SIGNAL MOUNTAIN EAGLES (3-0) at MEIGS COUNTY TIGERS (2-0)
This will be the first game for Class 2A’s top-ranked Tigers in 21 days, and while it’s a nonregion matchup, it will serve as a good way for both teams to measure where they stand. Meigs opened with a 30-point victory on Aug. 20 at Sweetwater and won by forfeit last week. How quickly the Tigers can knock off the rust could be a key to whether they’re potentially upset fodder for the Eagles, who are off to a surprising start thanks to a defense that has allowed an average of just 9.7 points per game. Rip Hutcherson leads that group with 19 solo tackles and five tackles for loss, Aiden Adkins has 15 tackles and Pete Sesterhenn leads the area with three fumble recoveries. The Eagles have also proven they can close out narrow wins, with their past two games decided by a combined nine points. Senior quarterback Duncan Cannon followed the heroics of rallying his team to a win over Soddy-Daisy by throwing for 200 yards and two touchdowns last week against McMinn Central. Meigs has no shortage of playmakers, starting with the all-state tandem of dual-threat quarterback Logan Carroll and Cam Huckabey, a star athlete on offense as well as in the secondary and on special teams. Huckabey returned the opening kickoff against Sweetwater 90 yards for a touchdown, and Jackson Shaver returned an interception 70 yards for a score as the Tigers led 14-0 before taking their first snap.
SODDY-DAISY TROJANS (0-3) at RED BANK LIONS (1-1)
Neither team expected to be without an on-field win heading into this Region 3-4A opener between rivals. Red Bank opened with a 17-10 loss to Cleveland, won by COVID-19 forfeit against Ooltewah the week after that and already had an open date last week, leaving the Lions even more time to deal with the frustration of a close loss. If they’re able to avoid future schedule interruptions, expect their offense to become one of the area’s most consistent, because there are simply too many players with explosive athleticism not to put up impressive numbers. That includes senior quarterback Joseph Blackmon, a dual threat, and twin brother Josh, one of the city’s fastest players. Reco Trimble and A.D. Crutcher have big-play potential as running backs as well as on defense. Soddy-Daisy has averaged just 9.0 points per game despite quarterback Slater Hickman having thrown for 513 yards so far and running back Tanner Whittenbarger averaging nearly 4 yards per carry. The Trojans’ Sonny Carter ranks among the area leaders in tackles, though, and Kayden Phillips has been similarly impressive with 11 for loss.
(READ MORE: Hargis: Number of COVID-19 cancellations this football season cause for concern)