Tonight's Chattanooga area high school football matchups
JEFFERSON COUNTY PATRIOTS (2-2, 0-1) at BRADLEY CENTRAL BEARS (4-0, 1-0)
Storyline: The Bears face a fellow Class 6A team that potentially can match them in strength. Bradley has a top-flight QB in Cole Copeland (864 passing yards this season), but the team that can run and stop the run should have a considerable edge. Bradley has had a prosperous season thus far despite losing starters at MLB, RB and WR to injury. Bradley coach Damon Floyd said Dylan Standifer (113 receiving yards) has done a suitable job with more playing time and fellow sophomores Hayden Ownbey and Cole Reyher have done suitable jobs filling in at LB. Their efforts will be tested by the Patriots' physical running game.
EAST RIDGE PIONEERS (3-1, 1-0) at RED BANK LIONS (1-3, 0-1)
Storyline: East Ridge will look to load up behind its offensive line and pave the way for RB Traneil Moore, who ran 18 times for 157 yards and three TDs last week in his first game back from a spring football knee injury. Its defense will look to contain RB Zay Moore but also QB Calvin Jackson and his receivers, led by Mike Clark. The Lions seek improved execution while doing a better job of controlling their emotions this week. The Pioneers are trying to correct the mistakes that cost them 120 yards in penalties a week ago. The outcome of the Region 3-3A game may be decided by how well Red Bank's defensive line performs and how active MLB Kedric Richardson can be.
HOWARD HUSTLIN' TIGERS (1-3, 1-0) at NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH (3-1, 1-0)
Storyline: Including scrimmages, Howard is the fourth wing-T offense Notre Dame has faced this season. The Tigers' version doesn't come with a lot of flash. They want to run the ball between the tackles. Notre Dame coach Charles Fant said a big key for his team in the Region 3-3A game will be limiting positive gains on first and second downs. First-year coach John Starr admits Howard's defense thus far has been a little ahead of the offense. The Irish's No. 1 objective against that defense will be to try to run the ball. They've played multiple QBs this year, with junior T.J. McGhee having thrown the most passes with 31.
MEIGS COUNTY TIGERS (2-1, 0-1) at SILVERDALE BAPTIST SEAHAWKS (3-0, 1-0)
Storyline: Meigs County faces a group of veteran players in the Region 3-2A game, including QB Alex Gonzalez (.618 completion percentage, no interceptions). Given the abilities of TE Christian Rogers and FB Hayden Spencer, who are equally adept as LBs, the Tigers must watch the run and the pass and defend the whole field. It should help Meigs getting back OLB Jesse Rayl and ILB Casey Tate after both were out last week. The Tigers have good size on offense and will try to use that to their advantage. However, they must deal with a variety of blitzes from the aggressive Seahawks.
POLK COUNTY WILDCATS (2-2, 0-1) at BLEDSOE COUNTY WARRIORS (1-2, 0-1)
Storyline: These Region 3-2A teams are a lot alike. One big difference: The Wildcats are coming in off a 38-7 loss to McMinn Central and Bledsoe County got a late TD and two-point conversion to edge Whitwell 22-21. Look for Polk's emphasis to be on an increased effort this week while the Warriors stress improving their execution. Polk's defense and running game have taken a hit with the loss of senior LB/RB Dustin Ward, who separated a shoulder and will be out this week. Bledsoe finally got senior RB Joseph Gore going last week. He carried the ball 34 times in addition to playing defense and special teams. The biggest weapon on the field may be Bledsoe K/P Gabe Boring, who has nine touchbacks on 11 kickoffs.
SIGNAL MOUNTAIN EAGLES (1-3, 0-1) at CHATTANOOGA CHRISTIAN CHARGERS (3-1, 0-1)
Storyline: After suffering through more than a season of bad breaks, the Eagles finally created some good fortune by forcing three Tyner turnovers in last week's upset win. How much confidence did Signal Mountain gain, and can that be parlayed into more success? The Eagles found more offensive balance last week, led by Colin Weigert's 200-plus-yards rushing game that included a 91-yard TD. CCS is one of the younger teams in the area and looking to regain some footing after a lopsided loss to state-ranked Notre Dame. This could decide which team earns a playoff spot from Region 3-3A.
