Here's a preview of tonight's Chattanooga area high school football matchups

Whitwell's Trace Condra, with ball, looks for a hole in the Marion County defense during a jamboree matchup in August. Both teams are among those still playing with the temperatures much cooler and the playoffs in full swing.
Whitwell's Trace Condra, with ball, looks for a hole in the Marion County defense during a jamboree matchup in August. Both teams are among those still playing with the temperatures much cooler and the playoffs in full swing.

TENNESSEE PLAYOFFS

CLASS 1A

JO BYRNS RED DEVILS (9-2) at SOUTH PITTSBURG PIRATES (11-0)

Storyline: These programs last met seven years ago in a state championship game won by the Pirates. The Red Devils, who defeated Class 2A playoffs qualifier Westmoreland this season, bring one of the stingiest defenses in 1A this year, having allowed an average of 7.3 points per game, though only two opponents scored more than seven. They have shutouts in their past two games and are led by junior DE Braxton Ashabraner (6-foot-2, 225 pounds), senior LB Waylon Owens (5-8, 165) and junior DB Eric Herring (6-0, 160), who's also one of the team's top offensive threats. Senior RB/LB Sawyer Kelley continued a strong season last week by rushing for more than 200 yards and was again among the Pirates' leading tacklers. Kelley and junior FB/LB Garrett Raulston each has more than 760 rushing yards and are the team's leading tacklers. Sophomore RB Ronto Tipton, who has more than 550 rushing yards, is the Pirates' best big-play threat on offense and also has four interceptions.

WHITWELL TIGERS (10-1) at GORDONSVILLE TIGERS (7-4)

Storyline: Whitwell certainly made the rest of the 1A bracket take notice with last week's 65-6 whipping of Clay County, which included a 36-point second-quarter outburst as it allowed only 42 rushing yards for the game while notching its first double-digit wins total since 1991. Whitwell's defense - led by LBs Thundur Roberts and Josh Wingo - has allowed just two opponents to score more than six points this season, and it has recorded five shutouts. RB Trace Condra (a 1,000-yard rusher) and ATH Hudson Petty (more than 900 total yards) are Whitwell's best big-play threats. Gordonsville's losses have been to teams in a larger classification, and it has wins in six of its past seven contests, scoring an average of 35 points per game during that stretch. Junior TB Braxton Givens (5-10, 185) is a physical runner and has been Gordonsville's workhorse this season with more than 300 carries for more than 1,900 yards. In every close game, Givens has carried the ball at least 40 times.

CLASS 2A

MARION COUNTY WARRIORS (6-5) at TROUSDALE COUNTY YELLOW JACKETS (8-3)

Storyline: Two of the state's top traditional powers have rarely met, other than a stretch from 2012 to '14, when the Warriors won twice. Injuries plagued the Yellow Jackets for much of this season, but they are finally getting healthy again and have averaged 41 points while winning their past three. The return of senior Trace McGuire has allowed junior ATH Keyvont Baines to move from QB to RB. He is a potential game breaker regardless of where he lines up, as is senior RB Isiah Harper. Defensively, the Jackets are led by junior OLB Jake Gregory (6-0, 205) and senior MLB Dustin O'saile (5-7, 210). Jacob Saylors is one of the top two-way athletes in all of the classification, having been named an all-state DB the past two years, and he has become much more involved in Marion's offense lately, rushing for more than 600 of his 1,600 yards in the past three wins alone. Marion is far from a one-player show, however, with senior FB Seth McClain and sophomore RB Brett Nelson also having rushed for more than 100 yards in recent games. Plus, dual-threat QB Isaiah Sampson is a capable runner and has a deep threat in WR Kane Hale.

