Tonight's greater Chattanooga area high school football matchups

Arkansas-SEMO Live Blog

All kickoffs at 7:30 Eastern unless noted

* district/region game

* BAYLOR RED RAIDERS (5-3, 2-2) at ENSWORTH TIGERS (6-1, 3-1), 8

Storyline: After playing tough against top-ranked Brentwood Academy last week, Baylor has another rugged task in this Division II-AA East/Middle Region game. Ensworth could be caught looking ahead to BA in its regular-season finale next week. If that's the case, QB Nick Tiano and the Red Raiders could use another jolt of offensive energy from Adrian Harris, who is recovering from injuries and had more than 200 all-purpose yards in last week's 38-31 loss.

* McCALLIE BLUE TORNADO (7-1, 3-1) at FATHER RYAN IRISH (5-3, 1-3), 8

Storyline: McCallie had a much-needed open date last Friday, and it's reasonable to expect a much-improved showing than the 59-24 setback against Brentwood Academy two weeks ago. McCallie senior RB Alex Trotter is on pace to crack the 2,000-yard rushing mark, with 1,626 yards through eight games. He also has 24 rushing TDs. Wonder who Father Ryan should focus on in this Division II-AA East/Middle Region game?

SEQUATCHIE COUNTY INDIANS (3-5) at BOYD-BUCHANAN BUCCANEERS (3-5)

Storyline: This matchup will put a premium on points. Plus, for the Buccaneers, another potential district championship will be on the line next week when they travel to Silverdale Baptist Academy, so how aggressive will Grant Reynolds and Co. be in their play-calling? For the run-first, run-most Warriors, junior RB Colby Reed (668 yards rushing) has been a reliable option.

SILVERDALE BAPTIST ACADEMY SEAHAWKS (4-4) at BLEDSOE COUNTY WARRIORS (3-5), 8

Storyline: Teams that started quickly will try to end their seasons with a flourish. Silverdale has battled inexperience and some injuries after starting the season 3-1. A challenging schedule has prevented the Warriors from building steam.

SOUTH PITTSBURG PIRATES (4-4) at POLK COUNTY WILDCATS (0-8)

Storyline: A disatrous season for traditionally strong Polk could get worse tonight as the Pirates look to be righting their offense. South Pittsburg ran for 633 yards last week against Lookout Valley, as the Pirates -- another perennial power that has been disappointing at times this season -- rolled. The big question for Polk is finding points, as the Wildcats have scored more than 14 points in only two games this season.

* CENTRAL PURPLE POUNDERS (6-2, 3-2) at HIXSON WILDCATS (6-2, 4-0)

Storyline: The Wildcats struggled to find their offensive rhythm last week in a big District 6-AA win over Red Bank but settled down in the second half. They gave up 13 first-quarter points to the Lions but no more. Other than Central's lopsided loss to Red Bank, limiting scoring has been the Pounders' forte. They have three shutouts and are giving up 8.7 points per game. Hixson has two shutouts, both in district games. The game has state-playoff implications. Hixson has secured a playoff berth, but Central is scrapping for that second guaranteed slot.

CHATTANOOGA CHRISTIAN CHARGERS (4-4) at MARION COUNTY WARRIORS (7-1), 8

Storyline: A balanced offensive team (Chargers) against a strong running team (Warriors). Behind QB Zach Mercer and RBs Brandon Mason and T.J. Smith, the Chargers are looking for the school's first nonlosing campaign since the first varsity season in 2009. Marion is squarely in the Class 2A playoff picture with rival South Pittsburg as next week's opponent. The Warriors have been led by RBs Blake Zeman and Josh Henderson, whose combined rushing average is better than 9 yards per carry.

GREENEVILLE GREEN DEVILS (7-1) at SIGNAL MOUNTAIN EAGLES (7-1)

Storyline: The teams have played once before with Greeneville taking a 47-20 home victory a year ago. Greeneville is ranked fourth in the latest AP Class 4A poll. Signal is seventh. It could be a quick game because both teams love to run the football. The Eagles lost leading rusher Skye Wilson two games ago, but Nathan Johnson and Kaleb Menzel picked up the slack with the help of the Eagles' big offensive line.

