As most teams have played half of their scheduled regular season games, it’s time to take a look at the second half, starting with the 13 unbeaten teams to this point.
Teams have been split up into four groups based on their remaining schedule and how likely they could be to win their remaining games.
Most likely to go 10-0
These two teams have arguably the best path to 10-0.
Clarksville (5-0, 2-0 Region 7-6A): The Wildcats have outscored five opponents by a 229-28 margin, but those five teams are a combined 3-22 this season, with Springfield having two of those wins. Their second-half opponents are a combined 10-15, with Dickson County, Rossview and Kirkwood being the remaining tests. Clarksville looks like the class of the region, which should get them to 10-0 if they continue their ways.
Pearl-Cohn (5-0, 2-0 Region 5-4A): With five of the first six games on the road while their new turf was being finished, the Firebirds started out hot with wins at MBA and CPA. Their region has offered little resistance so far and only Marshall County seems like any sort of real threat. 10-0 seems likely, but Marshall County will provide the stiffest test in Week 11.
10-0 is doable, but at least one major test awaits
Within this group, there’s at least one game that looks to be a close test, which cuts into their 10-0 chances a bit.
East Robertson (5-0, 1-0 Region 3-2A): There were a couple of slow starts on the way to 5-0, but the Indians were able to snap out of them in the second half. A land mine remains when Smith County visits on Friday, but the rest of the schedule is manageable. A close win over the Owls should be the only speed bump to 10-0.
Mt. Juliet (5-0, 3-0 Region 4-6A): That Week 1 win over Cane Ridge doesn’t look as good now as it did back then. But, wins are wins and Mt. Juliet keeps on getting them. The second-half schedule has three Wilson County rivals and two upset-minded teams in Antioch and Franklin, so this won’t be a cakewalk.
Green Hill (5-0, 2-0 Region 4-6A): They’ve taken down two of their three Wilson County rivals already, which puts them in a good spot for the second half. However, the best offense they’ll face this season comes down Friday and Gallatin is the biggest threat to hang a loss on the Hawks prior to Week 11’s crosstown duel with Mt. Juliet. If they can survive the Wave, there should be a pair of 9-0 teams in Mt. Juliet on Oct. 27.
Three will fall this week
This Friday’s slate includes three games between unbeaten teams.
Centennial at Nolensville (each 5-0, 1-0 Region 6-5A): Centennial has played a bit tougher competition and looks primed to continue their run, but don’t put Nolensville out just yet. If the Knights can win, they can get to Week 11 against Page with a 9-0 mark. Centennial, meanwhile, must play Brentwood on Oct. 6 and that’s potentially two unbeaten teams squaring off.
Friendship Christian at MTCS (each 5-0, open region play Friday): Like Centennial and Nolensville, these two square off Friday and presumably the winner should continue on to a region title. Whichever one wins should march to 10-0 – barring an upset – by the end of October.
East Nashville at FRA (each 5-0, meet in a non-region game): The Eagles have outscored opponents 213-45 through five games with two shutouts. That’s the good news. The bad news is their next game is easily the one that can derail any 10-0 hopes when they visit FRA. They do have two more 6A opponents on the schedule, but Smyrna and Cane Ridge have combined for one win and are not what they were last year. FRA has taken care of business so far, but if they get by East Nashville, more tests with CPA and Davidson Academy loom. Mind you, this is largely the same cast of characters that went in and knocked off CPA last year, and that can’t be forgotten. It will, however, be harder to come away with a win in the Lions’ den a second time.
Toughest schedules remaining
These teams are in good shape entering the second half, but multiple games stand in their way that can’t be overlooked.
Brentwood (5-0, 1-0 Region 6-6A): The Bruins haven’t allowed more than 18 points in a game this season, and that’s good, because they’ll need that same energy in the second half. Franklin’s primed to pull an upset at any moment, a red-hot Centennial waits after that, then home games against Independence and Ravenwood close the regular season. That’s a hard way to finish the season, but that’s the way it should be when trying to go 10-0, which the Bruins absolutely can do.
Davidson Academy (5-0, 1-0 Division II-AA Middle Region): The Bears have quietly put together a stellar start and could be party crashers in the second half. And they’ll need to crash those parties on the road as they’ll visit both FRA (Sept. 29) and CPA (Oct. 27) in the second half. 8-2 seems likely, but they can pull an upset down the stretch.
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