Briarcrest Knocks Off Southwind, Remains Undefeated

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Saints came into this matchup confident and you could see that as they began the game up 14-0. They maintained that lead the rest of the way in their eight point win over the Jaguars, led by an offense that has been strong and steady all year. </h2>     Two undefeated, Memphis area programs met up on Friday night for a non-region contest that saw Briarcrest Christian take command early and maintain their lead till the very end, defeating Southwind, 38-30. Expectations were high for this West Tennessee matchup as both teams had looked impressive headed into “Week Six” with Briarcrest (6-0) proving to be the better team. The Saints had to hold on late but did enough damage to squeeze by the road Jaguars.    The Saints started fast in this game, going on defense first and making Southwind go three and out then on their first offensive possession, they scored on the second play as [player_tooltip player_id='1036114' first='Cayden' last='Dixon'] threw a middle screen pass to [player_tooltip player_id='1857024' first='J.D.' last='Donaldson'] and the senior playmaker raced past Jaguar defenders into the end zone. It was a great play call but even better execution from two of the Saints better offensive players.    Holding a 7-0 lead, the Saints would extend it further on their very next drive. After a few successful plays, two-way backer [player_tooltip player_id='1187260' first='Octavius' last='Flynn, Jr'] took the handoff and broke off a long run that ended with paydirt, pushing the Briarcrest lead out to 14-0. At this point in the 2nd quarter, the Saints were in full command and looked like the better team.    The Jaguars weren't ready to lay down as they re-focused themselves on offense to put together their best drive of the night. That drive was capped off by a short yard touchdown run by current Auburn commitment, [player_tooltip player_id='905235' first='Khamoni' last='Williams']. Southwind had gotten themselves back in the game and they would continue to march forward on their next offensive series. Continuing to lean on the run game while sprinkling in a few passes, the Jaguars tied the game at 14-14 after [player_tooltip player_id='1759477' first='Malcolm' last='Jack'] took off on a broken down pass play and ran past Briarcrest defenders into the end zone.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/08/khwilliams.webp?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-2325730" style="width:222px;height:auto" /></figure>   After what looked like a potential blowout early for Briarcrest, we went into halftime tied up. Southwind did an outstanding job of forgetting about the bad start to bring themselves back to compete with the Saints. I still felt like the momentum was on the side of Briarcrest as they looked like the more intense ball club but the Jaguars did well at tying the game and making the home team work.    Adjustments were made at halftime by the Saints coaching staff as they immediately came out in the 3rd quarter and flexed their muscles. After a few plays on the Saints opening drive, Dixon dropped back to pass, climbed the pocket then tossed a beautiful ball that laid over the shoulder of [player_tooltip player_id='1407745' first='Caden' last='Sage'] and the sophomore playmaker did the rest by scoring his first touchdown of the night. It was an outstanding start to the 2nd half for Briarcrest and it would continue on their next drive.    Leaning on their run game, Flynn Jr. found the end zone for the second time in the game as he broke several tackles, powering through defenders to put six on the scoreboard. Flynn. Jr was an animal in this game that flashed big time play on both sides of the ball and proved to be a difference maker in this West Tennessee matchup.    Once again, it looked like Briarcrest was going to run away to victory, especially after putting another touchdown on the board to start the 4th quarter. The Saints pulled a trick play out of the bag having Dixon throw to Donaldson in the flat where the versatile playmaker threw it deep to Sage for his second receiving score of the night. Holding a 35-14 lead, it was all but a matter of time before the Saints won but the Jaguars weren't done yet.    Southwind knew they were down to their last hope, so they cranked things up to make it interesting. The Jags got the ball and quickly moved down field with Williams producing his second rushing touchdown of the game. After giving up a field goal from Garrett Dane, the Jags would score another touchdown on their next drive by junior running back [player_tooltip player_id='1704670' first='Logan' last='Hughes'] to bring the score to 38-30. The only hope left for the road team was executing an onside kick but it didn't happen as the Jags kicked it out of bounds to end the game.    The game had its ebbs and flows but Briarcrest was the better team throughout the night. It was an impressive win by the Saints as Southwind (4-1) is ranked third among our PRZTN Big School rankings and a team considered as a title contender on the 6A level. Briarcrest did a lot of good things in this matchup that spoke to their postseason potential and how good they can become by the end of the regular season.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/09/briarcrest.webp?w=682" alt="" class="wp-image-2409698" style="aspect-ratio:0.6660191480505064;width:250px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Player of the Game    After the game was said and done, I thought Flynn was the overall best player on the field and it wasn't just because of his production but how he looked playing the game. The Saints junior linebacker was a game changer on offense where he scored two touchdowns while his power running proved to be a problem for the Southwind defense. Flynn Jr. was even more impressive to me on defense as he made several stops near or behind the line of scrimmage where his instincts and speed stood out. The more I scout this junior defender, the more I think he is one of the best college linebacker prospects we have from the TN2028 class.     - - - - -    Three Stars …..   (RB/WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1857024' first='J.D.' last='Donaldson'] - Briarcrest: Scoring the first touchdown of the game, Donaldson was a dynamic playmaker in this contest that showed off his versatile skill set in a variety of ways. Whether it was taking handoffs or catching passes out of the backfield or from the slot, Donaldson was someone that made a difference in this game and helped push his team to victory. It's been a banner senior year thus far for Donaldson and one that is helping push his stock upwards.   (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='905235' first='Khamoni' last='Williams'] - Southwind: The passing game was a little inconsistent for the Jaguars but Williams was not. The future Auburn running back was the one entity that was consistent in this game that provided powerful running that the Saints defense had trouble dealing with. The Jaguars running back generated two rushing scores on the night along with several other long gains that helped keep his team in the game and within striking distance late in the contest.    ‘28 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1036114' first='Cayden' last='Dixon'] - Briarcrest: The performance by Dixon wasn't spectacular but it was commanding and steady as the Saints junior produced two passing touchdowns on the night along with several other key throws. The biggest thing that stood out to me about Dixon was his calm heartbeat and poise running his offense. You could tell he was in full control and knew exactly what he needed to do to help his team move the ball and succeed.    - - - - -    Game Notes ……   - This game was a great opportunity to do some true scouting as both teams had multiple players that are destined for the college stage. I saw some players that really opened my eyes while others displayed abilities but need more time of development before they are equipped to make an impact on the college stage. Here are some bullet points on each player I focused on in this game and how I think they looked along with what their future may look like.    (OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1159814' first='Antonio' last='Keefer']: Committed to Ole Miss, Keefer is an athletic blocker that moves well, showing excellent bend and the ability to stay squared up with his opponent. The motor and physical domination is something that didn't show up a ton but I think it's there when Keefer is fully engaged. I could see him staying at tackle in college but playing guard is possible as well.    (OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1393910' first='Justin' last='Amouzougan']: This game was the first time to really pay attention to the Saints big man and I must say I was impressed. Now I don't think Amouzougan is a P4, D1 guy right now but I can see him turning into that kind of player down the line. He is thicker, wider than I thought but a deceptive athlete as well. He handles left tackle for the Saints, which speaks to his athleticism but guard will be his future in college.   (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1699523' first='Roosevelt' last='Bates']: Bates has been a dominating force so far this season but Friday night wasn't one of those moments. The Jaguars defensive tackle didn't struggle against the Saints, he just didn't make an impact like previous games. Now I am still very high on Bates because I love his motor, his desire and athleticism from the middle. He is undersized but Bates more than makes for it with impactful game play.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/rbates.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-2129402" style="width:228px;height:auto" /></figure>   (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='1857024' first='J.D.' last='Donaldson']: There is something about Donaldson I really like and he has steadily gotten better each year with the Saints. His versatility and feel for football really stands out to me. He honestly knows how to play the game while doing it at a high level. I personally think Donaldson is a running back on the next level but his ability to catch the ball makes him a more valuable player that college coaches should take a deeper look into.    (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='905235' first='Khamoni' last='Williams']: Headed to the SEC next year, Williams has the overall size and strength to become an excellent power back with Auburn and someone that can be leaned on in the red zone. One thing I did notice about Williams in this game is that he isn't a blazer, he doesn't possess explosion, at least right now. That can change with further development but power and strength is something Williams definitely has.    (OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1651712' first='Artie' last='Anderson']: Recently committing to Arkansas Tech, I think the Wonder Boys might have gotten a steal with Anderson. The Saints senior has good size for the center position along with nice athleticism and mobility that translates to the college game. He showed clean snaps in this contest while being a key piece in helping slow down the Jaguars interior pass rush.    (OL/DL) [player_tooltip player_id='904973' first='Zachais' last='Ratliff']: Currently committed to Louisiana Tech, Ratliff is a long term potential driven prospect that will need a good bit of time before he is able to become an impactful player. I thought Ratliff struggled at times handling physicality up front and not moving his feet to stay in front of his opponent. The physical traits are there for Ratliff to become an eventual college starter at right tackle but time in the weight room is needed as well as further on the field development.    ‘28 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1036114' first='Cayden' last='Dixon']: The poise that Dixon plays with behind center can be special but for him to become the kind of multi-year college starter I think he can become, increased arm power and zip must be developed. Dixon throws a very catchable ball and he knows how to read coverage but to play Power Four ball, arm strength with a quicker trigger must be worked on. His maturity and work ethic are special traits about Dixon, so I don't doubt he will develop what is needed to become the kind of player he can become.    ‘28 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1704670' first='Logan' last='Hughes']: This is one guy that has consistently stayed under the radar and not promoted himself online that much but I saw upside with Hughes in this game and a player that can make the college level with continued development. A compact back with good footwork, increased speed in the off-season could do wonders for Hughes and his hopes of becoming a potential D1 caliber prospect.    ‘28 (S) [player_tooltip player_id='2234719' first='Cay'Den' last='Young']: I recently put a public eval out on this junior prospect and he immediately made me look good by picking off two passes in this game and showing his versatility by taking snaps at both cornerback and safety. Young has the college look, standing about 6'2 with long arms and the ability to run. This guy may have some of the best long term potential of anyone on the Saints roster, as long he continues to develop at a proper rate.   ‘29 (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1407745' first='Caden' last='Sage']: Out of all the prospects I watched on Friday night, Sage might be the guy that could have the best long term potential in college. This guy is a playmaker with a great feel for the game and he is only a sophomore. Sage produced two touchdowns in this game, both of them coming from him separating from defenders and beating them deep. The Saints wideout runs well, showing good route running along with strong hands against physical competition.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/09/csage.webp?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-2416609" style="width:252px;height:auto" /></figure>