Top 10 Knoxville area high school football games and predictions for Bearden, West, Powell
Here are the top 10 Knoxville area games for Week 5 of the Tennessee high school football season and our predictions.
Game of the Week
Chattanooga Christian (3-1, 2-0 Division II-AA East) at Knoxville Webb (4-0, 2-0)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
Region rival Chattanooga Christian will be Webb’s biggest test this season. The Chargers' only loss has come to Division II-AAA McCallie (4-0). When the Chargers played Grace Christian Academy in Week 3, their running back Da'Rell Brown averaged 10.5 yards per carry and finished with 337 yards and five touchdowns. Webb has averaged a proficient 37.5 points this season, but its defense will have to be the emphasis if it wants to remain undefeated. Linebacker Cooper Cameron, a Cornell commit, had 10 tackles in the Spartans' 41-7 win over Notre Dame. Last year when these teams faced, Webb needed a two-point conversion to win 29-28.
Prediction: Knoxville Webb 31, Chattanooga Christian 27
Clinton (2-2) at Powell (2-2)
When: 7 p.m., Thursday
Both teams are looking to have more wins than losses for the first time this season. Clinton started the year with consecutive losses to Cleveland and West at home and followed that up with two road victories. In the Dragons’ first Region 3-5A game against Campbell County last week, quarterback Josh Keith led them to a 55-14 win. The UT Martin commit completed 13 of 18 passes for 234 yards and four touchdowns. Powell defensive end Steven Soles, a Kentucky commit, will be the biggest threat to an efficient offense. He has 38 tackles, 14 quarterback pressures and three sacks so far this season.
Prediction: Powell 35, Clinton 28
Bearden (1-2) at Hardin Valley (3-1)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
Bearden will be revved up for its first Region 2-6A game this season after having an open week. While Hardin Valley is a much better team than it was last season when it started 0-8, it is coming off a 31-0 loss to Knoxville Halls. The Bulldogs should overpower Hardin Valley behind a powerful offensive and defensive line. Defensive back Chaston Smith, who recently received a Vols offer, should be energized to perform.
Prediction: Bearden 44, Hardin Valley Academy 7
Halls (4-0) at Carter (3-1)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
The Red Devils have a case as the most improved team in the Knoxville area after finishing 2-9 in 2022. Halls will face a potent offense at Carter who had an impressive 51-31 win over South-Doyle. Spencer Russell will be the offensive weapon Halls will have to slow down as he had 198 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns last week.
Predictions: Carter 34, Halls 24
South-Doyle (1-3, 0-1 Region 2-4A) at Gibbs (3-1, 1-0)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
The Eagles will play their third home game in their renovated Ernest Whited Stadium they couldn't use last year. Boone Brockwell had five carries for 138 yards and two touchdowns in last week’s 48-0 win over Seymour. South-Doyle’s defense has had a rough stretch, giving up 51 points in consecutive weeks.
Prediction: Gibbs 42, South-Doyle 30
West (4-0) at Knoxville Central (3-1)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
Both teams will play their first Region 2-5A game this season. West is riding high after a memorable 21-14 win over Maryville, beating the Rebels for the second year in a row. Marshaun Bowers had 21 carries for 113 yards and two touchdowns. Central lost to West 44-3 last year.
Prediction: West 38, Central 7
Science Hill (2-2) at Maryville (2-2)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
The Rebels lost back-to-back games to Bradley Central and West. Maryville hasn’t had a losing streak since 2000. In last week’s loss, new starting quarterback Graham Coulter completed 13 of 28 passes for 161 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions. He also had 18 carries for 65 yards and a touchdown.
Prediction: Maryville 27, Science Hill 14
Briarcrest Christian (2-2) at Knoxville Catholic (3-1)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
Catholic lost to Ensworth 38-14 on the road and will have another Division II-AAA opponent this week. The Irish offense will be led by Jayden Neal who completed 18 of 32 passes for 195 yards and two touchdowns. As important as his performance will be, Catholic’s defense must be sturdy to keep Briarcrest Christian's offense at bay.
Prediction: Briarcrest Christian 30, Knoxville Catholic 27
RANKINGS: Knoxville area high school football rankings: Is Maryville still in the top five after 2-2 start?
TOP SENIORS: Re-ranking Tennessee's top 100 high school football seniors for 2023 season
Campbell County (2-2, 0-1 Region 3-5A) at Lenoir City (2-2, 0-0)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
Trey Wilhite has been a steadying force for Lenoir City. In a 35-0 win over The King’s Academy, Wilhite had 19 rushes for 190 yards and two touchdowns and as a safety had nine tackles and an interception. The Panthers will be motivated to beat a region rival and avenge last year's 27-23 loss to Campbell County.
Prediction: Lenoir City 28, Campbell County 20
Oak Ridge (3-0) at McMinn County (2-2)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
McMinn County has bounced back well after losing its first two games of the season. Linebacker Landon Feggins had 118 tackles last year and will be a force against Oak Ridge. The Wildcats are off to their best start since 2018. De’Jauvis Dozier had 10 carries for 157 yards and two touchdowns in last week’s 41-0 win over Karns.
Prediction: Oak Ridge 27, McMinn County 17
Last week: 8-1 (Greeneville vs. Alcoa was ruled a no contest). Season: 28-10.
Toyloy Brown III is a Knox News sports reporter. Email toyloy.brown@knoxnews.com. On X, formerly known as Twitter, @TJ3rd_.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: TSSAA football: Top 10 Knoxville area high school games and predictions