COPPER BASIN COUGARS (4-4) at LOOKOUT VALLEY YELLOW JACKETS (1-7)

Storyline: The Cougars aren't going to throw the ball -- they did once last week in a loss to Boyd-Buchanan -- and Lookout Valley has struggled most of the season, especially with an inordinate number of injuries on an already-small squad. Copper Basin could be looking at a possible Class 2A playoff spot but needs to win this one and the one next week vs. Grace Academy.

CUMBERLAND COUNTY JETS (0-8) at GRUNDY COUNTY YELLOW JACKETS (4-4), 8

Storyline: The Yellow Jackets, currently third in District 7-AA, are seeking to lock up a Class 3A playoff spot as a wild card, and their final game is against district leader Notre Dame next Thursday. Behind QB Houston Mainord and athlete Logan Meeks, they've won twice since enduring a three-game skid. Cumberland County has scored no more than 13 points in any game to date, and the Jets have lost four games by shutout.

* EAST RIDGE PIONEERS (2-6, 1-3) at TYNER RAMS (1-7, 1-3)

Storyline: The circumstances surrounding this game are not what either school's head coach envisioned in the preseason. The Pioneers were preseason co-favoritea to win District 6-AA and the Rams had their share of support. Both expected to be playing in the postseason. The Pioneers are still depending heavily on QB JoJo Tillery while the Rams' offensive effort has been shouldered by junior RB Chaysen Patrick.

* BRADLEY CENTRAL BEARS (2-5, 0-3) at SODDY-DAISY TROJANS (4-4, 1-3)

Storyline: For the Bears, this is almost an elimination game in terms of the Class 6A playoffs. The Trojans could still make the playoffs as long as they win next week at Walker Valley, but they would love to shake off the memories of last week's loss to East Hamilton. The game features two of the area's top four passers in yards -- Soddy-Daisy's Hunter Maynor (2,445) and the Bears' Cole Copeland (1,581) -- but the game could be decided on who can run the ball more effectively and finish drives in the red zone.

* CLEVELAND BLUE RAIDERS (5-4, 4-1) at OOLTEWAH OWLS (8-0, 4-0)

Storyline: The Owls' trek toward their first undefeated regular season since 2006 continues in a "district championship" game against the Blue Raiders, who have won their last two meetings overall and the last two played at Ooltewah. Cleveland has relied on its rushing attack to churn out yards, which has opened QB Austin Massey's opportunities in the passing game. The Owls have allowed only 19 points in district play while scoring 164.

RHEA COUNTY EAGLES (8-0) at EAST HAMILTON HURRICANES (2-6)

Storyline: A tune-up for the playoffs for one team; a chance at salvaging a season for the other. The Eagles have clinched the 6-AAA championship and look to iron out kinks before the Class 5A playoffs begin in two weeks. The Hurricanes' athletic defense aided their big victory over Soddy-Daisy last week, while QB Matt Milita and RB David Whiteside aided the offensive side and hope to continue the same this week.

* WALKER VALLEY MUSTANGS (4-4, 1-3) at McMINN COUNTY CHEROKEES (2-6, 2-2)

Storyline: The Mustangs can strengthen their shot at the Class 6A playoffs with a win tonight. They've been led by their defense, which has given an offense led by freshman QB Kolten Gibson time to mesh. The Cherokees' two-game win streak came to a screeching halt last week in a 49-32 humbling by Bradley Central, but they still have an effective rushing attack and senior QB Corbin Powers can make plays.

GRACE ACADEMY GOLDEN EAGLES (1-7) at JACKSON COUNTY BLUE DEVILS (5-3), 8

Storyline: The Golden Eagles beat the Devils 48-20 for one of their four wins last season. They have depended heavily on underclassmen this season, including James Rowell, RB Jared Roberts, QB Jared Thompson and RBs Zac Miller and Alex Brandon. Jackson County has suffered three straight losses.

