Week 8 Top 10 area games: Antioch-FRA sequel headlines short slate
0
0
The first of two lighter slates hits this week with multiple counties out for fall break, but there’s still several valuable games on the schedule over two nights in Week 8.
We combed through the Week 8 slate and picked out 10 games you need to have on your radar, with playoff implications hanging in the balance, and a runback of one of last year’s all-time classic games.
Spotlight Game: Antioch (7-0) at FRA (6-1)
A rematch of last year’s wild 64-62 finish headlines Week 8, when Antioch and FRA meet again. Last year’s game ended with an interception from Aaden Adams.
Antioch enters this matchup unbeaten, with Andre Adams continuing to roll. The senior has totaled more than 2,000 all-purpose yards and 19 touchdowns, while defensive end Fred Ntumba has emerged as a force on defense with 14 tackles for loss and 13 sacks.
FRA is no easy task, led by four-star Omarii Sanders, Jack Nimitz and Kwadir Fletcher. The trio gives the Panthers plenty of firepower and will make it difficult for Antioch to keep the ball out of their hands.
Brentwood (6-1, 3-0 Region 6-6A) at Franklin (4-3, 2-2)
Williamson County’s oldest rivalry returns in Week 8.
Brentwood has been on a roll, with its only loss coming against Brentwood Academy. Quarterback Gavin Strange has had no problem finding his receivers, with Parker Emerson, Parker Cates and Jones Merrill forming a dangerous passing attack.
Franklin will look to slow down the Bruins with its stout defense while attacking through the air. The wide receiver duo of Bronx Bousselot and Hudson Reed has combined for more than 300 receiving yards each and two touchdowns a piece.
Briarcrest (7-0, 2-0 DII-AAA West) at Brentwood Academy (5-2, 2-0)
A heavyweight battle in DII-AAA comes to Brentwood Academy, where the Eagles have been rolling through region play.
Crews Jenkins has done a good job spreading the ball around to his receivers, while Kenneth Simon and the defense have held opponents to no more than 14 points in each of their last four games.
Briarcrest enters unbeaten, making this a matchup with major playoff implications when the bracket is eventually set. Junior quarterback Cayden Dixon has thrown for 1,097 yards and 14 touchdowns.
CPA at Ensworth (0-7, 0-2 DII-AAA East) at Ensworth (3-4, 1-1)
CPA is still searching for its first win of the season as it travels to face an Ensworth team coming off a close loss to Knoxville Catholic.
The Tigers will look to get back on track behind the hard running of EJ Gibson, who will be a key piece of the offense. Ensworth also saw Jackson Sensabaugh make an impact against Knoxville Catholic, hauling in two receiving touchdowns.
CPA will have its hands full trying to slow down an Ensworth offense looking to bounce back at home.
Gordonsville (6-1, 2-0 4-2A) at Trousdale County (3-4, 1-1)
A historic border rivalry sneaks into the Top 10 this week.
Gordonsville has been storming through region play, with Turner Bucher leading the way on the ground. Through the air, the connection between Cruz Frye and Camrix Stott has been the Tigers’ primary weapon.
Trousdale County has a tall task ahead, but the Yellow Jackets have seen bright spots from receiver Caden Bush, who is averaging 47.4 receiving yards per game.
Hillsboro (4-3, 0-1 5-5A) at Lawson (4-3, 0-2)
The Battle of the Hills arrives in Week 8 as Hillsboro travels to face Lawson.
Both teams are searching for their first region win, with two new head coaches leading the way. Jamaal Stewart takes over for the Burros, while former Tennessee standout Montario Hardesty leads the Lightning.
With both teams looking to keep their playoff hopes alive, this one could turn into a shootout.
Jackson County (6-1, 2-1 4-2A) at Cannon County (5-2, 1-1)
Jackson County enters Week 8 with just one loss and faces its next big test against Cannon County.
The Blue Devils are led by running back Braiden Dodson, who has totaled 760 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns.
Cannon County has lost just twice and enters this matchup looking to strengthen its position in the region. Quarterback Corbin Garrett has been on fire, throwing for 1,342 yards and 16 touchdowns.
With both teams fighting for position, this is an important second-place region battle.
Maplewood (3-4, 0-1 5-3A) at Whites Creek (5-1, 2-0)
Maplewood is still searching for its first region win as it travels to face a Whites Creek team with just one loss, coming against Liberty Creek.
Whites Creek quarterback Deon Barnes has thrown for 13 touchdowns and has developed a strong connection with his junior wide receivers, Nehemiah Bryant and Andru Pritchett. Both have surpassed 200 receiving yards this season.
The Cobras will look to keep their region hopes alive, while Maplewood searches for a much-needed win.
Nashville Christian (5-1) at Tyner (6-1)
A rematch of last year’s 49-42 thriller highlights this matchup, with Nashville Christian looking to repeat its victory over Tyner.
Both teams enter with just one loss. Nashville Christian senior running back Hudson Smith has been a key piece of the Eagles’ offense, averaging 80 rushing yards per game and leading the team with eight touchdowns.
The Eagles’ defense has also been impressive, allowing just 14 points combined over the last three weeks.
Page (6-1) at Independence (3-4)
Two high-powered offenses meet in one of the week’s most intriguing matchups.
Page has been on a heater since its loss to Brentwood, with quarterback Cameron Kruse leading the way. Kruse has thrown for 1,333 yards and 16 touchdowns, while running back Isaac Otey has added 700 rushing yards and six touchdowns.
Independence has plenty of firepower of its own. Wide receiver Brody Bullock is averaging 128.9 receiving yards per game and has found the end zone 10 times.
The Eagles also have senior cornerback Brock Daniel, who is averaging 10 tackles per game, while quarterback Matthew Horner has thrown for 18 touchdowns.
With two explosive offenses on the field, this one could come down to who makes the biggest plays defensively.
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.
