shelby63

Shout out to BA fans. How will CBHS fare against Baylor?

Arguably one of the best rivalries in TN. On paper CBHS has more balance on offense but the MUS 'D' looks strong. This may come down to a field goal, with the edge to the home team Owls. Go Brothers!

Congrats to BGA! Great game plan that clearly caught the Brothers by surprise. As for the 'pooch' kickoffs, or whatever you call them, the next opponent will figure that out. They won't be as naive as CBHS was by turning the ball over, sacrificing field position, and ultimately surrendering 21 points to the BGA kicking team. Not my idea of how the game was meant to be played but it did result in a BIG and IMPRESSIVE win for BGA.

Excellent post 'Brothers'. I couldn't agree more with your comments about this years team. Nothing flashy, nor is the personnel as skilled or as 'hyped' up as we have seen in prior years. However, from the games I have watched, the team shows great chemistry, consistency, and character. They never seem to panic, which will serve them well in post-season play where the level of competition gets better and better. I have a good feel for the 2010 Brothers and expect them to prevail over the next few weeks and play for a state championship. A rematch of the 2005 title game against MUS could certainly be in the cards.

Honestly believe ALL home teams will protect their turf tonight, which will set up some interesting matchups next week (Baylor at CBHS, MUS at Ensworth). Baylor by 17 (beat McCallie by 19 earlier this year) CBHS by 10 (teams have never played; CBHS ground game will consume the clock) Ensworth by 6 (evenly matched; however, Ensworth avenges loss to MBA early in season) MUS by 3 (best game of the week; can't pick against state champ 4 of last 6 years playing at home)

McCallie at Baylor BGA at CBHS MBA at Ensworth BA at MUS

Guess we'll have our answer this time tomorrow night. From what I understand, CBHS has never played BGA. So let the rivalry begin. Safe travels from Nashville. Bring plenty of fans to fill up Tom Nix stadium. It's one of the nicest high school venues in western TN.

MUS 31 - BA 27

Haste makes waste my good friend. CBHS never played Kingsbury this year. However, the Brothers did play 10 other programs and compiled a very respectable 9-1 record, with quality wins against Germantown, ECS, BCS & MUS. Only loss was to a Whitehaven team that went 6-0 in conference play and who will contend for the 6A title. Where are the BGA quality wins this year? Against Franklin, Marshall County, or Fr. Ryan? I think not! May the best team win.

Sounds like a great matchup then. Championships are typically defined by teams with strong defenses, so I'll side with the Brothers on this one. I believe they are also one of the statistical leaders in time of possession? Best way to keep BGA's pass attack off the field is to control the ball with an effective running game that takes time off the clock. CBHS has done that all season and has the backfield to continue that presciption in the playoffs. One final point on BGA's passing prowess: CBHS played 3 of the top 5 conference teams in passing offense and won each of those contests (MUS, Briarcrest & SBA). So don't be fooled by the #8 ranking for the Brothers. More meaningful number is Red Zone D and points actually hitting the scoreboard (e.g., you can bend but don't break)!

In high school football you can never rule out an upset. However, I don't anticipate that on Friday night, even thought the Brothers may come out a bit flat after the bye week and somewhat of a lackluster performance to end the regular season against St. Benedict. The stats point to a low scoring game based on the strength of the CBHS defense, which ranks as #1 in Div II-AA for points allowed at 11.2 per game. Keep in mind they have not allowed more than 20 points to an opponent all season, so the 35 projection for BGA seems quite inflated. My expectation is a well-played game on both sides of the ball, with CBHS covering their 7.2 margin of victory spread plus a slight kicker for home field advantage. Final score CBHS 20 - BGA 10. GO PURPLE WAVE!

Div II-AA West deserves more respect when handing out all-state recognition. CBHS didn't earn a 9-1 record and #1 seed in the West without consistent play from LB Stephen Varnado, DB Austin Bennett, and RB Ryan Eason. Their balance on both sides of the ball will be a determining factor in the playoffs over the next few weeks, not to mention home field advantage at Tom Nix Stadium. GO PURPLE WAVE!

MUS win versus Briarcrest was impressive. Realize it was a home game and they were coming off disappointing loss against CBHS. However, they showed a balanced and powerful offense that will take them far in the playoffs. Would not want to play them at this point in the season. They are 2-time defending state champs and will show the teams from the East/Central they are a force to contend with. I still believe the West will shine in this years playoffs, and MUS and CBHS will play each other again for the title. Will bring back memories of 2005 when MUS avenged it's only loss during regular season play by beating CBHS in the final few minutes of play. It's anyones game this year, but the WEST will certainly be the BEST when it's all said and done. GO OWLS AND PURPLE WAVE!

You fans in the East/Central aren't going to like this, as I predict an All-West final in CBHS vs. MUS. Will bring back memories of 2005 when the 2 Memphis rivals faced each other for the state title. MUS returned the favor of their only defeat that season (to CBHS during league play). GO OWLS AND PURPLE WAVE!

GREAT high school football game! Two well-coached teams battled it out in front 8,000+ fans, and you knew it would likely come down to a final drive late in the 4th quarter to determine the victor. As the game was carried regionally on FSS, I look forward to catching the replay on Monday night. WOW! From an X's and O's standpoint, both squads were very evenly matched, with total yardage 364 to 363 in favor of the Brothers. Was very impressed with the speed of MUS' Baty and Baker, a exciting duo that have the potential to take it the distance every time they touch the ball. However, their kicking game let them down (2 missed FG's), which is so uncharacteristic of the Owls. On the Purple Wave side, Powell played another gritty game, overcoming some poor decisions early in the contest by showing great leadership and poise in the 2nd half. CBHS ran the ball extremely well with both backs (Eason and freshman Warren) topping the 100-yard mark. And how bout that defense that delivered in the red zone several times throughout the game, and set up the pivotal closing drive with an Austin Bennett interception late in the 4th quarter. Kudos to both teams for their sportsmanship and a well-played ball game. Wouldn't it be great to see a rematch in early December for a Div-II AA state championship? Couldn't think of a better way to showcase what is arguably the best rivalry in the state of Tennessee. For those non-believers in Nashville and Chattanooga, tune in on Monday night and taste the energy, excellence, and passion for CBHS/MUS football. It doesn't get any better than that!

