For the last two seasons, the Hendersonville High football team has gotten the best of Independence in the postseason.

On Friday, the top two teams in the last Class 5A Associated Press Statewide Prep Footbal Poll will tangle in a playoff game for the third consecutive year.

“It’s just one more week … we’re looking for one more week,” Commando junior defensive lineman Emmitt Richardson said.

The second-ranked Hendersonville High School football squad faces top-ranked Independence in the second round of the Class 5A playoffs on Friday evening.

The undefeated Eagles (11-0) will host the 7 p.m. contest, just as they did in the 2013 Class 6A quarterfinals. Hendersonville rallied to score two touchdowns in the fourth quarter for a 36-35 victory en route to the state championship game.

The Commandos breezed to a 49-20 victory at home in last year’s first-round contest.

Hendersonville head coach Bruce Hatfield said that the Commandos want to keep business as usual despite the amped-up intensity of the postseason.

“You try and introduce some of the things that they’ll be seeing in the playoffs, but things don’t change too much,” Hatfield said. “You try to keep things pretty much the same as you’ve done it in the regular season.”

Hendersonville improved to 10-1 with last week’s 43-20 victory over visiting Shelbyville, despite a delay of more than an hour due to a blown transformer knocking out power to the lights on the visitors’ sideline.

The Commando defense posted the game’s first points on a 41-yard fumble return by sophomore Anthony Hughes, and then, the offense went to work.

Hendersonville piled up 331 rushing yards, and sophomore quarterback Brett Coker completed all six of his pass attempts, including a 19-yard touchdown strike to senior Jack Towe.

Senior Mike Harris had TD runs of 29 and 30 yards, and Hughes added a 17-yard scoring run in the fourth quarter.

However, the attention turns to the high-powered Eagles’ offense, led by senior quarterback Andrew Bunch.

Bunch is the same signal-caller the Commandos have seen the past two years. However, with more experience comes a bigger threat.

“We know that they’e an outstanding football team, and we’ll have our work cut out for us,” Hatfield said.

Bunch – who missed four games with an elbow injury earlier in the season – leads a spread offense that will look to neutralize the Commandos’ pass rush, and read-option style plays are in the Eagles’ arsenal as well.

His running ability came into play early in last week’s 49-7 victory over visiting Cane Ridge. After Bunch’s first six pass attempts resulted in drops due to rainy conditions, he took off for a 31-yard touchdown to open the scoring. He finished with three rushing touchdowns and 92 yards on eight carries in addition to producing 135 yards and a touchdown on 7-of-13 passing.

Independence’s defense also scored two touchdowns, on Hunter Dupree’s 28-yard interception return and Jesse Newcome’s 63-yard fumble return.

The Eagles’ receiving corps will pose a challenge for Hendersonville’s secondary as seniors Nate Johnson, Adam Swayze and Pierre Watkins are among Bunch’s top targets.

Independence hasn’t exactly been in close games this year. The Eagles’ closest margin of victory has been 14 points (which came in a 21-7 victory over visiting Smyrna on Sept. 11), and they have averaged 42.7 points per game this season.

“Well, obviously we’ve kind of kept up with the scores of their games all year long, and I’m sure they’re a very, very good football team,” Hatfield said. “Coach (Scott) Blade does a very good job.”

The winner will face the winner of the Beech/Hillsboro contest in next week’s quarterfinals. With a victory, the Commandos would host Beech, but they would have to travel to Hillsboro if the Burros prevail.

It’s understandable if the Beech High football team still has a sour taste in its mouth.

After all, Friday’s opponent – Hillsboro – did alter their postseason course with one clutch, fourth-quarter drive two weeks ago.

The Burros (8-3) drove 98 yards over 7:28, using 14 plays to take a 21-17 lead with 3:01 remaining and held on to hand the Bucs their third loss of the season. It kept Beech from a top-two finish in Region 6-5A and allowed Hillsboro to win the region.

Beech plays at Hillsboro on Friday in one of eight second-round games in the Class 5A playoffs.

Prior to the go-ahead drive, Beech had a chance to extend its lead, but a dropped pass in the end zone on a fourth-and-goal play gave the Burros possession prior to their go-ahead drive.

Hillsboro has won five consecutive games and is 4-1 at home this season, with its only loss coming in a 36-28 setback to Oakland on Aug. 28.

The Buccaneers (8-3) are 5-1 on the road, with their only loss away from home occurring in a 30-16 setback at Hendersonville on Sept. 11.

The Buccaneers made their lengthy trip to Lincoln County a successful one last Friday, claiming a 20-9 victory in their playoff opener.

“Any time you get a win, you feel good for your team,” Beech head coach Anthony Crabtree said. “An opportunity to play in the second round of the playoffs, that’s why you play the season. Our guys are excited, and I’m proud of them.”

With senior Auston Vanzant sidelined due to an undisclosed injury – which also leaves him questionable for Friday’s contest – classmate Rodrick Napper handled most of the early carries.

However, Napper sprained his ankle and didn’t return after one carry in the third quarter, pushing junior Alex Vanzant to the leading backfield role.

The younger Vanzant didn’t disappoint, scoring twice and rushing for 107 yards on 22 carries in rainy conditions, helping the Bucs wear down Lincoln County’s defensive front.

“It was getting slippery, and my hands were getting wet,” Alex Vanzant said. “I (kept holding the ball) high and tight.”

Junior Michael Iacob continued his stellar season on special teams, blocking a field goal and an extra point to give him 11 blocked kicks this season. That is a school record. Iacob blocked a punt in the Bucs’ first meeting with Hillsboro in week 11.

Iacob said there hasn’t been any big secret for his kick-blocking success.

“I’ve been working on start-offs,” Iacob said. “I just dive and hope I hit the ball.”

Napper is probable for Friday’s contest.

“We’re going to try and rehab him and get him ready to go for (Friday),” Crabtree said.

The Burros’ opening-round victory over La Vergne was a postgame celebration they couldn’t enjoy, after La Vergne defensive lineman Daz’ren Dillard was injured late in Hillsboro’s 26-7 victory. Dillard remained on the ground for approximately 20 minutes and was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he was later diagnosed with a concussion.

Jeremy Hill and Deandre Alexander combined to rush for 242 yards and scored all four Burro touchdowns.

Hillsboro’s defense came through in tight spots as well, stopping La Vergne twice inside the Burros’ 20 yard line as well as grabbing two interceptions and holding La Vergne to a season-low seven points.

The Burros have won four of the six previous meetings, including a 31-26 victory at Beech in the first round of the Class 5A playoffs in 2013. Beech defeated Hillsboro, 35-6, in the second-round of the 2012 playoffs on its way to the Class 5A state championship.

Beech will visit Hillsboro for just the second time. The only other visit the Bucs made came in 2007, a 37-7 loss in the first round of the Class 4A playoffs.

Beech’s only other victory over Hillsboro came in the 1983 Boyce Smith Bowl, a 23-12 win.

