BRADLEY CENTRAL BEARS (2-0) at CLEVELAND BLUE RAIDERS (2-0)
One of the area’s most heated rivalries is now also a Region 2-6A matchup, which means more than just county bragging rights are weighing on the outcome this year. The Bears are riding a six-game winning streak in the series, but two of those (37-35 in 2019 and 27-21 in 2017) came down to the final possession. This is as talented as the Blue Raiders have been in some time, and after impressive wins over Red Bank and McMinn County, confidence is high around the program, which is just outside of a top-10 state ranking. While the offense – highlighted by quarterback Drew Lambert’s 298 passing yards, Destun Thomas’ 204 receiving yards and Tetoe Boyd’s average of 6.7 yards per carry – has no shortage of big-play threats, the defense has been equally impressive. As for sixth-ranked Bradley Central, the Bears already have one win over a Bradley County rival with last week’s impressive 24-10 handling of Walker Valley on the road. In that game, the Bears allowed just 34 yards on 33 rushing attempts and collected six sacks. Offensively, with quarterback Aiden McClary slowed by an injury, sophomore running back Jackson Wilson ran for 144 of his 177 yards in the second half and totaled three touchdowns.
CHATTANOOGA CHRISTIAN CHARGERS (1-1) at SILVERDALE BAPTIST ACADEMY SEAHAWKS (2-0)
The Seahawks are off to a 2-0 start for the first time in five years, having outscored their opponents a combined 75-20. Last week, they built a 20-0 halftime lead and cruised past Franklin Road Academy thanks to quarterback Brett Rogers’ four rushing touchdowns. Rogers, who has scored six times already this season, finished with 137 rushing yards and threw for 97 yards, and senior Connor Delashmitt ran for more than 100 yards for a second straight game; the school’s career yardage leader, Delashmitt has 337 rushing yards this season. Brody Lamb and Turner Junkins have been the Seahawks’ defensive leaders so far. The Chargers, coming off an idle week in which they picked up a COVID-19 forfeit win, have won the previous five meetings with the Seahawks, scoring 42-plus points in the past four. However, Silverdale has the advantage when it comes to experience with 13 starters back from last season compared to Chattanooga Christian’s four on offense and two on defense. The Chargers also rely heavily on underclassmen, although they are a talented collection, including running back Boo Carter and receiver A.J. Wallace, sophomores who already have offers from Southeastern Conference programs. Twins Devoris and Javoris Havis, a pair of 200-pound juniors, can be a load to bring down as running backs and also give the team solid play on the defensive front. With difficult league schedules ahead, this Division II-AA East Region game will set the early tone for both teams’ playoff outlooks.
BAYLOR RED RAIDERS (2-0) at KNOXVILLE CATHOLIC FIGHTING IRISH (2-0)