SALE CREEK PANTHERS (2-2, 0-1) at GRACE ACADEMY GOLDEN EAGLES (2-2, 1-0)
Storyline: Sale Creek coach Ron Cox is convinced the team that plays best along the lines will have the edge. Both teams want to establish the run first. Both have elusive QBs in the Panthers' Jeb Hart and Grace's Jared Thompson, and both are key defensive players. Thompson and RB Cade Tinsley have combined for 12 TDs, but with their running game stymied last week, the Golden Eagles threw four interceptions. The Panthers would like to have that kind of success defensively, but injuries have weakened them on that side of the ball in particular. Junior DT Tucker Hooker has played LB in the past and is moving back there in an effort to shore up the tackling.
OOLTEWAH OWLS (3-1, 0-0) at RHEA COUNTY GOLDEN EAGLES (3-1, 1-0)
Storyline: Including the city jamboree, the regular season and the state playoffs, these teams have become quite familiar with each other the past couple of years. Now they play a key Region 4-5A game. Mac Bryan is in his fourth season as the Owls' head coach, and they've used the short passing game as well or better than any team in the Chattanooga area since he took over. QB Collin Thurman has completed close to 80 percent of his passes the past two weeks, both wins for Ooltewah, which also gets a lift this week from the return of Andrew Manning. He's been playing defense despite a broken finger and has now been cleared to play WR. Rhea's wing-T offense can pile up first downs but also spring big plays.
EAST HAMILTON HURRICANES (2-2, 1-0) at HIXSON WILDCATS (0-3, 0-1)
Storyline: Hixson has been in search of its offensive identity since the start of the season. Maybe it's finally taking shape. The opener didn't go well, and the Wildcats have been working on several things since, prioritizing cutting down on mistakes. Working on limiting mistakes also goes for East Hamilton, which has an offensive identity. It's just not the one the Hurricanes started the season with. They'll still show a variety of formations, testing the defense's ability to line up correctly. But because of injury, former RB Andrew Sturdivant is now the QB, prompting the coaching staff to add some plays to fit his skills.
TYNER RAMS (1-2, 1-0) at BOYD-BUCHANAN BUCCANEERS (3-0, 1-0)
Storyline: It's been "hurry up and wait" for the Bucs so far this season as they have had just two games on the field, mixed with a forfeit and an open date last week. Now they host an angry Tyner team that fumbled away a win last week, losing three turnovers in an upset. Jeremy Borders is the go-to runner in the Bucs backfield and Kohl Henke is one of the top DBs in the state. They will be tested by the physical and fast Rams.
MCMINN COUNTY CHEROKEES (3-1, 1-0) at CLEVELAND BLUE RAIDERS (3-1, 1-0)
Storyline: The biggest - and worst - news going into this key Region 4-5A meeting is that Blue Raiders QB Dallas McCrary, whose per-game average had him projected to be a 3,000-yard passer this year, was likely lost for the season to a knee injury last week. The swelling in McCrary's knee only allowed him to have an MRI on Thursday, but coaches said all indications are he tore an ACL in last week's loss and won't return.
BAYLOR RED RAIDERS (4-0, 1-0) at BRENTWOOD ACADEMY EAGLES (2-2, 1-0)
Storyline: After blowouts in three of their first four games, the Red Raiders will find out where they stand among the Division II-AA elite. The 2015 state champion Eagles are led by QB Jeremiah Oatsvall, an Austin Peay commitment, and junior WR/DB Cam Johnson, a four-star recruit who has several major college scholarship offers. BA opened the season with three of four opponents from out of state. Baylor's lopsided early games did allow several young or inexperienced starters to get adjusted on the field. The Red Raiders now have offensive playmakers at several positions, including sophmore QB Lorenzo White, RB Kalvin Watson and WRs Emanual Williams and Brendon Harris, who could also get carries out of the backfield.
