Greater Chattanooga area high school football previews

SODDY-DAISY TROJANS (5-2, 3-1) at RHEA COUNTY EAGLES (5-2, 3-1)

Storyline: This could decide a No. 2 finish in 4-5A and will pit a pass-emphasizing Trojans offense against a run-oriented Eagles offense. Rhea coach Mark Pemberton would love to limit the time his own defense is on the field, but his Eagles will have to be mistake-free offensively to keep their clock-eating rushing attack on the field. Too, Soddy-Daisy can’t get lax with its pass coverage because Rhea loves to sneak in a pass or two against overly run-conscious defenses.

MEIGS COUNTY TIGERS (3-4, 1-3) at TYNER RAMS (4-3, 2-2)

Storyline: The Rams have been struggling along, missing a couple of key offensive linemen and a big, bruising type of running back. All three are reportedly back in the fold, which doesn’t bode well for Meigs, which will be competing with a much more athletic team and without a proven game-breaker. Each team needs a win to stay in or strengthen playoff contention. They last met in 2004 with Tyner taking a 32-12 victory. The last time Meigs beat a Rams team was in 2000, when current principal Clint Baker took the Tigers to a 10-2 record in his first season as head coach.

NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH (4-3, 2-1) at SIGNAL MOUNTAIN EAGLES (0-7, 0-3)

Storyline: This has been a significant game from the first meeting in 2011. Signal won that first one handily and had its way with the Irish until last year, when Notre Dame posted a lopsided 35-3 victory. It’s been a hard-luck year for the Eagles, beginning with a handful of players turning in their gear before the season and more than a half-dozen sidelined by injuries at one time or another. The Irish have had their problems, too, while replacing 17 seniors, and they have paid the price for inconsistencies from each position. They are, however, poised to finish second in the region and have had the better part of two weeks to recover from a 14-9 loss to East Ridge, nurse some bangs and bruises and prepare for the Eagles.

MARION COUNTY WARRIORS (7-1, 4-1) at BLEDSOE COUNTY WARRIORS (3-4, 2-2)

Storyline: Marion’s Warriors have regained their swagger since a sixth-game loss (21-14) to probable region champ Boyd-Buchanan. They rebounded with a semi-close win (33-20) against Tyner and then last week scored 30 first-quarter points on their way to their largest margin of victory. After winning three of its first four games, Bledsoe has struggled. The Pikeville-based Warriors have scored just three points the last three weeks – two of them region games – and barely are holding on to playoff hopes.

SILVERDALE BAPTIST SEAHAWKS (4-3, 1-3) at BRAINERD PANTHERS (2-5, 2-2)

Storyline: This game has taken on some unexpected interest because the winner will come much closer to getting into the playoffs. After losing to its first five opponents, four of which currently are state-ranked, Brainerd has won two straight ganes. The Panthers surprised Meigs County and eked past Polk County on the road. Silverdale’s lone region win is over Polk, and the Seahawks are looking at Tyner and Boyd-Buchanan after the Brainerd game. The Seahawks started last week’s second half on the short end of a running clock and managed little more than going through the motions.

SEQUATCHIE COUNTY INDIANS (5-2, 2-1) at CANNON COUNTY LIONS (0-8, 0-4)

Storyline: One might look at this one as a freebie for Sequatchie, and it might be, but coach Adam Caine has to be concerned after consecutive losses to DeKalb County and previously winless Warren County. Although they’re more interested in righting the ship, Sequatchie coaches know this game is crucial as they jockey for the best possible postseason scenario. Hopes for a first-round home playoff game will rest on the next three weeks – Grundy County and Upperman following Cannon to close out the regular season.

CHRISTIAN ACADEMY OF KNOXVILLE WARRIORS (8-0, 3-0) at McMINN CENTRAL CHARGERS (2-5, 1-2)

Storyline: The Chargers already have played (and lost to) Alcoa, but they could be facing Region 2-3A’s top offensive team tonight. The key, Central coach Josh Goodin said, is obvious. He wants to keep his offense on the field as much as possible, thus limiting the Warriors’ scoring opportunities. CAK, which still has to play Alcoa, seems assured of at least one home game in the playoffs, but the Chargers know the key to their postseason is an Oct. 30 game against Scott County.

HARDIN VALLEY HAWKS (4-3, 2-2) at BRADLEY CENTRAL BEARS (5-2, 2-2)

Storyline: Hardin Valley is a quick and athletic team that lost late (24-22) to Kingsport Dobyns-Bennett. Bradley coach Damon Floyd figures on another close contest, although his Bears outlasted Dobyns-Bennett 56-42 last week. There are two other common opponents: Bradley lost to Bearden, which lost to Hardin Valley; both lost to Science Hill. The key again for the Bears will be QB Chad Copeland and his receiving corps. Copeland accounted for eight TDs at Kingsport (five passing), and three of his receivers had TD receptions of more than 40 yards.

EAST RIDGE PIONEERS (7-0, 3-0) AT HOWARD HUSTLIN’ TIGERS (2-6, 0-3)

Storyline: The Pioneers are coming off a much-needed week off, and Howard is coming off a confidence-building win as Mark Teague, a former defensive assistant for East Ridge coach Tracy Malone, continues to rebuild the Hustlin’ Tigers program. East Ridge is closing in on the top spot in Region 3-3A and continues to be the surprise team in the city, overcoming the distraction of having its home stands condemned to continue rolling on the field. As good as Traneil Moore has been on offense – already with more than 1,000 yards this season – the defense has been just as impressive. Only two teams have scored more than one touchdown against the Pioneers all season.

