FRIDAY MORNING BLITZ
7 p.m. games
Liberty (1-0) at North Side (0-1)
Players to watch: Liberty DB Alec Long; North Side WR Kameron Polk
Key stat: Since 2009, these programs have combined to play in the state semifinals four times, have three undefeated regular seasons and have won six league championships. The Crusaders have a three-game win streak in the series.
Rivalry games highlight Week 2
USJ (0-1) at TCA (0-1)
Players to watch: USJ LB Campbell Carlock; TCA RB Viktor Horton
Key stat: The Lions have a total of three wins in this series, but two of them have happened in the past three years. Both teams should have a good idea of where they stand as teams after this year’s game.
Fayette-Ware (0-1)
at South Side (0-1)
Player to watch: South Side WR Jamarion Greer
What to know: Both teams either led or competed well against their Week 1 opponents before faltering late. The programs have struggled over the past few years and are looking to build momentum in this early season matchup.
Donelson Christian (1-0)
at Jackson Christian (0-1)
Player to watch: Jackson Christian QB Will Buehler
What to know: Things don’t get easier for the Eagles this week as DCA is a contender in Division II-A this year for a possible run at a state title.
Humboldt (1-0) at Milan (1-0)
Players to watch: Humboldt RB Jaylen Stewart; Milan RB Jacquez Norman
Key stat: There are a total of 46 seniors on the rosters in this game. Milan has 26 and Humboldt has 20. Typically, teams with big senior classes have quality seasons, so this game should be a good indication of where both teams stand before they each get into region play.
Gibson Co. (1-0) at Bolivar (1-0)
Players to watch: Gibson Co. QB Josh London; Bolivar DL Skylr Prather
What to know: This matchup was closer than expected last year as the Pioneers kept it close through three quarters and actually led late in the third. They will try to avoid the turnovers that hurt their chances for a win last year.
Lexington (0-0) at Riverside (1-0)
Players to watch: Lexington DB Evan Gilliam; Riverside WR Spencer Odle
Key stat: Riverside’s team offense was among the most productive in the area last week with 509 total yards, but the Panthers’ level of competition has a sharp increase this week. Lexington’s defense will get a definite test.
Wayne Co. (1-0) at Scotts Hill (1-0)
Player to watch: Scotts Hill LB Drake Thompson
What to know: This was a game Scotts Hill came very close to winning last year that wound up kick-starting its season after a disappointing finish the week before. The Lions have a shot at getting a big nonregion victory this week.
Chester Co. (0-1)
at McNairy Central (0-1)
Players to watch: Chester RB B.J. Burton; McNairy QB Dylan Crabb
What to know: Both teams are coming off losses to teams from smaller schools and need a win before they get into tough region play. McNairy Central has lost some important players for the season, and Chester County has, too. So both teams need a win this week.
Westview (0-1)
at Crockett Co. (0-0)
Players to watch: Westview RB Reid Chandler; Crockett Co. WR Manny Jordan
What to know: These teams have played some memorable games over the past few years from when they were in District 13-AA and last year’s nonregion game. The Chargers showed some fight in the first half of a loss last week, while the Cavaliers will be ready to play their first game after an eventful past few weeks.
Greenfield (1-0) at Tipton-Rosemark (0-1)
Player to watch: Greenfield OL Jacob Arnold
What to know: A second win in as many games would be a nice start for the Yellowjackets leading into their homecoming game next week.
McKenzie (1-0)
at West Carroll (0-1)
Players to watch: McKenzie RB Eric Robinson; West Carroll RB Tristen Fuller
What to know: For the second week in a row, West Carroll will play a Carroll County rival. McKenzie picked up a big win last week, while the War Eagles’ rush defense took some hits in a four-point loss.
Bruceton (1-0)
at South Fulton (0-1)
Player to watch: Bruceton LB Isaiah Donald
Key stat: This is the sixth straight year the Tigers and Red Devils have met in a non-region game early in the season. Bruceton has won four of the past five, but it was South Fulton which made the playoffs last year.
Hardin Co. (0-0) at Adamsville (1-0)
Players to watch: Hardin Co. QB Davius Prather; Adamsville QB Dylan Lott
Key stat: Since renewing this rivalry in 2009, Hardin County has won four times and Adamsville three. Hardin County’s average margin of victory is 24.75 points. Adamsville’s is two points.
7:30 p.m. games
Middleton (0-1) at Peabody (0-1)
Players to watch: Middleton OL Austin Agee; Peabody QB Jacob Taylor
What to know: Depending on how things go in these teams’ respective regions, this game could be a playoff preview. Middleton is in the playoffs with a four-team Region 8-1A. Peabody is expected to finish in the top four of Region 7-1A.
Obion Co. (1-0)
at South Gibson (1-0)
Player to watch: South Gibson QB Dustin Moore
What to know: Both teams proved their ability to make a comeback last week when South Gibson went down by two scores early and fought its way back. Obion County was down by two scores in the fourth quarter and played its way to a win. Neither team should feel comfortable with a lead.
Dresden (1-0) at Gleason (1-0)
Players to watch: Dresden RB Dylan Yates; Gleason OL Frazier Wilson
What to know: One of the biggest schools in Class 1A plays one of the smallest schools in the state. The Bulldogs have nothing to lose as Dresden is the one that enters Region 7-1A play with high expectations.
Camden (0-1) at Huntingdon (0-0)
Players to watch: Camden OL Kegan Cook; Huntingdon QB Kade Pearson
What to know: Since 2010, at least one team in this matchup has gone on to win its region or district championship. They both did in 2011, when Huntingdon went undefeated in the regular season. The past three years, the loser of this game went on to win its region.
Saturday’s game
Marion, Ill. (0-0) at Haywood (0-0)
Kickoff time: 6 p.m.
Players to watch: Haywood LB Jalin Turner
What to know: Considering they’re playing their first game of the season on Saturday of Week 2, the Tomcats may now own the record for latest start to the season since teams began playing football in mid-August.
Compiled by Brandon Shields