MCCALLIE BLUE TORNADO (3-1, 1-0) at MBA BIG RED (3-1, 0-0)
Storyline: This will be a huge test for the McCallie defense and a good way to measure just how far that unit has progressed since last year. Montgomery Bell Academy beat the Blue Tornado twice last year, scoring five TDs in both games, including when the Big Red eliminated them from the playoffs. MBA is led by all-state RB Ty Chandler (6-0, 195), a Tennessee commitment who runs behind a big, experienced line. The Big Red is averaging 45 points per game and allowed just seven points in its past three games.
BRAINERD PANTHERS (0-3, 0-1) at MARION COUNTY WARRIORS (3-1, 1-0)
Storyline: This is the week Warriors head coach Joey Mathis will serve his one-game suspension for a TSSAA recruiting violation that came to light last week. The Warriors have a veteran staff to guide the team and remain heavy favorites in this Region 3-2A matchup. While Marion has relied heavily on its ground game, a big early lead could allow the offense to work on its passing game with sophomore QB Isaah Sampson, a first-year starter. Having that dual threat later in the season will make Marion much tougher in the playoffs.
COPPER BASIN COUGARS (2-2, 1-0) at SOUTH PITTSBURG PIRATES (2-1, 0-0)
Storyline: After opening the season with three games against teams from larger classifications, including two top-five ranked opponents, the Pirates finally get a game against a team their size. This game will help resolve the pecking order in Region 3-1A and is likely to be the debut of Dylan McQueen, who starred at Alabama's Scottsboro before transferring to South Pittsburg. He was held out last week to resolve a pending legal issue but is expected to play tonight.
WHITWELL TIGERS (1-3, 0-0) at LOOKOUT VALLEY YELLOW JACKETS (0-3, 0-1)
Storyline: The Tigers are coming off a deflating overtime loss, having given up a late lead against Class 2A's Bledsoe County, then losing on a two-point conversion last week. Two of the Tigers' other games were against state-ranked opponents, so finally settling into Region 3-1A competition will be welcome. Hudson Petty returned from injury last week and didn't miss a beat, rushing for 100 yards for Whitwell. The sophomore is already a difference-maker on both sides of the ball.
DARLINGTON TIGERS (2-1) at GORDON LEE TROJANS (3-0)
Storyline: Darlington comes into this crucial Region 6A-A opener the more battle-tested team, even though Gordon Lee is No. 2 in the power ratings for Class A public schools. The Tigers' loss was to undefeated Ridgeland of Class AAAA, while they are coming off an impressive win over Heard County, ranked No. 8 in AA. Darlington features a powerful running game led by Tijai Whatley, who has 377 yards and six TDs, while two-way star Elijah McKoy is likely the team's best player, with 246 rushing yards and three interceptions. Gordon Lee has defeated three larger schools, though none are projected to make the playoffs. Still, the early results are impressive, especially the running of senior Drew Cobb. The speedy TB leads the Chattanooga area with 715 yards and 14 touchdowns and is coming off a game against LFO in which he had 295 yards and five TD runs, including a 95-yarder on the game's first play. If the Tigers try to shut him down, fellow RB Braden Jarvis will be needed to pick up the slack, as will QB Austin Thompson, who has been gaining confidence with each win.
NORTH MURRAY MOUNTAINEERS (2-1) at HARALSON COUNTY REBELS (0-2)
Storyline: This Region 6-AAA crossover game features North Murray coming off a tough loss at Heritage and Haralson County still trying to find its identity. The Mountaineers have a balanced offense - led by QB Blake Davis and RB Brady Harper, who has 471 yards and nine TDs - and a defense that has been stout against the run, though two-way lineman Luke Griffin will miss the game because of a concussion suffered last Friday. The Rebels will try to copy Heritage's game plan and spread the North Murray defense out and let QB Nick Vaughn and WR Bryan Yelverton do their thing.
