Knoxville area high school football top 10 games for Week 1
Tom KreagerHere's a look at the top 10 Knoxville area high school football matchups for Week 1 games played Friday and Saturday. USA TODAY Network - Tennessee high school sports editor Tom Kreager is picking this week's winners.
GAME OF THE WEEK
Catholic at Maryville
When: 7:30 p.m., Friday
The top two teams in the PrepXtra preseason poll open the season at Shields Stadium. It marks the Catholic debut of wide receiver Dashon Russell, a transfer from Indiana. It's also the debut of Derek Hunt as Maryville's coach.
Kreager's pick: Maryville 31, Catholic 28
Hardin Valley at Oak Ridge
When: 7:30 p.m., Friday
Two of the top running backs in the Knoxville area face off at Blankenship Field. Hardin Valley's Aaron Dykes ran for 1,483 yards with 15 touchdowns a year ago. Graham had 1,210 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Kreager's pick: Hardin Valley 35, Oak Ridge 21
Powell at Halls
When: 7:30 p.m., Friday
Powell will attempt to win its first game over Halls in four years in what is now a non-region contest between the two rivals. A win would put the Panthers off to a good start after winning a combined four games over the past three seasons. Halls won 44-29 a year ago.
Kreager's pick: Halls 42, Powell 21
Farragut at Bradley Central
When: 7:30 p.m., Friday
Farragut opens its return to Class 6A on the road at Bear Stadium. The Admirals, who won their first state championship in Class 5A before bumping up this season, are led by a trio of FBS talent at receiver, including tight end Jacob Warren, a Tennessee commitment.
Kreager's pick: Farragut 35, Bradley 31
Morristown East at Morristown West
When: 7:30 p.m., Friday
Morristown West enters the rivalry contest with a three-game win streak over the Hurricanes. The Trojans own a 30-17 edge in the series.
Kreager's pick: Morristown West 27, Morristown East 21
Austin-East at Gibbs
When: 7:30 p.m., Friday
The Roadrunners face a dominating Gibbs offensive line with Tennessee commitment Ollie Lane and Charlotte commitment Dalton Widner anchoring. It marks their first meeting since 2012. Austin-East owns an 11-4 series record.
Kreager's pick: Austin-East 20, Gibbs 13
Dobyns-Bennett at Greeneville
Time: 7:30 p.m., Friday
The Greene Devils enter the season as one of the favorites in Class 4A, but play up against 6A foe Dobyns-Bennett. Quarterback Cade Ballard threw for 2,005 yards a year ago with 34 touchdowns and has favorite target Seth Crawford, who had 858 receiving yards.
Kreager's pick: Greeneville 35, Dobyns-Bennett 20
Sevier County at Jefferson County
When: 7:30 p.m., Friday
The Smoky Bears and Patriots meet after a two-year hiatus. Sevier County has won five straight meetings, including a 63-10 win in 2014. Jefferson County is searching for its first winning record since 2012.
Kreager's pick: Sevier Co. 31, Jefferson Co. 7
Loudon at Greenback
When: 7:30 p.m., Friday
Gone are North Carolina freshman Kayne Roberts and Mr. Football Josh Silvey. But there are pieces, including Greenback running back Breeden Gilbert back that have many believing this year's Cherokees can make another long playoff push in Class 1A. Loudon should be the first test for that.
Kreager's pick: Greenback 35, Loudon 14
Bearden at West
When: 7 p.m., Saturday
Bearden hasn't beaten West in the past eight years. Quarterback Collin Ironside, who threw for 2,054 yards with 17 touchdowns, could help change that for the Bulldogs and coach Morgan Shinlever.
Kreager's pick: Bearden 27, West 24
Tom Kreager is the high school sports editor for the USA TODAY Network-Tennessee. Reach him at tkreager@tennessean.com or 615-259-8089.