Top high school football games involving Memphis-area teams in quarterfinals of TSSAA playoffs

Game of the Week

Collierville (5-3) at Bartlett (7-1)

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

The last time these teams met on Oct. 30, Bartlett's Robert Giaimo rushed for 273 yards and three TDs before serving as a decoy on the game-winning playaction pass from Walt Tucker to Justin Jefferson. Since then, each team has played a closer-than-expected second-round game with Collierville eliminating Arlington 30-20 and Bartlett hanging on for a 35-27 overtime win against Houston in the Class 6A playoffs. Whichever team wins will be in the semifinals for the first time in over two decades.

That time he hurdled a kid:Robert Giaimo leads Bartlett football to region title in OT with 273 yards rushing, 3 TDs

Thompson's Pick: Collierville 27, Bartlett 24

Lipscomb (9-2) at ECS (9-2)

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Defending state champion ECS is one win away from returning to Cookeville and playing in the Division II-AA championship. But to get there, they will have to beat a Lipscomb Academy team coached by former NFL quarterback Trent Dilfer, which beat two Memphis opponents (Briarcrest and St. George's) by a combined 105-3. ECS, which depends a lot on its running game, needs a big game from Jaylen Greenwood. 

Thompson's Pick: ECS 35, Lipscomb 28

MUS (9-2) at Mongomery Bell Academy (6-2)

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

The Owls blew out higher-seeded Father Ryan 41-17 on the road last week, setting up a rematch of last year's DII-AAA semifinals. In that game, the Big Red defense held the Owl offense to a field goal in a 20-3 victory. MBA also beat MUS in this year's regular season 30-27 on Sept. 18. MUS has only lost four games over the past two seasons, but three of those losses are against MBA. 

Thompson's Pick: MUS 28, MBA 21

Hernando (6-4) at Oxford (10-0)

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Hernando gets another matchup with defending state champion Oxford, which beat the Tigers 37-27 on Oct. 30. Hernando beat South Panola last week, marking a remarkable turnaround from last year when it finished 2-9. Hernando is one of three teams who lost to Oxford by 10 or less this season.

Thompson's Pick: Oxford 42, Hernando 24

Last Week: 3-1

Season: 40-22 (.645)