EAST HAMILTON HURRICANES (2-3) at SODDY-DAISY TROJANS (2-2)
Storyline: The noise heard in the east end of Hamilton County this week was the sound of pads popping at a Hurricanes practice. Coach Ted Gatewood seeks a return to a more physical brand of football from his group. Both teams have lost their starting QBs to injury, although Soddy-Daisy’s Justin Cooke could be back by mid-October. East Hamilton moved RB Andrew Sturdivant there. This will be the second week for Trojans WR-turned-QB Ty Boeck. Coach Justin Barnes said S Beau Blaylock has filled in admirably at WR. He had a TD catch last week. The ‘Canes have a weapon in K/P Jake McClure, but Gatewood cited a special-teams breakdown that led to a costly blocked PAT in last week’s loss. Barnes has stressed wrapping up on tackles this week and wants to see better rhythm from his offense.
BOYD-BUCHANAN BUCCANEERS (4-0, 2-0) at MARION COUNTY WARRIORS (4-1, 2-0)
Storyline: The Region 3-2A championship could be settled in this matchup between the state’s second-ranked Bucs and third-ranked Warriors. Aside from an upset at rival South Pittsburg, Marion has been dominant on both sides, outscoring opponents by 41 points in its four wins, including a 74-34 whipping of region foe Brainerd last week. RBs Jacob Saylors and Hunter Zeman are two of Marion’s big-play threats on offense and Alex Kirkendoll is an all-state MLB. The Bucs were the only team to beat Marion in the regular season last year, a hard-fought defensive struggle that led them to the region title. RB Jeremy Borders leads the Boyd-Buchanan offense and S Kohl Henke is not only a defensive leader but can help the offense at a variety of positions.
CLEVELAND BLUE RAIDERS (3-2) at SIGNAL MOUNTAIN EAGLES (2-3)
Storyline: A promising season for Cleveland is definitely in jeopardy. The Blue Raiders, at one time ranked among the state’s top five Class 5A teams, have lost three QBs, and senior WR Skyler Davis spent most of the week practicing there. Demands likely go up on sophomore RB Micaleous Elder, who is among the area leaders in yards per carry (12.4). After losing two straight, the Blue Raiders are playing a Class 3A team, so athleticism and overwhelming numbers might carry them in their first trip to the mountain. A win at Chattanooga Christian last week gave Signal Mountain back-to-back victories for the first time since September 2014. Collin Weigert, Signal’s two-way standout, is 11th among area rushers, averaging 93.8 yards per game, and he has been among the tackle leaders most of the year. Cleveland also must prepare for speedy Travion Williams, who was a difference-maker last week.
EAST RIDGE PIONEERS (3-2) at HIXSON WILDCATS (1-3)
Storyline: The Wildcats may have turned the corner last week, opening region play with a surprising victory. They may have caught a break this week because it’s possible that the Pioneers will be without RB Traneil Moore, who may have suffered a concussion earlier this week. The good news for the Pioneers is the “other” RB, Kashawn Cosey, will be back after missing last week. The Wildcats are giving a different look from the option package favored for years by coach Dan Duff. Much of what they’re doing now centers on the runnning and passing abilities of QB Ladaquis Word, who totaled 229 yards a week ago. The Wildcats also are back to using the big back, Myles Ratliff, as part of their rushing rotation.
RED BANK LIONS (2-3) at CENTRAL POUNDERS (1-3)
Storyline: Central coach Cortney Braswell said the Lions’ record is deceiving – two of their three losses are to Division II-AA members Baylor and McCallie. Their third loss, a surprise, was to region rival Howard. Other concerns for Central are versatile QB Calvin Jackson, WR Mike Clark and DE Jamel Davis. Jackson is a dual threat and Clark has shown the ability to catch anything he can get a hand on. Davis has been too fast for opposing offensive lines and too big for backs to block. Much of Central’s running game – namely, Mike McGhee – will go behind OT McClendon Curtis. The Pounders are coming off an open date, one they needed to heal after a physical game against East Ridge. They have, however, lost DB Rashad Craddock (shoulder injury) for the season, putting more pressure on D.J. Baxter at safety.
TYNER RAMS (1-3) at WALKER VALLEY MUSTANGS (2-2)
Storyline: Both teams are stepping away from region competition and both are battling to get headed in the right direction. Tyner, on the road for the fourth game this year, has had a hard-luck season, losing its past two games by a total of three points. Rams QB Shaylan Bailey had two TD passes last week, but coach Wayne Turner, though looking for balance, likes a dominant rushing game. Key contributors have been Jeremy Elston, Jaylen Bowen and Devon Waight, but the Rams could use as many as six RBs. The Mustangs held three of their stars out their last game but QB Kolten Gibson, RB Alex King and Bryce Nunnelly also have had an open date to recover. They’ll play, but how much depends on their effectiveness. Don’t be surprised to see more of RB Mason Oran, who performed so well against Coffee County two weeks ago.
