NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH (7-1, 5-0) at CHATTANOOGA CHRISTIAN CHARGERS (5-3, 3-1)
Storyline: With a win, Notre Dame would repeat as the Division II-AA East Region champion and secure home-field advantage throughout the state playoffs. Things would get more complicated should the Chargers win tonight and next week against Knoxville’s Grace Christian. In that scenario, the Chargers would create a three-way tie atop the region that would give them the top seed based on several tiebreakers. The Chargers will rely heavily on senior Mondo Ellison’s physical running style, while the Irish will counter with big-play threats Jordan Ford and Cameron Wynn. After missing two games with an injury, 2017 all-state selection Ellison has 689 yards on 91 carries. Chargers LB Dee Hinton leads the team in tackles, has six for loss and has returned an interception for a touchdown this season. Wynn has 925 rushing yards and 18 total TDs (15 rushing, two receiving, one kickoff return), and Jordan has 727 rushing yards and 11 scores. Since their season-opening loss to Baylor, the Irish have won all but one game by at least 16 points.
EAST RIDGE PIONEERS (2-6, 2-2) at HOWARD HUSTLIN’ TIGERS (3-4, 2-2)
Storyline: This could be the last game ever played at Howard’s Gaston Stadium/Reggie White Field – there has not yet been official word from the Hamilton County Department of Education on when construction on a new field will begin, but there is speculation it could be ready by the start of next season. Regardless, this will serve as an elimination game for the fourth and final playoff spot in Region 2-4A. Both teams still have one region game remaining, but the loser tonight would essentially be eliminated from playoff contention. After a frustrating start to the season, East Ridge has won its past two region games to pull into a tie with Howard in the standings, thanks to an improved offensive line and the big-play ability of senior dual-threat QB Alonzo Russell. In a region win last week, Russell threw for 313 yards and three TDs, ran for 70 yards and three more scores, made nine tackles and intercepted a pass. The Hustlin’ Tigers are led by senior QB Marquez Williams.
CLEVELAND BLUE RAIDERS (3-4, 2-2) at OOLTEWAH OWLS (6-2, 3-1)