The winner will face the winner of the Hendersonville/Independence contest in the quarterfinals. Beech would be on the road regardless of its opponent.

Class 5A playoffs

First-round scores

Quadrant 1

Sevier County 34, Gibbs 20

Knoxville Halls 38, Tennessee High 36

Morristown West 52, Heritage 7

Knoxville West 20, Morristown East 14

Quadrant 2

Farragut 50, Cleveland 20

Rhea County 35, Campbell County 0

Oak Ridge 45, Soddy-Daisy 33

Ooltewah 40, Clinton 21

Quadrant 3

Independence 49, Cane Ridge 7

Hendersonville 43, Shelbyville 20

Beech 20, Lincoln County 9

Hillsboro 26, La Vergne 7

Quadrant 4

Centennial 20, Southwind 14

Brentwood 52, Memphis Central 7

Henry County 35, Munford 14

Clarksville Northeast 36, Brighton 29

Second-round games

Quadrant 1

No. 2 seed Knoxville Halls (7-4) at No. 1 seed Sevier County (9-2)

No. 2 seed Morristown West (9-2) at No. 1 seed Knoxville West (9-2)

Quadrant 2

No. 2 seed Rhea County (8-3) at No. 1 seed Farragut (10-1)

No. 2 seed Oak Ridge (10-1) at No. 1 seed Ooltewah (9-2)

Quadrant 3

No. 2 seed Hendersonville (10-1) at No. 1 seed Independence (11-0)

No. 3 seed Beech (8-3) at No. 1 seed Hillsboro (8-3)

Quadrant 4

No. 3 seed Brentwood (6-5) at No. 1 seed Centennial (10-1)

No. 4 seed Clarksville Northeast (6-5) at No. 2 seed Henry County (9-2)

Here is a look at The Tennessean’s top picks for this week’s high school football playoff games, along with predictions from staff writers Michael Murphy and Sam Brown:

Last week’s record: 8-2 (.800)

Season record: 92-28 (.766)

Independence quarterback Andrew Bunch ran for a season-high 92 yards and three touchdowns a week ago.

GAME OF THE WEEK

CLASS 5A

HENDERSONVILLE (10-1) AT INDEPENDENCE (11-0)

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Hendersonville, one of the Midstate’s top rushing teams, will be squaring off against Independence’s prolific passing attack in this Class 5A second-round matchup. The Region 6-5A runner-up Commandos, led by the backfield trio of Terrell Carter, Mike Harris and Jack Towe, are averaging close to 300 yards rushing. The Andrew Bunch-led Eagles have torched opposing defenses for close to 3,000 yards through the air. You can’t really label either as one-dimensional, though. Bunch, coming off a 135-yard, one-touchdown passing effort a week ago, also ran for a season-high 92 yards and three rushing scores in the 49-7 first-round win over Cane Ridge. Hendersonville quarterback Brett Coker threw for a season-high 108 yards and a touchdown in the 43-20 opening-round triumph over Shelbyville.

Murph’s pick: Independence 42, Hendersonville 31

Brown’s pick: Independence 35, Hendersonville 14

Oakland’s Lazarius Patterson (4)

CLASS 6A

RIVERDALE (6-5) AT OAKLAND (10-1)

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

If the regular-season Battle for the ‘Boro was any indication, Oakland should have no problem securing its third straight Class 6A quarterfinal appearance. The Region 2-6A champion Patriots, who are allowing just 11.6 points per contest, rolled to a convincing 43-14 Week 9 win over Riverdale behind junior Lazarius Patterson’s 243-yard, three-touchdown effort — the first of three straight Riverdale losses to close out the regular season. The Warriors snapped that skid with a thrilling 38-34 opening-round upset of Bradley Central, and they’d like nothing more than to end another on Friday as second-ranked Oakland has won the previous three meetings between the crosstown rivals. Warriors quarterback Brandon Bea (1,736 yards passing, 23 total TDs) accounted for three touchdowns a week ago, including the eventual game-winning rushing score with just 1:14 left.

Murph’s pick: Oakland 28, Riverdale 16

Brown’s pick: Oakland 28, Riverdale 13

Ravenwood senior running back Chris Rowland (23).

CLASS 6A

OVERTON (7-4) AT RAVENWOOD (10-1)

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Sophomore kicker Jose Bravo was the hero in Overton’s opening-round win at Germantown, connecting on a 41-yard field goal as time expired to secure a 20-17 win despite the squad’s 15 penalties for 145 yards. That will need to be cleaned up for the Bobcats to have any chance against Ravenwood. The Region 3-6A champion Raptors, who rolled to a 55-7 first-round win over Bartlett, won the Oct. 15 matchup, burying the Bobcats with 24-unanswered second-half points. Ravenwood senior Chris Rowland eclipsed the 100-yard rushing and receiving mark a week ago, finishing with a combined 206 yards and three total touchdowns. The speedy 5-foot-9, 170-pounder also returned the opening kickoff 88 yards for a score.

Murph’s pick: Ravenwood 34, Overton 14

Brown’s pick: Ravenwood 35, Overton 7

Hillsboro’s Kenshaun Starks (85) and Javonta Payton (6) celebrate a Burros touchdown.

CLASS 5A

BEECH (8-3) AT HILLSBORO (8-3)

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Other than the venue, not much has changed since the last time these two 7-5A foes last squared off — a 21-17 region championship-clinching win for Hillsboro — so expect another back-and-forth game between these somewhat similar opponents. Beech running back Rodrick Napper ran for 106 yards and two touchdowns in the Oct. 30 meeting, but backup Alex Vanzant filled in nicely in last week’s 20-9 opening-round win over Lincoln County, racking up 97 yards and a pair of scores while filling in for the injured Napper. Hillsboro, which has surrendered a combined 40 points in its previous five wins, has seniors Jeremy Hill (877 yards rushing, 12 total TDs) and Deandre Alexander (641 yards rushing, 5 TDs). The Burros’ top deep threat, senior receiver Jay King (525 yards receiving, 5 TDs), should be 100 percent healthy for the first time in five games.

Murph’s pick: Hillsboro 28, Beech 24

Brown’s pick: Hillsboro 21, Beech 14

Centennial senior Texas A&M commitment Tyrel Dodson.

CLASS 5A

BRENTWOOD (6-5) AT CENTENNIAL (10-1)

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Coach Ron Crawford’s return got off to a rather rocky start after Brentwood dropped three of its first four games. However, the Carson Croy-led Bruins bounced back to win five of their final seven to secure a third-place Region 7-5A finish and the program’s first postseason berth since 2012. Brentwood, which rolled to a convincing 52-7 first-round win over Memphis Central, played Centennial tough in the Week 8 matchup but suffered a 24-10 defeat. The 7-5A champion Cougars, winners of nine in a row, had a tougher-than-expected time with its opening-round opponent but  escaped with a 20-14 win over Southwind, thanks to Class 5A Mr. Football Lineman of the Year semifinalist Tyrel Dodson’s three-touchdown rushing performance.

