Week Seven Top Matchups/Game Predictions

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The slate this week isn't as strong as weeks past but important games will still take place, including the ten we have listed below. We have a few potential region games taking place this week that have championship implications while some others present opportunities to get better and fine tune themselves as we inch closer to postseason play. Here we breakdown the top ten matchups of "Week Seven" while providing our expert predictions for each game. </h2>     #6 Briarcrest Christian (6-0) at Christian Brothers (4-2)   - Two Memphis area rivals face-off here in “Week Seven” with the home Purple Wave team looking to play spoiler and put an end to the Saints undefeated season. Briarcrest is coming off an impressive win over Southwind while Christian Brothers got back to their winning ways over PURE Academy after a two game losing streak. The Saints are playing at a high level right now with tons of confidence, led by [player_tooltip player_id='1036114' first='Cayden' last='Dixon'], [player_tooltip player_id='1857024' first='J.D.' last='Donaldson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1407745' first='Caden' last='Sage'] and an offense that is well balanced. Their defense has been stout too but vulnerable at times and that's where I think the Purple Wave have a shot, especially if [player_tooltip player_id='1717494' first='Nate' last='Brick'] is given time to operate. While the Saints are the better team right now, Christian Brothers may have talent with better long term potential. Playmakers like [player_tooltip player_id='2236291' first='Ezra' last='Caswell'], [player_tooltip player_id='2219614' first='Elliot' last='Caswell'] and others will be needed to excel Friday night for the home team to compete and have a shot at winning late in the contest.   Well many, including myself, have Briarcrest as the favorite in this game but you can't sleep on the Purple Wave and their abilities to pull off the upset. These are two talented teams with players that can be game changers. The Saints have more of a veteran squad compared to Christian Brothers, which I think gives them an edge in this game but the Purple Wave are at home, playing their rivals, so you can bet they will be up for this game. I foresee a high scoring affair here with both teams going punch for punch until the Saints pull away in the end and maintain their undefeated season. This game will be closer than some may expect but a good test for Briarcrest and their hopes of competing for a D2-Class AAA state championship.    Game Predictions   Chris Smith: Briarcrest 34 Chrst. Brothers 23    Drew Toennies: Briarcrest 31 Chrst. Brothers 21   Shayne Pickering: Briarcrest 45 Chrst. Brothers 17   Conner Smith: Briarcrest 31 Chrst. Brothers 27   Tim Swift: Briarcrest 31 Chrst. Brothers 17   Hudson Cregg: Briarcrest 35 Chrst. Brothers 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:238px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Boyd Buchanan (4-1) at #20 GCA (5-0)   - It's been a near dominating season thus far for Grace Christian-Knoxville and a campaign that has them in-line to win their region while also placing themselves as a top state title contender once we get to the playoffs. They may have a speed bump in front of them Friday night as they host Boyd Buchanan, a young but talented ball club that has only taken one loss on the season thus far. The Buccaneers have a tough task on their hands with GCA, especially dealing with an offense that has been explosive and high scoring this year, led by senior standouts [player_tooltip player_id='1292341' first='Corbin' last='Hobson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='933067' first='Terrion' last='Thomas']. The Rams defense is no slouch either. They have a strong front seven, spearheaded by seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1038498' first='Will' last='Pasley'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1587377' first='Jackson' last='Coffey'] that will be geared at slowing down [player_tooltip player_id='2132913' first='Jack' last='Ferguson'] and the Boyd Buchanan rushing attack. Running the ball is key for the Bucs as it will sustain offensive drives and keep the Rams offense on the sidelines and out of the end zone.    