Blackman, Oakland meet again tonight

MURFREESBORO – Thomas McDaniel turned on the ESPN2 broadcast of Oakland's 28-21 loss to Blackman earlier this week.

It was the first time in three months that the Oakland football coach had pulled the game up on his DVR.

Sure, he'd seen his film crew's version several times. But he had yet to watch a recording of the national broadcast.

"I had not watched until (Monday night)," McDaniel said. "About 8 o'clock that night after the girls went down for the night, I turned it on.

"It was a different perspective, but it was the same thing. It was disappointing that we didn't play up to our potential."

The fourth-ranked Patriots (11-1) get a second opportunity against the third-ranked Blaze (11-1) at 7 p.m. today (WUXP-30) at The Inferno in a Class 6A state quarterfinal. Four of the past five meetings have been games aired on TV.

Tonight's winner hosts the Science Hill-Maryville winner next week.

Blackman has won the past two meetings with Oakland, including a 17-3 victory in last year's Class 6A state quarterfinals.

The game features teams with contrasting strengths. Blackman's offense has averaged 446.1 yards a game this season behind Mr. Football finalist Jauan Jennings at quarterback and Charlie Davidson at running back.

Davidson has rushed for 1,581 yards in 12 games this season. He had 135 on 18 carries in the first meeting with the Patriots.

"That was probably as poor of a tackling performance as we have had," McDaniel said. "Is that our effort and lack of desire, or is it Jennings and Davidson's will to win?

"Time will tell."

Oakland's defense is led by its front seven. Defensive tackles Ty Nick (74 tackles) and Anthony Akers (67 tackles) lead the defensive front. Their play has been key for linebackers Kevin Prather (117 tackles) and Josh Smith (102 tackles).

"Everybody is building the game up as our offense versus their defense," Blackman coach Philip Shadowens said. "I do think that is a good matchup. They are really gifted on the defensive side of the ball and we are very gifted on the offensive side of the ball.

"A lot of people think who wins that battle, wins the game. I'm not sure if I believe that. I think the kicking game and their offense versus our defense will have a lot to determine the outcome."

Oakland running backs Josh Cunningham and Tyler Black lead the Patriot ground game. Cunningham has 1,314 rushing yards. Black has 736 rushing yards.

JaCorey Smith, who has started the second half of the season, has thrown for 919 yards on 65-of-111 passing. He also has five touchdowns and seven interceptions.

The game features five college football commitments and several more with college offers. Jennings and Oakland offensive lineman Jack Jones and tight end Kyle Oliver have committed to Tennessee. Josh Smith has committed to Vanderbilt. Black has committed to Tennessee State and Oakland athlete George Gbesee has committed to Wofford.

Contact Tom Kreager at 615-278-5168 or tkreager@dnj.com. Follow him on Twitter @Kreager.

TODAY'S GAME

No. 4 Oakland (11-1) at No. 3 Blackman (11-1)

When: 7 p.m.

Where: The Inferno

How much: $8

TV/radio: WUXP-30/WGNS (1450-AM, 100.5-FM)

PICK OF THE WEEK

Last week: 3-0.

Season: 68-16 (81 percent).

Like the first meeting, this game features Blackman's high-powered offense (446.1 yards per game) vs. Oakland's dominant defense (160.0) yards per game.

Oakland's defense has stepped up its play over the past month with the rise of linebacker Josh Smith. He and safety JaCoby Stevens are key to slowing down Blackman quarterback Jauan Jennings and running back Charlie Davidson.

One word of caution. I've picked the wrong winner in this game the past four meetings.

Blackman 28, Oakland 20