Polk County (5-1) at Signal Mountain (4-3)
Storyline: Led by quarterback Reese Phillips, receiver Madison Byrd and, most recently, fullback James McClellan, Signal has District 7-AA’s highest scoring offense (30.6 ppg). However, the Eagles also have the league’s most porous defense (32.7 ppg) after allowing a total of 109 combined points to state-ranked East Hamilton and South Pittsburg and 41 to 6A Blackman. District 5-AA leader Polk County is coming off an open date, and the Wildcats lost starting quarterback Duncan Coffey (broken collarbone) to a dirt bike accident soon after their last game. He’ll be replaced by Josh Silas, a defensive regular who previously played some wingback. The players Signal must target, though, are bulldozing fullback Zach Miller and wingback Chris Wimberley. Many of the Eagles remember that it was one year ago this week — on their ride to Polk County — that they were told they’d have to vacate six wins because of an ineligible player.
Howard (2-4, 2-1) at East Ridge (0-6, 0-3)
Storyline: The winless Pioneers are back at home for the first time in six weeks, and it’s homecoming. They’re young and still learning what it takes to play in District 6-AA, “but there’s no sign of kids or coaches waving the white flag,” coach Tracy Malone said. They’re focused on finishing the season strong, which is not what Howard coach Michael Calloway wanted to hear. The Hustlin’ Tigers are still in the state-playoff race but can’t afford a slip with games to come against Red Bank, Tyner and East Hamilton. “You’re always nervous in situations like this, but we’ve had good practices,” Calloway said.
Chattanooga Christian (1-5) at Silverdale Baptist (6-1)
Storyline: A contrast in offensive styles when CCS visits the Seahawks — the Chargers’ option and controlled passing game against a keep-away, ball-control style. The Chargers, including quarterback Levi Corbett, run the ball fairly well, but his arm gives them quick-strike ability. The key for a Seahawks win is keeping Corbett, running back Jay Sims and friends off the field. While he doesn’t mind those 40- to 50-yard runs, SBA coach Al Rogers’ offense is predicated on averaging 4 or 5 yards per play and gnawing away at the clock. They had their best offensive output last week with 588 yards. Five seniors who’ve been together since the eighth grade anchor the Seahawks: quarterback Spencer Mossburg, center Kendall Shoemaker, tackle Tyler Gibson, kicker Reid Clements and versatile Joe Blair.
Soddy-Daisy (2-4, 1-2) at Walker Valley (3-3, 0-2)
Storyline: This might well be called a slipping-away game. Walker Valley began with three wins but is seeing its playoff hopes fading quickly. Soddy-Daisy, with two District 5-AAA losses by shutout, has Cleveland and McMinn County ahead on an uphill climb to the postseason. The Trojans’ biggest challenge tonight is Walker Valley’s running game, because the Mustangs average less than a dozen passes per game. They have relied on a running complement of backs Justin Ware, Gabe Cartwright, Reggie Mills and Chandler Hunt and quarterback Garrett Wallace. Trojans junior quarterback Brett Standifer could help his team more if he could avoid sacks. He’s been dropped 13 times and has become the team’s second-leading rusher while often running for survival’s sake. He still should surapss the 1,000-yard passing total this week, but to have any chance the Trojans need to get more from their offensive line and running back C.J. Blue.
Ooltewah (4-3, 1-2) at Bradley Central (4-2, 2-0)
Storyline: Ooltewah’s Owls have had such an injury-plagued season, members of the Red Cross might as well have followed them around this season. In spite of that they showed last week against Soddy-Daisy they’re still capable of a big rushing performance, but pulling that off against the Bears may be a different story. Keeping the chains moving and turning Bradley Central quarterback Bryce Copeland into a sideline spectator would be ideal for Ooltewah. That would require some rushing consistency, regardless which of the Owls’ surplus of running backs is in the game, and quarterback Brody Binder being able to make some plays. Ooltewah coach Shannon Williams is fearful of Copeland, a four-year starter, and the plays he can make. “He manipulates them out of bad things into good things,” Williams said.
Marion County (5-2) at Grace Academy (1-5)
Storyline: Marion County’s Warriors have gotten where they are by playing aggressive football with a disciplined foundation. The Golden Eagles’ injury situation has been such that at least one starter has been out every game. They’ve been thin across the line, too, and that’s where Marion County is big and physical. Adding to Grace’s woes, the Warriors feature a hard-charging, 200-plus-pound fullback in sophomore Blake Zeman. Perhaps the Golden Eagles’ triple-option rushing attack, with its get-in-the-way blocking schemes and directed by senior quarterback Josh Smith, can keep the chains moving and the Marion offense on the sideline much of the night.