* MEIGS COUNTY TIGERS (4-4, 2-2) at HARRIMAN BLUE DEVILS (5-4, 2-3)

Storyline: Both teams are in the playoff hunt, although each is out of the chase for one of District 3-A's top two spots. Meigs last made the playoffs in 2011 but hasn't finished with a winning record since 2007, Mike Martin's last year as head coach. This game represents the final regular-season game for Harriman, while Meigs closes out its year against Tellico Plains. The Tigers have won their last two while the Blue Devils have won three of the last four.

NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH (7-1) at COALFIELD YELLOW JACKETS (5-3), 8

Storyline: The Irish are within two wins of equaling last year's total that came in the second round of the playoffs. They're also riding a seven-game win streak with their loss coming to Knoxville Catholic, which is unbeaten and ranked fourth in Class 4A. Under the guidance of Charles Fant, who was hired before the 2012 season, Notre Dame has put together a record of 26-8. The Irish already have secured a berth in the Class 3A playoffs. Catholic is the teams' only comment opponent; the Irish lost 15-12 and Coalmont lost 61-0. The Jackets have won three of their last four but are coming off a loss to state-ranked Oneida.

* RED BANK LIONS (4-4, 3-1) at HOWARD HUSTLIN' TIGERS (0-8, 0-4)

Storyline: To keep their playoff hopes alive, the Lions need a win after a 17-13 loss last week to District 6-AA leader Hixson. They scored 13 first-quarter points in that one but didn't score again. A key for the Lions is keeping Malik Davis on the field, especially if they continue to use him at QB, and keeping WR Ben Brown involved in the offense. Davis, who started the year as a WR, left last week's game with severe calf cramps and didn't return.

WHITWELL TIGERS (5-4) at RICHLAND RAIDERS (1-7), 8

Storyline: First-year coach R.C. Helton has the Tigers positioned for the school's first winning season since 2003. when they were 7-4 under Wes Green. They've gotten here with a heavy-duty running game that has four backs -- Cody Ingrassia, Clay McHone, Tyler Tate and Jack Sartin -- with at least 500 rushing yards. Ingrassia leads the way with 811. Since a close loss to unbeaten and state-ranked Middle Tennessee Christian, Whitwell has a three-game win streak. Richland's win was over one-win East Robertson three weeks ago.

MONTEREY WILDCATS (5-3) vs. SALE CREEK PANTHERS (0-8) at Finley Stadium

Storyline: Since losing their first three games by a combined 97-18 and two of those by shutout, the Wildcats have averaged 43.5 points per game and haven't lost. Sale Creek has been shut out in five of its losses, but the injury-bedeviled Panthers have used three QBs, all new to the position, this season.

* PICKENS COUNTY DRAGONS (6-1, 3-1) at HERITAGE GENERALS (4-3, 2-2)

Storyline: The key for the Generals, at least defensively, is the same for every team that plays Pickens -- find a way to slow Shannon Brooks. Georgia's leading rusher had another 200-plus-yard night last week against LaFayette and is near the 2,000-yard mark for an offense with back-to-back 60-point games. The best defense for Heritage might be a ball-control offense behind surging QB Corbee Wilson and a short passing game featuring Luke Grant and Christian King.

* DALTON CATAMOUNTS (7-1, 5-0) at WOODLAND WILDCATS (0-7, 0-4)

Storyline: Dalton's roll through Region 7A-AAAAA is not likely to stop against the Wildcats, who are allowing nearly 40 points per game. That's bad news against a Catamounts offense putting up insane numbers -- 2,024 rushing yards and right at 1,700 passing and nearly 8 yards per carry. Though Dalton will have to play its starters more than a half soon, the depth coach Matt Land is building could pay dividends. As it is, Payton Veraldi, Kelvis Rhodes and crew are gaining yards at will.

* LaFAYETTE RAMBLERS (2-5, 0-4) at GILMER COUNTY BOBCATS (6-1, 3-1)

Storyline: LaFayette lost a shootout to Pickens last week to end its playoff hopes, but Chad Fisher's team can still play spoiler. Athletic Kolbe Mosely may be the best-kept secret in northwest Georgia. He had more than 100 yards and a touchdown receiving last week to go with two kickoff returns for scores, and expect even more touches for him tonight. The Ramblers have to find a way to stop Gilmer RB Russell Cochran, who has totaled 390 rushing yards the last two weeks.

