Top Matchups in First Round for Each Class

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The high school football playoffs have officially arrived in the state of Tennessee!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While brackets usually have bad games early, there can still be ones that are very intriguing, and the opening round features some in each classification. If you are looking to watch the best matchups, this should be your guide to the best matchups in the first round at every level on Friday night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">1A - Eagleville @ Perry County</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both these teams have faced tough schedules and have thus dropped a handful of games due to that fact, both entering Friday night with equal 6-4 records.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Those tough matchups they dropped early in the regular season ultimately gave them self-scouting homework and this playoff game will be the test. The side that can come up with the most right answers claims the victory and moves on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The winner will face a Memphis Middle College program that went 8-1 this season, but Eagleville nearly beat them in the second round last postseason, so there is some sneaky potential for the winner of this game to make an even deeper run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2A - Jackson County @ Bledsoe County</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is probably the first round matchup that will feature the most combined wins with 7-3 Jackson Co. traveling to take on 8-2 Bledsoe Co.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both of these regions produced a plethora of quality teams this season and will battle it out in the top half of the 2A bracket. The beginning of that will take place on this Friday night between two football programs that have produced very productive seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The winner will most likely travel to play 9-1 Happy Valley, but they were undefeated last year when Bledsoe County beat them in the playoffs. The top half of this classification is wide open and the winner of this tough matchup will stay alive with the chance at pushing even further for a deep run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3A - Sequatchie County @ Chattanooga Prep</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There has been a lot of talk about the sour records of several playoff teams, but do <em>not</em> let the 4-6 record of Chattanooga Prep fool you, as they competed with some of the top mid-sized programs this state has to offer over the course of a gauntlet schedule.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On the other side, Sequatchie County is a team that always has plenty of talent, and that is no different this year. The winner of this game could certainly win another game and face a top 3A opponent in the quarterfinals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The cherry on top will be plenty of recruiting prospects in this game, led by [player_tooltip player_id='454466' first='Jack' last='Evitts'] (SC) and [player_tooltip player_id='2220082' first='Caleb' last='Green'] (Chatt Prep).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">4A - Anderson County @ Seymour</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This will be quite the interesting game between two East Tennessee programs, with the opportunity for each to make a statement about their presence moving forward in this postseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Anderson County has been a longstanding mid-size power in the state, but has taken a step back this season, falling to 6-4 this season. However, the Mavericks still have a very potent offense that can score with anyone if they limit the turnovers and are not to be ruled out in any playoff matchup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Seymour is coming off a breakthrough regular season, finishing 9-1, and now have the opportunity to proclaim their status as legit contenders inside the classification with a win on Friday night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This might be the most exciting first round matchup for the long-term effects of the bracket as well. The winner of this game will have a chance to continue their run all the way to the semifinals, where they would need their top game to upset one of the top teams in the classification. However, before any of that could happen, this pivotal matchups will decide which program will receive that opportunity.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">5A - Hendersonville @ Nolensville</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This 5A matchup will give both programs with a lot to prove the platform to do just that. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hendersonville is 6-4 on the season, but those losses have come to some top programs. They will look to prove that schedule helped develop them into a formidable playoff matchup with a strong rushing attack that runs behind an offensive line led by Arkansas commit [player_tooltip player_id='2156293' first='Teagan' last='Parizek'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nolensville went 9-1 on the season, with the last loss coming in blowout fashion to 5A title favorite Page last week. The Knights are still fighting for respect on the state level as a legitimate threat, and they will have the opportunity to prove themselves with potential back-to-back matchups against Hendersonville and Kirkwood. Defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1607186' first='Jake' last='Sentell'] is the top prospect on this team and will need to deliver another standout performance on Friday night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">6A - Blackman @ Green Hill</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rutherford County has run the 6A classification recently and Blackman will look to make another deep postseason push after reaching the semifinals last year. This year has featured some up-and-downs, including losing their quarterback for a stretch. [player_tooltip player_id='1217665' first='Chase' last='Bell'], their standout quarterback, is healthy now and he has some exciting playmakers surrounding him. This team could ruin a lot of top programs' nights in the playoffs this year as a potent four seed, but they will be challenged right away.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Green Hill is a young team overall, but senior standouts [player_tooltip player_id='1841394' first='Zachery' last='Cartwright'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1368155' first='Will' last='Butler'] has helped lead this team to a one seed and some impressive results this season. This could be their chance to make a deep run, but they will need their playmakers to deliver in what should be a high-profile matchup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">DII-A - DCA @ PCA</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DCA has faced a loaded schedule this season that included a blowout win at PCA earlier in the year. They are hoping that experience can help push them forward deep into the bracket under the lights of Floyd Stadium.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>PCA was a team that made a deep run in the postseason last year, reaching the semifinals, and has been playing well lately. They will looks to make sure this rematch fares differently as they look to make another deep run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">DII-AA - Lakeway Christian @ Goodpasture Christian</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The DII-AA bracket will be very fun in every round this year and that includes the first round with this matchup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Goodpasture has standout players at every level and that starts with Tennessee defensive back commit Brandon Leavell, a player that shines on both sides of the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lakeway boasts one of the most ferocious defensive line units in the entire state with a handful of Division One talents, and they will look to take away the run early.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The usual contenders in this classification are in the bottom half of the bracket this year, so the top half is wide open and will send a new team to the state championship game. Both teams in this game could reach that title bout if they play their best football, but one will be eliminated from contention on Friday night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">DII-AAA - CPA @ Christian Brothers</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both of these teams can play with any 99% of teams inside the state, but fell victim to playing a very tough schedule.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>CPA is led by a versatile and potent offense that wants to run the ball behind an offensive line led by Division One commits [player_tooltip player_id='1154143' first='Ben' last='Hale'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1158911' first='Isaiah' last='Bryant']. Clemson tight end commit [player_tooltip player_id='1912208' first='Wright' last='Martin'] is also an excellent blocker and they have dynamic receiving options that can make defenses play off play action deep shots from Missouri State quarterback commit Jack VanOrman.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Christian Brothers has arguably the best quarterback in the entire state, despite [player_tooltip player_id='1717494' first='Nate' last='Brick'] being just a sophomore, and he has plenty of talent around him to generate explosive plays vertically. They will look to spread the CPA defense out and create dynamic downfield plays in this high-profile opening matchup. Defensive end [player_tooltip player_id='1402723' first='William' last='Umsted'] will look to wreck the CPA rushing offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->