BOYD-BUCHANAN BUCCANEERS (3-0, 1-0) at TYNER RAMS (3-0, 1-0)
Storyline: It's a marquee match - Boyd-Buchanan No. 2 and Tyner tied for No. 3 in the latest Class 3A state poll. A win ultimately should mean a host role for at least the first round of the postseason playoffs. While Tyner was destroying Signal Mountain, Boyd-Buchanan enjoyed an open date. Time of possession could be a deciding factor. The Rams likely will have the biggest offensive and defensive fronts the Bucs have seen. However, Boyd-Buchanan has the most experience it has enjoyed in several seasons, including QB Cooper Hodge and RBs E.J. Matthews and Isaiah Dillard. Tyner standouts have been RB/LBs Shannon Spralls and Chaysen Patrick and DL Markize Gillispie (four sacks, five lost-yardage tackles). The programs haven't met since 2008, a 20-18 Tyner win.
RHEA COUNTY EAGLES (3-1, 1-0) at OOLTEWAH OWLS (3-1, 0-0)
Storyline: Early control of first place in Region 4-5A is on the line. It's also a chance at redemption for the Owls, who lost by 33 points to the Eagles in the second round of last year's playoffs. Rhea County uses a committee of backs, including playmakers Cody Bice and Noel Patterson and quarterback Daniel Dotson. Both teams have high-scoring offenses - Rhea averages 50 points per game and Ooltewah 38 - but the difference could be a much improved Owls defense, which is giving up just six points per game and already has returned three turnovers for scores. The Eagles are allowing close to three touchdowns per game, although some of that total comes after they have had games well under control. One key stat for Ooltewah so far has been the lack of turnovers. The Owls are plus-four in turnover margin and have executed much better offensively after the frustration of scoring just three points in three trips inside the Riverdale 10-yard line in the season opener.
MARION COUNTY WARRIORS (4-0, 1-0) at BRAINERD PANTHERS (0-3, 0-1)
Storyline: The state's top-ranked Class 2A team likely will see the most speed they've faced to date, but the Panthers have yet to parlay their speed into a win. However, the Warriors are coming off a huge win over rival South Pittsburg and coach Ricky Ross spent the week harping about mindset and warning of upset possibilities. The schools have not met since 1964 - Ray Coleman was Brainerd's coach - and Brainerd leads the series 3-0-1.
CHATTANOOGA CHRISTIAN CHARGERS (2-2, 0-1) at SIGNAL MOUNTAIN EAGLES (0-4, 0-1)
Storyline: Since Chattanooga Christian entered the football arena seven years ago, the Chargers have yet to avoid a running-clock/mercy rule in their games with Signal Mountain. As a matter of fact, the Eagles' 49-14 decision last year is the closest CCS has come to competing in this series. This may be the year that this particular streak ends as Signal continues to struggle with depth issues. The Eagles have run a season-opening gauntlet of 2-2 East Hamilton, 3-1 Ooltewah, 4-0 East Ridge and 3-0 Tyner. All but East Ridge are higher-classification teams.
CLEVELAND BLUE RAIDERS (1-3, 0-1) at McMINN COUNTY CHEROKEES (2-1, 1-0)
Storyline: This game could be quicker than most. Both boast of their running games - McMinn with D.J. Kimpson, who gained 255 yards against Walker Valley - and Cleveland with Keegan Jones, JaShawn Hill and Romeo Wykle. Hill will throw, but he has only two touchdown tosses to go with three interceptions. While he is averaging about 10 passes per game, Cherokees QB Bradley Hayes has yet to get his first passing TD.
HIXSON WILDCATS (0-3, 0-1) at EAST HAMILTON HURRICANES (2-2, 1-0)
Storyline: East Hamilton fell out of the Class 4A poll after getting in a couple of weeks ago at No. 10. The Hurricanes' fall is, without question, linked to last week's 51-7 loss to neighbor Ooltewah. Hixson enjoyed an open date last week so has had two weeks to heal from a bruising start and prepare. Although the Hurricanes posted a region shutout win at Sequoyah, both defenses have struggled, Hixson surrendering 108 points in its first three games.
NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH (2-2, 1-0) at HOWARD HUSTLIN' TIGERS (0-4, 0-1)
Storyline: Despite a lopsided 35-17 loss at Knoxville Catholic, the Irish remain ranked in the Class 3A poll, dropping two spots to No. 7. They're still not on the same page defensively although allowing just 19.5 points per game. The offense has been disjointed at times, and penalties have killed touchdowns and potential scoring drives. Tigers coach Mark Teague is still trying to get his offense to jell, and it has improved since back-to-back shutout losses to open the season. Howard has played two teams above .500 (Baylor, 4-0; DCA, 3-1) plus 1-3 teams Red Bank and David Crockett.
