Week Five Top Matchups/Game Predictions

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">As we enter the mid-way point of the 2026 season, we have plenty of teams that are on the cusp of separating themselves from the competition, so this week's games are very important to several across the state, especially these ten games below. Here we breakdown the top matchups for "Week Five" and give our expert predictions in what should be another exciting slate of high school football games here in Tennessee! </h2>     #4 Knox. Catholic (4-0) at #13 MBA (4-0)   - Two of the more surprising teams so far in the 2026 season meet up in Nashville this Friday night for what should be a great game that may not be settled till the final minutes. That's how Knox. Catholic and MBA have performed this year. Both have played in tough, one possession contests but have found ways to win each of their games. Something has to give in this matchup as one of these teams must take their first loss of the season. Knox. Catholic has found some magic so far this season with their defense leading the way. The Fighting Irish are strong in the front seven with guys like [player_tooltip player_id='1187446' first='Maddux' last='Moore'], [player_tooltip player_id='2219374' first='Lilian' last='Keudjeu'] and others along with a very talented secondary, spearheaded by [player_tooltip player_id='1031949' first='Brooks' last='Johnston'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1031890' first='Braylen' last='Gibbs'].    The Big Red offense, led by Charlie Verner, has their biggest challenge of the season in this game. They have been balanced and found ways to score points but that may be tougher to come by in this game against Knox. Catholic. I think leaning on [player_tooltip player_id='2205374' first='Mason' last='Wells'] and their offensive line to open up the run game could be the recipe needed to win. If the Big Red are forced to pass, it may turn out to be a long night for the home team. I am interested to see whose will can overcome the others and do the small things to help their respective teams to victory. I expect this to be a line of scrimmage, defensive contest that goes deep into the 4th quarter before anything is settled.    Game Predictions   Chris Smith: Knox. Catholic 24 MBA 20   Drew Toennies: Knox. Catholic 28 MBA 24   Shayne Pickering: MBA 27 Knox. Catholic 24   Conner Smith: MBA 24 Knox. Catholic 21   Tim Swift: Knox. Catholic 27 MBA 21    Hudson Cregg: Knox. Catholic 24 MBA 21   - - - - -    Kirkwood (4-0) at #6 East Robertson (4-0)   - Stepping out of region for “Week Five”, the Cobras travel down to East Robertson in what could be an entertaining contest but also a game I could see being dominated by the home Indians as well. I don't think that will happen as Kirkwood has too much talent for that to occur but this is also their biggest test of the season. The Cobras have handled business through four games and done what they needed to win but in this matchup versus East Robertson, they will need their top guys like [player_tooltip player_id='1200717' first='Miles' last='Reding'], [player_tooltip player_id='1316743' first='Parker' last='Keenan'], [player_tooltip player_id='2129049' first='Jayven' last='Norris'] and others to step up and provide star like performances. The Indians are tough to beat on their home field along with a winning culture about them that allows them to win, even when they have mistakes. Kirkwood must capitalize on mistakes if they occur as turnovers may play a key role in this game.    The X-Factors could be the quarterbacks. Both have veteran guys in Reding and Indians senior [player_tooltip player_id='1422904' first='Kason' last='Young'], who is in the mix for Class 2A Mr. Football. How both those guys perform could dictate a lot on who wins the game. I also think whoever establishes their run game could play a role in the outcome as well. I see scenarios where either team comes out on top but I do lean towards East Robertson right now being they are at home and have a difference maker in Young along with the emergence of Isaac Price Jr. at running back to outlast the Cobras. I will be interested to see how this Mid-Tennessee matchup plays out and whose style of football wins out in the end.    