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Nashville Christian shuts out East Nashville

Friday night’s matchup of unbeaten teams at the TPS Complex was expected to feature plenty of smashmouth football by both teams.

Turns out, it was Nashville Christian that did the majority of the smashing.

Delivering a dominating defensive effort, Nashville Christian did not surrender a first down the entire night while posting a 19-0 non-district victory over East Nashville.

Nashville Christian’s defense forced five turnovers, recorded a safety and did not allow a play of more than four yards. Sophomore Mickey Martin had a pair of interceptions for the visiting Eagles, who improved to 9-0.

“We worked hard all week and focused on coming out tonight and stopping a very talented team,” said Nashville Christian coach Jeff Brothers, “and our kids executed our gameplan almost flawlessly.”


Mickey Martin of Nashville Christian intercepts a pass intended for East Nashville’s DeMarquez Trotter during their game at Tennessee Preparatory School.

Nashville Christian’s Daniel Bituli finished with 107 yards on 23 carries, including a two-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. Quarterback Kyle Tidwell also had a two-yard touchdown in the second quarter, as the visiting Eagles built a 16-0 lead at the half.

Nashville Christian’s only scoring of the second half came on a 38-yard field goal by Seth Reynolds midway through the fourth quarter. But with the way the defense was playing, the Eagles simply didn’t need much offense.

Martin provided two of the biggest highlights with his interceptions — both of which came on difficult, over-the-shoulder catches by the sophomore.

“We talked this week about the importance of making some big plays on defense,” said Martin, “and we were able to do that. It was exciting.”

East Nashville came into the game on an emotional high after last week’s dramatic win over Pearl-Cohn, but the momentum didn’t carry over for the host Eagles (8-1).

Instead, Nashville Christian’s defense set the tone early by sacking East Nashville quarterback Isiah Upton in the end zone for a safety at the 8:38 mark of the first quarter. Upton left the game with an injury in the second quarter and did not return.

Nashville Christian’s defense went on to force three first-half turnovers, including a fumble recovery by C’Dmareio McGraw that led to a touchdown.

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