TNHSFB Week Three Statewide Recap

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Weather proved to be a big story from "Week Three" as Mother Nature took control in the Mid-Tennessee area but we still had a lot of great action with a few strong victories. Dive inside to recap some of the best stories from last week, including multiple undefeated teams that look primed for a big season. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Week Three Top Stories&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Stock Up</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Out of all the games that took place in “Week Three”, <strong>Blackman</strong> defeating <strong>Riverdale</strong>, 17-10 might have been one of the better matchups we had within a weather crazy weekend. The Blaze made a statement with this victory, showing they may be ready for the big time and they may have the defense that can take them deep into the playoffs. That's the biggest takeaway I have from this game was the Blackman defense shutting down the Warriors offense. I think the Blaze offense still needs some work but their defense has been championship caliber so far this season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Blaze front line didn't allow Riverdale to run the ball with success and their secondary did good work at shutting down passing lanes. Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1589509' first='A'Darien' last='Davis'] </strong>produced a big interception in the 1st half to halt a Riverdale scoring drive. Fellow senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1614217' first='Jaden' last='Lark'] </strong>ended the ball game with a crucial pass breakup to give Blackman the victory. By the end of the season, the Blaze may turn out to have one of the best secondaries in the state and a unit that can help the team go a long way in postseason play. I still like Oakland to win their region but Blackman has positioned themselves well to develop into one of the better teams coming out of the 6A ranks this year.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1879185,"width":"276px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/addavis.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1879185" style="width:276px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- We better start considering <strong>Southwind </strong>as a legit 6A title contender. The Jags have started the season at 3-0 and have looked impressive in each contest. They have nearly dominated their opponents thus far, including a 49-0 win over Houston last Friday. Through three weeks of action, the Southwind defense has only given up 10 points while their offense is averaging 45 points a game. Everything is clicking right now for the Jags and I don't see them slowing down anytime soon. They have a veteran core leading the way with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='480742' first='Kelvin' last='Perkins'] </strong>at quarterback and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='854363' first='Charles' last='Sullins'] </strong>being the tone setter on defense. Those two are surrounded by a lot of athleticism and potential college talent.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Jags have the pieces needed to not only win their region but compete for a 6A state title. Their schedule will get tougher as the season goes on but I think Southwind is well equipped to take on all challengers. It will be interesting to see them against Whitehaven and Germantown later on into the season as those teams match the Jaguars athleticism. I think if this team stays healthy while continuing to play at a high level, fighting for that 6A championship is very possible.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Speaking of undefeated teams who have a shot at competing for a state title, <strong>BGA</strong> is currently on path to do just that as they have started the year at 3-0 and have not been tested yet. The Wildcats have dominated their opponents up to this point, doing so on both sides of the ball with quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='914547' first='Kaedyn' last='Marable'] </strong>playing at a Mr. Football level. His performance thus far and leadership has been sensational and he has received help from a talented receiving corps and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1405419' first='Ethan' last='Kellum'] </strong>at running back. The Wildcats defense has been stellar as well. Both sides of the ball are playing at a high level right now and I don't know if anybody on their schedule has a chance of testing them.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Their biggest test of the year comes in a few weeks when BGA travels to FRA to take on the Panthers, who have the talent to present a challenge. If the Wildcats can get past them, I believe it's smooth sailing from there until they reach the playoffs, at which point I think BGA will be the #1 seed on the D2-Class AA level and the team to beat. I really like what I've seen so far from BGA and I'm excited to watch their progression throughout the rest of the season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1879190,"width":"248px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/braycolbert.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1879190" style="width:248px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- One of the better teams coming out of the greater Jackson, Tennessee area this season is <strong>USJ</strong> and the Bruins have begun their season at 3-0 after a last second 22-21 win over cross town rival Trinity Christian Academy. It was a hard fought victory last week for the Bruins and a game that should build their confidence moving forward. After a season playing on the D2-Class AA level, the Bruins moved down to the 1A classification this season and that move may pay off with a potential run after the state title. The Bruins lean on their run game and defense to get the job done.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They are receiving a Mr. Football caliber season thus far from running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1126012' first='Jackson' last='Pugh']</strong> with their defense being strong up front with an opportunistic secondary. I still see areas throughout this team that need further development but things appear to be working thus far with everyone moving in the right direction. Their biggest matchups left come at the end of the regular season with Dyer Co. and a potential region title game against Jackson Christian. If the Bruins can stay healthy while continuing to progress as a team, I like their chances at not only winning their region but placing themselves as a top contender for the AA title once we reach postseason action.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- <strong>Knox. Central </strong>moved to 2-1 on the season and 1-0 in their region after defeating Knox. West last Friday, 29-21 and it was a big win for the Bobcats program that is looking to get back to the top of the 5A level. There have been struggles over the past several years for Central but they may be starting to turn things around. This recent win over West, who has been the top team in the region for many years now, shows the Bobcats are turning a corner and might be ready for bigger challenges. They have an offense with potential that is led by quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1104268' first='Kaden' last='Long']</strong>, who is having a great start to his junior season. Their defense has upside too and has played well at times so far this season. I think the defense has another level to them as well.