Five semifinal matchups we’re the most excited for
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The final week before state championship week has arrived. On Friday night, 24 teams will take the field to try and secure their spot in Chattanooga.
Of the 12 games set for Friday, five feature teams in our coverage who will have the chance to do just that.
As a group, we took a look at each of the 12 games and decided to rank which five stood out the most to us the most. Here’s a look at the games the Cam, Chris, Joe, KJ, and Scott came up with.
Cam Reid
Dresden at McKenzie: One of the most evenly matched semi-finals of the season. The Rebels just knocked off a previously unbeaten Moore County. However, Dresden handed the Rebs their only loss of the season, a 42-14 loss. The Lions have also not scored less than 28 all season and have scored over 600 points on the season.
East Robertson at York Institute: Slobber knocker! The speed, skill, and explosive offense of the Indians versus the tough, gritty, physical defense of the Dragons. The winner will punch their ticket to their school’s first-ever state title game.
Houston at Brentwood: Brentwood has been one of the only consistent stories we’ve followed this year. The Bruins just find a way to win. However, expect the Bruins to have to find another gear to knock off a really good Houston team.
Oakland at Bradley Central: Or should I say, Duane Morris vs Boo Carter. Wow, you won’t find a more talented matchup in any other semifinal. Can the Patriots’ defense stay hot? If they can, expect Morris to do enough to push the Pats back to Chattanooga.
Southwind at Page: Page’s defense has clearly been the best defense we’ve seen this year. Southwind is in the semifinals for the first time and the Jaguars are offensively gifted. This one should be a lot of fun.
Chris Brooks
Dresden at McKenzie: Dresden won by 28 in August. McKenzie wants revenge in the worst way.
Houston at Brentwood: Brentwood gets its toughest test yet as Houston has scored 30 or more points in 10 of its 11 wins this season.
Southwind at Page: Page wants a third straight shot at a gold ball, but Southwind has become the intriguing new blood in the 5A picture.
Upperman at Greeneville: We always anticipate close games in the semifinals and we’re almost always left disappointed. There are likely more blowouts than close games this week, so I went with the one that has the least blowout potential here. Bees might be able to pull one off if Greeneville has an off night.
Oakland at Bradley Central: Mr. Football’s already been voted on so this game has no bearing on the winner, but Daune Morris vs. Boo Carter is reason enough to watch. Oakland put everyone on notice by dismantling Riverdale last week. Can the Bears stay within a country mile of the Patriots long enough to make it interesting?
Joe Spears
Bradley Central vs. Oakland: The Patriots had a statement win last week over Riverdale and have been dominant since losing to the Warriors by one in Week 11. Boo Carter vs. Daune Morris is arguably the most exciting matchup of the week.
Brentwood vs. Houston: Are there two teams more similar than the Bruins and Mustangs? Houston’s one point away from being undefeated this year and has been on a roll since losing to Germantown earlier in the year.
East Robertson vs. York Institute: York’s defense has arguably been the best in 2A this year but the Dragons haven’t played an offense quite like East’s. Isaiah Groves isn’t a different dude this year and no one seems to have the answer to slow him down.
McKenzie vs. Dresden: If you’re in West Tennessee, this is the game to be at on Friday night. Dresden rolled 42-14 in the first meeting earlier this year but the defending Class 1A champion Rebels rebounded with 11 straight wins.
Page vs. Southwind: The up-and-coming Jaguars going against an experienced Page side would be a lot of fun to watch. Page’s defense hasn’t been tested very much lately but Southwind’s offense could give them a test that’s needed at this point in the year.
KJ Harris
Fairely at Riverside: Fairley’s resilience shined through with two tough losses where they faced challenges, coupled with a notable victory after Hillcrest forfeited their game. Having encountered an early challenge against Collierville, Riverside enters the game battle-tested, making this clash a compelling showdown between two teams that have faced adversity.
East Robertson at York Institute: This is poised to be an exciting game, with coach Chase Brooks guiding the Indians to a historic semifinal matchup in only his second year. The formidable Groves trio, showcased dominance on both sides of the ball but standing in their way is an impressive undefeated York Institute team that averages a little over 36 points per game.
Houston at Brentwood: Fresh off a significant win against Germantown, who had beaten them earlier in the season, Houston enters the matchup with momentum, promising an intense battle between two teams that have overcome challenges to make their mark this season.
Southwind at Page: This matchup promises to be exciting as Southwind’s explosive offense clashes with Page’s resilient defense. Adding to the excitement, Page enters the contest with a strong desire to return to the state championship game after finishing as the runner-up the last two years, while Southwind has silenced doubters by proving their mettle with impressive victories against Beech and Henry County.
Walker Valley at Knox West: West is aiming to repeat as state champions while facing a hungry Walker Valley team that, after going 5-7 last year, is determined to make a significant postseason run. The clash between the defending champions and the new kids on the block adds extra excitement.
Scott Burton
Dyersburg at East Nashville: Two years ago the Trojans defeated Covington by one point and then traveled to East Nashville for the semifinal, only to make the long trip back after losing 20-7. Two years later and again Dyersburg faces the Eagles after a one-point win over Covington. Can the Trojans flip the script or will the Eagles remain unbeaten on their new turf?
East Robertson at York Institute: Cade Brooks takes his explosive offense 140 miles east to Jamestown to face another big-time defense. The Dragons have only given up more than 14 points once this season. Can Isaiah Groves put the Indians out in front and force the Dragons to the air?
Houston at Brentwood: The Mustangs got revenge against their cross-town rival last week in impressive fashion. Now they ride a 10-game win streak averaging 39.6 ppg to the ‘Wood. Bring concession money because you will want your popcorn for this game as Houston’s Chandler Day faces off against the Bruins’ Baylor Hayes.
Oakland at Bradley Central: The Patriots get to pit their defense against someone that isn’t Maryville, and hoo-boy, this could be a test. The Bears have not made the final four since I was four, way back in 1969. This team is loaded with talent, especially with Mr. Football favorite “Boo” Carter. The Patriot will counter with Daune Morris and Ashton “Mini McCaffrey” Jones against the Bears’ “Black Hole” defense.
Southwind at Page: The Patriots’ defense will get tested by one of the most dynamic players in the state. Sophomore QB Kelvin Perkins has thrown for 2,667 yards and 45 touchdowns with only two interceptions. The challenge for the Patriots will be contained, as Perkins has another 11 rushing touchdowns. This could be the “real” championship game.