Boyd Buchanan also needs a big game from [player_tooltip player_id='2371887' first='Andrew' last='Rivers'], a sophomore quarterback with college level abilities and upside. His passing could become an X-Factor in this game as long as he is on point and is allowed time to throw by the Buccaneers offensive line. The Rams don't have a top level pass rush, so Rivers athleticism and power right arm could be a difference maker in this region contest. As said above, the running game for Boyd will be critical as well. While the Bucs have some talent and a slight chance at pulling off the upset, I do like the Rams in this game due to the veteran core and playmakers. Boyd Buchanan must keep this game close early for a shot at winning but if the Rams are able to get off to a fast start, this matchup may turn into another blowout for the home team.    Game Predictions   Chris Smith: GCA 38 Boyd Buchanan 17   Drew Toennies: GCA 24 Boyd Buchanan 17   Shayne Pickering: GCA 42 Boyd Buchanan 17   Conner Smith: GCA 35 Boyd Buchanan 20   Tim Swift: GCA 28 Boyd Buchanan 20   Hudson Cregg: GCA 32 Boyd Buchanan 17   - - - - -    #24 FRA (4-2) at Goodpasture (6-0)   - This game has my attention simply for the fact that Goodpasture is undefeated and confident, hosting an FRA team that is coming off a close, hard fought loss to a rival school. Seeing how the Panthers bounce back after the loss will be interesting to see because they need to be re-focused or their third loss of the season is coming. The Cougars don't have as much overall talent compared to FRA but they have enough guys like [player_tooltip player_id='2071467' first='Chase' last='Angell'], [player_tooltip player_id='903798' first='Slim' last='Leavell'] and others that can be difference makers and provide fits for the Panthers. I think the biggest key for the home team to pull off the win is running the ball with consistency while stopping [player_tooltip player_id='903954' first='Kwadir' last='Fletcher'] and the Panthers rushing attack. It's all about the line of scrimmage for me in this contest and whoever wins the trench battle, will pick up a big region victory.    Another X-Factor I foresee in this game are the playmakers, especially Leavell at Goodpasture and [player_tooltip player_id='1538206' first='Remello' last='Armstrong'] at Franklin Road Academy. Those two are athletic dudes that can change a game within a heartbeat, so both teams will need to keep those guys in mind and not let either guy get loose. This will be the biggest challenge of the season thus far for Goodpasture. Through six games, the Cougars have looked good, played strong football but the Panthers will test them more than anybody else has this year. If the Cougars can hang tough early and make adjustments along the way, I like their chances to hang into the game late but eventually, I feel like FRA has too much offensive firepower and talent in the trenches for Goodpasture to pull off the upset.    Game Predictions   Chris Smith: FRA 35 Goodpasture 20   Drew Toennies: FRA 31 Goodpasture 17   Shayne Pickering: FRA 41 Goodpasture 16   Conner Smith: FRA 42 Goodpasture 17   Tim Swift: FRA 49 Goodpasture 21    Hudson Cregg: FRA 38 Goodpasture 14   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/06/43-Kwadir-Fletcher-rotated-crop-2832x1860-1766010568.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2085009" style="width:273px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: FRA ATH [player_tooltip player_id='903954' first='Kwadir' last='Fletcher'] at a Prep Redzone camp.</figcaption></figure>   - - - - -    #2 Alcoa (6-0) at South Doyle (5-1)   - The region title is on the line in this East Tennessee matchup that sees the undefeated Tornadoes on the road against a surprising 5-1 South Doyle team that has played above their head this year. The Cherokees have been one of the more surprising teams from the 2026 season up to this point but their biggest challenge of the year comes Friday night, hosting a highly talented Alcoa team that has been near unstoppable. Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='2058759' first='Thomas' last='Manu'] is a little banged up right now but is expected to play and if he performs at a high level, it will be a long night for South Doyle. The Cherokees defensive front seven must get pressure on him and make things difficult for them to have a shot at staying in this game. They also must key on [player_tooltip player_id='904844' first='Micah' last='Jones'] and the Tornadoes run game. South Doyle has to put Alcoa into long 3rd down distances and make Manu beat them with his arm for them to have a shot at pulling off what would be one of the biggest upsets of the season.    Over on the offensive side of the ball for South Doyle, leaning on their run game to sustain long drives and keep the Alcoa offense on the sidelines is key. The Cherokees must play a ball control game and lean on their defense to get the job done. It's a tall task for the home team because Alcoa doesn't have many weaknesses and I don't expect them to overlook the 5-1 South Doyle football team. I do see a scenario where the Cherokees keep this game close early on with a shot at getting ahead late but honestly, I think the Tornadoes are too good. Alcoa should handle business as usual and march into South Doyle to not only beat them but do so by a wide margin and maintain their regional lead.    Game Prediction   Chris Smith: Alcoa 45 South Doyle 17   Drew Toennies: Alcoa 24 South Doyle 14   Shayne Pickering: Alcoa 38 South Doyle 10   Conner Smith: Alcoa 38 South Doyle 21   Tim Swift: Alcoa 42 South Doyle 24   Hudson Cregg: Alcoa 42 South Doyle 24   - - - - -    Liberty Creek (5-1) at Springfield (5-1)   - Coming off their first loss of the season last week, Springfield must gather themselves and focus as they host an upstart Liberty Creek team that is playing with a lot of confidence right now and won't be intimidated by the home field advantage. The Wolves have steadily gotten better each week and continued to enhance their game play. They are led by [player_tooltip player_id='1563275' first='Barrett' last='O'Brien'], [player_tooltip player_id='1190424' first='Marsia' last='Hale'] and their offense, which is a unit that will need to play at a high level this Friday night to keep up with the athleticism and talent that comes with Springfield. The Yellow Jackets have a well balanced ball club that leans on playmakers like [player_tooltip player_id='1588080' first='Kason' last='Woodson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1193376' first='Jermaine' last='Cobbins'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2219922' first='Amiron' last='Leavell']. The home team also has a strong defensive team that has kept offenses in-check most of the year. The Wolves do present a challenge and if they are able to move the ball at will, defeating the Yellow Jackets on their home turf is possible.    Where I think this game is won and lost for both teams is when Springfield has the ball and Liberty Creek is on defense. The Yellow Jackets are a run first team that will use the play action pass to open things up. The Wolves must be aware of their run game and do their best to limit big plays and force Springfield into long down and distances. Woodson can spin it but forcing him to throw it more often than not may prove to be a recipe that works for the road team. Liberty Creek must be focused from the jump and not allow themselves to get behind early, otherwise it may turn into a long night for them. If they can battle and get themselves within striking distance late into the game, the Wolves will have a shot at winning. I do like the home team in this matchup and think they will win by double digits but I can see a scenario where Liberty Creek pulls off the road upset.    Game Predictions   Chris Smith: Springfield 28 Liberty Creek 17   Drew Toennies: Springfield 28 Liberty Creek 14   Shayne Pickering: Springfield 28 Liberty Creek 17   Conner Smith: Springfield 30 Liberty Creek 20   Tim Swift: Springfield 31 Liberty Creek 17   Hudson Cregg: Springfield 32 Liberty Creek 24   - - - - -    Anderson Co. (4-2) at Gibbs (5-1) - Thursday   - The “Week Seven” slate kicks off Thursday night with this big inner-region matchup between two hopeful playoff teams that are eyeing second place behind Alcoa. After starting slow this season, Anderson Co. has reeled off four wins in a row while Gibbs has been steady all year with their only loss coming to the Tornadoes. This game is a battle between quarterbacks with [player_tooltip player_id='723014' first='J.D.' last='Gillum'] from