Week 3 Top 10 area games: Riverdale, Blackman jockey for Region 3-6A positioning
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Some region matchups start popping up on the schedule in Week 3, including a key one in Murfreesboro that’ll help shape the Region 3-6A landscape.
We combed through the list of area games and nailed down our top 10 for Week 3. Here’s a little bit about each one that made our list.
Spotlight Game: Riverdale at Blackman
Region play has officially begun, and the Backyard Brawl is here in Week 3.
These two Rutherford County rivals always bring the intensity, but this one features plenty of star power. Gavin Hampton, a Mississippi State commit, goes head-to-head with Chase Bell, a Bowling Green transfer who holds multiple Division I offers.
With two talented quarterbacks leading the way, this rivalry should be one to watch.
Beech at Henry County
These two have quite the history, including multiple playoff battles.
Beech bounced back last week with a big win over Mount Juliet, led by Jeramy Laster Jr.’s four touchdowns. Henry County will look to defend home turf as the Buccaneers come to town.
Beech leads the series 2-1 over the last three years and looks to add another win to that record.
Brentwood at Summit
Last year, Brentwood got the best of Summit, and both teams enter this matchup at 1-1.
Both faced talented opponents last week, with Brentwood taking on nationally ranked Brentwood Academy and Summit battling undefeated Nolensville. Keep an eye on the Bruins’ Parker Emerson and Parker Cates, a dangerous WR-RB duo.
With both teams looking to build momentum, this one could come down to who makes the biggest plays.
Briarcrest Christian at Ensworth
Two private school powers meet in what could be one of Week 2’s most intriguing matchups.
Ensworth enters with two impressive wins, led by senior running back EJ Gibson, who has shown no signs of slowing down.
Now, Gibson and the Tigers face their biggest test yet against an undefeated Briarcrest squad that has scored 99 points while allowing just 13 through two games
FRA at MBA
Right behind Briarcrest and Ensworth come two more private school powers that have blown through the competition in the first two weeks.
FRA heads to MBA for what could be each team’s biggest challenge yet. The stars won’t be shy in this one, with four-star Omarii Sanders showing he can make an impact all over the field for the Panthers.
MBA will look to establish its style early against a talented FRA squad.
Hillsboro at East Nashville
The undefeated Burros head to East Nashville for their toughest test yet.
East Nashville enters at 1-1, but don’t let the record fool you — the Eagles have faced two 6A opponents. Jaylen Mays has been a difference-maker, stuffing the stat sheet with touchdowns and interceptions.
East Nashville looks to hand Hillsboro its first loss, while the Burros aim to keep their perfect record intact.
Jo Byrns at East Robertson
Here we get another undefeated matchup as the “Match in the Patch” greets us this Friday.
This long-standing rivalry should not disappoint. East Robertson has played its last two opponents close but found a way to win, while Jo Byrns has controlled its games and put plenty of points on the board.
Last year, the Indians dominated the Red Devils 34-3. Jo Byrns now looks to flip the script.
Knoxville Catholic at Lipscomb Academy
These two squads are loaded and dangerous.
Knoxville Catholic got the best of Lipscomb Academy last year, but this year feels different with Trent Dilfer at the helm. Lipscomb comes off a huge win over Ravenwood, while Catholic owns one of the state’s best résumés with wins over Riverdale and Anderson County.
Two talented teams collide in what could be one of the biggest tests of the season for both.
Lawson at Stratford
You could make the case that this is the most underrated matchup on the list.
Both teams enter at 2-0 and have taken similar paths to get there, playing strong defense while consistently putting points on the board.
This rivalry should be one to keep an eye on as both teams look to stay unbeaten.
Pearl-Cohn at BGA
The Firebirds head to Franklin to take on one of the state’s top teams in BGA.
Bo Bryan and his deep group of wide receivers have been nearly unstoppable, while Pearl-Cohn showed it can hang with the state’s best after knocking off CPA last Thursday.
Keep an eye on Mikhai Moshay, who has forced turnovers in each game for the Firebirds so far.
Follow us on X @615Preps and vote who you think will win each of these matchups this week, then tune in to 615 Preps LIVE on Wednesday at 7 p.m. for our picks. You can watch live on YouTube, X, Facebook, Instagram Live or on TikTok.
