McCALLIE BLUE TORNADO at CHATTANOOGA CHRISTIAN CHARGERS
Knowing that tougher competition will help build the program for the long term and prepare the current team to compete at an elite level, this is the fifth season that Chattanooga Christian has scheduled both McCallie and Baylor. Last year’s game with the Blue Tornado was canceled by COVID-19 concerns, but since scheduling the two larger private schools, the Chargers have not come closer than 21 points in any of the seven meetings. This season could be different, however, as the talent level and depth are the best in the program’s brief history. Whether the Chargers can challenge two-time reigning Division II-AAA state champion McCallie will depend on how many individual battles they can win up front. Chattanooga Christian has spectacular skill position talent – highlighted by running back Boo Carter and receiver A.J. Wallace, a pair of sophomores with scholarship offers from Southeastern Conference programs – but McCallie’s strength in the offensive and defensive lines is elite. That group includes all-state noseguard James Howard, who recently dominated in a scrimmage against perennial powerhouse Alcoa. The Blue Tornado offense is led by the return of starting quarterback William Riddle, who has a variety of talented receivers including Kenzy Paul, who has committed to Vanderbilt, and newcomers Andrei Delinois and Xavier Gaillardetz. The running back tandem of Tario Price and Damian Scott are both fast and physical.
CLEVELAND BLUE RAIDERS at RED BANK LIONS
So much for easing into the season. A pair of teams with high hopes for making deep runs in the TSSAA playoffs this fall square off right away with big-play capability on both sides. This will be the first meeting since 2012 between two of the Chattanooga area’s proudest programs, with the Blue Raiders having won two straight in the series. Cleveland receiver Destun Thomas – who scored 18 touchdowns and totaled more than 1,000 yards last season – is possibly the best deep threat in the area and proved that with a 70-yard touchdown catch in last week’s Best of Preps Jamboree at Finley Stadium. But he is not the only target for junior quarterback Drew Lambert, who also has tight end Tate O’Bryan; receivers D.J. Adams and Micah Jordan; an emerging prospect in Rodney Broadnax, a 6-foot-5, 210-pound junior; and senior running back Tetoe Boyd. Red Bank can match Cleveland’s athleticism, starting with two-way stars Reco Trimble (running back/defensive back) and A.D. Crutcher (running back/linebacker) as well as senior quarterback Joseph Blackmon and his twin brother Josh, who is the fastest player on the team. The Lions might have an advantage up front, where three-year starters and twin brothers Delmetrius (6-1, 250) and Demontae Gustus (6-0, 275) can set the tone.
OOLTEWAH OWLS at EAST HAMILTON HURRICANES