Anderson Co. and Gibbs junior signal caller Keith Jones. How those two play is how good both teams will perform. Both offenses have the capabilities of putting up a lot of points, so I'm expecting a high scoring affair in this game that may not be settled till late in the 4th quarter. Getting off to a fast start for both teams may prove key, which would provide distance on the scoreboard and allow for non-scoring drives and mistakes to occur   Defense will be important in this region matchup. Getting stops or generating turnovers could be the difference in who wins and loses. GIbbs has more balance with their offense as they mix the run and pass while Anderson Co. loves to spread it out and get the ball to their playmakers as quickly as possible. This is an interesting contrast of styles at play here that I'm interested to see which ones win out in the end. Both quarterbacks are true playmakers, so I'm expecting both Gillum and Jones to excel but they need help. As it was said above, I expect this game to go deep into the 4th quarter before one of the teams makes a play and takes control. I do lean towards the home team in this game but only by a slight margin, so it wouldn't surprise me to see Anderson Co. come out on top and keep their region title hopes alive.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/09/jdgillum2.jpeg?w=730" alt="" class="wp-image-2423131" style="aspect-ratio:0.7128948150103964;width:194px;height:auto" /></figure>   Game Predictions   Chris Smith: Anderson Co. 34 Gibbs 31    Drew Toennies: Anderson Co. 17 Gibbs 14   Shayne Pickering: Anderson Co. 17 Gibbs 14   Conner Smith: Gibbs 27 Anderson Co. 24   Tim Swift: Anderson Co. 28 Gibbs 21   Hudson Cregg: Gibbs 24 Anderson Co. 21   - - - - -    #12 Jackson Christian (6-0) at Trinity Chrst. Academy (4-1)   - Through six games this season, Jackson Christian has been money. The Eagles have played winning football all year long but haven't really been tested too much. They may receive their biggest of the season Friday night as they go across town to face a regional rival in Trinity Christian. The Lions took it on the chin a few weeks ago to USJ but hopefully they are equipped for the Eagles, which gives them a great opportunity to prove their worth and show they are capable of competing with top tier teams. They have some playmakers in [player_tooltip player_id='2141935' first='Lake' last='Helton'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1618410' first='Cameron' last='Hardin'] that can be difference makers and cause problems for an Eagles defense that has been rock solid all year long. Scoring the ball for Trinity will be key as I expect Jackson Christian to put points on the board and force the home team to keep up.    The Eagles have been explosive at times with [player_tooltip player_id='1613258' first='Karson' last='Scott'] at quarterback and [player_tooltip player_id='1580777' first='Kelsey' last='Rose Jr.'] being their big play threat from his tight end position. They have been able to run the ball with consistency as well with senior Jay Pirtle. The biggest X-Factor in this game will be how well the Trinity Christian defense performs and how much they are able to force Scott into throwing down and distances. He is young and prone to make some mistakes and that's where I think the home team can gain an edge. If the Eagles are able to run the ball at will, it may turn into a long night for the Lions but if they can bottle him up and make this a slug it out contest, they have a shot to win. Jackson Christian is the favorite and has the upper hand in this game but I'm interested to see how Trinity Christian performs and if they are ready for another big moment.    Game Predictions   Chris Smith: Jackson Chrst. 28 TCA 20   Drew Toennies: TCA 21 Jackson Chrst. 20   Shayne Pickering: TCA 23 Jackson Chrst. 17   Conner Smith: TCA 21 Jackson Chrst. 17   Tim Swift: TCA 24 Jackson Chrst. 17   Hudson Cregg: TCA 24 Jackson Chrst. 