Game Predictions   Chris Smith: East Robertson 20 Kirkwood 14   Drew Toennies: East Robertson 21 Kirkwood 20   Shayne Pickering: Kirkwood 21 East Robertson 20   Conner Smith: Kirkwood 31 East Robertson 27   Tim Swift: Kirkwood 24 East Robertson 20   Hudson Cregg: East Robertson 20 Kirkwood 17   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/07/mreding.webp?w=350" alt="" class="wp-image-2251651" style="width:202px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Upperman (3-1) at Beech (3-1)    - A sneaky good game that many around the Mid-Tennessee parts will have their ears out for are the Bees coming West to take on a Beech team that has started to come into their own, especially after their “Week Four” victory over East Nashville. The Buccaneers had to battle till the very end to defeat the Eagles but they got the job done and may need to be ready for another close contest versus an Upperman team that is young but coming to town on a two game winning streak. The Bees may actually have the best defense Beech has seen this year, especially in the front seven, spearheaded by senior two-way performer [player_tooltip player_id='1679806' first='Colton' last='Johnson']. Leaning on that run game could be the biggest X-Factor for both teams but more-so the home Buccaneers as they look to tire out the Upperman defensive front.    Both these programs have done a lot of winning over the year, doing so with their run games and I expect that to continue Friday night. Upperman senior [player_tooltip player_id='1583146' first='Jude' last='Fitzpatrick'] is the lead guy in their backfield while Beech uses multiple backs with main two being [player_tooltip player_id='1206523' first='D.K.' last='Williams'] and Devin Crutcher. All three of those backs have been consistent through four games, providing a definite threat and someone the opposing defenses must key on. You may not have a lot of passing or explosive plays in this game, unless it comes from running the ball. This will be a defensive contest that could be low scoring and whoever doesn't turn the ball over, should find themselves in the win column.    Game Predictions   Chris Smith: Beech 34 Upperman 27   Drew Toennies: Beech 31 Upperman 27   Shayne Pickering: Beech 42 Upperman 21   Conner Smith: Beech 38 Upperman 24   Tim Swift: Beech 35 Upperman 30   Hudson Cregg: Beech 28 Upperman 27   - - - - -    #20 Lipscomb Academy (2-2) at #13 Ensworth (3-1)   - It's been a wild season thus far for these two Nashville based teams. Lipscomb Academy has played a very tough schedule and taken two losses already while Ensworth has been a little up and down but sits at 3-1 after defeating McCallie on the road last week. The Tigers have leaned on [player_tooltip player_id='1940925' first='E.J.' last='Gibson'] and their run game early on and I expect that to stay the same in this matchup. Lipscomb hasn't been an explosive offense as of yet but has the talent to do so, especially if the quarterback room is settled. The Mustangs have a ball carrier themselves in [player_tooltip player_id='243535' first='Mikel' last='Stephen'] that can provide consistency in the backfield. I think the run game will certainly play a big role and whichever defense is able to slow down enough, may gain an edge towards winning.    I'm actually going into this matchup thinking it will be a defensive affair as neither offense has been able to score at will and do so quickly on a consistent basis. That's why I think both will lean on their run game and try to play ball control offense while looking for that occasional explosive play. I do like the matchup for both defenses against the opposing teams rushing attack. The line of scrimmage will be important here. Whoever establishes things up front and allows their run game to get going, should be the team that wins but turnovers and finding a consistent passing game could be X-Factors as well. I do like Ensworth to find a way to win but it definitely would not surprise to see the Mustangs come out on top as well.    Game Prediction   Chris Smith: Ensworth 24 Lipscomb Acad. 20   Drew Toennies: Ensworth 24 Lipscomb Acad. 21   Shayne Pickering: Ensworth 24 Lipscomb Acad. 21   Conner Smith: Ensworth 21 Lipscomb Acad. 20   Tim Swift: Ensworth 28 Lipscomb Acad. 20   Hudson Cregg: Ensworth 28 Lipscomb Acad. 21   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/jbaker.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-2141729" style="width:266px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Rhea Co. (3-1) at #22 Lakeway Christian (4-0)   - Could this be an upset special for the undefeated Lakeway Christian football team? It's possible as the Lions host Rhea Co. this Friday night in what could turn into an entertaining game that stays close until late in the 4th quarter. The Golden Eagles bring a tough minded team to town that has been tested this year, so I don't expect them to be intimidated by the Lions undefeated record. Rhea Co. has a pair top tier players in [player_tooltip player_id='1732910' first='Jaxton' last='Schmitt'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2100371' first='Austun' last='Fugate'] that can be difference makers for them and both will need to perform at a high level in this game as Lakeway will combat them with a strong defensive unit, led by [player_tooltip player_id='2116601' first='Sinai' last='Dikisongele'], [player_tooltip player_id='1649499' first='Maki' last='Bell'] that has shut down just about every opponent they have come across this season.    