FINALS:
Ooltewah 28, McMinn County 6
Rhea County 37, Soddy Daisy 7
Central 14, East Hamilton 9
Notre Dame 37, Signal Mountain 6
East Ridge 13, Howard 7
Ridgeland 56, Heritage 14
Walker Valley 42, White County 7
Pope John Paul II 21, Baylor 19
Dalton 49, Sequoyah 21
Madison Academy 49, North Jackson 7
Red Bank 47, Chattanooga Christian School 0
Hardin Valley 14, Bradley Central 13
Ringgold 27, North Murray 21
Sequatchie County 50, Cannon County 16
Coosa 14, Dade County 7
Christian Academy 42, McMinn Central 27
Hixson 49, Sequoyah 21
Marion County 46, Bledsoe County 3
Meigs County 26, Tyner 12
Northwest Whitfield 50, Pickens 41
Silverdale 35, Brainerd 0
#bestofpreps TweetsBRADLEY CENTRAL BEARS (7-0, 4-0) at HARDIN VALLEY HAWKS (5-2, 2-1)
Storyline: His offense has grabbed the headlines but Bears coach Damon Floyd’s defense will be asked for extra effort in tonight’s Region 1-6A game. The Hawks’ offensive line is not as big as Dobyns-Bennett’s, Bradley’s opponent last week, but the first priority is to establish the run game and then use play-action passing. Bradley has the expected bumps and bruises that come with seven games, but Floyd expects to have everybody available. WR Lameric Tucker, who had an area-best 235 receiving yards last week, definitely will be there to shag throws from QB Cole Copeland, who is among the area’s run/pass leaders.
RHEA COUNTY EAGLES (5-2, 3-0) at SODDY-DAISY TROJANS (2-5, 1-3)
Storyline: Rhea County appears to have recovered since a home setback to Indiana power Indianapolis Cathedral. Tonight will be the Eagles’ fifth road game of the year but leaves them with home games against Region 4-5A title contenders Walker Valley and McMinn County in the next two weeks. As always, power football will determine Rhea’s fate. Its wing-T is more of a grinding offense than the quick-strike attack of seasons past. Soddy-Daisy, again will be without No. 1 QB Justin Cooke, who was ejected last week at Walker Valley. His replacement, Ty Boeck, is no stranger to QB starts, having filled in earlier this season when Cooke was injured. The Trojans’ last win in this series was in 2012.
CHATTANOOGA CHRISTIAN CHARGERS (4-3, 0-3) at RED BANK LIONS (4-3, 2-1)
Storyline: Knee injuries have decimated the Chargers’ backfield and coach Mark Mariakis said he’s playing TEs and LBs back there in place of T.J. Smith and Mondo Ellison. The roles in this one have been reversed. Most thought CCS would be in line to host a postseason game, but it has yet to notch a Region 3-3A victory. Red Bank, meanwhile, has matured and the Lions, on track for a host role in the state playoffs, are entering each game with a solid plan. Ball security has become a point of emphasis since their upset loss at Howard.
HOWARD HUSTLIN’ TIGERS (4-4, 2-1) at EAST RIDGE PIONEERS (3-4, 1-2)
Storyline: While East Ridge is scrambling to remain in the playoff picture, Howard has been one of the area’s pleasant surprise stories with its most league wins since Alvin Tarver took them to an 8-3 season in 2010. A win in tonight’s Region 3-3A game would assure John Starr’s Hustlin’ Tigers of the program’s first non-losing regular season in six seasons. One of the game keys is whether Howard can contend with the Pioneers’ OL and whether it can stop or slow RB Traneil Moore. Howard’s last win over East Ridge came in 2010.
SIGNAL MOUNTAIN EAGLES (2-5, 1-2) at NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH (5-2, 3-0)
Storyline: Injuries have played a significant role in Signal’s fortunes, including season-ending injuries to OL Caelen Clemons and RB Charlie Gauthier. At one point the Eagles had no less than a half-dozen players in street clothes along the sideline. The forced shuffling was eased this week with the return of C Garrett Bird. Both teams are coming off open dates and the Irish also used that time well. They’ll have RB Akil Sledge (knee) and WR/DB Calvin Sims (bone bruise) ready to go in the Region 3-3A game.
TYNER RAMS (2-5, 2-2) at MEIGS COUNTY TIGERS (6-1, 3-1)
Storyline: Tyner is as healthy as it has been since the preseason and has shown some pluck at times, although the Rams’ inconsistency has been a major strain on the coaching staff. They played Region 3-2A leader Marion County fairly close before falling, and they let a win slip from their grasp against Boyd-Buchanan. Consistency has been a key for Meigs, and opponents have noted how well the Tigers do the “everyday” things. Consistency has been a plus for Meigs, which also lost to Marion. Meigs freshman QB Aaron Swafford has improved weekly. The Tigers moved into the Associated Press state rankings this week at No. 7.