Murph’s pick: Centennial 21, Brentwood 17

Brown’s pick: Centennial 21, Brentwood 7

Pearl-Cohn senior wide receiver Rontavius Groves (right)

CLASS 4A

LIPSCOMB (8-3) AT PEARL-COHN (7-4)

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

After struggling through a difficult 2-4 start, which included losses to Hillsboro, MBA, CPA and Muscle Shoals (Ala.), Pearl-Cohn picked it up down the stretch, wrapping up the regular season with four straight lopsided region wins before throttling Montgomery Central 40-0 in last week’s Class 4A first-round game. Lipscomb, led by Class 4A Mr. Football Lineman of the Year semifinalist Rutger Reitmaier (53 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles), advanced with a 14-7  win over Maplewood, and the Mustangs will need a similar defensive effort to hang with a prolific Pearl-Cohn offense. Quarterback Jimmy Ferrell and wide receiver Rontavius Groves have been in full force for the Firebirds, hooking up 25 times for 559 yards and 11 touchdowns in the team’s last four wins.

Murph’s pick: Pearl-Cohn 40, Lipscomb 24

Brown’s pick: Pearl-Cohn 38, Lipscomb 14

Springfield quarterback Dewayne Buckner (5).

CLASS 4A

SPRINGFIELD (8-3) AT KENWOOD (8-3)

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Kenwood running back Antwuan Branch (223 rush ypg, 26 TDs) has eclipsed the 200-yard mark six times, which includes a 207-yard effort in the Oct. 11 matchup with Springfield. Unfortunately for the Knights, the Yellow Jackets silenced pretty much everyone else, limiting the rest of their offense to just 18 yards in the 36-6 win. That seems to be a winning formula for coach Dustin Wilson’s squad as Springfield also allowed a 200-yard rusher in its opening-round win over Hillwood. Hilltoppers quarterback Terron Smith accounted for 362 total yards — 243 rushing — but the Yellow Jackets still coasted to a comfortable 47-26 win.

Murph’s pick: Springfield 31, Kenwood 17

Brown’s pick: Springfield 34, Kenwood 13

First-year Stratford coach Maurice Fitzgerald.

CLASS 3A

STRATFORD (8-3) AT CPA (10-1)

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Stratford probably feels like it let one slip away after its regular-season matchup with Christ Presbyterian Academy, but the Spartans, who are coming off a 39-0 rout of Fairview, will have another shot at the defending Class 3A champion Lions. CPA, winners in 25 of its last 26, faced a 12-3 halftime deficit during the Oct. 2 meeting before  outscoring the Spartans 31-6 in the second half. Class 3A Mr. Football Back of the Year semifinalist Zack Weatherly leads a potent Lions offense, which has eclipsed the 40-point mark in each of its last four wins. Stratford quarterback Josh Trueheart has thrown for 475 yards and seven touchdowns passes in wins over Greenbrier and Fairview.

Murph’s pick: Stratford 24, CPA 21

Brown’s pick: CPA 28, Stratford 21

Nashville Christian’s Lelan Wilhoite (11) ran for 102 yards and two touchdowns in last week’s win.

CLASS 1A

HUNTINGDON (10-1) AT NASHVILLE CHRISTIAN (10-1)

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Nashville Christian hasn’t come close to defeat since its Sept. 25 setback to coach Jeff Brothers’ former team, Pope John Paul II, winning its previous five games by a combined 268-41. The Eagles scored a season-high 64 points in last week’s 56-point win over Clarksville Academy, rushing for 391 yards and eight touchdowns. Region 6-1A runner-up Huntingdon will likely provide a tougher challenge, but the Mustangs will be without 6-foot, 220-pound sophomore Kade Pearson (963 yards rushing, 13 TDs). Huntingdon is averaging 47.1 points, while the Daniel Bituli-led Eagles defense is allowing just 10 points per contest.

Murph’s pick: Nashville Christian 42, Huntingdon 24

Brown’s pick: Nashville Christian 35, Huntingdon 20

MBA coach Marty Euverard talks to quarterback Glenn Coleman.

DII-AA

MCCALLIE (6-5) AT MBA (9-1)

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

McCallie’s 6-5 record might not be overly impressive, but the Blue Tornado, led by quarterback Robert Riddle (1,934 yards passing, 14 TDs) have been extremely competitive, suffering four of its five losses by a combined 22 points, including a 33-27 overtime setback to Montgomery Bell Academy. MBA’s Ty Chandler ran for a season-high 279 yards and four touchdowns in that Sept. 18 victory, and the junior has a Division II-AA leading 1,772 yards and 23 touchdowns. The Big Red, who wrapped up the regular season with a 23-21 win over rival Ensworth, enjoyed an opening-round bye. McCallie advanced with a 54-21 rout of Pope John Paul II.

Murph’s pick: MBA 21, McCallie 13

Brown’s pick: MBA 28, McCallie 27

Reach Michael Murphy at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports. 

The TSSAA voted to make background checks a requirement for all officials prior to registration in Thursday’s Board of Control meeting.

The TSSAA Board of Control voted unanimously  Thursday to require background checks for all officials before being allowed to register with the organization.

“We feel the time has come for us as an organization to require individuals to pass a background check prior to registering as an official,” TSSAA executive director Bernard Childress said.

“No one would be able to register with us until we know they have gone through the background check, they have completed all of the steps for registration and their assigners would not get their names until all those steps have been completed.”

Members of the board believe Thursday’s decision was a step in the right direction.

“I think without question, all schools should put the safety of their students as the highest priority,” said Lipscomb Academy athletic Director Mike Roller, who is the private school board representative for Middle Tennessee. “This seems like a step toward that.”

Prompting a move

The issue of background checks came to light in September when former official Kyle Gill was suspended by the TSSAA following an incident with a Glencliff player.

Board of Control voted to implement annual background checks for anyone who registers as an official with TSSAA

—
TSSAA (@tssaa) November 12, 2015

Following Gill’s comments on the incident, the TSSAA suspended him when it discovered he had not fully disclosed his criminal history when being vetted for the job.

Gill collided with Glencliff senior defensive back Malcom Easley and deemed the hit on him to be “malicious” when asked by a reporter about the collision.

In 2007, Gill, now 36, pleaded no contest to charges of attempted statutory rape and aggravated criminal trespass, according to Rutherford County court records obtained by The Tennessean.

Former football official had arrest history

Gill was sentenced to probation and was ordered to “not take any job with any school system while on probation” in Rutherford County.

Records show that Gill was sentenced to two consecutive 11-month, 29-day terms of probation.

Gill initially had been charged with sexual battery and attempted rape. The records do not specify why those charges were changed.

Following the news of Gill’s past, many were calling for the TSSAA to make mandatory background checks a requirement immediately, but Childress and the TSSAA stood by their decision to wait until the November meeting to vote on the issue with as much information available as possible.

“We knew that we had to do our due diligence in making sure that we got the very best system in place for the number of individuals that we’ve got to do background checks on,” Childress said. “We’re not dealing with 200 people, we’re dealing with 4,500 a year. We wanted to make sure we had something that was not a statewide check, but a nationwide check and something that was easy for us to implement.”