CALHOUN CITY (MISS.) WILDCATS (4-1) at NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH (4-1)
Storyline: Kickoff will be at 7 rather than 7:30 and if this year’s game is a repeat of 2015, they may still be playing at midnight. The Irish finally won the shootout by 11 as the two combined for 103 points. Both teams graduated numerous standouts, Notre Dame specifically replacing a QB, RB, WR and at least six defenders. The Irish have had their problems with injuries, especially at QB, but Cameron Wynn has filled in admirably, compiling 159 yards of total offense last week. The 57 points Notre Dame scored last year is the most for an Irish team since 68 against Grundy County in 2014.
CATHEDRAL (INDIANAPOLIS) FIGHTING IRISH (4-1) at RHEA COUNTY EAGLES (4-1)
Storyline: Since a season-opening shutout loss to Baylor, the Eagles have been on a tear, averaging better than 50 points while allowing a total of 40. They’ll need all that improvement, plus their best ball-control offense, against Cathedral, which walloped them a year ago. The Fighting Irish also are coming off their first loss of the year – this one to another national power, St. Xavier of Cincinnati, 34-29. Keys for the Eagles to date have been the offensive line and RBs Mason Stephenson, Christian Simon and Eddie Davis. Cathedral is likely to crowd the line of scrimmage.
BRAINERD PANTHERS (0-4) at BAYLOR RED RAIDERS (4-1)
Storyline: Both teams are coming off lopsided losses last week, each by 30-plus points to region opponents. This will be one final respite for the Red Raiders before they dive into four straight weeks of Division II-AA games beginning next week at rival McCallie. Baylor has won nine of its past 10 meetings with public schools and hasn’t lost to a local public school in more than a decade.
BLESSED TRINITY TITANS (4-1) at MCCALLIE BLUE TORNADO (3-2)
Storyline: There simply isn’t a reprieve on the McCallie schedule. Even when the Blue Tornado step outside of rugged Division II-AA, they face powerhouse competition. The Titans were state runners-up last year, were semifinalists the year before and have won the past three Region 7-AAAA titles. They are led by a massive offensive line that includes college prospects Jacob Bolton (6-5, 290) and Griffin Gilder (6-4, 280). McCallie had been impressive for three straight weeks but ran into trouble at perennial state power MBA last week and still has a brutal run to close out the regular season that includes Baylor, Ensworth and Brentwood Academy.
SOUTH PITTSBURG PIRATES (3-1) at GRUNDY COUNTY YELLOW JACKETS (1-4)
Storyline: The Pirates seem to be living up to their preseason hype after their opening loss to Sequatchie County, which now ranked No. 3 in Class 3A. South Pittsburg has sandwiched two wins by mercy rule around an upset of 2A’s top-ranked Marion County, and now the Pirates take on a team that has struggled to score all season. The Grundy defense and special teams will have their hands full with Pirates junior Cade Kennemore, who has returned three punts and a kickoff for scores to go along with three TD receptions in the past two games.
LANCASTER CHRISTIAN KNIGHTS (2-2) at HOWARD HUSTLIN’ TIGERS (1-4)
Storyline: The Hustlin’ Tigers held on for a seven-point win against Lancaster last year. Although this is a nonregion game, a win tonight could help Howard build confidence heading toward a tough stretch of three Region 3-3A games in the final four weeks, including two on the road. The Knights are led by the athletic QB/RB tandem of Jasean McKissack and Danny Crawford. Howard will look to run its wing-T power game behind 6-foot-5, 315-pound senior tackle Udarius Strawter.
SEQUATCHIE COUNTY INDIANS (4-0) at BLEDSOE COUNTY WARRIORS (2-2)
Storyline: This is no longer a region game, but the players know its importance to their communities. Neighboring county bragging rights are at stake. Among the strengths for Sequatchie has been its offensive line consisting of five seniors (six counting the TE). On defense, where Sequatchie has consistently had players aligned in the right places, expect the Indians to keep a close watch on RB Joseph Gore. His 59 carries the past two games have produced 301 yards. The kicking game is always a factor in a Warriors game with K/P Gabe Boring.
MEIGS COUNTY TIGERS (3-1) at McMINN CENTRAL CHARGERS (3-2)
Storyline: This is an underrated rivalry. McMinn Central considers it one, even though it has other rivals. This is the Tigers’ main one. Meigs with its ground game is more dangerous playing from ahead and is always looking for a quick start. While the Chargers will face a familiar defense in the Chargers’ 3-3 stack, the concern is picking up all their stunts and blitzes. McMinn Central features a powerful RB, Jackson Long, but by no means is one-dimensional on offense. QB Hunter Powers’ top receiver so far has been Zach Newman.
GRACE ACADEMY GOLDEN EAGLES (3-2, 2-0) at COPPER BASIN COUGARS (2-3, 1-1)
Storyline: Directed by QB Jared Thompson, the Golden Eagles’ offense can leave defenders wondering who has the ball. Often it’s Cade Tinsley, who leads them in rushing. Copper Basin’s offensive philosophy is to bunch in tight and power the ball down the field. Both offenses for these Region 3-1A teams have the objective of trying to win the time-of-possession battle. Grace will welcome a big play if it can get one of its athletes in space, which is where the Cougars are going to have to tackle well. Conversely, Grace’s defense must hold up against Copper Basin’s physicality.