Checkerboard, My comment about the comparison of schedules between CBHS and MUS seems to be supported by this very sites Schedule Strength metric, which objectively measures opponents winning percentage. CBHS is listed at 62.5% vs. 32.8% for MUS. Subjectively, I can't buy into your A-B-C argument above. If that's the case, then Kentucky is a better team than Alabama since they beat South Carolina. It will all be decided when they line up on Friday night, and may the best team win. In the interim, I still believe the Brothers 'total body of work' this year is far better than what the Owls have to show for.

While I have not seen MUS play this year, they definitely present challenges for the Brothers given their ability to throw the ball and flawlessly execute the 'Alston' system. Their schedule YTD pales by comparison to what the Brothers have successfully taken on, but they continue to show weekly improvement and may be peaking at just the right time. Holding SBA to just two touchdowns certainly raised the eyebrow. Although this is a road game, I would place the Owls as a 6-point favorite in this key West Region matchup. I took in the CBHS/Briarcrest game last week and was quite impressed with the overall play of the Purple Wave. With the exception of DE Matt Murphy, no stellar position players like we have seen in prior years (e.g., Bates, Brucker, Ritt, Acosta, etc.), but a group of young men who work together as a team extremely well. The offense has much-needed balance led by gritty QB Powell and the defense is steady, although vulnerable to the pass as the corners lack size. Depth may be an issue this week as several key players had to be walked off the field against the Saints. Hopefully they will be able to play on Friday night? As with all rivalries, and there is nothing better in West TN than MUS vs. CBHS, it will come down to which team makes the fewest mistakes and a lucky bounce/tip of the ball that changes the momentum of the game. May the men in stripes call a fair four quarters and the Lord watch over and protect all these fine young men who provide thousands of us with great entertainment every Friday night.

Anyone have a progress report on the St. Agnes vs. Baylor game? Would have expected a halftime score by now.

Owlbooster: You talk a lot about Brunetti, who arguably is the most exciting player in TN. However, he only lines up on one side of the ball. Teams have proven this year you can move the ball against the Owls, and I would expect CBHS's 'efficient' offense to score 17-20 points on Friday night. Challenge will be to contain Barry and not let his feet run wild. Keep him in the pocket with constant pressure and CBHS has a chance to pull off the upset. That's why I think the margin of victory will be single digits, no matter who comes out on top. Regarding your comment on the inferior CBHS athletes (compared to WSHS), I'll take Jonathon Brown any day of the week. Added bonus...he plays both offense and defense (unlike Mr. Brunetti). Go Brothers!

From what I recall, MUS won the 2008 contest 21-14? While the Brothers don't have the individual talent of last year, they are a stronger and more cohesive unit. Therefore, I expect the defense to contain Brunetti and hopefully limit the big plays. The Brothers should be able to move the ball and score some points on MUS, as the Owl defense was terribly exposed by the 35 points put on the board by White Station a few weeks ago. Hopefully the weather will cooperate?

The most anticipated game of the year in West Tennessee is Friday, October 23. The Brothers gave the Owls their toughest test in 2008 and the same is expected for the 2009 edition. If the CBHS defense can find a way to contain the high-powered MUS offense, this could be a close one? Kicking game will likely decide, with the edge going to D-I bound Acosta. Prediction: CBHS - 17 MUS - 14

Not many votes for any West TN rivalries, so I'll chime in with CBHS and MUS. Arguably the most anticipated game in the Memphis area each year and always very competitive, no matter what the records are. This year should be another exciting game, so mark your calendars for October 23 at MUS.

Should be a great battle on both sides of the line, as left DE Ligon is also a D1 prospect. Good genes here as older brother captained the TN Vols team a few years ago. As far as Brucker at right DE, he may not be a D1 football prospect but he has incredible speed and strength. The latter is supported by TSSAA state championships in both the Shot Put and Discuss over the past few years. These two bookends have tallied 18 QB sacks and 33 tackles for loss YTD, and each have missed a game or two with injuries. Again, I pray both are healthy as strong play from the CBHS defensive line will be needed to contain the high-powered MBA offense. As mentioned earlier, I do think this game will be decided by special team play, particularly that of the kicking game. CBHS should be confident here as Acosta (kickoffs & long FG's) and Sexton (punts, FG's, PAT's) are the best I have seen in Shelby County. From what I hear, junior Acosta is already getting serious looks from several D1 schools based on his ability to consistently put the ball in the end zone. Can't wait for Friday @ 7pm. Go Brothers!

I would expect this game to be much closer based on the strength of the CBHS defense. MBA must contain the BEST defensive end tandem in the state (Ligon & Brucker), which if at 100% may be the game changer. I saw the MUS-CBHS game earlier in the year [21-14 loss], which arguably was the hardest battle for the Owls in 2008. MBA on film resembles MUS but I don't think they are as solid and disciplined on both sides of the ball. A quick start by CBHS and solid performances by senior standout Danny Ritt and kickers Sexton / Acosta could make for a pleasant ride back to Memphis on Friday night. Go Brothers!