BOYD-BUCHANAN BUCCANEERS (7-0, 5-0) AT POLK COUNTY WILDCATS (0-7, 0-4)

Storyline: The Bucs can wrap up the Region 3-2A title with a road win tonight. Their only remaining games are against nonregion foe South Pittsburg and Silverdale Baptist, but even a loss in that game wouldn’t be enough to prevent the league title since they own the tiebreaker over Marion County. The biggest concern heading down the homestretch is staying healthy as the playoffs approach. The Bucs lost Jack Keebler, an all-state tight end and defensive end, last week to a hand injury that could keep him out until the playoff quarterfinals. While he heals, that should allow the Bucs to get some younger players needed experience for the postseason. There are plenty of other offensive weapons to pick up the slack, beginning with quarterback Cooper Hodge and running back E.J. Matthews.

LOOKOUT VALLEY YELLOW JACKETS (0-7, 0-3) at SOUTH PITTSBURG PIRATES (5-2, 3-0)

Storyline: The Pirates can take one more step toward securing Vic Grider’s 11th league championship in his 17 years as coach. More than half the Pirates’ schedule has been against teams from larger classifications, but they have outscored 1A foes an average of 46-16. In his first season as a varsity quarterback, junior Hogan Holland has brought an added dimension to the offense, throwing for more than 100 yards in three straight games. Several complementary weapons also are emerging, including receiver Cade Kennemore, speedy running backs Joseph Lilly and Kyree Pryor and power backs Sawyer Kelley and Garrett Raulston.

RED BANK LIONS (3-4, 2-1) at CHATTANOOGA CHRISTIAN CHARGERS (5-2, 2-1)

Storyline: The Lions had a little fun during their off week, then returned to practicing fundamentals. The Lions have been solid throughout the season on defense, but their offense has been hit or miss, even in the same game. Both teams need a win tonight to improve playoff seeding. Red Bank, as most CCS opponents, is bigger and stronger than the Chargers, but CCS coach Rob Spence uses his perimeter players and is an expert in planning schemes.

EAST HAMILTON HURRICANES (5-3, 3-1) at CENTRAL PURPLE POUNDERS (0-7, 0-3)

Storyline: The Hurricanes have been inconsistent this season but returned to winning ways last week when their defense did not allow Cumberland County to score. They also shored up some mental mistakes that had been plaguing them. Inside linebacker Michael Bush and defensive teammates Blake Cason, Frank Campo need to continue their solid play to keep Central at bay.

RIDGELAND PANTHERS (2-4, 1-2) at HERITAGE GENERALS (4-2, 2-1)

Storyline: Two very diverse offenses will be on display at Jeff Sims Field, and a playoff berth will become a lot closer for the winner. Ridgeland is a powerful run team featuring three bruising backs in Jalyn Shelton, Chris Henderson and Caderius Word. That trio will face strong opposition from a surprisingly stout Generals defensive front, led by Zaine Burton and Tanner Nance, who have combined for 25 tackles for loss. Offensively, Heritage has one of the most efficient spread passing attacks in the area behind QB Corbee Wilson, who has passed for 1,204 yards. Sophomore WR Luke Grant, who had 133 yards, including a 93-yard touchdown reception, against LaFayette last week, combines with Trent Kiniry to give Wilson a strong outside duo. Expect Ridgeland’s terrific cornerback, Markeith Montgomery, to shadow the speedy Grant. The big question is can the Panthers’ passing attack make the Generals pay for loading up to stop the run?

SONORAVILLE PHOENIX (4-3, 3-2) at RINGGOLD TIGERS (3-3, 2-2)

Storyline: This matchup decided the third and fourth playoff seeds in Region 6-AAA last year, and it could well do the same thing tonight. Each team has lost to Calhoun and Adairsville. Sonoraville has a strong running game led by QB Cody Long, who has over 600 yards, while the Ringgold defense has struggled against the run. The Phoenix, though, likely will be without WB Dylan Dixon, who was injured early against Calhoun. Ringgold will have to contend with a strong Sonoraville defensive line, anchored by Western Kentucky commitment Kenny Cooper, if it wants the pass-first offense and QB Devin Lancaster to thrive. Sonoraville coach Jim Kremer isn’t shy about turning his defense loose on a variety of blitzes. Can Ringgold RB Dee King keep Cooper and company busy with enough quality runs? On the other side the ball, expect the Tigers to load the defensive box and make Long beat them through the air.

GORDON LEE TROJANS (4-3, 2-1) at CHATTOOGA INDIANS (5-1, 2-0)

Storyline: Huge playoff implications are on the line tonight at Little Big Horn Stadium. The Trojans are coming off their most complete game in a win over Coosa and feature a physical running game led by QB Caleb O’Neal, who has more than 1,600 total yards. Andrew Towns and Drew Cobb also are top offensive playmakers, while Cobb, Vines and O’Neal have a combined 150 tackles. Chattooga makes no bones about the fact it wants to run, then run some more. The Indians have thrown only 49 passes on the season, but the run game, led by the Foster brothers, has amassed 1,725 yards. RB Isaiah Foster has 943 of those yards and 11 touchdowns, while QB Isaac has 607 and a team-best 7.7 yards per carry. Another Foster, Darrion, is the team’s leading tackler with 42.