SODDY-DAISY TROJANS (3-0, 1-0) at WHITE COUNTY WARRIORS (2-2, 0-1)
Storyline: The Trojans' start is the school's best since 2004 - Tom Weathers' first year as coach there- when they reached 7-0 before losing. The opponents they've beat this year, though, all have losing records, so coach Justin Barnes has done everything possible to try to stem euphoria, at least within the team. That said, the offensive line has jelled and Barnes' offense has clicked behind QB Justin Cooke, WR Tre Carter and RB Christian Bell. White County opened the season with back-to-back wins but since has sustained lopsided losses to Rhea County (49-6) and Cookeville (41-0). The Trojans must be aware of RB Chris Richmond, a stout 5-foot-7, 210-pounder, and defenders Jake Shockey and Noah Roberts.
BRADLEY CENTRAL BEARS (3-1, 0-1) at JEFFERSON COUNTY PATRIOTS (2-2, 0-1)
Storyline: On the heels of their first victory in three years over Cleveland, the Bears garnered their first Class 6A poll ranking of the year - No. 10. The Patriots are coached by Kenny Cobble, who for several years was defensive coordinator during Red Bank's most recent glory years. They had it rough last week, QB Austin Jenkins throwing three interceptions in a 31-7 rout by Morristown West. Bears QB Cole Copeland, who already has thrown for more than 650 yards with a completion percentage of .671, also is the team's leading rusher with 337 yards, which leaves him 13 yards shy of 1,000 in total offense.
GRACE ACADEMY GOLDEN EAGLES (2-2, 1-0) vs. SALE CREEK PANTHERS (1-3, 0-1) at Finley Stadium
Storyline: Just four weeks into the season, the Golden Eagles already have more wins than they managed in the entire 2014 season. Sale Creek, of course, got its first-ever win a couple of weeks ago. This game will be crucial to each team's playoff aspirations with four postseason spots available for Region 3-1A's six teams. For the moment, Grace is the only 3-1A team that is at .500 or better; it is averaging 34.3 points per game.
RED BANK LIONS (1-3, 0-1) at EAST RIDGE PIONEERS (4-0, 1-0)
Storyline: The Pioneers hope to keep their surprising season going as they host a reeling Lions team looking to get untracked. Red Bank has the skill players to get the job done, led by two-way star Tra Stamper, QB Caleb Tate and RB Dominique Rivers. Keeping drive-killing mistakes to a minimum is a huge key for the visitors. East Ridge's offense has taken a step forward with new starting QB Eric Bennett, who has led the Pioneers to impressive wins over Signal Mountain and Central. They scored touchdowns on five of their first six possessions at Central. If Bennett were to falter, coach Tracy Malone has complete confidence in backup Matt Yarbrough, who threw for 306 yards in the first two games. Running back Traneil Moore is East Ridge's main threat with 400 yards (9.3 per carry) and four touchdowns.
SOUTH PITTSBURG PIRATES (1-2, 0-0) at COPPER BASIN COUGARS (1-3, 1-0)
Storyline: This is an important early-season game for positioning in Region 3-1A and a good gauge to determine whether the Pirates are headed in the right direction since it's a rematch with the team that beat them in last year's playoffs. South Pittsburg's offense played well for a half against top-ranked Marion County last week and has shown flashes this season but has yet to put together four solid quarters on both sides of the ball. Hogan Holland is improving with each week after only three games playing QB and has talent around him in RBs Chase Blevins and Joseph Lilly and a reliable target to throw to in Cade Kennemore. This will be the first game the Pirates aren't facing a team with considerably better size and depth. Copper Basin already has a region win.
BRENTWOOD ACADEMY EAGLES (3-1, 1-0) at BAYLOR RED RAIDERS (4-0, 1-0)
Storyline: With 15 starters back from last year and several FBS prospects, the Eagles have been projected as one of the favorites to win the Division II-AA state title, which would be their first since 2006. The talent starts up front, where three players have committed to SEC programs: tackles Bryce Mathews (6-5, 290, Ole Miss) and Ryan Johnson (6-5, 290, Tennessee) and guard Brandon Adams (6-2, 295, Vanderbilt). Both junior Jeremiah Oatsvall, who was the MVP of the D-II state basketball tournament, and sophomore Gavin Schoenwald will play QB. They have combined for 618 yards and six touchdowns, while Oatsvall has been intercepted three times. Sophomore WR Camron Johnson (9 receptions for 252 yards, two TDs) is a budding stud, and Prince Momodu has run for more than 350 yards this year.
