There are plenty of opportunities to see good high school football around Nashville this week.
I ranked Week 7’s top 10 games, which are all at drivable locations from within the Midstate. All games are Friday at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
1. Cane Ridge (5-1, 3-0 Region 6-6A) at Smyrna (5-0, 2-0 Region 6-6A): Here’s a new name: Marte’on Matthews. He rushed for Cane Ridge’s winning score against Christ Presbyterian Academy last week. But region play is more crucial, and Smyrna linebacker Arion Carter (47 tackles in six games) will be one of the best defenders the Ravens have faced. Likewise, Cane Ridge receiver Mose Phillips III (124 yards receiving, 2 TDs last week) might be the top pass-catcher Smyrna’s seen.
2. Oakland (5-0, 2-0 Region 4-6A) at Blackman (5-1, 2-0 Region 4-6A): Oakland has ruled the region with an iron fist, and through the talk about the Patriots’ emerging players we may have forgotten about returning quarterback Kade Hewitt, who is up to 949 yards from scrimmage and 19 touchdowns. Blackman quarterback Jack Risner is putting up bigger numbers (1,664 yards, 18 TDs, 5 interceptions) and his receivers are reaping the benefits. Blake Gregory (365 yards receiving, 6 TDs), Jacob Page (440 yards, 3 TDs), Mississippi State commitment Justin Brown (454 yards, 7 TDs) and Cal commitment Ben Marshall are having big years.
3. McGavock (5-1, 1-1 Region 6-6A) at Overton (4-1, 1-0 Region 6-6A): While Cane Ridge and Smyrna have looked like the region’s top teams, but mathematically there is no reason to count out Overton or McGavock. This game could also decide the third and fourth playoff seed. McGavock paused its spread-out passing attack and fed its rushing offense in a win over Franklin. Running back Markellus Bass responded with 210 yards rushing and a touchdown. Since a 38-28 loss to Centennial in the season opener, Overton has averaged 42.5 points in four games.
4. Henry County (4-2, 2-0 Region 7-5A) at Springfield (6-0, 2-0 Region 7-5A): This could very well decide the region title. Yellow Jackets quarterback Devon Crenshaw is up to 1,507 yards of offense and 21 touchdowns. Henry County three-star QB Ryan Damron threw for 219 yards and two touchdowns in a win over South Gibson last week. Richland’s Treveor Meadows returned a kickoff for a touchdown to make the difference in a 55-47 shootout win over FACS last week.
5. Green Hill (4-2, Region 5-5A) at East Nashville (6-0, 2-0 Region 5-3A): East Nashville is knocking off large-school opponents (Father Ryan, Stewarts Creek, Independence) left and right. Tre’Quan Waters (30 carries, 241 yards, 3 TDs last week) is having a big year. An All-State receiver last season, Kaleb Carver might be Green Hill’s most dangerous threat, but Brax Lamberth has been the main producer with 443 yards rushing and six TDs.
6. Station Camp (4-1, 1-1 Region 5-5A) at Mt. Juliet (4-1, 3-0 Region 5-5A), Thursday, 7 p.m.: Mt. Juliet has probably earned the title of region favorite, but this was an interesting race last year. Golden Bears senior Dearrius Morton ran for touchdowns of 63 and 2 yards, in addition to a blocked extra point in a win over Wilson Central last week. Station Camp is powered by 400-yard rushers Luke Dickens (533 yards, 9 TDs) and Cade Abner (412 yards, 3 TDs).
7. Franklin Road Academy (5-1, 1-1 DII-AA Middle) at Christ Presbyterian Academy (3-3, 2-0 DII-AA Middle): CPA has taken a couple of non-region losses but all its region goals are intact. Both teams are trying to unlock the run game: CPA was held to 112 yards rushing against Cane Ridge and FRA running back Ty Clark III, who averaged over 200 yards through four games, has been kept under that mark the last two weeks.
8. MBA (6-0, 2-0 DII-AAA East/Middle) at Pope Prep (5-1, 1-1 DII-AAA East/Middle):Â Pope Prep four-star quarterback Kenny Minchey is considered doubtful due to a shoulder injury, but running back Elijah Robb might play after missing last week's Baylor game. Minchey threw for 768 yards, 11 touchdowns and an interception through a little more than three games before getting hurt. MBA running back Johnothan Moore (194 yards rushing, 3 TDs against Brentwood Academy) might be the most underrated running back in Nashville.
9. Mt. Pleasant (4-1, 2-0 Region 5-2A) at Richland (5-0, 2-0 Region 5-2A): Both are unbeaten in the region. Mt. Pleasant junior quarterback Nick Brown was averaging almost 170 yards passing before Class 5A Columbia Central limited him last week. The Tigers are adjusting after senior receiver Demarkus Brown’s season-ending knee injury.
10. Hendersonville (2-3, 1-1 Region 5-6A) at Clarksville (3-3, 1-1 Region 5-6A): Hendersonville sits alone in fourth place in the region but a win can open possibilities for a higher playoff seed. Commandos quarterback Mason Baker was interception-free heading into last week and running back Steven Mack is over the 500-yard mark midway through the year. Clarksville must quickly rebound from a tough loss to Beech.