After a chaotic Week 2, the third week of the high school football season saw things simmer down and remain the same when it came to the area’s top teams.
The 615 Preps staff has put together a list of the top five large, medium, and small class teams in our coverage area following last week’s action.
Large Class teams include 6A and Division II-AAA. Medium Class teams include 5A, 4A, and Division II-AA. Small Class teams include 3A, 2A, 1A, and Division II-A, and each grouping has roughly 30 teams in it.
Large Class
1. Brentwood (3-0, last week’s ranking: 1): The Bruins defense was dominant, Matthew Manning hauled in a pair of touchdown receptions and Clayton Merrill caught one and tossed another touchdown as the Bruins crushed Hendersonville 43-6. Up next: vs. Henry County (3-0)
2. Ensworth (3-0, last week’s ranking: 2): The Tigers got contributions from nearly everyone on the roster in Week 3 as they cruised 55-0 at home against Trezevant. Up next: vs. Knox Catholic (3-0)
3. Lipscomb Academy (1-2, last week’s ranking: 3): Deuce Knight accounted for a pair of touchdowns as did Drew Patterson as the Mustangs beat Briarcrest Christian 42-20 for their first win of the season. Up next: at Baylor (2-1)
4. Oakland (2-1, last week’s ranking: 4): Daune Morris and Ashton Jones combined for seven touchdowns as the Patriots rebounded from their Week 2 loss on the road with a dominant 48-6 win over Haywood. Up next: vs. Antioch (1-2)
5. Father Ryan (2-0, last week’s ranking: 5): The Irish had Week 3 off. Up next: vs. Brentwood Academy (1-2)
Dropped out: None. Who just missed out: Mt Juliet (3-0), Clarksville (3-0), Brentwood Academy (1-2)
Medium Class
1. Pearl-Cohn (3-0, last week’s ranking: 1): Keshawn Tarleton only completed six passes against Creek Wood but those six completions went 242 yards and four touchdowns as the Firebirds cruised to a 55-8 win. D’Arious Reed had two of those touchdown receptions and finished with 173 yards. Up next: vs. PURE Academy (0-2)
2. CPA (2-1, last week’s ranking: 2): The Lions bounced back from their Week 2 loss in a big way crushing Pope Prep 49-20. Braden Streeter and Ondre Evans connected on a pair of touchdown receptions while Crews Law scored on two of his four rushes. Up next: vs. MBA (0-3)
3. FRA (3-0, last week’s ranking: 3): This week it was Mike Hassell who went off for the Panthers as he ran for 127 yards and four touchdowns as FRA picked up the 51-21 win over Webb-Bell Buckle. Up next: at Goodpasture (2-1)
4. Centennial (3-0, last week’s ranking: 4): Down by two touchdowns at the half, Dominic Reed took over in the second half scoring three touchdowns, including the game-winner in overtime to beat Independence 29-23. Up next: at James Lawson (3-0)
5. Davidson Academy (3-0, last week’s ranking: 5): The Bears only led by seven at the half but their offense came to life behind three touchdowns and 188 yards through the air from Knox Roberts to beat Portland 35-14. Up next: vs. BGA (2-1)
Dropped out: None. Who just missed out: James Lawson (3-0), Hendersonville (2-1), Macon County (2-1)
Small Class
1. East Nashville (3-0, last week’s ranking: 1): The Eagles had three defensive touchdowns in their 40-0 win at Overton. Elijah Usher returned an interception 98 yards for six and also had a 55-yard fumble return to go along with a 73-yard fumble return by Jordan Houston. Up next: at Maplewood (0-3)
2. East Robertson (3-0, last week’s ranking: 2): Monterey tested the Indians more than any other team so far this year but couldn’t contain Isaiah Groves enough to pull the upset. Groves had 201 yards rushing and a touchdown in East Robertson’s 20-7 win. Up next: at Sycamore (0-3)
3. Friendship Christian (3-0, last week’s ranking: 3): Down by two heading into the fourth, Tyson Wolcott took over leading the Commanders to a 42-21 win over Columbia Academy. Wolcott finished the game with 127 yards rushing and four touchdowns. Up next: at Grace Christian (2-1)
4. Smith County (3-0, last week’s ranking: 4): Defensively the Owls faced their biggest challenge so far this year as Liberty Creek was up to put up 28 points against them. Smith County was able to answer with 47 points up their own to secure the win. Up next: vs. Macon County (2-1)
5. MTCS (3-0, last week’s ranking: 5): Grace Christian had no answer for Eli Wilson who rushed for 217 yards and four touchdowns in their 42-13 win. Up next: vs. Clarksville Academy (1-2)
Dropped out: None. Who just missed out: DCA (2-1), Watertown (2-1), Westmoreland (2-1)