All games kick off at 7:30 EDT unless noted
East Hamilton Hurricanes at Signal Mountain Eagles, 7
Storyline: The Hurricanes opened what would be a very good 2012 season (11-2) with a shocking and surprisingly easy (55-14) victory over the Eagles. East Hamilton will find out quickly if RB Matt Milita is a capable replacement for graduated Logan Jackson, the young school’s all-time leading rusher. The Hurricanes have a college-bound QB (Central Arkansas) in Hunter Moore. Signal will rotate seven RBs: Diamez Franklin, James McClellan, Caleb Menzel, Nathan Johnson, Cale Shelton, Hunter Vandyken and Skye Wilson.
Boyd-Buchanan Buccaneers at Red Bank Lions
Storyline: The Bucs defense disappointed coach Grant Reynolds at the jamboree last week although he’s replacing 10 of 11 unit starters from 2012. That lone returnee is Jim Cardwell, who also gives them a huge offensive spark at QB. Red Bank is breaking out a new offense — more option with rookie QB starter Mike Robinson — after using more spread a year ago.
Howard Hustlin’ Tigers at Baylor Red Raiders
Storyline: Nick Tiano is the Red Raiders’ starting QB, but coach Phil Massey surely will start breaking in a No. 2 if the chance presents itself. RB George Porter should alleviate some of the pressure. The Tigers are short on depth and will rely on QB/DB Terrance Brooks, RB/LB Kentarius Hampton and WR/DB Lorenzo McCauley. These programs haven’t met since 1992, a 35-6 Baylor victory.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Knoxville Catholic Irish Fighting Irish
Storyline: The schools haven’t met in football since 2004, a 42-7 Catholic win. An up-tempo offense behind RB/WR Kareem Orr and QB Alex Darras are key for Notre Dame. Catholic has abandoned the wing-T for an up-tempo spread offense thanks to first-year coach Steve Matthews, a former University of Tennessee QB signee who transferred to Memphis before a pro career.