#TNHSFB Playoffs: Private School Semifinal Breakdown/Predictions

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">We have multiple strong matchups this week within the "Private School" ranks with a few of them pitting undefeated teams against each other. Get prepared for these games below w/ our D2-Class A, AA &amp; AAA preview &amp; predictions!</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>D2-Class A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nash. Christian </strong>(10-1) at <strong>Jackson Christian </strong>(10-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DCA </strong>(10-2) at <strong>Columbia Academy </strong>(9-3)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Some could say that NCS versus Jackson Christian is your de facto D2-Class A championship game taking place here in the semifinals. Both Eagles teams could be considered the top two squads coming out of this classification but only one can advance to Chattanooga. Nash. Christian brings a well balanced team to the field Friday night with an explosive offense led by Mr. Football candidate, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402548' first='Jared' last='Curtis']</strong>. The state's top quarterback prospect for the #TN2026 has a nice set of receivers to throw at with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='284142' first='Bryson' last='Holt']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='933063' first='Kaden' last='Grigsby'] </strong>and others.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jackson Christian almost brings the exact same team to the field but is more balanced on offense where they mix things up between the run and the pass. They are able to do that because of the talent between <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='390711' first='Austin' last='Kelley'] </strong>at quarterback, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219345' first='Jaylen' last='Mosley'] </strong>at receiver and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1474355' first='Maurice' last='Lawrence'] </strong>rushing in the backfield. The Eagles from out West can be just as explosive as Nash. Christian, so whichever defense is able to get stops, should find an edge towards victory. Watching the NCS offensive line against a good Jackson Christian defensive line I feel will be the area to watch in this contest.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1563077,"width":"287px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/kgrigsby.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1563077" style="width:287px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We have a rematch from earlier this season in our other D2-Class A semifinal matchup between the visiting Wildcats and the home Bulldogs. About mid-way through the 2024 campaign, Columbia Academy took down DCA, 28-7 but it's a new season and new opportunity for the Wildcats. Both these teams know what's on the line here, so I expect both to come in prepared due to the familiarity. Going into the matchup, the home Bulldogs are seen as the favorite but DCA has some dudes in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='445181' first='Mitchell' last='Carey'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='284144' first='Carson' last='Sneed'] </strong>that can be difference makers.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Slowing the combination of Carey and Sneed will be key. Getting pressure on Carey will be important as well and that's an area I think the Bulldogs can have success. The road team will have a challenge in slowing down <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1002753' first='Montae' last='Baldwin']</strong>. This senior ball carrier has been playing strong ball here of late but so has two-way talent <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='839988' first='Harrison' last='Brownlee']</strong>. These two seniors are important in this game and the rest of the way, if the Bulldogs can win on Friday. While I think this game will be closer than before, I still like Columbia Academy in this matchup and their chances at making it to the D2-Class A title game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Predicted Championship Matchup</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nash. Christian vs. Columbia Academy&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>D2-Class AA</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Battle Ground Academy </strong>(10-2) at <strong>Franklin Road Academy </strong>(11-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Boyd Buchanan </strong>(12-0) at <strong>CPA </strong>(12-0)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Both games set for the semi's here on the D2-Class AA level look to be excellent matchups between four state title contending teams with only two being able to advance. The first contest is a rematch from earlier this season where FRA ran all over BGA in their 39-14 win over the Wildcats but maybe this time around it's different. The Wildcats have a talented ball club with several college level players that have the capabilities of upending FRA and advancing. Their game plan to defeat the Panthers must be different and they must find a way to slow down <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1106238' first='Michael' last='Hassell'] </strong>and the FRA rushing attack.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the first contest, the Panthers had their way running the ball on the Wildcats defense. The BGA front seven with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='866788' first='Nate' last='Fleming']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='902956' first='Justice' last='Pittman']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='902961' first='Jayden' last='Cannon']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103031' first='Elijah' last='Fernandez'] </strong>have to put forth better performances in this game and they have the capability of doing so. Offensively, junior quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='914547' first='Kaedyn' last='Marable'] </strong>has to play one of his better games of the year. He can be a game changer but so can the Panthers defense with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='866750' first='Keilan' last='Neal'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='903033' first='Omarii' last='Sanders'] </strong>leading the way. It will be interesting to see what changes the BGA staff makes for this game and what they can do at finding a way past the Panthers.