MONTGOMERY BELL ACADEMY BIG RED (4-0, 0-0) at McCALLIE BLUE TORNADO (2-2, 1-0)
Storyline: The top-ranked Big Red have won 10 straight games spanning two seasons, including the Division II-AA state championship. They beat McCallie to conclude the 2014 regular season and in the state quarterfinals. The Blue Tornado must deal with running back Ty Chandler, who is a top-10 running back in the class of 2017. They could counter with the QB tandem of Javaughn Craig and Rob Riddle.
LOOKOUT VALLEY YELLOW JACKETS (0-4, 0-1) at WHITWELL TIGERS (1-3, 0-0)
Storyline: It's been a frustrating start for both teams, but especially for Whitwell, which won four of its last five games last season and came into this year state ranked. The goal of winning the region is still there for the Tigers, who have yet to play a league opponent after three straight road losses to teams from larger classifications. Lookout Valley began the season lacking depth, and that problem has gotten only worse with injuries. The Yellow Jackets are now dressing 22 players and rotate about 15 in games, and 10 of their total roster number are freshmen.
SILVERDALE BAPTIST SEAHAWKS (2-1, 0-1) at MEIGS COUNTY TIGERS (1-2, 0-1)
Storyline: Teams in Region 3-2A already are separating themselves from the rest. Neither Silverdale nor Meigs wants to fall too far back after two of seven region games. SBA will rely on dual-threat quarterback Alex Gonzales. The Tigers have a deeper team with a few more athletes, including Zy Moore.
BLEDSOE COUNTY WARRIORS (2-1, 1-0) at POLK COUNTY WILDCATS (0-4, 0-1)
Storyline: The Warriors are off to a rolling start under first-year coach Josh Owensby. Bledsoe attacks with a variety of players including Tavian Dodd, Joseph Gore and Chaise Sorrow. The Wildcats continue a rebuilding year even with RB Ben Norwood. They've allowed at least 40 points in their last two games and have scored 34 this year.
DADE COUNTY WOLVERINES (2-1, 0-0) at NORTHWEST WHITFIELD BRUINS (2-1, 0-1)
Storyline: Two teams coming off disappointing losses tangle in a nonregion game at Tunnel Hill. The Wolverines allowed 427 yards rushing in a 35-14 loss to Ridgeland and face another team in Northwest that will try to use its large offensive front to control the game. Dade has plenty of weapons itself, including backs Damien Pickering, Teddy Cole and Zac Freeman, though the lack of a passing game (2-of-11 with two interceptions last week) will allow Northwest LBs Austin Morrison and Cyrus Addison to crowd the line. The Bruins will be without QB Luke Shiflett, who injured his shoulder in an upset loss to Southeast Whitfield. Will Blanchard, the area's leading receiver, will step in and gives the team a bit more speed on option keepers.
FELLOWSHIP CHRISTIAN PALADINS (2-1) at CHRISTIAN HERITAGE LIONS (1-2, 0-0)
Storyline: Two familiar foes tangle in Dalton, with the Lions trying to down the Paladins for the sixth time in four years. This, however, might be the best Fellowship team the Lions have faced. The key for Christian Heritage, according to coach Preston Poag, will be handling the visitors' size, led by 300-pound linemen Reed Kreaber and Jackon Kreikemeier. Backs Andrew Minkert and Tyler Matthesen are averaging better than 6 yards per carry in an offense that relies heavily on the run. The Lions are more balanced and will use the running and passing of QB Tyson Cooper (300 total yards in a 31-14 win over Gordon Lee last week), the running of TB Ahmaad Tanner (95 yards, two touchdowns) and WR Seth Hutchinson (seven catches, 110 yards and a score) to keep the Paladins on their heels.
TRION BULLDOGS (3-0, 0-0) at PINECREST ACADEMY PALADINS (2-0)
Storyline: The key for the Bulldogs sounds simple. It's not. Pinecrest quarterback Ryan McCarthy is a one-man highlight reel who runs the team's option attack to perfection. Trion coach Justin Brown calls him the best player the Bulldogs may face all season and says limiting McCarthy's big plays is goal No. 1. Trion has become a balanced offensive team with QB Jarrett Gill keeping defenses honest with his strong right arm. Led by backs Malik Martin, Gabe Howell, Jarrett Pierce and DeVonya Farmer, Trion averages nearly 300 yards rushing. If goal No. 1 is to stop McCarthy, goal No. 2 is to keep him off the field with time-consuming offensive drives.