LOOKOUT VALLEY YELLOW JACKETS (0-0) at EAST RIDGE PIONEERS (0-0)

Tonight, 7:30

Last meeting: Lookout Valley won 25-20 last year.

Why you should go: There is much excitement surrounding first-year East Ridge coach Mike Martin, and this is one of those payback games the Pioneers feel got away from them a year ago. This could be an offensive game. Lookout Valley has gone to the spread and East Ridge will show the spread at times.

Players to watch: Quarterbacks Scott Gordon and Tay Vaughn Winn and running back Derrick Pullom lead Lookout Valley. Gordon and Winn were splitting time at quarterback in the preseason, but look for Winn to run. East Ridge running back/linebacker Gunner Miller will be a four-year starter, and Martin will be looking for ways to get him the ball. However, first-year quarterbacks Adam Long and Chase Steele have numerous receiving targets, including basketball players Travelle Prater and Damien Brewer.

Key question: Reloading at a Class 1A school is difficult. Can Lookout Valley overcome the loss of numerous seniors, including record-setting running back Chas Scruggs?

NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH (0-0) vs. CENTRAL PURPLE POUNDERS (0-0)

Tonight, 7:30

Last meeting: Central won 27-6 last year.

Why you should go: This game features two of the oldest high schools in town and should offer a contrast in styles — Notre Dame’s wishbone vs. Central’s spread.

Players to watch: Central senior Patrick Moore enters his third season under center and has hopes of passing and rushing for 1,000 yards this season. Teammate Robert Vipond is one of only four seniors and can play several positions in addition to handling kicking duties. Coach David Barger has declared DeHart Hubbard the best athlete on the team. For the Irish, Brendan Dusevic is a returning senior who has played well on both sides of the ball.

Key question: Who will start at quarterback for Notre Dame? Coach Charlie Wiggins said it will be a game-time decision between Jordan Middlebrooks and Bradley Stephens.

CHRISTIAN ACADEMY OF KNOXVILLE WARRIORS (0-0) at BOYD-BUCHANAN BUCCANEERS (0-0)

Tonight, 7:30

Last meeting: CAK won 14-0 last year.

Why you should go: These are teams that not only expect to challenge traditional powers in their respective regions but could contend for deep runs into the postseason. Two of CAK’s three losses last year were to eventual state champion Alcoa. The Bucs need only to stay healthy to become one of Class 2A’s top teams.

Players to watch: In accumulating more than 100 yards of offense in last week’s jamboree quarter, Boyd-Buchanan quarterback Nic Hughes looked every bit as good as advertised by his coaches. His dual-threat ability opens plenty of other options for the Bucs, including running back Taylor Gilley. CAK tailback Keenan Kolinsky (6-foot-1, 220 pounds) rushed for more than 1,000 yards last year and has a scholarship offer from Air Force. Although Michael Fromke is a first-year starting quarterback, he has the size (6-4) and arm strength to stretch the field.

Key question: Although CAK’s spread offense can pick a defense apart, Kolinsky is the key to making the Warriors go. Can the Bucs’ front seven prevent him from helping CAK sustain the type drives that wear down a defense and eat the clock?

WHITES CREEK COBRAS (0-0) at OOLTEWAH OWLS (0-0)

Tonight, 7:30

Last meeting: Ooltewah won 28-0 last year.

Why you should go: Word has it that the Owls are loaded with speed. Tonight fans can see for themselves. Among the leaders in that department is 6-3 defensive back Sammy Seamster, who flourished as a sprinter at the Class AAA state track meet in the spring. Also the leading rebounder on the basketball team, Seamster is relatively new to football.

Players to watch: Whites Creek wants the ball in the hands of Clifford Jetton, who had TDs on kickoff and punt returns last season. He’ll also run the ball and play in the secondary. Fellow junior Tory Booker (6-4, 330) is a leader on both sides of the line. Linebacker Roderick Edmondson (6-2, 245) led in tackles as a junior last year. Ooltewah senior Matthew Polk has earned the starting tailback position and could be yet another 1,000-yard Owls rusher with the line’s experience. Jacques Smith (6-3, 235) is as athletic as defensive tackles come. Another junior, John Long, gives Ooltewah a solid kicking game.

Key question: Can the Cobras make enough tackles when the play is in front of them? Chances are they’re not going to be making many from behind.

POLK COUNTY WILDCATS (0-0) at BLEDSOE COUNTY WARRIORS (0-0)

Tonight, 8

Last meeting: Polk County won 38-0 last year.

Why you should go: This is an opportunity to watch the “Zack Attack” — Polk’s Zack Akins and Zack Fletcher. Each will play a key role on his side of the ball, Akins on defense and Fletcher on offense.

