The Tennessean's Midstate Top 10: Large schools

A look at the top large high school football teams in the Nashville area, as ranked by the USA TODAY Network — Tennessee. Large schools consist of teams from Class 4A, Class 5A, Class 6A and Division II-AAA.

► Related:Top HS football games from Week 1

1. Brentwood Academy — The two-time defending state champion Eagles boast four FBS commitments in Gavin Schoenwald (Vanderbilt), Camron Johnson (Vanderbilt), Jack Sirmon (Washington), Daniel Taylor (Navy). This week: Friday vs. Hillsboro.

2. Ensworth — In addition to versatile Georgia Tech commitment Jaylon King, last year’s semifinalist Tigers also brought back four starters to their offensive front, including Tennessee commitment Tanner Antonutti. This week: Friday vs. Lipscomb.

3. Blackman — Ohio State commitment Master Teague and prized 2019 prospect Trey Knox return to a Blaze offense that averaged 331.8 yards and 30.5 points en route to a fourth consecutive Class 6A quarterfinal appearance. This week: Friday vs. Hendersonville.

4. Oakland — The Patriots welcome back just three starters from last season’s 14-1 Class 6A runner-up squad, but third-year coach Kevin Creasy still has plenty of talent to work with. This week: Friday vs. Independence.

5. Cane Ridge — The Ravens, coming off their most successful season in school history, welcome back seven starters to a defense that tallied 21 sacks and 19 takeaways en route to a Class 5A quarterfinal finish. This week: Friday at Marshall County.

6. Independence — Two of the area’s top receivers, juniors Kendrell Scurry and T.J. Sheffield, should ease the transition for first-year Eagles quarterback Nathan Cisco. This week: Friday at Oakland.

7. Brentwood — In addition to Notre Dame commitment Cole Mabry at offensive tackle, last year’s Class 5A semifinalist Bruins also welcome back their top passer, rusher, receiver and tackler from a season ago. This week: Friday at Franklin.

8. MBA — The Big Red, coming off a third consecutive BlueCross Bowl appearance, is confident it can fill the void left by the graduation of 7,000-yard back Ty Chandler, now a freshman at Tennessee. This week: Friday vs. Wooddale.

9. Mt. Juliet — The Golden Bears welcome back 15 starters this fall, including their top rusher (Aidan Raines) and tackler (Tony Thompson) from last season’s nine-win squad. This week: Friday vs. Glencliff

10. Hillsboro — Longtime Metro Nashville coach Maurice Fitzgerald takes over a Burros team that is among the most talented in all of Class 5A. This week: Friday at Brentwood Academy.

Reach Michael Murphy at mfmurphy@tennessean.com or 615-259-8026 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports.