BLEDSOE COUNTY WARRIORS (2-2, 0-1) at TYNER RAMS (5-0, 1-0)
The Warriors won Region 3-2A last year for their first league championship in a decade, but now they face a string of games that will determine whether they can earn a playoff berth this year. A COVID-19 forfeit to Meigs County was followed by an on-field loss in which Marion County’s second-half surge snapped a halftime tie. The season-defining stretch begins with this 3-2A matchup against a team that is one of the Chattanooga area’s surprises so far this football season, and it will be followed by region games against Tellico Plains and at Polk County. The Warriors, who will benefit from clock-eating possessions, rely on senior dual-threat quarterback Harmon Keith and backfield mate Cadillac Siever to control the pace. Meanwhile, Tyner wants to make it a track meet on turf with a collection of athletes who have big-play potential, including quarterback Josh Jackson and running back Javell Woodruff. Jackson threw for 310 yards in last week’s lopsided win over Soddy-Daisy, with nearly half of that total going to speedy receiver Zashun Hubbard, and Woodruff finished with 167 rushing yards. That type of balance has been a key for the Rams, who have averaged 39 points per game – including two outbursts of at least 50 points – while operating at a fast pace all season.
CENTRAL PURPLE POUNDERS (4-1, 3-0) at EAST HAMILTON HURRICANES (4-1, 2-0)
It may seem a bit early for such a determination, but the outcome of this matchup could decide the Region 3-4A championship. These teams have clearly been the two best within the region to this point, although they have climbed to the top using different methods. The Hurricanes, led by junior running back Juandrick Bullard’s 12.6 yards per carry average, rank among the area’s best offenses and have averaged 45 points per game. Bullard has 771 rushing yards, while Lake Clark has given balance to the attack with 727 passing yards. Last week, a second-half collapse opened the door for McMinn County to rally and hand East Hamilton its first loss. Despite that defeat, Hurricanes defensive lineman Mel McFarland, who leads the area in tackles for loss, was again spectacular with 10 tackles, six for loss, two sacks, a blocked punt and a fumble recovery. For Central, a stingy defense has led the way back to the top of the league standings; the Purple Pounders have allowed an average of just nine points per game against region opponents. Freshman quarterback Ronye Watson is capable of big plays, though, and more than half of his 708 passing yards have gone to Donovan Smith.
BOYD BUCHANAN BUCCANEERS (2-3, 0-2) at CHATTANOOGA CHRISTIAN CHARGERS (2-4, 1-2)