McMINN COUNTY (5-1, 3-0) at CLEVELAND (4-2, 2-0)
Storyline: As rivals and two of the final three teams unbeaten in District 5-AAA, McMinn’s Cherokees and the Blue Raiders put their vastly different styles on display. It could be high-scoring as both defenses try to solve the other team’s major strength. Cleveland’s run defense has improved but will be tested by the Cherokees’ two-headed monster of Kelvin Wells and Dre Sanders at tailback. McMinn will be tested by the Raiders passing attack led by Austin Herink and a bevy of receiving options. The question will be which lesser-known entity will be more effective — the Cherokees’ passing game or the Raiders’ backfield — and the win could be decided by the answer.
Hixson (4-2, 3-0) at East Hamilton (5-1, 3-0)
Storyline: The District 6-AA top spot, and likely the championship, is on the line. These are the last two teams without a district loss in that league, and while the host Hurricanes are looking to defend their district title, Hixson has become one of the area’s best turnaround stories. The Wildcats have equaled last year’s win total and, with games remaining against three opponents with a combined 2-16 record, should finish no worse than second in the district. This is the second straight road district game against a state-ranked opponent for the Wildcats, after knocking off seventh-ranked Tyner last Friday for the first time in 21 years. Hixson proved its offense can strike for both big plays — two touchdowns of 48-plus yards — and lengthy drives. It sealed the win with a 12-play drive that took more than six minutes off the clock late in the fourth quarter. East Hamilton, ranked fourth in the state in 4A, is averaging 43 points per game and outscoring opponents by more than 33. The Hurricanes are giving up fewer than 100 rushing yards per game, while Logan Jackson is one of the area’s leading rushers with 887 yards and 13 TDs.
Dalton (2-2, 0-0) at Ridgeland (3-1, 0-0)
Storyline: Dalton is coming off a 35-7 loss to Cass, one of the worst home defeats in Harmon Field history. Coach Matt Land says that if mistakes are corrected his team can play with anyone. However, to keep the powerful Ridgeland running game in check, a defense that gives up an average of 32 points per game has to make more plays. Specifically, according to Land, the Catamounts defensive front is on the spot. Ridgeland coach Mark Mariakis warned his team not to look at what’s happened to this point as tonight marks the opening of play in Region 7-AAAA.
Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe (4-1, 1-1) at Cartersville (5-0, 2-0)
Storyline: LFO coach Todd Windham was frustrated by his team’s lack of killer instinct and its penchant for incurring key penalties in last week’s loss to Gordon Central. The Warriors have two keys if they are to upset preseason Region 5-AAA favorite Cartersville: Establish tailback Pooh Harden early and don’t allow Purple Hurricane quarterback Brooks Barden to get comfortable in the short passing game.
Heritage (0-4, 0-0) at Northwest Whitfield (3-1, 0-0)
Storyline: It’s simple. Can the visiting Generals find their missing offense? Heritage has been shut out in three consecutive games and coach Tim James is searching his roster for answers. Expect some younger players to get significant playing time. The Bruins also are trying to find more offensive consistency, but quarterback Silas Ledford and the short passing game have improved from week to week.
Sonoraville (1-4, 0-2) at Ringgold (2-3, 0-2)
Storyline: The loser of this game is out of reasonable postseason chances, which would be a shock for Ringgold. The Tigers have lost three games in similar fashion: Fall way behind early and fight all the way back only to lose late. Coach Robert Akins, not surprisingly, says his team needs a good start tonight and for his defense to get off the field on third down. The Phoenix, on the other hand, have to get a handle on turnovers.
Gordon Lee (4-1, 1-0) at Christian Heritage (4-1, 1-0)
Storyline: Christian Heritage is averaging 33 points per game while allowing just a dozen through five games. Coach Preston Poag trusts quarterback Trevor Brown — who has thrown for more than 900 yards — and Nick Bartley. Poag said fullback Austin Lowe will have added blocking responsibilities tonight against Gordon Lee’s penetrating defense. Gordon Lee coach Charlie Wiggins altered some of his practice plans this week by increasing secondary drills in preparation for the Lions’ passing attack.