KNOXVILLE CATHOLIC FIGHTING IRISH (3-0, 1-0) at McCALLIE BLUE TORNADO (4-0, 1-0)
Both teams had last week off to prepare for this key TSSAA Division II-AAA East/Middle Region matchup between the state’s No. 1-ranked Blue Tornado and the second-ranked Irish. Catholic has won each of its three games by double digits, outscoring opponents 59-7 in the first quarter and by the same total in the second half, and has scored a touchdown on its opening possession of each game. Irish quarterback Jayden Neal, who has more than 2,500 career rushing yards, has become a dual threat with 430 passing yards already this season, and running back Keondre Jarmon has 11 career 100-yard rushing performances. Defensively, led by Eli Jones’ 41 tackles with six for loss, the Irish have allowed an average of just 79 rushing yards per game, and after picking off only four passes last season, they already have five interceptions this year, led by Sam O’Leary with two – including one he returned 99 yards in a 31-21 win over Baylor two weeks ago. But this will also be the first road game of the season for the Irish as well as the home opener for McCallie, which improved to 4-0 in the series with last year’s 45-31 win. Against a challenging schedule so far the Blue Tornado have been impressive on offense, with the two-time reigning state champions averaging nearly 40 points per game. That’s thanks in large part to the senior tandem of quarterback William Riddle (796 passing yards, 10 touchdowns) and receiver Xavier Gaillardetz (18 catches, 373 yards).
SILVERDALE BAPTIST SEAHAWKS (3-0, 1-0) at BOYD BUCHANAN BUCCANEERS (1-2, 0-1)
Not including last year’s COVID-19 forfeit, the Bucs have won 10 of 11 series meetings, with Silverdale Baptist’s lone on-field victory a 42-0 triumph in 2018. Although it’s still early, this shapes up to be a key Division II-AA East matchup in terms of playoff seeding. In manhandling Chattanooga Christian two weeks ago, the Seahawks proved themselves to be a legit contender in the region, and they have averaged 40 points per game. Quarterback Brett Rogers has compiled 822 offensive yards, and senior backfield mate Connor Delashmitt ranks among the area rushing leaders at 6.4 yards per carry. Turner Junkins, who is also a big-time contributor on offense, leads the defense – the Seahawks have allowed close to 17 points per game – with 18 tackles and two fumble recoveries. After opening with an impressive 62-0 win at Greenback, Boyd Buchanan has faced a pair of perennial powers the past two games, losing to reigning DII-A state champion Davidson Academy, followed by a loss to Christian Academy of Knoxville last week. The Bucs had trouble stopping high-powered offenses in both losses, but Boyd Buchanan’s own offense showed flashes of big-play potential. Senior running back Matt Stone has been the Bucs’ most consistent weapon on that side of the ball, averaging 6.5 yards per carry, while Caden Johnson has averaged 19.4 yards on his 16 catches.
RED BANK LIONS (2-1, 1-0) at CENTRAL PURPLE POUNDERS (2-1, 2-0)