Top 5 Memphis area high school football games for Week 5

Game of the week

Arlington (3-1, 0-0 7-6A) at Houston (2-2, 0-0)

When: Friday at 7 p.m.

This is a matchup in the only local Class 6A region allowed to play so far. Houston dropped its first two games before picking up a COVID win against Bolton and picking up a dominant 48-10 win over defending DII-AA state champ Evangelical Christian School last week. Arlington, which beat Halls, DeSoto Central and Lewisburg, lost to ECS, which scored 23 unanswered points in the second half for a 23-15 comeback win. Houston running back Ben Stegall rushed for five touchdowns last week. Arlington quarterback Zach Baker threw for 222 yards and accounted for five touchdowns.

Thompson's pick: Houston 35, Arlington 28

Bartlett (1-1) at Southaven (1-0)

When: Friday at 7 p.m.

Bartlett stopped four-star running back Dallan Hayden on fourth-and-goal from the 2 with less than 30 seconds remaining to earn a big upset win over Christian Brothers. Will the Panthers be able to contain Southaven receiver Isaiah Brevard, an Oregon commitment who is the area's top-ranked prospect for the Class of 2021?

Thompson's pick: Bartlett 21, Southaven 14

St. Benedict (2-1, 0-0 DII-AAA) at Briarcrest (2-2, 0-2)

When: Friday at 7 p.m.

St. Benedict, led by 2.5 sacks and a rushing touchdown from Walter Nolen, the nation's No. 1 prospect for the Class of 2022, shut out FACS 36-0 Friday night. Briarcrest, despite five touchdowns from Michael Dallas, dropped its second consecutive region game against Montgomery Bell Academy. 

Thompson's pick: Briarcrest 35, St. Benedict 21

Covington (4-0, 1-0 7-3A) at Westview (4-0, 1-0)

When: Friday at 7 p.m.

Westview, led by four-star quarterback Ty Simpson, has scored 35 or more in each game. Covington has scored 40 or more in three of its four games with the exception being a 20-13 win over Class 4A Haywood, which made the state semifinals last year. Covington running back Marcus Hayes is a player to watch. 

Thompson's pick: Covington 35, Westview 31

Northpoint Christian (2-0, 0-0 DII-AA) at Evangelical Christian (2-1, 1-0)

When: Friday at 7 p.m.

The Eagles lost to Houston 48-10 without their two best players — Clemson offensive line commitment Dietrick Pennington and running back Jaylen Greenwood. It was the first home loss for the Eagles since 2017. Northpoint has a COVID-19 win against Faulkner (Mississippi) and shut out Fayette-Ware in Week 2. The Trojans have not been in action since. 

Thompson's pick: ECS 42, Northpoint 21

Last Week: 3-2 

Season: 13-7 (.650)