Week 3 Preview

Powell (1-1, #4 AP 5A) @ Oak Ridge (1-0): These teams are no longer region opponents, but this game looms as a large test for both teams early in the season. Their Week 1 win against Jefferson County was a step in the right direction, but a win over Powell vaults the Wildcats onto a shortlist of 5A title contenders.

Maryville (2-0,#3 AP 6A) @ Bradley Central (2-0, #2 AP 6A): For the last 25 years, the Rebels have had a death grip on their district/region, winning 22 championships in a row. Bradley Central represents the biggest threat to that streak in recent memory, featuring 4 skill players with offers from Power 5 programs. It's the classic speed v. power match-up. 

Beech (1-1, #8 AP 5A) @ Riverdale ( 1-1, #8 AP 6A): A contest of 2 teams that are eager to get back on the right track after tough losses to West TN programs. Both will play a physical brand of football but go different ways about it. Riverdale's passing attack v. Beech secondary will be a key matchup that could decide this game. 

Brentwood (2-0, #5 AP 6A) @ Hendersonville (2-0, #9 AP 5A): If you like a game with 2 quarterbacks ( Baylor Hayes for Brentwood,  Mason Baker for Hendersonville) that can make plays all over the field, then this is the one for you.  Both signal callers have been instrumental in their team's success so far , but which defense can do the best job of containing the qb will go a long way in deciding this contest. 

Upperman 2-0, #4 AP 4A) @ Macon County (2-0, #10 AP 4A): While most teams will still be in the non-region portion of their schedules, these 2 programs will go battle in a 4-4A tilt that will go a long way in determining playoff seeding. Both teams have been impressive early, but Upperman has played a better schedule.  

Germantown (2-0, #4 AP 6A) @ Houston (1-1): This crosstown rivalry also will have seeding implications. Germantown has been impressive so far in racing out to a 2-0 start, while Houston had a tough loss last week at traditional Mississippi power South Panola.

Fayetteville (0-2) @ Giles County (0-2, #8 AP 3A): These 2 programs aren't your average 0-2 teams as each has played a challenging schedule up to this point, Giles is just 9 pts away from being 0-2 instead. An 0-3 start isn't a death sentence for either program, both teams at considered top or near the top of their region.

Covington (1-1, #5 AP 3A) @ Dyersburg (2-0, #4 AP 3A): Major early season Region 7-3A as Covington travels to face off against the Trojans.  If love love good old school football, this game will be right up your alley.  It's cliche, but whoever wins the battle up front will win this match-up. Winner will also probably be region champs. 

Waverly (2-0, #10 AP 2A) @ Mt. Pleasant (2-0): Like Covington-Dyersburg,  this game has a high chance of being a defacto region championship game. Mt. Pleasant is the better all-around team, but Waverly features an explosive offense that has scored 118 pts in just 2 games.

South Gibson (1-1) @ Hardin County (2-0, #6 AP 4A): Feels like this game isn't getting the kind of attention other contests on this list are, for whatever reason. South Gibson is a heartbreaking loss to Milan away from being 2-0 and probably ranked. Hardin County raised a few eyebrows with their win over Giles County last week 

Other key games:
Centennial @ Independence 
East Robertson @ Monterey
Watertown @ Sequatchie County
Rhea Co @ Knox. Central
Collierville @ Bartlett 
Cleveland @ Walker Valley
Cookeville @ White County
Mt. Juliet @ Gallatin
Farragut @ Knoxville West
Stewarts Creek @ Hillsboro



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