SPRAYBERRY YELLOW JACKETS (3-0) at DALTON CATAMOUNTS (3-0)
Storyline: Dalton's first Region 6-AAAAAA game could go a long way in determining playoff seeding and will provide another stiff test for the Catamounts' elite defense, which has allowed one touchdown in 12 quarters. Sprayberry's offense is led by Oklahoma commitment RB Trey Sermon, who had three TD runs in last week's blowout win against Campbell. The nation's No. 4-ranked RB recruit also has help from QB Landon Roberson and strong WRs Abay Holmes and Dreshun Miller. The Dalton defense has been unmovable up front as tackles Max Mainor and John Henry Whiteside have controlled things and allowed LB Tucker Sumner and a talented secondary led by Northwestern recruit Kyric McGowan to clean up. The Cats' offense has had its moments and expects to get RB Ahmaad Tanner back tonight to complement WR Zeke Cobb and QB J.P. Tighe.
RINGGOLD TIGERS (2-1) at ADAIRSVILLE TIGERS (0-3)
Storyline: This game has had huge playoff implications the past two seasons, and while these Region 6-AAA teams are in different subregions, it could come into play if tiebreakers are needed. Ringgold wants to turn the tide in the series and will lean on an explosive offense starting to find its legs. Senior RB Dee King, held down early, has exploded the past two games and has 425 yards and five TDs, while sophomore QB Cole Kibler has nearly 800 yards of total offense to go with eight TDs. Ringgold can score quickly with WRs Andre Tarver and Mac Brower, something that has been a problem for Adairsville's defense. For the home team to have a chance to keep this one close, seasoned QB Roger Redd and RB Devon Isaac will have to step up.
CHRISTIAN HERITAGE LIONS (0-2) at SOUTHEAST WHITFIELD RAIDERS (2-1)
Storyline: Class A member Christian Heritage has played well against larger schools, including holding a second-half lead against Murray County last week before falling. The Lions have found an offensive leader in RB Wesley Hagan, who had a TD run and catch last week after a breakout game to start the season. QB Brandon Poag will need to spread a Raiders defense that has posted two shutouts. Southeast is dealing with multiple offensive line injuries but still has a two-way threat in QB Landon Eaton, a hard runner in Cody Gillean and two athletes on the outside, Lucas Grant and Luke Johns, who can quickly move the chains.
TRION BULLDOGS (2-1) at BOWDON RED DEVILS (2-1)
Storyline: Trion's 40-7 loss to Bremen last week looks worse than it was. The Bulldogs trailed 13-7 late in the third quarter before things fell apart. Worse, though, was the loss of RB Jarrett Pierce to injury early. Coach Justin Brown said Pierce will miss significant time after suffering a high-ankle sprain on his first carry last week against Bremen. QB Jarrett Gill and RBs Evan Walker and Jake Wells will have to step up, but the biggest pressure will be on the offensive front. Bowdon has much more team speed, led by RB Tay Sheppard and two-way player Aaron Beasley, but Trion's defensive focus will be on stopping QB Cason Parmer.
LAKEVIEW-FORT OGLETHORPE WARRIORS (0-3) at SONORAVILLE PHOENIX (2-1)
Storyline: LFO may be on an 18-game losing streak right now but there are signs of improvement, especially on offense. QB Noah Flowers has 384 yards and three TDs with one interception, while RB Nathan Williams has 225 yards and WR Zach Vaughn 177 yards on nine receptions. The defense, though, was torched on the ground by Class A's Gordon Lee last week. That defense will be a welcome sight for Sonoraville, which was held to fewer than 100 total yards in last week's lost to Dalton. The Phoenix will lean on QB Pat Moore, RB Tristen Key and WR Camron Keith on offense and LB Sherrod Agee and S Tate Moore on defense.