MEIGS COUNTY TIGERS (6-0) at SOUTH PITTSBURG PIRATES (5-0)
This is one of the biggest nonregion matchups in the state this week. Class 2A’s second-ranked Tigers visit 1A’s top-ranked Pirates in a game that has no bearing on the playoffs but should help both prepare for their expected deep postseason runs. This is the first meeting between these programs since 1982, and both are coming off an open date – the Pirates have actually had the past two weeks off because their Sept. 27 game at Red Bank was canceled by lightning. Despite a challenging schedule that has included 5A’s Clinton and perennial 1A power Greenback, the Tigers’ average game score is 37-6 and they have allowed more than seven points only once all season. Three-time all-state athlete Aaron Swafford, last year’s 2A Mr. Football Back of the Year and a Naval Academy commitment, has compiled 1,552 total yards (906 rushing, 646 passing) and 17 touchdowns while averaging 8.7 yards per carry, and he also leads area defenders with four interceptions. The Pirates have the state’s largest margin of victory this season at 52-5, with an offense that has averaged 10 yards per snap and a defense that has allowed just 2.1 yards per play. The starting defense has given up just one touchdown all season – by Sequatchie County in the first half of the opener. Since then, South Pittsburg opponents have scored on a kickoff return, a fumble recovery in the end zone and a touchdown in the final minute against backups. Junior QB Brayden Sanders has completed 74% of his passes for 531 yards, and the Pirates’ running game is distributed among several backs, led by junior Hunter Frame and sophomore DeAndre Kelly, who both average close to 10 yards per carry.
BAYLOR RED RAIDERS (5-1) at TYNER RAMS (4-2)
This will be the final time Baylor steps outside its classification before closing the regular season with three key Division II-AAA games, including two against East Region opponents. The Red Raiders, ranked No. 4 in their class, have outscored their three nonregion opponents so far this season 135-13. Junior athlete Elijah Howard, who has committed to Tennessee, showed how electric he can be last week with 230 total yards and three touchdowns – including one covering 73 yards and another that went 72 – against a solid McCallie defense. Tyner, ranked No. 8 in 2A, has one of the area’s most productive overall players in senior Martavius Ryals. The dual-threat QB has 1,185 total yards and leads his team defensively with 59 tackles, 12 for loss and 7.5 sacks. Rashun Evans and Jeremiah Sawyer both average more than 11 yards per carry, and 2018 all-state pick Jeremiah Batiste has more than 500 receiving yards.
RHEA COUNTY EAGLES (6-0) at RED BANK LIONS (6-0)