Williamson and Wilson counties initiated their own background checks soon after the TSSAA’s decision to suspend Gill.

Staunch support

Many believe the TSSAA made the right call by waiting and voting in a scheduled Board of Control meeting.

“Sometimes in our society when things happen, we want to react right then, but sometimes it takes longer than what people really want,” Hillwood principal and representative for District 5 Steve Chauncy said. “Overall I think we made the right decision and hopefully we did right by our coaches and student-athletes.”

Roller agreed with Chauncy.

“A lot of times important decisions need to be well thought out and not be made on a knee-jerk basis,” Roller said. “The more thought you can give to an issue, you generally end up with a better solution.”

The TSSAA runs its registration process through ArbiterSports, a standard platform for registering and assigning officials, which will use a system called Peopletrail to perform the background checks.

The checks will cost approximately $10, and that fee will be added to the registration fee, which is paid by the officials.

The TSSAA immediately will start requiring background checks for new officials.  Annual screening will be required to remain an active official in Tennessee high school sports.

Once officials register for one sport they are covered for the rest of the school year. So the first officials who will undergo background checks will be those who are registering for spring sports only.

Former TSSAA executive director Ronnie Carter believes this is the first time a member of the board has been elected as private school administrator. The board began in 1925 with the creation of the TSSAA.

Knoxville Webb athletic director David Meske, Jackson Christian athletic director Scott Gatlin and Roller were the three newly elected members of the board from private schools.

Goodpasture principal Lindsey Judd, McCallie principal Kenny Sholl and Harding Academy principal Kevin Starks filled the three private schools spots on the Legislative Council, which will meet on Dec. 9

Other proposals: Highland Rim Academy in Cookeville requested membership with the TSSAA and the Tennessee Middle School Athletic Association. The request was approved, and Highland Rim, a school with 35 students in grades 6-12, will continue with its plan to form cooperative agreements with other member schools in the area.

-Providence Christian Academy in Murfreesboro had its request for TSSAA membership approved for the 2016-2017 school year. The school will participate in Division II in golf, tennis, cross county, basketball, volleyball and boys soccer.

-St. Andrew’s-Sewanee received permission to participate in more than four individual wrestling tournaments due to lack of participants and travel concerns.

The limit for individual wrestling tournaments is four, but the school received permission for more because it is more difficult to schedule head-to-head matches because of a limited number of wrestlers.

Wrestlers at St. Andrew’s-Sewanee are still limited to 55 individual matches during the season.

Reach Sam Brown at 615-259-8232 and on Twitter @SamBrownTN.

Williamson to background check officials

Nashville Christian coach Jeff Brothers (center) coaches his players during Wednesday’s practice.

Siegel High School senior Michael Tewel prays for teammate Baylor Bramble prior to the Stars’ game against Coffee County. Players from both teams met in the middle of the field to pray for Bramble, who remains hospitalized at Vanderbilt University Medical Center with a brain injury.

Chances are that each of the 112 high school football teams still in contention to win a state title have, at one time or another, been forced to overcome some form of hardship this season.

However, that often-used coaching expression — the need to “overcome adversity” — has taken on a new meaning for three area high schools that have had seasons riddled with tragedy.

For Nashville Christian, Siegel and McGavock, the win-or-go-home stakes of November football aren’t all that daunting.

Injured player honored before Siegel tops Coffee County

“Our kids know about perspective in life, and I think they’ve gained a lot of respect for what life is really about,” said Siegel coach Greg Wyant, who referred to the Stars’ heartache-filled 2015 season as “surreal.”

“With all the things that have happened to our program and those two young men — one that we lost and another that’s still in the hospital — I’d say that’s a pretty good term for it.”

On Sept. 2, Siegel sophomore football player and wrestler Mason Loupe died from a gunshot wound he had suffered five days earlier.

Siegel High School football players carry Baylor Bramble’s jersey to the field prior to the Stars’ game against Coffee County.

A little more than seven weeks later, the Stars were rocked by another devastating blow as junior defensive back Baylor Bramble was hospitalized after sustaining a head injury in the team’s 44-14 win at Warren County.

“A lot of times as coaches and players we get caught up in wins and losses,” Wyant added. “Ultimately these kids have learned that life is short and there’s nothing you can take for granted. You never know when it might be you.”

Bramble remains in critical condition at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The Stars, coming off an impressive 34-17 opening-round win over Bearden, are set to face crosstown rival Blackman in the second round.

Nashville Christian and McGavock have been forced to deal with similar hardships this season, each losing teammates.

Nashville Christian’s Mickey Martin killed in crash

On July 31, just 22 days before the team’s season-opening game at Red Boiling Springs, Nashville Christian junior Mickey Martin was killed in an automobile accident while driving home from a preseason practice.

“It truly was a devastating event,” Nashville Christian coach Jeff Brothers said. “There is no script for that.”

Martin’s two passengers — teammates Mareio McGraw and Brant Lawless — were hospitalized from the single-car crash. Both were released from Vanderbilt later that night.

“This team has come together as a family,” added NCS senior captain Nathan Hargrove. “(Martin) was incomparable. If you looked like you were having a bad day, he’d stop what he was doing, come talk to you and just try to make you smile. Even if you didn’t know him, he’d make the effort. He was an amazing person.”

Beyond that, Martin was also a standout on the field for Nashville Christian. As a sophomore in 2014, Martin led the team in yards receiving (306) and interceptions (6) and concluded the season with 11 total touchdowns to help lead the Eagles to a 12-1 record and a Class 1A semifinal appearance.

“We just wrapped our arms around each other that night, literally, and (Martin’s) family was very much a part of that,” Brothers said. “They helped us by showing us their strength and resilience.”

Nashville Christian wore an MM7 patch on their jerseys this season to honor teammate Mickey Martin, who died this summer.

On the morning of Sept. 11, the same day as McGavock’s Week 4 matchup with Cane Ridge, Raiders senior football player and wrestler Hunter Jackson was found dead in his home after taking his own life.

“I was there in the morning after they had found him,” McGavock coach Jay Gore said. “I called a meeting that morning with our team. Our principal (Robbin Wall) told our team what had happened. There were a lot of kids just walking around the halls that day, stunned. At that young age they can’t make sense of it, and that was probably the toughest thing to deal with.

“There were different reactions from different kids — some sad, some angry and everything in between.”

Moving forward

Nashville Christian, Siegel and McGavock have persevered and put together solid football seasons, each advancing to the second round of the state playoffs.

“He (Martin) is certainly with us in spirit, and he’s still a part of this team in so many ways,” said Brothers, whose players sport an “MM7” patch on their chests, along with a No. 7 decal on their helmets. “Bryce Collier wears his jersey number because he feels the way we all feel. We still want Martin out there with us.”

Nashville Christian football players have added No. 7 decals to their helmets. That was Mickey Martin’s number.

The outpouring of support from across the country has certainly helped.

