#TNHSFB: Week 8 Recap/Top Stories
It was a lite week of football action as many teams across the state had bye week’s but that didn’t mean the slate was empty as we still had several high caliber games to cover, including a Mid-State matchup between the Patriots and Lions that lived up to the billing.
Oakland Flexes Their Muscles Again; Defeats a Good CPA Team
The showdown of Week 8 took place last Thursday in Murfreesboro, Tennessee where possibly the top team in state in the Oakland Patriots defeated the D2-Class AA defending champs CPA, 27-24 in what was a classic game that many in attendance won’t forget about anytime soon.
This game ended eerily similar to the Patriots win over Lipscomb Academy a few weeks earlier. CPA had the ball inside the Patriots five yard line but the Oakland defense held tough yet again, holding the Lions out of the end zone and out of the winning column. A called blitz from the back side was key in bringing down Lions star quarterback Cade Law Cade Law 6'1" | 210 lbs | QB CPA | 2022 State TN and it sealed the victory for the home Patriots.
From start to finish, this was a high caliber, competitive game that had two teams that displayed a variety of skills along with sound football play and it was a shame that one team had to lose.
The two headed monster at running back in Jordan James and Antonio Patterson Antonio Patterson 5'11" | 190 lbs | ATH Oakland | 2022 State TN was too much to handle for the CPA defense, although they fought and competed very well. The senior backs showed why they are highly sought after recruits as James, who is committed to Georgia, was hard to bring down and would continue to churn out yards, even with defenders grasping to tackle.
Patterson used his speed and big play abilities to get behind the Lions defense, eventually finding paydirt at one time in the game. The combo of James and Patterson in the backfield along with a physical, technique sound offensive line, proved to be too much for the Lions defense and was the key factor behind the Pats victory.
Not to be outshined due to the loss, CPA is legit and has a great shot at repeating as D2-Class AA state champs but it won’t be easy as their rival Lipscomb Academy will have something to say about it.
Both of these teams have tons of college level football prospects spread throughout their rosters, so you knew this was going to be a close, hard fought game that was not settled till the very end and that ended up being the case.
Look for both of these teams to be in Chattanooga by the end of the year as these are two of the best overall football programs in the entire state and their game on Thursday evening showed everybody just that.
Panthers Pound Campbell Co., Move to 7-1
A sneaky, strong game that was viewed that way headed into last Friday, quickly turned into a beatdown as the road Powell Panthers defeated the home Cougars of Campbell Co., 40-7.
This game took a quick turn into the favor of Powell early on where they scored at will and the Cougars could not get things going over on offense to generate nothing of positivity. It was viewed as a big game for the home Cougars but it quickly turned into a letdown but not a season ending loss.
Campbell Co. now sits at 6-2 and in prime position to make the playoffs but last Friday was a teaching moment for the home Cougars as a more talented and well coached team in Powell came into town and showed them how it’s done.
The Panthers now head into their bye week at 7-1 and feeling good about themselves as we inch closer to postseason play. This is a loaded offensive team, led by juniors Jordyn Potts Jordyn Potts 6'0" | 190 lbs | QB Powell | 2023 State TN , Adarius Redmond Adarius Redmond 6'2" | 185 lbs | WR Powell | 2023 State TN and Ayden Greene Ayden Greene 6'3" | 185 lbs | WR Powell | 2023 State TN along with a strong supporting cast, including a stingy and active defense.
This is a scary team in the Class 5A ranks that have the horses and depth to work deep into the playoffs and even play their way into the title game. The road to get there won’t be easy but these Panthers are playing good football right now and won’t be intimidated by anyone they come across.
Lebanon Shuts Out Cross County Foe
One team made a statement while the other left Friday’s content looking for answers. In what was seen as a possible close, hard fought game between the home Blue Devils and Golden Bears, Lebanon took control early and never let go of the lead in their dominating victory over Mt. Juliet, 35-0.
Blue Devils junior quarterback Jaylen Abston Jaylen Abston 6'2" | 180 lbs | QB Lebanon | 2023 State TN controlled the game well and produced at a high level but it was his command of the offense that stood out the most. His poise at the quarterback position was a key catalyst in the Blue Devils strong start versus Mt. Juliet and ultimately played a big role in their eventual win. Abston was the leader but it was junior wideout Anthony Crowell who stole the show.
The Lebanon coaching staff did everything they could to put the ball into Crowell’s hands as much as possible and they accomplished their goal as he was an immediate factor in the 1st half. The Golden Bears defense could not control Crowell nor find a way to get away from him as right before half, the junior speedster picked off a Mt. Juliet pass and took it all the way to the house.
By the end of the game, Crowell was clearly the MVP and top player on the field. He is a talented, versatile and athletic playmaker that college coaches need to start paying attention to very soon.
This was not only a statement win for the Blue Devils over their county foe Mt. Juliet but also one win away from taking their region title and placing themselves nicely in the upcoming playoffs. Lebanon has a talented squad that could give a lot of teams trouble during postseason play.
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For the 1st time in 11 years, the Westview Chargers are Region Champions! This feat was done after the Chargers defeated Huntingdon last Friday, 49-30 in what was a close game at the start but eventually, quarterback Ty Simpson Ty Simpson 6'2" | 190 lbs | QB Westview | 2022 State TN and his Westview team took control and took the victory.
This is a big accomplishment for the Chargers football program and one their team have been striving and pushing for over the past couple of season’s. Their move down to Class 2A helps their cause but it’s still a huge achievement that could push the Chargers into a brighter future.
Having Simpson at the helm and a bevy of good skill players around him like Javion Goins and Garner Anderson, the Chargers look like a top contender to win the Class 2A state championship this season.
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Knox. Catholic was excited about getting the Mustangs from Lipscomb Academy at home last Friday, thinking it was a good chance to beat a high caliber team. Well that was not the case at all as the road Mustangs destroyed the home Fighting Irish, 63-0.
In what was seen as a trap game for the Mustangs and a big opportunity for the Irish, it turned out to be a butt whoopin that hopefully does not destroy the mentality of Knox. Catholic going forward. Lipscomb has been beating teams with ease this season, so this game should not affect the mental toughness of Catholic as they still have a good team that can cause damage in the upcoming playoffs.
Everything is pointing towards Lipscomb Academy and CPA meeting up for the D2-Class AA state title and it would be a rematch from last season where the Lions beat the Mustangs to become champs.
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Possibly the biggest under the radar game from last week’s slate was Knox. Webb defeating once previously undefeated Silverdale Academy, 31-19 and placing themselves at the top of the D2-Class AA East Region. This was a big win for the Webb program as they are inching themselves back up to prominence and they have some dudes to build around, including rising junior quarterback Charles Robinson and sophomore star Brandon Winton Brandon Winton 6'2" | 175 lbs | WR Bradenton IMG Academy | 2024 FL .
Silverdale had been rolling and playing good football going into the Webb game but the Spartans came to play and took advantage of the opportunity. The game remained relatively close throughout until Webb began taking control in the 2nd half and eventually put the Seahawks away. While the Spartans took round one with Silverdale, these two teams could see each other again in the playoffs and the Seahawks I’m sure will be ready to play.