Stock Watch: Week 8

After a “fall break” to hand out midseason grades, the Stock Watch returns this week. Let’s get to it:

Rossview — Knocking off the No. 6-ranked team in 6A is no small feat, but the Hawks pulled it off on Friday. They’ve been good since their season-opening loss at Wilson Central, winning four straight. It’s put them second in Region 4-6A with a critical tiebreaker over Mt. Juliet in their back pocket. Wins at Hendersonville on Oct. 23 and Lebanon on Oct. 30 would give them the region outright.

Green Hill — The Hawks earned their first victory in school history in grand fashion, blasting Stratford 52-6 on Thursday. Although Green Hill isn’t eligible for the playoffs this season and will surely be put in Class 6A next year, it’s a big weight off the coaching staff to get the first W in their inaugural year. They may not be done winning yet, either, as very winnable home games against York Institute and Giles County come in the next two weeks.

Lipscomb Academy — Few teams are playing as well as the Mustangs right now. Briarcrest Christian found that out the hard way on Friday, traveling all the way from Memphis just to head back home without a point, much less a win. They’ve pitched three shutouts in four games. Luther Richesson’s efficiency continues to improve each week, and it helps make the newly-rescheduled CPA game on Oct. 23 a must-see contest.

Pope John Paul II — The Knights announced their candidacy as contenders on Friday, knocking off MBA 38-35 on the road. Perhaps the biggest reason is because backup quarterback Kenny Minchey has proven capable in Sawyer Watts’ absence. They’re getting healthy — and stronger — as the season goes on.

Oakland — 37-0 at Brentwood? Yeah, we don’t need any more evidence.

Brentwood — The Bruins are still a very good football team, but Friday’s loss to Oakland showed why whichever team represents the eastern half of the 6A playoff bracket is going to be an overwhelming favorite come BlueCross Bowl time. Oakland and Maryville are just on a different level right now. We just can’t really put the Bruins in the “title contender” category at the moment if they can’t find the end zone against the Patriots, so it’s a step back.

Gallatin — The Green Wave have certainly taken their share of lumps in recent weeks, losing four straight at home largely because they’ve scheduled tough teams. But at some point, you’ve got to break through against one, and the Wilson Central loss two weeks ago didn’t help matters. Their second half doesn’t get a lot easier, and how they respond will go a long way toward what kind of team we see from Gallatin come playoff time. They’re already in and will be no worse than second, since they have three COVID-19 wins over region foes, but the 42-14 loss to Henry County is a reminder of how far they have to go in Class 5A if they want a deep playoff run.

Ensworth — The Tigers are all but done in the playoff race after losing to Father Ryan. Ensworth needs to defeat Brentwood Academy, McCallie and Knoxville Catholic just to get into the postseason. Their region losses have been by a combined seven points, but they’re still losses, and that’s all that matters come November.