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two undefeated teams square off in Nashville with Boyd Buchanan traveling north to face off with the defending D2-Class AA champs in Christ Presbyterian Academy in a game I could see going several different ways. These are two well coached teams that do all the little things right while playing a physical brand of ball. The Lions could be seen as the favorite but with Coach <strong>Gary Rankin</strong> at the helm, you certainly can't count out the Bucs. One thing you will see in this game is running the football as both teams bring a strong rushing attack to the field, spearheaded by star backs <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1335216' first='Rawls' last='Patterson'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402534' first='David' last='Green']</strong>. They both have good offensive lines as well, so a lot will be put on the Lions and Bucs defenses to slow down the run game and get off the field.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1563078,"width":"325px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/cpa2.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1563078" style="width:325px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The skill players out wide could be the difference for both teams in winning or losing. Both have a nice group of playmakers out wide to utilize in multiple ways. Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='824736' first='Owen' last='Cabell'] </strong>may be the best overall player on the field but Boyd Buchanan sports a veteran core at receiver with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1209539' first='Jayden' last='Moore']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1209535' first='Hudson' last='Wamack']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1209527' first='Darin' last='Shannon'] </strong>that could prove to be difference makers. The road Bucs have a senior laden team that could go into CPA and knock off the Lions but until it's actually done, I have to go with the home Lions and them advancing to the championship game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Predicted Championship Matchup</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Franklin Road Academy vs. Christ Presbyterian Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>D2-Class AAA&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brentwood Academy </strong>(8-3) at <strong>Baylor </strong>(11-0)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>McCallie </strong>(9-2) at <strong>Ensworth </strong>(11-0)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- For the second time this year, Brentwood Academy and Baylor will meet up with each other for a spot in the title game with the Eagles being one team on the Red Raiders schedule this year that almost beat them. These two teams played to a 7-6 finish back in late September where Baylor had some struggles versus the Eagles defense but let me state that the first matchup was played through some terrible weather and that could have made a difference. We will find out Friday if the previous game was a one-off or can Brentwood Academy put up another fight and possibly topple the Red Raiders?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1207979,"width":"281px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/jlowenberg.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1207979" style="width:281px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The state's top ranked player in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219419' first='George' last='MacIntyre'] </strong>must put forth his best performance to date as he will be facing possibly the best defense in the state, led by seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1206015' first='Joel' last='Lowenberg']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='923598' first='Bradley' last='Ilunga-Bisselele'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1110937' first='Davis' last='Garrett']</strong>. The Eagles offensive line with their push in the run game and protection of MacIntyre will be of most importance in finding victory. I expect a better game offensively from Baylor where they may lean on <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1058887' first='Shekai' last='Mills-Knight']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1210671' first='David' last='Gabriel-Georges'] </strong>and their rushing attack to lead the way. Even though I think Brentwood Academy will battle and compete hard, I have to give the edge to the Red Raiders in this re-match.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Possibly the best overall game from this week's playoff slate is McCallie coming to Nashville to face off with an undefeated Ensworth team that has their eyes on a trip to Chattanooga. Standing in their way is a good Blue Tornado team that has had a few struggles but overall has played strong football. They are led by their defense, spearheaded by a talented secondary with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219372' first='Carson' last='Lawrence']</strong>, <strong>De'Shun Tipton </strong>and others. The defensive front seven is solid too, led by fierce tackling linebacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1545797' first='Philippe' last='Robert']</strong>. McCallie will be the biggest challenge of the season to this point for Ensworth but I think they are well equipped to battle with the defending D2-Class AAA state champs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Tigers have made their money this season with defense and it's a strong unit that sports college talent like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1547440' first='Ethan' last='Utley']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219426' first='Sam' last='Haley'] </strong>and others that can lead them to a “Gold Ball.” They will need to bring their “A-plus” game Friday night with a challenge at slowing down <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='986024' first='Keeyshawn' last='Tabuteau'] </strong>and getting pressure on junior quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1467540' first='Elliott' last='Drapeau']</strong>. If the Tigers front seven can do those things, I expect Ensworth to advance but you certainly can not sleep on the Blue Tornado. I believe this will be an outstanding contest that may not be settled till late in the 4th quarter with us seeing the home team coming out on top.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Predicted Championship Matchup&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Baylor vs. Ensworth</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1277347,"width":"301px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/eutley2.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1277347" style="width:301px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->