McMINN COUNTY CHEROKEES (6-1, 3-0) at OOLTEWAH OWLS (5-2, 2-1)
Storyline: A packed house should be expected for this Region 4-5A game between state-playoff contenders. Fourth-ranked McMinn County runs a wing-T offense and has done a good job not only of piling up first downs but also scoring at the ends of possessions. The Owls’ secondary must guard against being baited into coming up too close, because the Cherokees will hit them with a play-action pass. Given the strength of McMinn’s defensive front, Ooltewah QB Collin Thurman may take to the air often, but that’s nothing new. Winning the kicking/field-position game could likely translate to winning the game.
SEQUOYAH CHIEFS (2-5, 1-2) at HIXSON WILDCATS (4-3, 3-1)
Storyline: Hixson can’t win the Region 3-4A title unless the unlikely scenario happens of Stone Memorial (8-0, 4-0) losing its last two games. But the Wildcats control their own destiny for second place and the accompanying first-round home playoff game that comes with it. Hixson’s offense began to improve after some shuffling around with its OL and a switch to a pistol offense to better suit QB Ladaquis Word. Its defense, which gave up 40 points per game during an 0-3 start and has given up 10 points per game since, will be tested tonight by accurate-armed QB John Douglas Wiggins.
POLK COUNTY WILDCATS (3-4, 1-3) at BOYD-BUCHANAN BUCCANEERS (5-2, 3-2)
Storyline: Polk County coach Derrick Davis doesn’t recall the Wildcats ever having played at Boyd-Buchanan. He knows they haven’t played on an artificial surface like the one the Bucs installed recently. Boyd-Buchanan’s offense has sputtered at times. The Bucs have played both Ross Wortman and Kohl Henke at QB. Davis said the Wildcats prepared for both in the Region 3-2A matchup. But Boyd-Buchanan’s defense (16.3 ppg, one shutout) and special teams have been instrumental in putting together a winning season. It hasn’t helped that Polk has been beset with a rash of injuries. Three players started for the first time last week. The Wildcats need a good game from RB and leading rusher Logan Griswold, and they must convert when they get in the red zone.
CANNON COUNTY (2-6, 0-4) at SEQUATCHIE COUNTY INDIANS (7-0, 3-0)
Storyline: The Indians appear to be on a collision course with Upperman for the Region 4-3A championship. Both are unbeaten in the region and will face off at Upperman in week 10. With two region games remaining before that showdown, Sequatchie County must remained focused, beginning with the Lions this week. Cannon County stayed within 13 points of Upperman but has lost four straight coming into tonight. The Indians have equaled their best start since 1992, and a win tonight would give them their first 8-0 start since 1990. That year Sequatchie won its first 12 games before falling in the state quarterfinals. This year’s Indians have proven themselves mentally tough late by winning four games by seven points or less.
POPE JOHN PAUL II KNIGHTS (4-3, 1-3) at BAYLOR RED RAIDERS (5-2, 1-2)
Storyline: After a needed week off, Baylor returns to the field to face a much improved Knights team off to the program’s best start in a decade, and since joining the top level of Division II-AA. PJP is led by dual-threat senior QB Ben Brooks, a University of Memphis baseball commitment and three-year starter, and RB Jamaal Thompson, who lead a dangerous offense that has scored four-plus TDs three times this season. Baylor has had two weeks to recover from the disappointment of the loss to McCallie and now begins to show its resolve as it gears up for its playoff run. The Red Raiders are still one of the most talented teams in D-II and have another huge showdown at Montgomery Bell Academy next week.
BLEDSOE COUNTY WARRIORS (2-5, 1-3) at MARION COUNTY WARRIORS (7-1, 5-0)
Storyline: Marion can wrap up at least a share of the Region 3-2A championship with a win tonight, while a Bledsoe loss completely eliminates what little playoff hope it has. Marion has been dominant in all phases the past four weeks, winning games by an average of 43-13 with points from its offense, defense and special teams. Marion has no shortage of playmakers, beginning with seniors Hunter Zeman and Hunter McClain, who are solid on both sides of the ball. Zeman is also a threat at KR and PR. Sophomore QB Isaah Sampson continues to become more confident in his role, and Jacob Saylors is one of the fastest offensive weapons in the area.
CENTRAL PURPLE POUNDERS (1-6, 1-2) at EAST HAMILTON HURRICANES (5-3, 3-1)
Storyline: Slow starts have doomed Central multiple times. The Pounders’ offense might be more effective if it wasn’t put in come-from-behind mode so early. Central wants the ball in the hands of RB Mike McGhee (382 rushing yards) and D.J. Baxter, whose prominent role is at DB. East Hamilton not only wants to establish the run but will stay with it most of the night if it can. Being in the right spots will be crucial for the Pounders’ defenders, as will making tackles not way downfield. Squarely in the state-playoff hunt, the Hurricanes could earn the top seeding from Region 3-4A if they win out.
