NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH (4-1, 2-0) at KNOXVILLE WEBB SPARTANS (2-2, 1-0)
Storyline: These programs last met in 2004, with Webb winning 22-7. Both had open dates last week in preparation for what could be for the Division II-AA East Region championship. Webb is led by RBs Elijah Howard (a freshman who already has a scholarship offer from Tennessee), Jahil Jefferson (who’s even more elusive) and West Point-bound Morgan Ernst (who is probably more valuable at LB). Since a season-opening Kickoff Classic loss to Baylor, Notre Dame has averaged 50.8 points while rolling to a four-game winning streak. The Irish have benefited greatly from versatile junior Cameron Wynn – he has lined up at RB, QB and WR – and RB Akil Sledge and QB Landon Allen.
EAST RIDGE PIONEERS (5-0, 1-0) at ANDERSON COUNTY MAVERICKS (6-0, 2-0)
Storyline: The bus ride from East Ridge to Anderson County takes more than two hours, leading some to question how the Mavericks wound up in a region filled with Chattanooga-area teams. Other than a possible complaint about the 120-mile trip, this could be a dream matchup between two of the three teams still unbeaten in Region 2-4A. The Mavericks are coming off a big win over Maryville’s Heritage, a Class 6A school, led by QB Stanton Martin’s 324-yard, four-TD passing performance. While it could be an interesting challenge for Pioneers DB Alonzo Russell, his task might be harder if LB Lorenzo Stewart, injured a couple of weeks ago, is unable to play.
BRADLEY CENTRAL BEARS (4-1, 2-0) at McMINN COUNTY CHEROKEES (1-4, 0-2)