The Lions offense has started to come on as well. Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1580782' first='Josh' last='Vineyard'] has begun to emerge and versatile weapon [player_tooltip player_id='2345720' first='P.K.' last='Hodary'] has established himself as the offense's top playmaker. I think where this game is won and lost for either team is Lakeway's offense versus the Rhea Co. defense. I expect the Golden Eagles offense to score enough to put themselves in position to win but can their defense shut down the Lakeway offense? I do expect this to be a close, hard fought game. Rhea Co. will not be a push over and I don't think Lakeway will blow them out. I do like the home Lions in this contest but only by a small margin. I would not be surprised to see Rhea Co. come out on top but Lakeway should win if both sides of the ball continue to play at a high level as they have through four weeks of action.    Game Predictions   Chris Smith: Lakeway Chrst. 38 Rhea Co. 28    Drew Toennies: Lakeway Chrst. 17 Rhea Co. 10   Shayne Pickering: Lakeway Chrst. 28 Rhea Co. 17   Conner Smith: Lakeway Chrst. 31 Rhea Co. 21   Tim Swift: Lakeway Chrst. 20 Rhea Co. 10   Hudson Cregg: Lakeway Chrst. 20 Rhea Co. 13   - - - - -    #10 Briarcrest Christian (4-0) at St. Benedict (4-0)   - One of the biggest surprises to start the 2026 season has been St. Benedict as the Eagles sit at 4-0 headed into their big home matchup with Briarcrest. The Saints come to campus without a blemish as well, playing good football right now and feeling quite confident about themselves. This will be the biggest test of the season for St. Benedict, so I'm interested to see how they match up with a talented Briarcrest team that sports multiple college level players. The Saints have an offense, led by [player_tooltip player_id='1036114' first='Cayden' last='Dixon'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1857024' first='J.D.' last='Donaldson'], that has steadily gotten better each week. The Eagles defense has a big challenge on their hands Friday night but for them to stay within striking distance of winning, they must get pressure on Dixon while being somewhat stout up front stopping the run.    I actually think the St. Benedict defense will have their moments and play well enough to keep themselves in the game. Everything depends on their offense and if they can generate enough points. The Saints defense has been the most consistent unit on their team so far this year, led by star junior linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1187260' first='Octavius' last='Flynn, Jr']. that has played the run well while providing stellar play in the secondary. I do like the road team in this game and think Briarcrest could win by double digits but there is a chance for St. Benedict in this contest to make things interesting. The Eagles must play ball control offense while creating turnovers and if they do that, being there in the 4th quarter with a shot at winning is possible.    Game Predictions   Chris Smith: Briarcrest 45 St. Benedict 13    Drew Toennies: Briarcrest 34 St. Benedict 10   Shayne Pickering: Briarcrest 42 St. Benedict 14   Conner Smith: Briarcrest 31 St. Benedict 10   Tim Swift: Briarcrest 38 St. Benedict 20   Hudson Cregg: Briarcrest 28 St. Benedict 7   - - - - -    #9 Whites Creek (4-0) at Liberty Creek (3-1)   - Sitting inside the Prep Redzone Tennessee “Small School” Top 25 rankings as an undefeated team, Whites Creek should be getting their toughest test of the season Friday night as they travel into Robertson County to take on a good Liberty Creek team that is coming off a big victory over Gordonsville. The Wolves were impressive in their win over the Tigers, using [player_tooltip player_id='1190424' first='Marsia' last='Hale'] and their run game to lead the way while the defense showed flashes of strong play. That same kind of recipe will be needed versus the Cobras as Whites Creek presents a different challenge where they will look to throw the ball with [player_tooltip player_id='1580784' first='Deon' last='Barnes'] and his athletic receiving corps. I think the Wolves secondary against the Cobras passing game will be key in this matchup and one that might dictate the outcome.    