CLEVELAND BLUE RAIDERS (1-2) AT BRADLEY CENTRAL BEARS (2-1)
Storyline: Once the early-game emotion settles, Cleveland will rely on some inexperienced but talented skill players to try to pull off the upset against its top rival. The Blue Raiders start just two seniors on offense, and all five offensive linemen are making just the fourth varsity start of their careers. Add to that senior Landon Allison making the transition just last week from tight end to offensive tackle, where he will try to help spring sophomore running back Keegan Jones, who is getting better each week as he gets experience. On defense, junior safety Skyler Davis has returned an interception for a score each of the last two games and Ben Wyrick is playing up to his all-state potential. The Bears also have big-play potential on offense with quarterback Cole Copeland, receiver Tyler Carpenter and running back Courtland Bradley, while middle linebacker Coby Alford has been the leader on defense. Whichever team limits the big plays, turnovers and mistakes will claim bragging rights in this nonregion rivalry.
SOUTH PITTSBURG PIRATES (1-1) AT MARION COUNTY WARRIORS (3-0)
Storyline: The state’s oldest continual rivalry renews for the 91st time (the Pirates lead 47-39-4). On paper this one is a mismatch as the top-ranked Warriors have the advantage in every category imaginable: size, speed, depth, experience and even home field. Besides likely needing some help with a turnover or two, the Pirates also will need to break some big gainers if they’re going to keep it close, because the Warriors typically don’t allow long, sustained drives. Marion’s offense uses a committee of running backs to wear on opponents, and quarterback Logan Walters is a dual threat. Senior Josh Henderson is capable of breaking big plays as a kick returner, runner and receiver for the Warriors, and Nick Stephens is a weapon not only as a strong-legged field-goal kicker but also by forcing opponents to drive the length of the field with deep kickoffs. Most of the Pirates starters weren’t even on the team last season, but Chase Blevins is a tough runner and Joseph Lilly is a speedy threat. Hogan Holland is still learning the quarterback position, making only his third career start there.
EAST HAMILTON HURRICANES (2-1) AT OOLTEWAH OWLS (2-1)