HAPPY VALLEY WARRIORS (8-3) at MEIGS COUNTY TIGERS (11-0)

Storyline: The Tigers have allowed a total of 118 points this season (10.7 per game) but are facing a team that has given up an average of even fewer points per game. Still, Meigs' scoring defense is second only to Happy Valley's (97 points, 8.8 per game) in the entire classification. ILB Dakota Cochran and DT Landon Morefield are among the key performers on the Warriors' stout defense, and they are key contributors in their ground-oriented spread offense at RB and OT. But playing both ways is closer to the norm for Happy Valley than Meigs, which will have a pair of two-way starters. Twelve players make up the top 22 positions offensively and defensively for the Warriors. It didn't hurt Meigs that last week's game was pretty much in hand by halftime and it got to rest its top players much of the second half. But the Tigers, who have averaged 38.6 points per game and are led by QB Aaron Swafford, may get a stern test from a stop unit that in last week's playoff victory over Oneida registered its fourth shutout of the season.

WATERTOWN PURPLE TIGERS (9-2) at TYNER RAMS (9-2)

Storyline: Both teams are riding impressive winning streaks - Watertown eight in a row, Tyner nine straight. During its run, Watertown has four wins by three or fewer points, while the Rams have outscored their past nine opponents by an average of 30. And while Tyner's offense is getting plenty of attention by averaging more than 40 points during the streak, the defense has held six opponents to one score or fewer. It is led by senior DL Tracey Justice, who has 105 tackles, including 56 solos and 24 for loss, as well as 16 sacks. On offense, the Rams have a multitude of weapons, starting with RB Jeremy Elson, who has more than 1,100 rushing yards. QB Jaylen Bowens has more than 1,000 all-purpose yards, sophomore WR Jeremiah Batiste has more than 700 receiving yards and FB Tyon Young is a load to stop in short-yardage situations, adding more than 500 rushing yards. Watertown relies heavily on its running game, led by junior Heath Price (6-1, 190) and sophomore Deramus Carey. Price is also the team's leading tackler from his LB spot, and another standout is junior DB Elijah Maklary.

CLASS 3A

YORK INSTITUTE DRAGONS (9-2) at RED BANK LIONS (9-2)

Storyline: The Dragons like to use their wing-T offense to get the ball to playmakers on the perimeter, mainly via the run. When QB Landrick Leffew puts the ball in the air, it's often deep down the field to WRs such as Lathan Drake. But containing RBs Heath Rexroat and Ethan Probst is the first priority for Red Bank's defense. The Lions, who have averaged 36.8 points per game, again have an edge in speed and present a variety of ways to take advantage of it, though they're content to run if they can. RB Zay Brown has 1,739 rushing yards and 18 TDs, but if teams overload the tackle box, sophomore QB Madox Wilkey (1,828 passing yards, 16 TDs) can make opponents pay. He's likely to see a lot of man-to-man coverage tonight. One of two big keys for Red Bank is to score when it reaches the red zone. The other is getting past a mental hurdle: The Lions have been eliminated in this round two of the past three years, with a first-round exit in between.

CLASS 4A

CENTRAL PURPLE POUNDERS (7-4) at GREENEVILLE GREENE DEVILS (11-0)

Storyline: The Greene Devils have a wealth of talented players, perhaps none more skilled than QB Cade Ballard - they go as he goes. In addition to Greeneville having enough talent to have averaged 47.6 points per game this season, it makes things more difficult for opponents by not helping them much. The offense doesn't make a habit of committing pre-snap penalties, having negative plays or dropping passes, and the Greene Devils also rarely miss assignments on defense. The Pounders will need to match that type of performance to stay in this one. At least Central, led by RB Michael McGhee's 1,234 rushing yards and 26 total TDs, has averaged 33.5 points per game and showed last week it could win a shootout. Hanging around in a similar type of game may be its best chance to win this week, too. Hosting and winning a state playoff matchup was a big accomplishment for the Pounders this season. They're playing with no pressure on them now, and they know it.

