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We’re midway through the regular season and the first five weeks have brough some memorable matchups. With games like Oakland and Ravenwood on the horizon, there are several more memorable matchups set to go downaas the year progresses.
Even with that in mind, we couldn’t help but think of games that could have been.
From the best of public vs. private to notable rivalries, there are several games not on the slate that we wish were. As a group we decided to take a look at some of those would-be matchups.
Here are eight games this season that will not and can not be on the schedule but we wish they were.
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Brentwood Academy vs. Nashville Christian
This dream matchup revolves squarely around the quarterback duel we’d see here.
George MacIntyre, the No. 1 player in the state for the 2025 class, taking on Jared Curtis, the No. 1 player in the state for the 2026 class, is a must-see TV.
The MidState has been blessed with great quarterback play over the last few seasons but these two are arguably the best talents to come through. MacIntyre ranks as a top-75 overall prospect in his class while Curtis ranks No. 9 nationally.
You add onto the fact all of the other playmakers each team has and how hit-or-miss each defense can be, there’s no telling how many points would be scored if this game were to happen.
Photo by Margo Jenkins
CPA vs. Page
Admittedly, this is No. 1 on our list.
You have the No. 1 and No. 2 teams in our medium class rankings and both look poised to run the table this season. It could be argued that these two teams mirror each other better than any other in the MidState.
The coaching matchup between Ingle Martin and Charles Rathbone alone pays for the price of admission. Then you have to add in all of the stars over the field.
What matchup intrigues us the most is CPA’s high-powered offense against Page’s defense. William Wiebush against Owen Cabell is the matchup to key in on while CPA’s front against the likes of Brenden Anes and Eric Hazzard would decide the game.
CPA vs. Ensworth
Who’s the best private school in the area? CPA and Ensworth may be in different classes but this matchup would answer that question.
Not many teams are able to slow down CPA’s offense but Ensworth has the pieces to do just that.
Fans would also get the chance to see two of that state’s top juniors square off in a one-on-one situation. The matchup between Owen Cabell and Justin Hopkins would be worth the price of admissions alone,
East Nashville vs. East Robertson
This one pits the best 2A school in the area and the best 3A school in the area to decide the top small class school in our rankings.
A healthy Isaiah Groves would make this matchup even more appealing. Imagine the running back showdown that would be Groves against East Nashville’s KJ Johnson.
Many expect these two to play in Chattanooga in December for a gold ball. Talent-wise, there aren’t many small class schools around that would rival East Robertson and East Nashville.
East Nashville vs. Pearl-Cohn
This is a Metro Nashville rivalry that should have never come to an end. Pearl-Cohn’s massive region schedule threw a wrench in renewing things but never say never.
Pearl-Cohn’s only lost to East Nashville once but the Eagles have seemingly always them fits in the past. Also, the battle of the bands would be the best thing fans in the stands would see all season long.
East Nashville coach Damien Harris’ past at Pearl-Cohn also adds more intrigue to this rivalry. The games on the hardcourt are always legendary so getting things going on the gridiron again is a must.
Photo by Chris Brooks
Ensworth vs. Oakland
Oakland’s had some classic matchups with the area’s top private schools in recent memory. A game against Ensworth would live up to that sort of hype and then some.
The amount of Division I talent alone would make it memorable. Ethan Utley, Justin Hopkins, Sam Haley, Craig Tutt, Daune Morris, T.T. Hill, the list goes on and on.
There aren’t many teams around built to withstand Oakland’s punishing ground game. Ensworth is one of those teams that could though setting up what would be a classic, old-school matchup.
Page vs. Ravenwood
The best in Williamson County would be won here if this game was played.
Our way-too-early rankings had Page slightly ahead of the Raptors and the Ravenwood faithful were not too pleased with that. Whoever won this game would have the distinct privilege of being Williamson County’s best.
This would also be a fun matchup between Ravenwood’s high-octane offense and Page’s defense. The Raptors seemingly score at will but squaring off against Page’s front would be their biggest challenge of the season.
White House vs. White House Heritage
Separated by less than five miles, this is a rivalry that should be played every single season. Somehow, that’s not the case.
They haven’t played either of the last two seasons which is a real shame. This season in particular could have been a really fun matchup.
Put aside the loss last week to Marshall County, the Blue Devils’ offense has been on a tear. In their three wins, they scored 30 or more points thanks to a punishing ground game led by Michael Albin.
White House Heritage also has two losses but the Patriots’ offense has yet to have a bad game. Led by sophomore quarterback Xavier Murray, they’ve scored 30 or more points in four of their five games.
Reach Joe Spears on Instagram, TikTok and Twitter @joe_spears7.
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