HERITAGE GENERALS (5-2, 2-1) at RIDGELAND PANTHERS (5-0, 2-0)
Storyline: A contrast in styles will be on display when high-powered offenses go at it at Bowers and Painter Field in a key Georgia Region 6-AAAA game. Heritage is coming off a 41-34 loss to Northwest Whitfield in which the Generals nearly pulled off a miraculous comeback as QB Corbee Wilson passed for 430 yards and five TDs. He’ll hit the air early and often tonight and has a strong group of WRs led by Ryan Carter (650 yards, 10 TDs) and Luke Grant (465, 5 TDs). The Generals’ defense, though, gave up more than 400 rushing yards to Northwest, not a good sign when facing a Ridgeland run game that is averaging more than 400. RB Grayson Moore is making teams pay for keying on leading rusher Jalyn Shelton and has more than 500 total yards in the last two games, while WB Markeith Montgomery is becoming more of an offensive threat after rushing for 122 yards and scoring three times on five carries in a 48-0 win over LaFayette last week. Ridgeland’s defense had trouble with Northwest’s passing game, so expect the Generals to come out slinging it.
PICKENS DRAGONS (3-3, 2-0) at NORTHWEST WHITFIELD BRUINS (4-3, 2-1)
Storyline: An important Region 6-AAAA game could decide second place. Pickens has two league wins but has yet to face the top three other teams, while Northwest has lost to Ridgeland and beaten Heritage. The Dragons have a balanced offense led by QB Jacob Brumby, who has 721 passing yards, and RB Chris Pittman, who has rushed for 731 yards and nine TDs. Northwest found its run game in a big way last week, led by sophomore Dominick Sistrunk’s 286 yards and more than 100 from QB Luke Shiflett. The availability of leading receiver Jay Jones may not be known until game time: Coach Josh Robinson said the senior’s chances were 50-50 after being injured early against Heritage.
DALTON CATAMOUNTS (6-0, 2-0) at SEQUOUAH CHIEFS (3-3, 2-0)
Storyline: In the Region 6-AAAAAA matchup, Dalton continues to display a balanced offense, led by QB J.P. Tighe, who has 954 yards and 11 TDs passing. RB Ahmaad Tanner has 558 rushing yards in five games, while WR Zeke Cobb has 500 receiving yards and seven TDs on 25 catches to go with Kyric McGowan’s 329 yards. Both WRs are averaging more than 20 yards per catch. Sequoyah finally found its run game in a 35-13 win over South Cobb. After averaging less than 3 yards a carry in the first five games, the Chiefs had nearly 300 yards, led by Zach Starks and Luke Jensen. No team, however, has had success on the ground against the Catamounts, so pressure will be on QB Collier Pecht to move the ball through the air.
NORTH MURRAY MOUNTAINEERS (4-2, 1-0) at RINGGOLD TIGERS (3-4, 1-1)
Storyline: The race for subregion seeding in 6-AAA continues, and if Ringgold wants to get in the race this has to be the week. After allowing 477 yards on the ground in a 45-40 loss to Murray County, though, it doesn’t get any easier for the Tigers’ defense. North Murray RB Brady Harper has 675 rushing yards and 17 TDs, while QB Blake Davis has 352 to go with 590 passing. Even worse news for Ringgold, the Mountaineers may get leading WR Conner Rice back. Ringgold can score with any team, led by sensational sophomore QB Cole Kibler, who passed for 426 yards and five TDs last week. He’s got elite targets in WRs Andre Tarver and Mac Brower and TE Drake Starks, who had more than 300 receiving yards in the last two games.
SONORAVILLE PHOENIX (5-2, 2-0) at ADAIRSVILLE TIGERS (2-4, 0-1)
Storyline: The Phoenix have made the playoffs the last three seasons, but their seeding would have been better if they could have found a way to beat Adairsville. With a game against Calhoun looming in a week, Sonoraville can help itself tonight and again will rely on electric QB Patrick Moore, who had two TDs passing and two also on the ground in a rout of Haralson County last week. RB Tristan Key and WR Camron Keith are also key playmakers, while Kevin Villatoro is one of the state’s best kickers. Adairsville, before a 27-3 loss to Calhoun, had found its offense. The Tigers still have a formidable dual threat in QB Roger Redd and RB Travon Branch and enough team speed to give Sonoraville trouble.
MODEL BLUE DEVILS (5-1, 2-1) at CHATTOOGA INDIANS (3-3, 2-1)
Storyline: Both teams are coming off losses in Region 7-AA, and hopes of hosting a first-round playoff game likely will be doused for the loser. Model is led by one of the state’s most versatile players in QB Kyler Eldridge, who has 1,000 yards of total offense and 14 TDs to go with right at 50 tackles – six for loss – and three interceptions. RB Chris Dublin is a workhorse and leads the team with 648 yards on the ground. Chattooga has its own stars in twins Isaiah and Isaac Foster. The two have combined for 1,200 yards rushing and 12 TDs, though any running room tonight will be contingent on blocking Eldridge and Model leading tackler Jordan Worfford, who has five sacks and seven other tackles for loss among his 56 stops.