“We didn’t want to just beat it over everyone’s head, ‘This is for Mickey and shame on you for opposing us!’” Brothers said. “But it’s a time where something transcends the game. Even opponents who are in some way rivals, they knew we were hurting, and they were hurting for us.”

Wyant and the Stars’ experience was very much the same.

“I’ve got more stories than you’ve probably got ink,” Wyant said. “The Warren County community, the Coffee County community and the Bearden community, they’ve all been very sensitive and have really done some heart-warming things for our program and our school.”

Prior to the Stars’ Sept. 4 matchup at Oakland — just two days after Loupe’s passing — referee Bobby Rollins presented an envelope to Wyant, saying, “Give this to the Loupe family.” Enclosed was Rollins’ paycheck for working the game.

The booster club at rival Oakland also passed around a collection hat during the Patriots’ opening-round playoff win over William Blount and donated the proceeds to Bramble’s family. The Tennessee Titans recently presented Baylor’s younger siblings, Macy and Brady, with a No. 33 Tennessee Titans jersey with Bramble’s name on the back.

“What it did for their spirits was really just unreal,” Wyant said. “I’ve gotten emails from across the nation, and I’ve gotten cards to send to the Bramble family from all over.”

McGavock cheerleader Alaina Solis, left, paints #44 on fellow cheerleader Lauren Estrada’s cheek in honor of football player Hunter Jackson, who wore No. 44, prior to the start of their home game against Cane Ridge in September.

‘This is just a game’

It was difficult to focus on football but what happened allowed Brothers, Gore and Wyant to instill a meaningful message to their players.

“Unfortunately part of life is death and tragedy,” Brothers said. “Whether it is death or whether it’s severe injury, it all kind of brings you back to this is just a game. The words we speak to our kids that don’t have anything to do with football, situations like these give those words more traction in the minds of young men.”

Added Gore: ”Our motto has always been, ‘Hold on, persevere and overcome.’ We talked about that, but we also talked about how sometimes life kicks you to the curb and you can’t handle it all by yourself. But I want the kids to realize that their coaches are here for them.”

Wyant had a similar message for his grieving squad.

“We’ve talked to the kids extensively about how these things are tragic, but also how you can’t spend every minute of your day mourning over losses,” he said. “There’s life out there to be lived, and to let football be that 2- or 2-1/2 hour escape from some of those thoughts that are going through your head.”

Reach Michael Murphy at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports.

Top high school football playoff games: Round 2
Tennessee high school football playoff brackets

Former Brentwood Academy football coach Carlton Flatt.

Legendary Midstate high school football coaches Carlton Flatt and Roger Perry are set to be inducted into the Tennessee Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame next month.

Flatt and Perry, along with fellow inductees Steve Brewer, Benny Hammonds and Ken Netherland, will be honored at a 9 a.m. induction ceremony at the Life Church in Cookeville on Saturday, Dec. 5. Following the induction ceremony, the TNFCA will host its annual Hall of Fame breakfast at the church.

“It is with great pride and excitement that the TNFCA will be honoring these five legendary coaches,” TNFCA President Thomas McDaniel said. “After accepting nominations and polling coaches from across the state, it became clear by the numbers that our association wanted these men to represent the 2015 Hall of Fame class. These men truly embody the role of educating and coaching young men for success.”

Flatt compiled a 355-68-3 career record in his two stints at Brentwood Academy (1970-98, 2002-2006) — good enough for third on the TSSAA all-time coaching wins list — and he led the Eagles to 20 championship appearances and 10 state titles.

“I feel proud not just for me, but for all of our former players and coaches and for our school,” said Flatt, who began the Brentwood Academy football program in 1970. “I’m thankful that all of us together were capable of receiving this honor.”

Former Mt. Juliet football coach Roger Perry

Perry, whose son Trey is the current football coach at Mt. Juliet, compiled a 265-92 record in his 37-year career, making head coaching stops at Westmoreland (1984-89), Portland (1990-05) and Mt. Juliet (2006-12).

“I’m very humbled and very honored,” said Perry, who guided Portland to a Class 3A championship in 2000, as well as runner-up finishes in 1994 and 1999. “When I heard the names mentioned in this group, I said, ‘I won’t be included on that list.’

“It’s a huge honor. God has blessed me throughout the years with great coaches and players.”

Last year’s inaugural 46-member TFCA Hall of Fame class included Midstate inductees Turney Ford (Gordonsville), Jim Satterfield (Trousdale Co.), Tommy Owen (Montgomery Bell Academy), Calvin Short (Gallatin), Jim Cartwright (Columbia), Nick Coutras (Overton), Bill Derrick (Father Ryan/Hendersonville), Jerry Pearson (Dickson Co.), Wes Elrod (several Metro schools), Glen McCadams (Lipscomb), Boyce Smith (Springfield), Leonard Staffs (Lawrence Co.), Lee Pate (Murfreesboro Central), William Bouldin (Franklin Co.), Bill Brimm (Madison/Goodlettsville), Ralph Spangler (Cheatham Co.), Louis Thompson (Lincoln Co.), Bob Cummings (Litton/Beech) and Gary Rankin (Smith Co./Riverdale/Alcoa).

Reach Michael Murphy at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports. 

2015 INDUCTEES:

• 
  Steve Brewer: Brewer spent 33 seasons as a head coach, compiling a career record of 224-143 in stints at Fulton and Sevier County. He spent 11 seasons at Fulton, which resulted in a 57-57 record, and in 1992, Brewer moved to Sevier County, shaping the Smoky Bear program into one of the best in East Tennessee. Brewer, who led Sevier County to a state title in 1999, led the Smoky Bears to 19 postseason appearances. In 2013, Brewer retired from coaching after tallying a 167-86 at Sevier County.  
• 
  Carlton Flatt: In 1970, Flatt established the Brentwood Academy football program, and during his two separate stints at the BA, molded the program into a state powerhouse. Flatt boasts a 355-68-3  coaching record, which ranks third on the TSSAA all-time coaching wins list. His coaching career spans nearly 40 years, and during that stretch, Flatt led Brentwood Academy to 10 state titles and 28 playoff appearances. Flatt’s state title wins span four classifications: 1974, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1987, 1988, 1991, 1995, 1996 and 2006.
• 
  Benny Hammonds: Hammonds began his coaching career in 1968 as an assistant at Cocke County. Hammonds served one season as head coach at Cocke County before moving on to Gatlinburg-Pittman where he recently concluded his 44th year. He led Gatlinburg-Pittman to 31 postseason appearances, and his 340-154-1 overall record ranks fourth on the TSSAA all-time coaching wins lists.
• 
  Roger Perry: Perry is a 37-year coaching veteran for Westmoreland, Portland and Mt. Juliet. Perry has compiled a 265-92 overall coaching record with 27 postseason appearances. Perry guided Westmoreland to a 48-22 record in six seasons before moving on to fellow Sumner County school Portland, where he compiled a 151-49 record and led the Panthers to a Class 3A championship in 2000, as well as runner-up finishes in 1994 and 1999. Perry concluded his career after spending seven seasons at Mt. Juliet (2006-12), leading the Golden Bears to a 66-12 record.
• 
  Ken Netherland: Netherland compiled a 368-131-3 record and a pair of state titles in his more than five-decade coaching career, making stops at Hillcrest, Germantown, St. George’s and Lausanne. Netherland is second on the TSSAA’s all-time coaching wins list, and he’s one of only two coaches in TSSAA history to win a state championship at public and private schools.