Players to watch: Bledsoe County fullback Chase Brown (5-10, 200) will get a chance to be the featured back this year as the Warriors have switched to a wing-T offense. Defensively, noseguard Nick Smith (5-7, 150) will be the anchor. Polk quarterback Jared Allen has been given the controls of the offense early in his sophomore year. Akins will be on display at defensive tackle. Fletcher returns to tailback after rushing for 715 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2007.

Key question: Can Allen help lead the Wildcats to their eighth consecutive season-opening win? Can Bledsoe County adjust to the new offense in their second season under coach Hubert Robertson?

FRANKLIN ROAD ACADEMY PANTHERS (0-0) at GRACE ACADEMY GOLDEN EAGLES (0-0)

Tonight, 7:30

Last meeting: First meeting

Why you should go: Both teams have reasons for being eager to get their seasons started. The Golden Eagles have their most experienced team ever, with 18 starters returning from a 6-5 2007 team. FRA has eight starters back on offense and seven on defense, but tonight’s game marks the Panthers’ debut of new coach David Pack, who led Christ Presbyterian Academy to two state titles.

Players to watch: Grace’s Josh Blake (6-1, 180) returns for his fourth season as the starting quarterback and is capable of making a big impact in any game after accounting for more than 2,600 total yards as a junior. Cody Cross will lead the Golden Eagles’ rushing attack and was their leading tackler last season.

Key question: Will the Golden Eagles be able to use their season opener to set the tone for the kind of success they expect from themselves this season?

SUNBRIGHT TIGERS (0-0) at DAVID BRAINERD WILDCATS (0-0)

Tonight, 7 at Washington Hills field

Last meeting: David Brainerd won 14-7 last year.

Why you should go: This game offers contrasting styles. Sunbright relies on physically pounding opponents; David Brainerd will spread the defense and throw it all over the field.

Players to watch: David Brainerd quarterback Brooks Thedford averaged 170 passing yards per game last season, and Will Keebler is his favorite target. Patrick McCullough is the Wildcats’ most physical player as a fullback and linebacker, and Denzel Lowery is a game-breaking running back. Sunbright receiver Will Carroll was an all-region performer last year, and Nick Henes is a bruising 235-pound running back.

Key question: Because David Brainerd’s offense is so balanced, does Sunbright have the athletes on defense to cover the entire field?

McCALLIE BLUE TORNADO (0-0) at PROVIDENCE DAY (N.C.) CHARGERS (0-0)

Tonight, 7:30

Last meeting: First meeting

Why you should go: It’s not likely many McCallie backers will be making the six-hour trip from Chattanooga to Charlotte. However, because of a large McCallie alumni base in that area, Blue Tornado coach Rick Whitt doesn’t expect his team to be devoid of fans.

Players to watch: The Tornado’s triple-option offense needs good decision-making from quarterback Keenon Rush. Ideally, McCallie would like to establish the inside running of fullback Joey Skogen early. The Chargers base out of the I formation, at times going to a one-back offense. Expect the featured runner to be senior Terrell Tyrance. He’s a 5-10, 180-pound transfer from West Mecklenburg who ran for 540 yards and eight TDs last year. Blake Wylie, who is being recruited by Wofford and Furman, had seven interceptions last season. He’s also a wide receiver and excels as a kickoff and punt returner.

Key question: McCallie is solid across the defensive front and in the secondary. Can the linebackers, led by starters Charlie Graff and Nolan Woody, make enough tackles near the line of scrimmage to keep the Chargers in check?

SILVERDALE BAPTIST SEAHAWKS (0-0) at OLIVER SPRINGS BOBCATS (0-0)

Tonight, 7:30

Last meeting: Silverdale won 27-0 last year.

Why you should go: The Seahawks are looking for a good start on the way to improving on last year’s seven-win season and hope to make their second trip to the playoffs.

Players to watch: Quarterback Scott Paone will be in his first year, but he has a supporting cast that includes receiver Chris Goodine and running back Edgar Montgomery.

Key question: Can Silverdale overcome the mistakes numerous sophomore starters are likely to make?

PIGEON FORGE TIGERS (0-0) at SEQUATCHIE COUNTY INDIANS (0-0)

Tonight, 7:30

Last meeting: Sequatchie County won 19-13 last year.

Why you should go: New Indians coach Chad Barger’s energy is infectious. Fundamentals looked improved at last week’s jamboree, and so was the effort given by players. Not only should Sequatchie be a much-improved team, capable of a big turnaround this year, but that enthusiasm makes the Indians fun to watch.

Players to watch: Brett Bartley had little football experience before this season, but he is so athletic that he will become an immediate impact player, carrying the ball and at defensive back. Brandon Dykes showed plenty of speed at last week’s jamboree with a 99-yard touchdown run. Pigeon Forge has almost every offensive-line starter back but will be breaking in an entirely new offensive backfield.

Key question: Will the Tigers’ size advantage up front — their offensive line returns four starters and averages 240 pounds — wear down the Indians?