NORTHWEST WHITFIELD BRUINS (2-2) at RIDGELAND PANTHERS (3-0)
Storyline: The Region 6-AAAA opener at Bowers and Painter Field will have a large impact on the postseason. A preseason poll of league coaches picked the Bruins and Panthers to battle for the region title. Northwest rolled in this game last year as the Ridgeland defense had no answer for QB Luke Shiflett. The junior dual threat is even more dangerous this year, but so is Ridgeland’s defense, especially the secondary led by all-state junior Markeith Montgomery. The Bruins, though they lost to Class AA Model, rediscovered their running game last week. Shiflett has elite WRs in Will Blanchard (312 yards, six TDs) and Jay Jones (313 yards, three TDs). Ridgeland has a dominating rushing game that features seven RBs averaging more than 10 yards per carry, led by Jalyn Shelton (443 yards, nine TDs) and Grayson Moore (239 on just 16 carries). And QB Ivy Boehm can hurt defenses through the air with Montgomery and super sophomore Stephon Moore. Which defense can make the most stops?
GILMER BOBCATS (0-4) at HERITAGE GENERALS (3-1)
Storyline: The Bobcats enter the game in turmoil after the sudden firing of head coach Jason Galt after the team’s third game. Casey Wingard has taken over and is trying to jump-start an offense that has yet to top 16 points in a game. Gilmer will try to change that behind the leadership of QB Tyler Buntin and RB Kamron Engler. There will be equal stress on the defense facing a Heritage offense that has scored 30, 31, 34 and 47 points this year. Senior QB Corbee Wilson is one of the area’s leading passers with 892 yards and 10 TDs while also adding 172 yards rushing and five scores. Ryan Carter has emerged as the team’s top WR with 337 yards and six TDs on just 14 catches, while veterans Luke Grant and Trent Kiniry are also reliable targets.
SOUTHEAST WHITFIELD RAIDERS (3-1) at LaFAYETTE RAMBLERS (2-2)
Storyline: This is a huge matchup of improved teams hoping to get in the playoff picture in a crowded Region 6-AAAA. Southeast is coming off a 31-14 win over Christian Heritage in which RB Cody Gillean led a second-half comeback with 100 rushing yards. The Raiders, however, lost QB Landon Eaton to a first-half injury, though backup Porter Johnson was at the helm during the comeback. LaFayette, coming off an open week, continued to show off its ground game in a 56-24 win over Gordon Central two weeks ago. The team is averaging nearly 8 yards per carry, led by RBs KaDarrin Ramsey (342 yards), Dakota Cathey (338) and Colton Lane (197, five TDs).
ADAIRSVILLE TIGERS (1-3) at MURRAY COUNTY INDIANS (3-1)
Storyline: Region 6-AAA is still in the midst of crossover games, which will only come into play regarding the postseason if tiebreakers are needed. Adairsville is coming off a 34-27 win against Ringgold that may have turned the team’s season around. QB Roger Redd had three TD passes as the Tigers went to more of a balanced attack. Murray County had its three-game winning streak snapped hard in a 42-14 loss to Bremen in a game tied at 14 at halftime. For the second consecutive game the Indians were limited on the ground, but unlike the previous week they were unable to adapt. Expect more crowding of the line by the Tigers tonight to make QB Dominick Genitempo, who has more than 1,000 yards of total offense, throw the ball.
CALHOUN YELLOW JACKETS (2-2) at NORTH MURRAY MOUNTAINEERS (3-1)
Storyline: Calhoun took out some frustration after a 56-0 loss to Cartersville with a 57-12 win over Coahulla Creek and may have found a new offensive leader. Gavin Gray, starting at QB in place of an injured Baylon Spector, was 7-for-8 passing for 142 yards and three TDs. The Jackets would prefer Spector, who’s committed to Clemson as a DB, to spend most of his time on defense and help out the receiver corps, so Gray’s emergence may be critical. RB Olico Dennis, with 141 yards and two TDs, had his best game of the season as well. North Murray, coming off a 50-0 win over Haralson County, also displayed better balance as QB Blake Davis had two TD passes and one run, while leading rusher Brady Harper added two scores. The defense, which will get a much greater test tonight, had four turnovers and a safety. Two-way sophomore lineman Luke Griffin, who suffered a concussion the previous week, has been cleared by doctors and is expected to play.
SONORAVILLE PHOENIX (2-2) at RINGGOLD TIGERS (2-2)
Storyline: This Region 6-AAA crossover matchup features teams coming off decidedly different games. Sonoraville, behind 231 total yards and three TDs from QB Pat Moore, routed Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe 46-3. Ringgold had a special-teams nightmare in a 34-27 loss to Adairsville, giving up two kickoff returns for TDs. The good news, though, was that new QB Cole Kibler had his best game with three total TDs, while RB Dee King and WRs Andre Tarver and Mac Brower continued to impress and rangy TE Drake Starks emerged as a threat.