17   - - - - -    White House-Heritage (3-3) at #18 Whites Creek (4-1)   - Even though the Patriots come into this game with a .500 record, they have a big opportunity on their hands Friday night as the region title is on the line and if they can defeat Whites Creek, they will be in the driver seat to become a champion. It's been an up and down year for Heritage but yet they still sit in a position to win their region and make postseason play. They need a big game from their top players in this contest, especially top level action from [player_tooltip player_id='317160' first='Xavier' last='Murray'], [player_tooltip player_id='2233990' first='Jalen' last='Hamilton'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1726932' first='Bradley' last='Butler'], who are the team's top college prospects. Those three along with many others must perform above their head against an athletic, talented Whites Creek team that has been stellar on defense this year, allowing a total of 75 points on the season. The Patriots have struggled to score points at times but that can't happen Friday night if they want to knock off the Cobras.    Offense is the story as well for Whites Creek. Even though they have college talent like [player_tooltip player_id='1580784' first='Deon' last='Barnes'], De'Aires Holland and others, the Cobras have struggled to finish drives and score points. They have a chance to change that narrative in this game as Heritage doesn't have the secondary athletes to keep up with their receivers, so throwing the ball more often than not may be the key to victory. Everything points towards Whites Creek being the victor and remaining on top of the region but the fact their offense has struggled at times gives me pause. The Patriots need an offensive explosion as well. I'm leaning on both defenses doing enough to keep both teams in the game where the Cobras should do just enough to get by and win this region matchup.    Game Predictions   Chris Smith: Whites Creek 20 WH-Heritage 17   Drew Toennies: Whites Creek 21 WH-Heritage 14   Shayne Pickering: Whites Creek 27 WH-Heritage 20   Conner Smith: Whites Creek 31 WH-Heritage 28   Tim Swift: Whites Creek 23 WH-Heritage 20   Hudson Cregg: Whites Creek 34 WH-Heritage 28   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/user-uploads/dholland-crop-319x210-1779906519.jpg?w=318" alt="" class="wp-image-2217231" style="width:265px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Whites Creek WR [player_tooltip player_id='1687542' first='De'Aries' last='Holland'] during a game. Photo from his Instagram.</figcaption></figure>   - - - - -    Hillsboro (4-2) at #23 Nolensville (6-0)   - As we head into “Week Seven”, one of the biggest surprises so far in the season are the Nolensville Knights. They head into their home matchup with region foe Hillsboro undefeated at 6-0 and have steadily gotten better each week. The Knights are led by their defense that showcases a few college level guys like [player_tooltip player_id='1607186' first='Jake' last='Sentell'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2139595' first='Andrew' last='Harrison'] that have performed well in the trenches and provided physical game play up front. Their offense has been a work in progress all year but has established an identity running the ball with quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='2340838' first='Ryan' last='Newell']. Right now, everything is clicking for the Knights but each week presents a new challenge and this Friday it's the Burros, an upstart team that didn't have much expectations going into the year but has played good football, sitting with a 4-2 record and showing signs of improvement each week.    If the road wants to give Nolensville their first loss of the season, Hillsboro must establish the ground game and play ball control offense. The Knights don't have an explosive offense but they themselves control the ball with the run game and try to keep possession as long as possible. The Burros defense can't get into long drives with Nolensville, otherwise it will be a long night for them. They must stop the Knights run game on first and second downs to force them into passing situations and make them win through the air. Neither team has a high octane passing attack, so I'm expecting this game to be a defensive affair that keeps points to a minimum. I'm interested to see how Hillsboro performs in this game and if they can do enough right things to win. I do like Nolensville here but they certainly can't sleep on the Burros, otherwise their undefeated season is gone.    