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Each week, we take a look at some trends around Middle Tennessee high school football, both good and bad.
Stock up:
The race in Division II-A’s East Region: It’s time we added another challenger to the race for the top of Division II-Class A’s East Region, after Middle Tennessee Christian’s shutout win over Friendship Christian on Thursday. It could get very messy at the top, especially if Friendship Christian defeats Donelson Christian Academy this week. MTCS and DCA play each other next week, so we could have a clear picture or it could be as clear as mud.
Other strong starts: A couple of teams off to nice 2-0 starts include La Vergne, Goodpasture and Macon County. Of these three, it’s the Tigers who have the best chance to run off several more wins, as Goodpasture (vs. BGA) and La Vergne (at Beech) each have tough tests this week. Macon County draws Mt. Juliet Christian at home, then a potential replacement game for Glencliff on Sept. 11 before opening Region 3-4A play against Cumberland County the next week. Goodpasture and La Vergne should be able to keep their good starts going, but they both may take a loss first. Depending on that replacement opponent, there’s no reason Macon County shouldn’t start 4-0 or 5-0 when they visit Trousdale County on Sept. 25.
Brentwood Academy’s contender status: The Eagles took care of Granny White Pike neighbor Brentwood on Friday, putting another solid win into their resume. Brentwood Academy’s a contender for sure, but this is a treacherous status, as a loss at McCallie would put them right back where they were at this time a year ago, and that didn’t end well. A win in Chattanooga, however, and they’re right back where they expect to be – in the conversation for a state title.
Stock down:
Westmoreland: The Eagles defend well – very well, in fact, as they’ve only allowed 12.5 points per game in two contests. But can they score? They’ve totaled just 17 points in those two losses and that won’t cut it when region play starts. If they can’t get into the 20s at some point this season, they won’t make the playoffs.
Blackman: They’ve lost to two of the best teams in the in the first two weeks, but the offensive output has to be concerning, and it seems like a step backwards considering they were in both games against Alcoa and Ravenwood last year. They’ll get a chance to get the train rolling this week against Coffee County, and they need to do it fast.
Smith County: It could be a very rough season in Carthage. Just seven points in two games, and aside from a missed 40-yard field goal, the only two real drives they had going again Gordonsville ended up in turnovers before getting into field goal range. Take a look at their front, however, and know that if that group stays together for the next two years, they will be a real problem in 3A again.
