Providing a balanced offensive attack is critical for the Blue Devils but so too will be for Cannon County. This is a hard game to predict as both teams are equipped to win but they both have weaknesses that could be exploited as well. I do lean towards Cannon Co. but I can easily see Jackson Co. being the better team. All that said, this should be a fun but close game that isn't settled till the 4th quarter.    Game Predictions   Chris Smith: Jackson Co. 23 Cannon Co. 20   Drew Toennies: Jackson Co. 28 Cannon Co. 20   Shayne Pickering: Jackson Co. 28 Cannon Co. 24   Conner Smith: Jackson Co. 31 Cannon Co. 10   Tim Swift: Jackson Co. 27 Cannon Co. 23    Hudson Cregg: Jackson Co. 30 Cannon Co. 10   - - - - -    Seymour (6-1) at Northview Academy (4-3)   - This East Tennessee matchup could play a big role when it comes to making the playoffs, especially for Northview Academy. The Cougars sit at 2-2 within the region and need one more win to almost solidify themselves with a playoff spot. Seymour has nearly guaranteed themselves a postseason berth but a slip up against Northview might lower their chances. Neither team can afford to lose but someone must, which makes this regional contest huge for both the Eagles and the Cougars. Getting off to a fast start for either squad will be key as will stopping the oppositions run game. The line of scrimmage will play a big part in this game and could be the area of the field where this matchup is won or lost. Seymour has the edge up front when it comes to overall talent but Northview is no slouch and I expect them to be ready to go.    Having this game on the Cougars home field helps give them an edge but I don't expect Seymour to be intimidated by their surroundings. The Eagles have performed well this year, winning two games on the road already while taking victories in several ways. They have an up and coming quarterback in [player_tooltip player_id='2371898' first='Levi' last='Carlson'] that has made a difference on their offense. Keeping him in-check is key for the Cougars defense and their hopes of winning. Northview must find a way to generate points because I expect Seymour to score. I give the edge to the Eagles but they must be focused and not allow the Cougars to gain confidence in the run game, otherwise the road could take their second loss of the season.    Game Predictions   Chris Smith: Seymour 32 Northview Acad. 23    Drew Toennies: Northview Acad. 24 Seymour 21    Shayne Pickering: Seymour 41 Northview Acad. 17    Conner Smith: Seymour 27 Northview Acad. 24    Tim Swift: Northview Acad. 28 Seymour 20    Hudson Cregg: Seymour 30 Northview Acad. 24    - - - - -    Other Top Week Eight Matchups   - Signal Mountain (3-4) at East Ridge (5-2)   - Austin-East (4-2) at Gatlinburg-Pittman (4-3)   - Cumberland Gap (5-2) at Happy Valley (6-1)   - Tenn. High (5-2) at Morristown-West (3-3)   - Chuckey-Doak (5-2) at Volunteer (3-3)     - Forrest (7-0) at Cascade (3-3)   - Kirkwood (6-1) at Creek Wood (3-4)   - MBA (6-1) at Father Ryan (3-4)   - Page (6-1) at Independence (3-4) - Thurs.   - Stone Memorial (3-4) at Livingston Acad. (4-3)   - Montgomery Cent. (6-1) at Marshall Co. (2-5) - Thurs.   - Gordonsville (6-1) at Trousdale Co. (3-4)     - Houston (3-4) at Arlington (5-2) - Thurs.   - Cordova (3-3) at Bartlett (3-4) - Thurs.   - Dresden (3-4) at Greenfield (4-3)   - South Fulton (5-1) at Lake Co. (4-2)   - Kirby (3-4) at Lakeland Prep (4-3) - Thurs.   - Memp. Overton (4-3) at Munford (5-1)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/user-uploads/Corbin-Garrett-tn-29.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1614249" style="width:244px;height:auto" /></figure>