WHITWELL TIGERS (1-6, 0-2) at SOUTH PITTSBURG PIRATES (6-0, 1-0)
These intracounty rivals have split their past four meetings, facing off in both the regular season and the playoffs the last two years. The Tigers, last year’s Class 1A state champions, had struggled this season against a schedule that included five opponents from higher classifications before notching their first win last week, 20-14 against 3A’s Grundy County behind the running of Cole Burns, Jace Kilgore and Jacob Roberts as each scored a touchdown. The Pirates, who are ranked No. 1 in the classification and trying to keep pace with Copper Basin (6-2, 3-0) in the Region 3-1A standings, will be without two backfield starters – but they still have big-play threats in RBs Ronto Tipton and DeAndre Kelly, as well as QB Brayden Sanders, WR Jaylyn Hubbard and a defense that has allowed an average of just 3 yards per play.
KNOXVILLE CATHOLIC FIGHTING IRISH (5-2, 1-2) at BAYLOR RED RAIDERS (6-1, 2-1)
The Irish have won all four series meetings to date, including double-digit victories each of the past two seasons. Catholic, which has outscored opponents 104-20 in the first quarter this season and scored at least 40 points in each of its past three games, is led by RB Keondre Jarmon (519 rushing yards). He runs behind a talented line that includes Cooper Mays, who has committed to the University of Tennessee. Baylor LB Noah Martin leads the area with 16 tackles for loss, and RB Elijah Howard, another UT commitment, is the Red Raiders’ best big-play threat entering this Division II-AAA East Region matchup.
FATHER RYAN FIGHTIN’ IRISH (1-6, 0-3) at MCCALLIE BLUE TORNADO (7-0, 3-0)