A host of departures will result in mostly new faces taking the court for the Portland High School boys basketball team this season.

The Panthers lost five seniors from last season’s 12-16 campaign.

“Last year was a great year for us,” Portland fourth-year head coach Chris Carney said. “As crazy as it sounds, we are trying to build on that.”

Portland also had two players transfer to Franklin-Simpson (Ky.) High School, junior guards Ollie Eutsey and Trey Radcliffe. Radcliffe was the team’s returning starter at point guard.

“It was tough enough losing five guys who played a lot for us last year to graduation,” Carney said. “Then, when you lose two more of your guys, there’s some questions.

“We’re excited to see these young guys and how they react. We’ve tried to push them and challenge them during the weight-lifting and conditioning. We’re big on that. We’ve tried to make them tough as nails and get them as ready as they could be. At the end of the day, that’s all we can do.”

Portland High senior forward Caelum Utley led the Panthers in scoring and rebounding last season.

Leading the list of returnees will be senior forward Caelum Utley, a three-year starter.

“He’s been our crutch for the past two years,” Carney said. “He’s a big-time player. He’s led us in scoring and rebounding. He returns as the guy.”

Classmate Jay Crutchfield – a small forward – was also in the starting lineup for much of last season.

“He’s a really good shooter, but definitely, his role has changed,” Carney said. “He understood his role last year. That (role) was to come in and make a shot if he’s open, and if not, make a good decision with the ball and be solid defensively. His role has changed. He’s worked hard on his ball-handling. People know he can shoot. He has some one-dribble moves in his arsenal (now). We’ve tried to expand his game as much as we can at this point.

“Last year, he was a passive guy, but he shot over 60 percent. He just didn’t shoot enough.”

Portland High senior Jay Crutchfield was in the starting lineup at times last season.

Fellow senior – guard Eric Kirk – is also expected to play extensively.

“He got heavy minutes in the summer, and he’s turned into a pretty good defensive player and an offensive player,” Carney said.

Sophomore guards Bryce Keith and Dawson Simmons are also expected to be among the rotation.

“(Simmons) stated for us all summer long, and he’s really solid,” Carney said. “He’s a hard-working guy. He will take four or five charges a game, and he’s also worked really hard on his shooting. We know people are going to double-team Caelum. These other guys are going to have to be able to step up and make shots.

“(Keith) is a kid who had a phenomenal J.V. (junior varsity) season for us last season. He’s very ready to come in and make an impact. He handles the ball well, and he has a really quick first step. He can get to the rim and finish with the right and left (hand), and he also shoots it well. Those two guys are going to play a big factor in our year. We have a good crop of sophomores. They haven’t had a ton of varsity experience, but they’ve all worked hard.”

The team recently had four players join the team after they competed with the Portland High football team, which was eliminated last Friday following its first-round playoff loss at Kenwood. Among those who could see action are sophomore forward Sevonte’ Sumpter-Bey and freshman forward Kobe’ Dutcher.

“He’s 6-foot-4 and a really good athlete, and he’s benefitted from having the football year he’s had” Carney said of Sumpter-Bey. “As a freshman, (Dutcher) has been pretty dang good for the football team. Because of his intensity and the way he plays, he’ll have a chance to play for us too.

“There’s a ton of competition. We had a really good summer. The summers have been pretty indicative of how our year has gone.”

One of the biggest question marks for the team involves who will handle the ball following Radcliffe’s transfer.

“(Preseason scrimmages) are the first time we’ve played without those guys,” Carney said. “We have a couple of different things we’re going to try.

“Our fail-safe is Caelum. If some of these guys can’t handle some things, we may let Caelum bring up the ball. He’s a heck of a player. We’ve done that with him in the past. He makes good decisions. He makes the right plays, and he’s pretty sure with the basketball. He has the ability with his ball-handling and passing to make the right decisions.”

Carney expects defending District 9-AAA and Region 5-AAA champion Station Camp to be the favorite again.

“Station Camp is loaded,” Carney said. “After that, you have Mt. Juliet and a pretty good league. It’s going to be pretty wide open (after those two teams).

“I don’t think a lot of people have a lot of expectations for us. That’s not the way we’ve worked since I came in three years ago. We have kind of raised the expectations. The expectation – no matter who we play – is to play harder and work harder than the other team and give ourselves a chance to win. The goals haven’t changed in the four years. We are trying to advance out of the district tournament and make the region tournament for the first time since Corey (Brewer) graduated in 2004.”

The Panthers host West Creek for a Tennessee Secondary Schools Athletic Association (TSSAA) Hall of Champions (TSSAA) game on Tuesday, and they will open the regular season with a game at Westmoreland on Tuesday, Nov. 24.

Portland opens district play by hosting Gallatin on Friday, Dec. 4.

Reach Craig Harris at charris@mtcngroup.com or at 615-575-7138. Follow him on Twitter @HarrisGNESports. 

The Portland High School girls basketball team returns a wealth of experience for the upcoming season.

The Lady Panthers – who are under the direction of second-year head coach Miranda Cravens – lost just one senior who contributed significantly a year ago as point guard Mac Stewart graduated.

“I feel 10 times better (than last year’s preseason),” Cravens said. “Practices have gone by so quick. We’re not having to do so much teaching, and I feel more of a connection (with the players). I feel really good about this year.”

Portland had a 14-15 record last season, the most wins for the program since the 2006-07 campaign. Entering last season, the program combined for 15 victories over the previous three seasons.

Portland High senior guard Erica Keen is one the team’s four returning starters.

“Our expectations are definitely high,” Cravens said. “We had three district wins last year. It was a good step, but we are not looking for just a few wins this year. We want to finish in the top half (of District 9-AAA).

“The girls have bought in. Expectations are really high.”

Leading the returnees is senior forward Al Chatmon, the team’s leading scorer.

“She’s grown a lot in our preseason,” Cravens said. “I think she’s a better player. She can drive left as strong as driving right (now). She’s very important to help make our team go. Last year, her mid-range game really came along. That’s tough to stop. In the girls game, you either have drivers or spot-up shooters, but she’s a complete player.

“Everybody knows about her. They’ll be trying to deny her the ball. We’ll see how she reacts to that.”

Sophomore Rachel Jennings is expected to step in at point guard.

“I expect a lot out of her,” Cravens said. “She just comes in there and plays fearless. She doesn’t know she’s 5-foot-2 and barely fits into her jersey. She has a way of leadership about her. She’s like a mini Mac. She’ll have some growing pains to go through, but I believe she can get the job done.”