CLASS 6A

BRADLEY CENTRAL BEARS (9-2) at DOBYNS-BENNETT INDIANS (8-3)

Storyline: Bradley must brace for a physical running attack led by a big offensive line and RBs Keyo Taylor (5-11, 230) and Ian Hicks (5-11, 200). But the Indians' offense also features some run-pass option plays for QB Lendon Redwine, who is capable of passing for 200 yards in a game. Therefore, Bradley's defense must be disciplined in addition to being firm. The Bears have as much of a multidimensional offense as any team in the Chattanooga area. The QB Dylan Standifer-to-WR Lameric Tucker connection can produce TDs from any spot on the field. Coach Damon Floyd, however, believes establishing a running game may be as important tonight as in any game his team has played this year. And don't expect senior RB Adam Mullis (773 rushing yards) to shy away from any challenge. One downside for Bradley is some sickness has infiltrated the team, but Floyd is expecting every player to be available to make the trip.

DIVISION II-AA

KNOXVILLE GRACE CHRISTIAN RAMS (7-4) at NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH (9-1)

Storyline: This is a rematch of an Oct. 13 game that Notre Dame won 35-27. The Rams scored with two minutes remaining to pull within one, but Notre Dame blocked the extra point, recovered an onside kick and scored on a long run to pull away. Since that game, the Rams have won three straight, scoring at least 41 points in each. Junior QB Luke Kirby (6-1, 180) has thrown for 2,914 yards and 25 touchdowns this season, connecting with 17 receivers. Junior Eli Nordhorn leads the WR group with 983 yards and eight TDs, and senior RB Cody Estep is the team's leading rusher, by far, with 806 yards. The Irish have scored an average of 44 points while winning their past nine games, led by Mr. Football semifinalist Cam Wynn, a Tennessee-committed junior WR who is also dangerous in the return game and has more than 1,500 all-purpose yards this season. Senior RB Akil Sledge ran for 135 yards in the first half last week and is another key part of an offense that has scored at least five TDs in eight of its past nine games.

DIVISION II-AAA

McCALLIE BLUE TORNADO (7-3) at BRIARCREST CHRISTIAN SAINTS (9-1)

Storyline: Briarcrest is huge up front, featuring perhaps the largest line of any team in the classification, so McCallie must find ways to deal with that. But the Saints must figure out a way to deal with the Blue Tornado's unconventional option-based offense that has led to an average of 37 points per game this season against a rugged schedule. QB Deangelo Hardy leads the McCallie rushing attack with 1,075 yards, while RBs Xavier Brooks and B.J. Harris have teamed for 1,077; each player in the trio has 12 TDs. Rico Dozier (30 receptions, 627 yards, five TDs) is clearly the most targeted receiver. Throw out the Saints' lopsided loss to Christian Brothers, and they've scored at least 27 points in each of their victories. Junior QB Jackson Walker is a three-year starter and throws the ball well, although McCallie must first concern itself with explosive RB Tyler Badie. Some quick defensive stops early could benefit the Blue Tornado greatly, especially should they need a little time to try to solve Briarcrest's defensive plan of attack.

BAYLOR RED RAIDERS (4-7) at MBA BIG RED (8-2)

Storyline: The Red Raiders lost to Montgomery Bell Academy to close the regular season on Oct. 27, but had they converted the two-point attempt after their last TD, there may have been a different one-point winner in the game. Baylor went on the road and beat Ensworth to open the postseason last week, and coach Phil Massey said several factors have contributed to his team's late-season surge. In addition to simply playing better on both sides of the ball, overall health has contributed. The team that started the season handing DII-AA Notre Dame its only loss this year had six starters missing two weeks later when it went to Atlanta and lost at Marist, which is still undefeated. The self-proclaimed "Road Warriors" had four home games all season. Another issue was turning the ball over about twice as often as the opponent, which is something that has changed drastically in recent weeks. The Big Red seem to always have huge linemen, and RB Michael McGuire has filled in nicely for Ty Chandler, now at Tennessee. QB Ty Allen is equally adept as a passer or runner. They play an aggressive style of defense with a lot of zone pass coverage. The Red Raiders know what they're facing. Can they execute well enough to again have a shot at winning?