What could go into the favor of the home team is running the ball and playing ball control offense. Keeping Barnes and the Whites Creek offense on the sidelines is something the Wolves should try to do but that depends on their offense being able to sustain drives and keep the clock in their favor. Seeing how the Cobras have performed so far this season, they have yet to really breakthrough, showing the explosive potential they have, so I think it's just a matter of time before that happens. Maybe that's this Friday night and if it is, Liberty Creek might have a tough night but if the Wolves can execute their game plan the way they want, the home team might just pull off another “Top 25” upset win.    Game Predictions   Chris Smith: Whites Creek 20 Liberty Creek 17   Drew Toennies: Liberty Creek 28 Whites Creek 21   Shayne Pickering: Liberty Creek 28 Whites Creek 24   Conner Smith: Whites Creek 26 Liberty Creek 14   Tim Swift: Whites Creek 27 Liberty Creek 24   Hudson Cregg: Liberty Creek 31 Whites Creek 21   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/05/Photo-May-25-2026-3-31-43-PM-crop-1320x867-1779741345.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2216031" style="width:294px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Whites Creek QB [player_tooltip player_id='1580784' first='Deon' last='Barnes'] during a game. Photo from his Instagram.</figcaption></figure>   - - - - -    #11 Brentwood Academy (2-2) at #25 Christian Brothers (3-1)   - The young Purple Wave football team took defeat for the first time last week and now they must forget about it and move on to a very talented Brentwood Academy team that comes to town looking to increase their winning streak. I'm very interested to see how Christian Brothers bounces back this Friday night and how their mindset is after taking their first loss of the season. Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1717494' first='Nate' last='Brick'] and his Purple Wave offense will be going against a strong Eagles defense that will certainly test them and force Brick to make the proper throws, especially against Romel Koon Jr., [player_tooltip player_id='2105993' first='Troy' last='Porties'], [player_tooltip player_id='2160693' first='Braylen' last='Benford'] and the Brentwood Academy secondary. I love the passing upside from Brick but running the ball and bleeding out the clock may be the best course of action for the Purple Wave.    On the other side of the ball, the Christian Brothers defense has a tall task on their hands, competing against [player_tooltip player_id='834810' first='Crews' last='Jenkins'], Larry Sanders III and the Eagles offense. Even though Brentwood Academy has taken two losses this year (be it against top competition), their offense has moved the ball well and scored a lot of points. This will be a challenge for the Christian Brothers defense but one I'm interested to see as the Purple Wave have some talented defenders like [player_tooltip player_id='1402723' first='William' last='Umsted'], [player_tooltip player_id='2142740' first='Jalil' last='Carpenter'] and others that could cause some issues. I see this game going in multiple directions with Brentwood Academy holding an edge but not by a wide margin.    Game Predictions   Chris Smith: Brentwood Acad. 34 Chrst. Brothers 24    Drew Toennies: Brentwood Acad. 31 Chrst. Brothers 28   Shayne Pickering: Brentwood Acad. 42 Chrst. Brothers 20   Conner Smith: Brentwood Acad. 41 Chrst. Brothers 27   Tim Swift: Brentwood Acad. 31 Chrst. Brothers 27   Hudson Cregg: Brentwood Acad. 38 Chrst. Brothers 31   - - - - -    Middle TN Christian (3-1) at #25 Concord Christian (3-1)   - We are only into “Week Five” of the season but this game will be one of the biggest of the football year for both MTCS and Concord Christian as whoever wins this matchup, could be in the driver seat to take the region title. The Cougars travel out East to face an up and coming, talented Lions team that is coming off a big non-region victory over Knox. Halls, so their confidence should be quite high. Concord is still young and learning on the job but their youthful talent like [player_tooltip player_id='2347345' first='Dylan' last='Brown'], [player_tooltip player_id='1036206' first='Amare' last='McKenzie'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1031934' first='Dasani' last='Moulden'] have been playing at a high level and providing difference making type game play. This game will be a challenge for an MTCS defense, led by [player_tooltip player_id='2395955' first='Elijah' last='Carter'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2136594' first='Cooper' last='Jones'] to limit the Lions' big plays and keep them in long down and distances. The Cougars secondary will be critical in this game and a unit that must play above their head for the road team to win.    