* NORTHWEST WHITFIELD BRUINS (3-4, 1-3) at RIDGELAND PANTHERS (3-4, 1-3)

Storyline: Basically, the team that loses is out of the playoff picture. As for the game itself, polar-opposite offenses will be on display, with the pass-happy Bruins going against the run-dominant Panthers. Neither team is pleased with its effort a week ago. Already beat-up Northwest QB Caleb Shiflett was sacked six times against Cartersville and dropped several more, while the Ridgeland offensive line was easily handled by Heritage. Both teams were projected to be in the playoff hunt when the season started, but after tonight one is out.

* SOUTHEAST WHITFIELD RAIDERS (5-2, 2-2) at CARTERSVILLE PURPLE HURRICANES (6-1, 4-0)

Storyline: Once 5-0, Southeast has seen its momentum halted in losses to Pickens County and Gilmer County. The Raiders' defense, which had been gashed, was actually decent against Gilmer, but the offense couldn't contain the stout Bobcats front. Southeast QB Will Swantic was sacked five times and harassed all game, and the team will get a bigger test tonight as the aggressive 'Canes will blitz at will. To stay close the Raiders will have to contain freshman QB Trevor Lawrence, who passed for 400 yards and three TDs against Northwest Whitfield, and RB Tiamon Pennymon, who accounted for four TDs and 212 total yards.

* MURRAY COUNTY INDIANS (2-5, 2-3) at CALHOUN YELLOW JACKETS (7-0, 5-0)

Storyline: How many points does Calhoun want to score, and how many is it willing to let Murray County score? The Yellow Jackets have defeated every team opponent by at least two TDs since the first week of the season. Murray County QB Justin Smith has half as many passing yards (657) as Calhoun QB Kalean Riley (1,319).

* COAHULLA CREEK COLTS (0-7, 0-5) at RINGGOLD TIGERS (5-2, 3-2)

Storyline: The Tigers aren't in position to win Region 6-AAA, but they can emerge from the middle of the pack. They can also get their reserves plenty of playing time -- and starters including QB Devin Lancaster plenty of rest -- against the Colts, who have scored three TDs this season.

* LAKEVIEW-FORT OGLETHORPE WARRIORS (3-5, 3-3) at SONORAVILLE PHOENIX (4-4, 3-3)

Storyline: Which team can rally? Sonoraville and LFO are tied in the middle of Region 6-AAA. LFO gained some momentum by winning three straight against sub-.500 teams. But it's lost three straight, including a 55-0 whipping against Adairsville. The Phoenix have lost three of their last four but could get to 6-4.

* NORTH MURRAY MOUNTAINEERS (4-3, 2-2) at ADAIRSVILLE TIGERS (6-1, 4-1)

Storyline: The Tigers, who are sitting right behind Calhoun in the region standings, are waiting to see if Calhoun's winning streak will come to an end so they can move into a tie for first. The Mountaineers have been on a roll with QB Hinton McConkey -- who had 390 yards of total offense and five TDs in the first half last week -- leading them to at least 39 points in three straight games.

* MODEL BLUE DEVILS (6-2, 2-2) at CHATTOOGA INDIANS (3-4, 2-1)

Storyline: The Foster twins of Chattooga are still a force, but are they enough for the Indians to beat Model? Isaac Foster had 65 yards rushing last week, and Isaiah Foster added 165 yards in a 30-0 win over Gordon Lee. Model doesn't make the best of homecoming opponents. Its losses have been by seven against Darlington and by seven against Coosa -- the top teams in Region 7-AA.

* DADE COUNTY WOLVERINES (2-5, 1-2) at COOSA BLUE DEVILS (5-2, 3-0)

Storyline: Who's hot? Darlington is the only team in Region 7-AA with a longer winning streak than Coosa, which has won five straight. The Wolverines ended a skid last week by pummeling cellar-dwelling Armuchee. With a limited passing attack, and ball-carriers Blake Lynn and Brett Swader, the Wolverines need to stay in front of the chains and win third down.