GEORGIA PLAYOFFS

CLASS AAAAAA

DALTON CATAMOUNTS (7-3) at DOUGLAS COUNTY TIGERS (9-1)

Storyline: Dalton offense's will attempt to get back on track after a lopsided loss to Allatoona to close the regular season, and it all starts up front with a line that was dominated a week ago. Douglas will not make it easy with a defense that has 49 sacks and 83 tackles for loss this season and is led by DE Mataio Soli (6-4, 225), who has 17 sacks. If the Cats can get RB Jahmyr Gibbs going and eat the clock, it will help the defense and its effort to control a balanced offense. The Tigers are led by RB Uriah West, who has 1,204 yards and 12 touchdowns in only eight games, while QB Marquise Collins has thrown for 1,152 yards.

Class AAAA

CHAPEL HILL PANTHERS (6-4) at RIDGELAND PANTHERS (10-0)

Storyline: Chapel Hill has struggled on offense for most of the season against quality defenses. However, QB K.J. Burton (1,047 yards passing, 719 rushing, 23 total TDs) is a threat. Chapel Hill's defense is aggressive, led by Cameron McClain (85 tackles) and Miles Richardson (five interceptions). Ridgeland's prolific offense, which has averaged 47 points per game this year, is led by the two-headed backfield monster of Jalyn Shelton and Markeith Montgomery, who have a combined 2,056 yards and 32 TDs. Any chance the visitors have will be in handling Ridgeland DL standouts Elijah Foshay, Derayl Helton and Jordan Tucker, who have a combined 160 tackles.

TROUP COUNTY TIGERS (8-2) at HERITAGE GENERALS (9-1)

Storyline: There is one key for the Generals: Make life miserable for Troup QB Montez Crowe. The 6-5, 210-pound senior comes in with 3,215 passing yards - best in the classification - and 35 TDs. The Tigers have been susceptible to pressure, though, something the Generals have excelled at producing while paced by LB Zaine Burton and his 11 sacks. Heritage CBs Ryan Carter and Luke Grant also will be tested by WRs Kobe Hudson and Jamari Thrash - each averages more than 20 yards per catch. The Generals need a clean game from QB Blake Bryan and continued production from WRs Carter and Grant.

CLASS AAA

PACE ACADEMY KNIGHTS (5-4) at CALHOUN YELLOW JACKETS (9-1)

Storyline: This is not a typical No. 1 seed vs. No. 4 seed playoff game. The Knights finished in a three-way tie for second in Region 5 but fell short on tiebreakers. Pace is offensively challenged, having only 1,469 rushing yards and fewer than 700 passing this season. They do have the nation's No. 1-rated senior OG prospect in Jamaree Salyer (6-4, 345), and two other OL who weigh more than 280 pounds. Pace's strength is a defense that has allowed an average of just 13 points per game. Calhoun will look to attack through the air behind surging QB Gavin Gray, who is coming off a 358-yard, five-TD game against Murray County and has 26 TDs this season.

WESTMINSTER WILDCATS (5-5) at NORTH MURRAY MOUNTAINEERS (7-3)

Storyline: Westminster, a program with plenty of playoff experience, will lean on its physical edge in a game of opposites. The Wildcats are a ground-first team led by RBs Miles Davis and Joe Egan and an OL anchored by Devin Lamar (6-3, 285) and Peter Rooney (6-6, 282). North Murray's offense has led the way in a five-game winning streak and starts with junior QB Preston Poag Jr. (1,989 passing yards, 620 rushing yards). Freshman RB Dante Tidwell has infused the ground game, while WR Conner Rice leads the area with 1,011 yards and 16 TDs. Can the Mountaineers' defense match up physically?

CLASS A PUBLIC

DOOLY COUNTY BOBCATS (4-6) at TRION BULLDOGS (7-3)

Storyline: A shootout is possible tonight at Sam R. McCain Stadium, though with different methods employed by each team. Dooly has one of the state's most dangerous QBs in Bo Lawson (1,776 passing yards, 1,337 rushing yards, 37 total TDs), so he will be the focus of a Trion defense that gave up 49 points in a seven-point loss to Mount Pisgah Christian last week. For their wing-T offense, the Bulldogs will look to use their physical edge to create running room for 1,000-yard FB Logan Blevins and WBs Cole Phillips and Tanner Railey, who have combined for nearly 1,200 yards.

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