Nashville area top 10 high school football games for Week 6: IMG Academy visits Ravenwood

Here’s a look at the top 10 Nashville area high school football games for Week 6. Tennessean high school sports editor Tom Kreager is picking the winners.

GAME OF THE WEEK

IMG Academy (2-0) at Ravenwood (3-2)

When: 8 p.m., Friday 

IMG Academy is the No. 1 high school football team in the country in the USA Today Super 25 poll, and the game will be shown on ESPNU. Michigan commitment J.J. McCarthy has 495 passing yards and six touchdowns for IMG, which is in Bradenton, Florida. His top targets include Ari Allen (143 yards), Florida State commitment Malik McClain (102) and Alabama commitment Jacorey Brooks (87 yards). Clemson commitment Jake Briningstool has starred at tight end for Ravenwood while also playing on defense and on special teams. He has 15 catches for 343 yards with seven total touchdowns. Junior Colson, a Michigan linebacker commitment, has also played on offense, defense and special teams.

Kreager's pick: IMG Academy 49, Ravenwood 14

TSSAA:Tennessee high school football schedule for Week 6

Hillsboro (0-0) at Pearl-Cohn (0-0)

When: 7 p.m., Friday.

Metro welcomes back football with one of the premier Nashville matchups. Hillsboro coach Maurice Fitzgerald returns to where he won two state championships to lead the Burros against the Firebirds, who were the Class 3A runner-ups in 2019. Quarterback Jalen Macon leads the Hillsboro offense against a Pearl-Cohn roster with three FBS commitments in defensive back Kyndrich Breedlove (Ole Miss), offensive tackle William Griffin-Parker (Tennessee) and defensive end Alex Okelo (Michigan State).

Kreager's pick: Pearl-Cohn 35, Hillsboro 21

MBA (2-0) at Ensworth (0-2)

When: 7 p.m., Friday

MBA's offense has averaged 36 points. That success is in part thanks to Marcel Reed (362 passing yards) along with running backs Patrick Wilk (361 rushing yards) and Rhett Hayles (269). That doesn't bode well for an Ensworth defense giving up 29 points a game.

Kreager's pick: MBA 38, Ensworth 28

Brentwood (3-1) at CPA (4-0)

When: 7 p.m., Friday

It's Cade vs. Cade. Brentwood quarterback Cade Granzow combined for 226 total yards and four total TDs in an overtime win against Ravenwood a week ago. CPA's Cade Law had 169 passing yards and three passing touchdowns in a win over BGA. 

Kreager's pick: CPA 27, Brentwood 20

Florence, Ala. (3-1) at Brentwood Academy (5-0)

When: 7 p.m., Friday

Florence coach Will Hester won a state title at Ravenwood and started the Nolensville program. The Falcons have played just two games on the field. Brentwood Academy quarterback Tayler Montiel has passed for 1,087 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions. His top two targets have been Elijah Ealey (223 yards) and Amir Annoor (221). Jaylen Simpson and Javeon Griffin have combined for 328 rushing yards and six TDs for Florence.

Kreager's pick: Brentwood Academy 27, Florence 21

Springfield (5-0) at Marshall Co. (3-1) 

When: 7 p.m., Friday

Springfield's Kevontez Hudson has developed into a bona fide dual threat quarterback. Hudson, who always was an elusive runner, has 1,066 total yards in four games played on the field. Hudson has 644 passing yards with 422 rushing and 18 total touchdowns. He faces a secondary led by Devonte Davis' two interceptions. The Tigers have a good QB of their own in Bryson Hammons, who has 586 passing yards with eight TDs.

Kreager's pick: Marshall County 24, Springfield 21

Riverdale (4-1, 2-0 3-6A) at Blackman (1-4, 1-1)

The Backyard Brawl is for more than bragging rights this season. Blackman desperately needs a win to stay in playoff contention after being upset by Warren County a week ago. The good thing? The Blaze have won nine straight meetings in the series. Extending that streak to 10 will be difficult with Riverdale's front seven, which is led by defensive end Javon Nelson.

Kreager's pick: Riverdale 31, Blackman 21

Maplewood (0-0) at East Nashville (0-0)

When: 7 p.m., Friday

The coach Jamaal Stewart era at East Nashville gets a delayed start. Running back Rontavious Gregory and quarterback Kwanzee Jemison lead the Eagles against a Panthers' offense that will rely on David Southerland.

Kreager's pick: East Nashville 28, Maplewood 14

Pope John Paul II (4-1) at Franklin (2-3)

When: 7 p.m., Friday

Quarterback Sawyer Watts and running back Antwan Roberts (Wisconsin commitment) were sidelined during Pope John Paul II's loss to Christian Brothers a week ago. Their return should help the Knights against a Franklin program with losses to teams ranked in Class 6A — Independence, Ravenwood and Riverdale.

Kreager's pick: Pope John Paul II 21, Franklin 20

Wilson Central (2-3) at Gallatin (3-2)

When: 7 p.m., Friday

Gallatin faces its fourth and final Wilson County program before turning its attention to region play. The Green Wave have wins over Lebanon and Green Hill along with a loss to Mt. Juliet. The Green Wave need to get Tristan Lewis out of rhythm in the Wilson Central backfield. He's thrown for 788 yards. But he's had six interceptions to go with his eight passing TDs.

Kreager's pick: Gallatin 31, Wilson Central 28

Last week: 6-3. Season: 33-15 (.688)

Reach Tom Kreager at 615-259-8089 or tkreager@tennessean.com and on Twitter @Kreager.