McCallie (1-1) at Tyner (0-2)
Coaches: McCallie’s Bubba Simmons, Tyner’s Wayne Turner.
Interesting stats/facts: McCallie is a triple-option team with a fairly strong passing game. Tyner proved it could stuff the run against Signal Mountain but the Eagles made them pay with a fairly strong passing game. . . . Tyner lost 33-8 last week to Brainerd and is 0-2 for the third straight season. After opening losses to Ooltewah and Baylor a year ago, the Rams rebounded to win the District 6-AA championship. . . . It might have gone unnoticed considering McCallie lost to Ensworth 28-10 but the Blue Tornado held the defending Division II-AA state champions scoreless in the first half. . . . McCallie last started a season 1-1 in 2008 and went on to a 6-4 finish in Rick Whitt’s second season. The Blue Tornado began the 1020 season 2-0 but finished 4-7.
What to watch: Tyner is still looking for a consistent quarterback, a lead running back and some consistency in the offensive line. The Rams, despite giving up 60-plus points combined in their first two games, can play some defense behind linebacker Chandler Patrick. McCallie QB Trent Lusk threw for just 113 yards last week but then the Blue Tornado has been relying heavily on the offensive line and the running of Doug McClure, who turned in a 152-yard showing against Ensworth.
Signal Mountain (3-0) at Blackman (2-1), 8
Coaches: Signal’s Bill Price, Blackman’s Philip Shadowens
Interesting stats/facts: Signal’s win streak stands now at 17 games following last year’s unbeaten run to the Class 2A state title. . . . Junior QB Reese Phillips had his finest day as an Eagle Friday, throwing for 318 yards in the club’s 48-13 win at Bledsoe County. . . .Blackman was upset Friday, falling to Siegel despite a 215-yard rushing effort from I’Tavis Mathers, one of the state’s top prospects.