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bobcats are still relatively young and still growing players into star roles. That's what shows me a light at the end of the tunnel. Knox. Central is 2-1 and have played good football so far but I think their best is still ahead of them. Having veterans like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='480743' first='Torin' last='McAfee'] </strong>being a top playmaker on both sides of the ball helps the guys around him learn and develop. Running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='853119' first='Jaedyn' last='Harris'] </strong>is a key guy too that has yet to go-off. I like what I'm seeing out of the Bobcats up to this point and how they can finish out the 2025 season but we have plenty of football left to be played, so we will certainly see how the Bobcats progress throughout the year.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- If anybody based anything off <strong>South Pittsburg </strong>and their scoreless performance in “Week Two” as an overrated team must think again after their 40-6 beatdown of Sequatchie Co. last Friday. The Pirates were surely disappointed by their performance against Silverdale and wanted to get back on the field and get things right. Well they definitely did that against the Indians, where they unleashed the offense for 40 points while their defense made things difficult for the Sequatchie Co. offense.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1134336' first='JaMychal' last='Buckner'] </strong>and junior star <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1577095' first='Dayon' last='Cooper'] </strong>were key catalysts behind their commanding victory. Senior quarterback <strong>Caden Jones </strong>also had a strong performance as the offensive leader behind center. The defense really flexed their muscle against an Indians offense that had performed well through two weeks of play. You can tell the Pirates wanted to make a statement and bounce back in a big way. I think South Pitt is back on track and ready for the remainder of the season and chase down that 1A title they were predicted to contend for.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1879211,"width":"272px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/jbuckner.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1879211" style="width:272px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- A surprise team coming from out of the East Tennessee area is <strong>Tellico Plains</strong>. The Bears are now 3-0 on the season after a 27-22 upset victory over Sweetwater, who was previously a top 20 “Small School” ranked team by Prep Redzone Tennessee. It was an impressive win for the Bears as they fought hard from start to finish while continuing to make winning plays throughout the entire game. Their offense is led by their run game and this side of the ball has done well thus far but it's their defense that impresses me. Through three games, the Bears have given up a total of 22 points and those all came last week to Sweetwater.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Their front seven is doing a great job of slowing down the oppositions run game while getting off the field early and getting their offense back on the field. Tellico Plains is playing complimentary football right now that could take them a long way this year and into the playoffs. A lot of the season is left to be played with a few tough opponents ahead, so the Bears could hit a roadblock and things might change but I like the makeup of this team and their chances at not only winning their region but do well in postseason play.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Stock Down</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- We mentioned Houston above in our “Stock Up” portion but that was because of their shutout loss to Southwind. The Mustangs are struggling this year. They head into “Week Four” at 0-3 on the year and searching for ways to turn things around. The best option I see for that is to lean on <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='829107' first='Marcelles' last='Davis'] </strong>and their rushing attack to shorten games and keep opposing offenses on the sidelines. The Mustangs defense is struggling this season and that's somewhat expected as they lost several key players from last year's 6A runner-up but I didn't see things being this rough.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Through three games, the Houston defense is allowing nearly 45 points a game and that's a recipe that doesn't work in trying to win ball games. The thing that baffles me too is the fact that Houston has a few college level prospects on the defensive side of the ball like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1620473' first='Jonas' last='Jimerson']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1676391' first='Tony' last='Williams'] </strong>and others but that doesn't seem to matter right now. The Mustangs do have time to turn things around but they must do that quickly. Three of their tougher games are behind them but doesn't mean things can't continue to snowball as the year goes on. This is a proud program that definitely wants to reach postseason play but they have to turn things around soon if they want to get there.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Another team that has surprised me with their 0-3 start to the 2025 season is <strong>Farragut</strong>. The Admirals are coming off a 42-6 butt whooping to Upperman last Thursday in a game that I and others thought may be close going into the year. Both sides of the ball appear to be having a hard time right now establishing an identity. The Farragut offense is struggling in many ways but especially on the offensive line where they are having a hard time blocking for <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1292341' first='Corbin' last='Hobson'] </strong>or opening run lanes for their ball carriers. The defense has had some good moments here and there but they too are having some struggles.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I knew this Admirals team would be somewhat young this season but I didn't see them starting the year 0-3 and looking for answers. One thing that needs to be pointed out is the fact Farragut has played three really good opponents thus far in Sevier Co., Powell and Upperman, who are three state title contending teams. The schedule does lighten up a little bit as we go on but there are still some quality opponents ahead like Bradley Central this Friday and upcoming matchups with Maryville and Oak Ridge. I do see a scenario where the Admirals can turn things around and make the playoffs but they must get things fixed as soon as possible before the season gets away from them.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Possibly the biggest story coming out of “Week Three” was mother nature and her win over the Mid-Tennessee area on Friday evening. We had lighting and potential thunderstorms racing over the greater Nashville area that halted several games, including moving a few to Saturday with several others being cancelled all together. It was a tough blow for several teams that had to miss out on performing but most of the games that were called off were non-region matchups, so region positioning won't be affected in the long term. We did miss out on some top level matchups however, like Baylor versus Brentwood Academy, MBA against FRA, Page versus Hendersonville and others. Hopefully last week will be the one and only Friday where “Mother Nature” wins and takes over but she is always undefeated and ready to wreck things again if she wants to, so we all must be prepared for it to happen again.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1219260,"width":"218px","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/mardavis.jpeg?w=473" alt="" class="wp-image-1219260" style="width:218px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->