Senior forward Cristina Herrera provided scoring off of the bench last season, and she could be in the starting lineup this season.

“She had a great (summer) camp,” Cravens said. “She was our leading scorer every game this summer. She scored a lot of points on the drive. She’s really grown as a player.”

Junior Mackenzie Trouten could be the lone post player in the starting lineup.

“She defended all of the best post players we played,” Cravens said. “She gets tons of rebounds, and offensively, I’ve given her the green light to shoot more. She does a lot of the dirty work.”

Senior guard Erica Keen and sophomore guard Demaira Bell could also be among the starting unit.

“Erica has become more of a scoring threat,” Cravens said. “She has a good jump shot, and Demaira has gotten more control of her speed. Her skills have been refined.

“I feel like we can have three or four players who can scored double figures every game.”

Portland High sophomore guard Demaira Bell was in the starting lineup last season as a freshman.

Sophomore forwards Emily Brown and Taylor Cole are expected to provide depth.

“We need to be defensively stronger this year,” Cravens said. “We let a lot of people score a lot of points last year. It’s because we play fast. We have to be better defensively. We dug a lot of holes.

“We’re definitely going to play fast. We are quick and athletic, and they can all handle the ball. This year, to be successful, we have to bounce back (from runs by the oppositions) quicker. We have to be mentally tougher.”

Cravens expects Wilson Central – which finished in second place in District 9-AAA last season – to be at the top of the district this season, with Mt. Juliet (the District 9-AAA and Region 5-AAA champion, which suffered a 10-point loss to eventual state champion Blackman in the opening round of the state tournament) closely behind.

“I think Wilson Central is going to be at the top with what they have coming back,” Cravens said. “Mt. Juliet will be down, but even when they are down, they are still at the top of the district … and Hendersonville is returning everyone basically.”

Portland hosts Pope John Paul II on Tuesday for a Tennessee Secondary Schools Athletic Association (TSSAA) Hall of Champions contest.

The Lady Panthers play at Westmoreland one week later to open the regular season, and Portland begins district play by hosting Gallatin on Friday, Dec. 4.

Reach Craig Harris at charris@mtcngroup.com or at 615-575-7138. Follow him on Twitter @HarrisGNESports. 

PORTLAND The Portland West Middle School boys basketball team never trailed in Thursday evening’s contest against cross-town rival Portland East.

However, visiting Portland West had to hold on in the final minute to escape with a 38-33 victory.

“This is the game … if one of these teams doesn’t win another game all year long, this is the one they want to win,” Portland West head coach Bill Runyon said. “We get bragging rights until after Christmas. Then, we get to do it again.”

Portland West Middle School forward Kaleb Allen elevates for a second-quarter shot in the lane over Portland East’s Connor Simmons. Allen scored four points in Portland West’s 38-33 victory on Thursday evening.

Portland West built a nine-point lead by the end of the first quarter and led by 11 points early in the final period, but Portland East stormed back at that point.

“We stopped trying to block shots,” Portland East head coach Scott Steinbrecher said. “It was just getting in front of them. When you block shots, you can’t rebound. It was just getting in front of people and getting rebounds.”

Samari Patton’s putback at the first-quarter buzzer gave his squad a nine-point lead.

Portland East post player Quintin Fowler picked up his second foul midway through the opening period but returned to start the second quarter. He scored six of his team-high 13 points in the second stanza as the two teams traded baskets until halftime.

“We thought we’d be able to press them,” Runyon said. “No. 25 (point guard Connor Simmons) carries the bulk of their (ball-handling) load. Full compliments to him. He just broke our press. This big court gives him lots of room to work.

“We tried to press early in the first quarter. We pulled out of it in the second quarter.”

Portland East Middle School guard Dequan Bradley releases a third-quarter jump shot.

Dawson Kennedy made the first of his three 3-pointers in the final seconds of the first half, and he scored all eight of Portland East’s points in the third period. Kennedy also finished with 13 points.

“We were going inside all game to Quintin,” Steinbrecher said. “They saw it … the more you go inside, the more it will open up the outside. We started getting good looks.

“(Kennedy) did it all summer. This is the first game this year he’s gotten hot. He can flat-out shoot it. Some of it is (due to Kennedy) getting in shape. We’re not deep. The kids think he’s going to make it every time he touches it. He thinks he’s going to make it every time he touches it, and I think he’s going to make it every time he touches it. He’s not shy.”

Dairius Bell’s 3-pointer extended the lead to 34-23 with 4:15 remaining.

However, Portland East (0-3) scored the next 10 points to pull to within a point. That run was capped by Simmons’ layin after he spun into the lane with 67 seconds to play.

“There was the adrenaline of this being the biggest crowd they’ll see,” Runyon said. “The whole town shows up to see it.”

Portland West post player Caleb Mandrell had his five-footer rattle in 19 seconds later to recreate a three-point margin, and Portland East missed two 3-pointers in the final minute.

Portland West Middle School guard Cade Box dribbles out of the trap by Portland East’s Dequan Bradley and Dawson Kennedy (at right). Box scored four points.

Portland West was unable to seal the outcome from the free-throw line, but Bell deflected a pass that led to Patton’s transition layin in the final seconds.

“Scott does a good job,” Runyon said. “He is constantly working the kids.”

Bell and Patton led Portland East offensively with 13 and 12 points, respectively.

“This is huge,” Runyon said of his squad’s 2-1 record. “We felt like we should have had a closer game with Station Camp the other night (a 58-49 loss on Monday). We ran a little too much. The rest of the season, I feel like we’ll be able to post up and not have to run like that, and I think we’ll play smarter.”

Portland West hosts Knox Doss on Monday, while Portland East plays at Rucker-Stewart.

Reach Craig Harris at charris@mtcngroup.com or at 615-575-7138. Follow him on Twitter @HarrisGNESports.

PORTLAND WEST (38) – Dairius Bell 13, Samari Patton 12, Kaleb Allen 4, Cade Box 4, Caleb Mandrell 4, Robbie Bradley 1.

PORTLAND EAST (33) – Quintin Fowler 13, Dawson Kennedy 13, Connor Simmons 5, Dequan Bradley 2.

Half: 23-15, Portland West. Three-point goals: Portland West 2 (Bell 1, Box 1), Portland East 3 (Kennedy 3). Records: Portland West 2-1, Portland East 0-3.

Ravenwood linebacker Tahj Williams (right) tackles Overton’s Taverius Travis during the first half of Friday’s Class 6A playoff game at Ravenwood High School.

