East Hamilton (3-1, 1-0) at Brainerd (0-1, 0-3)
Storyline: It’s something of a payback game for both the visiting Hurricanes and the Panthers. East Hamilton won their regular-season matchup last year, but Brainerd then won in the first round of the playoffs. Do the Panthers have solutions for running back Logan Jackson, who is averaging 180 yards per game, and the Hurricanes’ massive offensive line, which was seen feasting Wednesday night at all-you-can-eat Bea’s Restaurant? Brainerd has quick athletes and a few big bodies in the line, but the small-squad Panthers will be decidedly outmanned in this District 6-AA battle.
Hixson (2-1, 1-0) at Red Bank (1-2, 1-0)
Storyline: Red Bank has played well, even great, in spurts with a handful of Lions exhibiting the ability to take over a game. Among them are running back Darrius Akridge, quarterback Hagen Wilkey and defensive linemen Courtney Stamper and Nick Burnette. Hixson’s Wildcats are riding high after knocking off previously unbeaten Marion County with a three-TD, fourth-quarter rally. Their coaches, though, would say they should have had the game in hand by halftime. Quarterback Gil Brown has continued to struggle at times. Hixson relies heavily on receiver Allante Novene, running back/linebacker Kedrick Bradley and linemen Charles Franklin, Chance Loy and Austin Gilkey. Hixson hasn’t won one in this series since 2004.
Baylor (3-1, 1-1) at Ensworth (4-0, 1-0)
Storyline: It’s the classic rematch. The teams have split four games over the last two years with Ensworth winning both times the state championship was on the line. The unbeaten Tigers have scored no fewer than 35 points in any game to date, and the 35 came in a season-opening eight-point win over Memphis University School. They have since scored 47 twice and 67 once behind FBS prospect Corn Elder, who already has rushed for 692 yards and has 14 TDs. Baylor also has NCAA FBS prospects in junior quarterback Michael O’Connor and senior linebacker Colton Jumper. Receiver Reggie Upshaw has committed to Middle Tennessee State in basketball. Red Raiders senior defensive back Russell Burton suffered a concussion last week and will miss tonight’s game.
Signal Mountain (1-3, 1-0) at Grundy County (2-2, 1-0)
Storyline: Grundy County had a chance with less duress last week to get plenty of snaps for Josh Rhea, who stepped into the starting quarterback role two games into the season after Houston Mainord suffered a broken collarbone. The Yellow Jackets beat Whitwell 37-0 with Rhea leading the team in rushing and also throwing for 124 yards. Signal, which broke its winless streak with a District 7-AA win over Bledsoe County two weeks ago, was simply overwhelmed by Class 6A power Blackman last week. Despite a number of team drops Friday, Eagles receivers Madison Byrd and Chris Abernathy continue to rank among the area’s leaders.
East Ridge (0-3, 0-1) at Tyner (2-1, 1-0)
Storyline: The Pioneers are coming off a bye week so they have had extra time to prepare for Tyner, but the Ram train is looking to get back on track after losing its unbeaten status last week at McCallie. While he hasn’t had the start for which he was hoping, East Ridge coach Tracy Malone said the team remains upbeat and continues to do the right things on the practice field, in class and in the locker and weight rooms. It might not be enough to overcome the Rams’ defensive line, which looked imposing in wins over Signal Mountain and Brainerd. That group is led by noseguard/linebacker Edward Duckett.