Murfreesboro area football top games for Week 10

Cecil Joyce
Murfreesboro Daily News Journal
Blackman is looking to bounce back this week after a 31-14 loss at Cookeville during Week 9. The Blaze travel to Stewarts Creek Friday.

There are some big Week 10 matchups for Murfreesboro area teams as region races and the regular season begin winding down.

Here are a look at this week's top area games with picks from USA TODAY Network - Tennessee's Cecil Joyce:

GAME OF THE WEEK

Blackman (6-2) at Stewarts Creek (4-4)

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

While it's the only non-region area game on slate, there's still much to gain or lose in this matchup. Both teams are trying to get back on track after disappointing losses in Week 9. Blackman, which fell to No. 10 in the most recent Class 6A poll after a 31-14 loss to Cookeville, is still hoping for a top-two finish in 3-6A and overall record could be a determining tiebreaker. 

Joyce's pick: Blackman 31, Stewarts Creek 20

Oakland (8-0, 4-0) at Cookeville (7-1, 3-1)

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

The Patriots can lock up the 3-6A title with a win. However, a loss would throw things completely into a jumble. Cookeville is riding a high after beating Blackman last week. Will it be high enough to knock of the state's No. 1-ranked team?

Joyce's pick: Oakland 40, Cookeville 21

Riverdale (7-1, 3-1) at Warren Co. (3-5, 0-4)

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

The Warriors are in the second of a two-week stretch of games against the bottom feeders in 3-6A. The Pioneers are coming off a 21-14 win over Class A Fayetteville last week. Riverdale is coming off a blowout win at Coffee County.

Joyce's pick: Riverdale 48, Warren Co. 6

More: Murfreesboro area football Week 10: What to watch

Siegel (3-5, 1-3) at Coffee Co. (2-6, 1-4)

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

This is a must win for the Stars, who still have hopes of finishing fourth in 3-6A and have to win their final two games and get a little help. Coffee County hasn't been much competition for area teams thus far but the Red Raiders do have UT commitment Alontae Taylor. 

Joyce's pick: Siegel 32, Coffee Co. 23

Antioch (0-4, 1-7) at Smyrna (5-3, 3-1)

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

The Bulldogs have won two in a row, including a big comeback win over rival Stewarts Creek last week. Smyrna controls its own destiny to finish second in 5-6A. Antioch is only a minor road block in that quest.

Joyce's pick: Smyrna 48, Antioch 0

La Vergne (2-6, 1-3) at Overton (0-8, 0-4)

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

La Vergne could still earn the No. 4 spot in 5-6A by winning out, so defeating the winless Bobcats is a must. Overton has been competitive in games but hasn't been able to garner a win.

Joyce's pick: La Vergne 26, Overton 17

Eagleville (6-2, 2-2) at Loretto (2-6, 0-4)

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Eagleville's only two losses have come against 2A top-10 opponents. Loretto, on the other hand, has allowed 96 points over the past two games. The Eagles' offense should fly high in this one.

Joyce's pick: Eagleville 45, Loretto 17

MTCS (5-3, 3-2) at Friendship Christian (8-0, 5-0)

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

The Commanders provide a stiff test for MTCS, having allowed a touchdown or less in four games and allowing 16 points or less in all but one contest. Oh, and FCS is averaging almost 40 points a game as well. The Cougars are coming off back-to-back wins in which they have scored 111 points.

Joyce's pick: Friendship Christian 42, MTCS 27

Cannon Co. (0-8, 0-4) at Whitwell (7-1, 2-1)

When: Thursday, 6 p.m. (CDT)

This game will be played at Chattanooga's Finley Stadium. The host Tigers are coming off their only loss, but it was to Class 1A's top team in South Pittsburg. The Lions are coming off a 48-0 loss at Smith County.

Joyce's pick: Whitwell 51, Cannon Co. 0

Last week: 5-1. Overall: 56-12.

Reach Cecil Joyce at cjoyce@dnj.com or 615-278-5168 and on Twitter@Cecil_Joyce.

Oakland senior tailback Jeron Rooks is coming off a six-TD performance against Siegel last week.