* CHRISTIAN HERITAGE LIONS (3-5, 1-2) at WALKER WOLVERINES (1-6, 0-2)

Storyline: The Lions are eyeing the playoffs. After Walker, CHS will have an off week and then play a region crossover game. A win there and CHS gets another by week before starting the playoffs. But Walker is up first. Sophomore QB Wesley Hagan likely will start in place of Tyson Cooper, who has been limited with an infection, and coach Preston Poag is still seeking big plays from his defense.

* TRION BULLDOGS (4-3, 0-2) at MOUNT PARAN EAGLES (7-0, 2-0)

Storyline: It's a tough challenge for Trion. Mount Paran is ranked No. 5 in the Class A-Private rankings, and the Bulldogs are No. 21 in the Class A-Public rankings. The Eagles play more than 20 seniors, including all-state running back Dorian Walker, and are seeking the first region championship in school history.

* BRINDLEE MOUNTAIN LIONS (1-7, 0-6) at NORTH SAND MOUNTAIN BISON (0-8, 0-6), 8

Storyline: The Bison put up 321 yards of offense last week but gave up more than 400 in a 46-18 loss to Pisgah. They also used two QBs -- Eric George and Hunter Hill -- who combined for more than 200 yards. Hill threw two TDs to George, and George tossed one to Jordan Harmon. The Lions' win came in their season opener, 21-0 over Holly Pond, which like North Sand Mountain is winless.

* FORT PAYNE WILDCATS (6-2, 5-0) at GADSDEN SOUTHSIDE PANTHERS (7-2, 5-0), 8

Storyline: This game matches the last teams that are unbeaten in Region 7-6A play. Fort Payne leads the series 14-9, although Southside took a 28-14 win last year. Gadsden used four touchdowns from Alaric Williams to outlast Scottsboro last week, and he now has 881 rushing yards for the season. The Panthers' leading rusher, though, is Holt Keeling with 918 yards. Fort Payne may have versatile RB/DB Desmon Turner, who's been out because of injury, back this week.

* SCOTTSBORO WILDCATS (4-4, 3-2) at ARAB KNIGHTS (5-3, 2-3), 8

Storyline: The game tonight is likely for playoff seeding purposes with the Wildcats and Knights battling for third place behind Fort Payne and Gadsden Southside in Region 7-6A. Since a four-game win streak that followed a season-opening loss to Georgia power Dalton, the Wildcats have lost three in a row. They have a 35-17 series advantage over the Knights, including a 17-14 win last season.

* SECTION LIONS (4-4, 3-2) at IDER HORNETS (5-3, 2-3), 8

Storyline: Ider is facing a must-win situation if it wants to get into this year's Class 2A playoffs after a loss last week at Cleveland. The Hornets need to get more from RBs Jared Palmer, Tyler Ogle and Dylan Reed and QB Devin Dobbins if they're to get by the Lions for Region 7's fourth playoff berth.

* GOOD HOPE RAIDERS (4-4, 3-3) at NORTH JACKSON CHIEFS (6-2, 5-1), 8

Storyline: The Chiefs will be facing a new opponent in Good Hope tonight in their final regular-season home game. North Jackson has scored at least 41 points in seven of its eight games this year, including back-to-back 69-point performances against J.B. Pennington and Westminster Christian. In 112 carries this year, RB Octavius Matthews has lost just 11 yards while gaining 1,248. He also has 11 catches for 323 yards and leads the Chiefs with 156 points.

* WOODVILLE PANTHERS (3-5, 1-4) at VALLEY HEAD TIGERS (4-3, 4-1), 8

Storyline: In a three-way tie for first place in Region 7-1A, the Tigers need a win to keep pace with Cedar Bluff, which beat them earlier this season, and Spring Garden. They're coming off their best offensive showing of the year, having rolled up more than 400 yards in a 12-point win over Jacksonville Christian. Leading the way in that one was Josh Gregory with three TDs and more than 150 rushing yards.

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