BRENTWOOD ACADEMY EAGLES (6-0, 3-0) at MCCALLIE BLUE TORNADO (5-2, 2-1)
Storyline: After a narrow loss to perennial power Montgomery Bell Academy early in the season, the young Blue Tornado showed how much they’ve improved by winning their past two Division II-AAA East/Middle Region games, including an impressive home victory over Ensworth. Now comes another big test against the nationally ranked Eagles, who are led by QB Gavin Shoenwald, a 6-foot-4, 220-pound senior who has committed to Vanderbilt, where he’s expected to play TE. Junior WR Camron Johnson (6-2, 185) has committed to the Commodores, too. BA has not allowed more than 14 points in a game this season, including a shutout of Baylor last week and a lopsided win over Knoxville Catholic, which had averaged 38 points per game to that point. McCallie’s offense will rely heavily on the athleticism of sophomore QB Deangelo Hardy, particularly if senior RB Xavier Brooks is again unable to play because of a nagging injury. Freshman RB B.J. Harris was impressive in Brooks’ absence last week, rushing for 145 yards.
TROUSDALE COUNTY YELLOW JACKETS (5-2) at WHITWELL TIGERS (6-0)
Storyline: Although it’s not a region game, this is a chance for Whitwell to silence any remaining doubters. The Jackets are ranked sixth in Class 2A and are a perennial playoff power, so a win by the Tigers – who are ranked No. 3 in 1A – should open plenty of eyes around the state. Trousdale is led by QB Keyvont Baines, an athletic junior who is a better runner than passer. Joining him in the backfield is senior RB Isiah Harper, who may be the fastest player the Tigers have had to defend this season. Trousdale’s defense, which has held four opponents to six or fewer points and allowed 15 all year, is led by junior LB Jake Gregory (6-0, 205). Trousdale’s losses were to Class 4A’s Macon County and unbeaten Friendship Christian of DII-A. The Tigers have one of the stingiest defenses in the state, led by senior linemen T.D. Argo, Travis Nolan and Garrett Shrum, as well as junior LBs Thundur Roberts and Josh Wingo.
EAST ATLANTA MUSTANGS (4-3) at SOUTH PITTSBURG PIRATES (6-0)