The fact this game is at Concord and the Lions are playing good football right now, I do lean into the favor of them but you can't sleep on MTCS and their ability to put together a strong game plan and pull off the road upset. Running the ball, milking the clock and keeping the Concord offense on the sidelines is a strong recipe toward the Cougars coming home with a big road region victory. I do expect this game to be close for a while but I'm banking on the Concord playmakers to produce too many big plays and eventually create separation between them and the Cougars. Turnovers may play a role in this game, which is something MTCS may need to pull this one out.    Game Predictions   Chris Smith: Concord Chrst. 34 MTCS 13   Drew Toennies: Concord Chrst. 21 MTCS 14   Shayne Pickering: Concord Chrst. 35 MTCS 28   Conner Smith: MTCS 31 Concord Chrst. 30   Tim Swift: Concord Chrst. 24 MTCS 13    Hudson Cregg: Concord Chrst. 21 MTCS 10   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/Photo-Feb-21-2026-12-58-51-PM-crop-1136x746-1771700562.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2133771" style="width:272px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: MTCS RB [player_tooltip player_id='1066002' first='Alie' last='Bangura'] during a game. Photo from his Instagram.</figcaption></figure>   - - - - -    Haywood (3-1) at Munford (3-0)   - Stepping out of the region for “Week Five”, these two West Tennessee programs are looking to further their stock and battle harden their teams in this game and whoever wins, may gain a ton of confidence going into the rest of the regular season. If anybody likes watching teams run the football, this will be the game for you. Both the Cougars and the Tomcats lean heavily on their rushing attacks and both have star backs to ride with in [player_tooltip player_id='1585458' first='Tay' last='Starks'] (Munford) and [player_tooltip player_id='1184425' first='Braden' last='Harvey'] from Haywood. Both those ball carriers have had great starts to the year and will be listed heavily on each team's game plans as a focus to stop. It will be tough to completely eliminate each other's run games but whichever defense is able to do it enough and get enough stops, should put themselves in position to win.    This matchup has a chance to go in many different directions. I could see the home Cougars running away with things, especially if their front lines dominate. I could also see Haywood being the superior team, especially if [player_tooltip player_id='1162582' first='Jaden' last='Butler'] is allowed to go-off. A lot depends on which team keeps the other team's playmakers in-check and who doesn't turn the ball over. I foresee this contest being a high scoring affair that isn't settled till sometime in the 4th quarter. I do give an edge to Munford as they are at home and have more overall talent compared to Haywood but it definitely would not surprise me to see the Tomcats find a way on top and come out with a big road victory.    Game Predictions   Chris Smith: Munford 48 Haywood 27    Drew Toennies: Munford 21 Haywood 14    Shayne Pickering: Haywood 28 Munford 27   Conner Smith: Munford 21 Haywood 7   Tim Swift: Munford 20 Haywood 17    Hudson Cregg: Munford 20 Haywood 10   - - - - -    Other Top Week Five Matchups   East Tennessee   Chatt. Christian (2-2) at Boyd Buchanan (3-1)   Silverdale (2-2) at CAK (4-0)   South Greene (2-2) at Chuckey-Doak (3-1)   #6 Oak Ridge (4-0) at Cleveland (3-1)   #8 Sevier Co. (3-0) at David Crockett (2-2)   Cherokee (4-0) at Elizabethton (2-2)   Hampton (3-1) at Jellico (4-0)   Chatt. Prep (2-2) at Marion Co. (4-0)   Bradley Cent. (2-2) at Red Bank (1-2)   McMinn Co. (2-2) at Soddy Daisy (2-2)   Gibbs (3-1) at South Doyle (4-0)   #16 Kingston (4-0) at Sweetwater (3-0)   #17 Happy Valley (4-0) at Unicoi Co. (3-1)   Seymour (3-1) at Volunteer (3-1)   - - -   Middle Tennessee   Sequatchie Co. (2-2) at Cascade (3-1)   Eagleville (2-2) at Cornersville (4-0)   Macon Co. (4-0) at DeKalb Co. (3-1)   Stewart Co. (3-1) at #12 Fairview (4-0)   Green Hill (3-1) at Gallatin (4-0)   Cannon Co. (3-1) at Gordonsville (3-1)   Station Camp (2-2) at Lebanon (3-1)   Notre Dame (2-2) at Providence Chrst. (3-1)   Franklin (3-1) at Ravenwood (2-2)   East Nashville (2-2) at Springfield (4-0)   Loudon (3-1) at Stone Memorial (2-2)   Livingston Acad. (3-1) at White Co. (3-1)   - - -    West Tennessee   Lexington (4-0) at Chester Co. (3-1)   Lausanne (0-2) at Germantown (2-2) - Thurs.   Crockett Co. (3-1) at Hardin Co. (3-1)   #24 Page (3-1) at Henry Co. (2-2)   Bartlett (3-1) at Houston (1-3)   #8 Huntingdon (4-0) at J.C. Merry (3-1)   Wooddale (3-1) at Melrose (1-3)   Brighton (2-2) at #12 Memp. Central (4-0)   Haywood (3-1) at Munford (3-0)   Covington (3-1) at Obion Co. (3-1)   Mt. Pleasant (2-2) at Riverside (2-2)   McNairy Cent. (3-1) at #1 Westview (4-0)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/08/munford2-crop-649x426-1755205447.jpg?w=648" alt="" class="wp-image-1804474" style="width:316px;height:auto" /></figure>