Game Predictions   Chris Smith: Nolensville 28 Hillsboro 14   Drew Toennies: Nolensville 24 Hillsboro 17   Shayne Pickering: Nolensville 28 Hillsboro 13   Conner Smith: Nolensville 21 Hillsboro 20   Tim Swift: Nolensville 21 Hillsboro 10   Hudson Cregg: Nolensville 24 Hillsboro 21    - - - - -    McMinn Co. (4-2) at Knox. Central (5-1)   - This game won't move the needle when it comes to winning region championships but it will provide each team an opportunity to get better against quality competition and battle test them further for postseason action. Knox. Central is coming off their first loss of the season and it was a battle, a close defeat that might have some down spirits but they can't look back, the Bobcats must move forward and get back on track. They have a high caliber offense, led by Mr. Football candidate [player_tooltip player_id='1104268' first='Kaden' last='Long'] and explosive wideouts on the outside with [player_tooltip player_id='1597007' first='J.J.' last='Sackie'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1187259' first='Rondell' last='North'] that can produce a lot of points. The Cherokees defense has a big challenge on their hands Friday evening but they have performed well against bigger programs this year. The Bobcats however might be the best offense they have seen this season, so they must bring their “A” game for a chance at winning.    I see multiple ways that McMinn Co. could pull off the road upset. I lean more towards them leaning on the run to shorten up the game and keep the Bobcats offense on the sidelines. There may be a scenario where they must go score for score with Knox. Central, so asking [player_tooltip player_id='2089187' first='Luke' last='Lawson'], Maddox Frazier and the passing attack to excel may be what they have to do. I don't like the Cherokees' chances if they have to play keep up on offense. If the Bobcats are still snake bitten from last week, the road team has a shot but ultimately, I think Knox. Central has too much firepower and a better team overall for McMinn Co. to win this non-region East Tennessee matchup.    Game Predictions   Chris Smith: Knox. Central 42 McMinn Co. 21    Drew Toennies: Knox. Central 34 McMinn Co. 28   Shayne Pickering: Knox. Central 45 McMinn Co. 17   Conner Smith: Knox. Central 38 McMinn Co. 21   Tim Swift: McMinn Co. 28 Knox. Central 24    Hudson Cregg: Knox. Central 35 McMinn Co. 24   - - - - -    Other Top Week Six Matchups   East Tennessee   #3 Marion Co. (6-0) at #19 Bledsoe Co. (5-1)   #18 Greeneville (6-0) at Cherokee (4-2)   Bradley Cent. (3-3) at #25 Cleveland (5-1)   Tenn. High (5-1) at David Crockett (3-3)   Tellico Plains (2-3) at Eagleton (3-3)   Ensworth (3-3) at #10 Knox. Catholic (5-1)   #1 Baylor (6-0) at McCallie (3-3)   Kingston (4-2) at McMinn Central (4-1)   #22 Jellico (6-0) at North Greene (2-3)   #16 Lakeway Chrst. (6-0) at Silverdale (2-3)   Austin-East (4-1) at Sweetwater (4-1)   Northview Acad. (3-3) at Volunteer (3-2)   - - -   Middle Tennessee   #19 Friendship Chrst. (5-1) at DCA (4-2)   Stratford (3-2) at East Nashville (3-3)   Cascade (3-2) at Giles Co. (3-2)   Houston Co. (4-2) at Hickman Co. (3-3)   Ravenwood (4-2) at Independence (3-3)   Trousdale Co. (3-3) at #24 Jackson Co. (5-1)   Father Ryan (3-3) at #15 Lipscomb Acad. (4-2)   #21 Gallatin (6-0) at Mt. Juliet (3-3) - Thurs.    James Lawson (4-2) at #19 Page (5-1)   #3 Oakland (5-1) at Rockvale (4-2) - Thurs.    #4 Riverdale (5-1) at Smyrna (4-2) - Thurs.   Macon Co. (5-1) at Stone Memorial (3-3)   Livingston Acad. (4-2) at Upperman (4-2)   Sequatchie Co. (3-3) at Watertown (3-3)   - - -    West Tennessee   Adamsville (4-1) at Mt. Pleasant (3-3)   Pearl Cohn (3-3) at Bartlett (3-3)   Arlington (5-1) at Cordova (2-3)   Crockett Co. (5-1) at Dyersburg (4-2) - Thurs.   Greenfield (4-2) at #14 Humboldt (6-0)   Hardin Co. (3-3) at Jackson North-Side (4-2) - Thurs.    #8 Memp. Central (6-0) at Memp. Overton (4-2)   Union City (3-3) at Milan (4-2)   McNairy Cent. (3-3) at Obion Co. (3-3)   #7 Huntingdon (6-0) at Riverside (4-2)   Lexington (6-0) at South Gibson (3-3)   Marshall Co. (2-4) at #13 USJ (5-1)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/kcentral-crop-878x576-1758835340.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1908460" style="width:284px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Knox. Central S&C</figcaption></figure>