Class 6A

Maryville 49, Cookeville 10

Smyrna 42, Science Hill 22

Oakland 54, Riverdale 7

Blackman 56, Siegel 28

Ravenwood 35, Overton 0

Centennial 25, Brentwood 7

Wilson Central 21, Franklin 20

Whitehaven 39, Mt. Juliet 21

Class 5A

Morristown West 47, Knox West 7

Rhea Co. 40, Farragut 34

Sevier Co. 52, Halls 20

Ooltewah 26, Oak Ridge 17

Hillsboro 42, Beech 7

Independence 38, Hendersonville 7

Centennial 25, Brentwood 7

Class 4A

Greeneville 27, Knox Central 17

Knox Catholic 28, Fulton 25

East Hamilton 28, Stone Memorial 16

Springfield 36, Kenwood 7

Pearl-Cohn 28, Lipscomb Acad. 17

Marshall Co. 49, Livingston Acad. 13

Lexington 30, Jackson Northside 6

Memphis East 40, Hardin Co. 16

Class 3A

Alcoa 35, Pigeon Forge 14

CAK 48, Elizabethton 19

Notre Dame 45, Upperman 6

East Ridge 28, Chatt. Christian 0

CPA 31, Stratford 12

WH-Heritage 28, Camden 13

Liberty 47, Melrose 0

Milan 23, Covington 21

Class 2A

Trezevant 54, Douglass 0

Hampton 48, Austin-East 38

Grace Christian 35, Rockwood 14

Tyner 13, Boyd-Buchanan 7

Marion Co. 38, Forrest 10

Trinity Christian 35, Adamsville 21

McKenzie 54, Jackson Christian 21

Manassas 24, MAHS 18

Class 1A

Greenback 24, Oneida 19

Harriman 40, Coalfield 20

S. Pittsburg 55, Fayetteville 23

Columbia Acad. 54, Whitwell 6

Nashville Christian 34, Huntingdon 7

Wayne Co. 27, Houston Co. 7

Peabody 28, Union City 24

Dresden 54, Carver 8

Division II-A

Harding Acad. 34, Friendship Christian 33

St. George’s 42, Lausanne 10

Northpoint Christian 15, DCA 14

University School-Jackson 24, FRA 17

Division II-AA

Brentwood Academy 50, Briarcrest 3

Baylor 31, MUS 10

Christian Bros. 30, Ensworth 17

MBA 38, McCallie 10

The White House High boys basketball team will be in an uncommon situation when it kicks off the season on Tuesday.

White House High senior point guard Luke Hopkins penetrates into the lane during a game last season.

The squad will have a full complement of players at its disposal.

In previous years, any football players playing basketball would still have been on the field, joining the team only after football season ended.

However, the Blue Devil football campaign ended earlier this year, so those football players who also play basketball have been able to work out with the team since official practices began.

“It’s the first time that I’ve been here that we’ve had football players in here (at the start of fall practice),” White House fourth-year head coach Gary Smith said. “They’re still in football shape, but at least we’ve got them earlier than usual. I hate it for our school, because our school has a tradition of going to the (football) playoffs.”

That might help the Blue Devils get off to a better start this season.

“We have had very good attendance and enthusiasm in workouts and camps during the summer and offseason,” Smith said.

White House finished 10-15 last year, suffering a 51-48 loss to Westmoreland – which they had beaten twice in the regular season – in the quarterfinal round of the District 9-AA Tournament.

The Blue Devils have three seniors on this year’s roster – Gavin Herrell, Logan Trimmer and Luke Hopkins.

“After graduating six seniors – four starters – our returning players are working hard to find their roles in making White House a contender in the upcoming season,” Smith said.

Hopkins returns as the likely starter at point guard.

“He was named best all-around athlete at White House,” Smith said. “He’s a team leader, highly-skilled and very tough. He’s unselfish and a fierce competitor.”

Trimmer will likely start at forward, and Smith believes he can be a dual threat.

“He’s a good outside shooter,” Smith said. “Logan can also play inside too. He’s versatile.”

Herrell is also a projected starter at guard.

“Gavin’s a good shooter and quick to the basket,” Smith said. “He makes hustle plays and he’s a good defender, too.”

Junior Noah Cook will see action at guard, and Smith said that Cook continues to improve.

White House High junior forward Bradley Cole received significant playing time last season.

“He makes teammates better with his work ethic and his attitude,” Smith said. “He’s an inspirational player.”

Malik Morgan and Bradley Cole – both juniors – will see time at forward. Both played extensively last season.

“Malik has strong moves facing the basket,” Smith said. “He’s a good all-around player. He can rebound and finish.

“Bradley has good range as a tall player. He’s a strong outside shooter who’s capable of playing inside.”

Zach Baldwin and Marquise Williams are other juniors who could contribute this season.

The Blue Devils have nine sophomores in the program, but the group didn’t see much playing time last year as freshmen.

Brady Briley, Kevin James, Connor Hollis, Brett Jones, Bryant Reynolds, Kaleb France, Jim Headrick, Nasir Duncan and Garrett Ball comprise that group.

“Our goals mainly deal with becoming better defensively than we’ve been in past seasons,” Smith said.

The Blue Devils tied with White House-Heritage for third place in District 9-AA with a 7-5 record in district action. Cheatham County won the regular-season and district tournament titles, while Sycamore was the tournament runner-up. Harpeth placed second during the regular season and finished in third place in the 9-AAA Tournamnet.

Smith would like for the Blue Devils to make a deeper postseason run this time around.

“We expect our team to continue moving up the district ladder and to advance in tournament play,” Smith said.

The Blue Devils will play a pair of Tennessee Secondary Schools Athletic Association Hall of Champions games to open the season on Tuesday at Pope John Paul II High. White House will face Lexington at 4:30 p.m., and they will face PJP II at 7:30.

White House opens the regular season by hosting East Robertson on Monday and Gallatin on Tuesday, and the Blue Devils begin district play with a game at cross-town rival White House Heritage on Dec. 8.

Reach Chris Brooks at cbrooks@tennessean.com or at 615-575-7118. Follow him on Twitter @CB_SumnerSports.

The White House High School girls basketball program returns four starters from last season and welcomes back another weapon after a year’s absence.

That leaves the Lady Devils optimistic as they enter the upcoming season.

“I have great girls,” White House head coach Jeff Bennett said. “They are really good kids, and there’s a few fighters in there.”

Leading the list of returnees is senior point guard Alyssa Armstrong, a three-year starter. She’ll be joined in the starting backcourt by classmate Lauren Felts, an all-district and an all-county selection last season.

White House High senior guard Lauren Felts was an all-district and all-county selection last season.

“They’re two with a lot of experience,” Bennett said.

Junior forward Hailee Ellis and junior post player Stephanie Palmer also started for much of last season, and classmate Bailey Hutchinson – also a post player – is back on the court after missing last season due to a knee injury. Hutchison also missed much of her freshman campaign due to a torn muscle in her leg.

“She has worked her butt off to get herself ready to go,” Bennett said. “After ACL (anterior-cruciate ligament) surgery, she still has the best vertical (jump) on the team. She’s a strong kid and a really good athlete.”

Sophomore McKenzie Vaughn – who is like Ellis in that she can play on the perimeter or in the post area – could also be among the starting five.

“She’s so athletic,” Bennett said. “She’s fast. She jumps well. She has a chance to be a really good player.”

Junior guard Bryanna Allen is expected to come off of the bench and be one of the team’s top three-point shooters.

“I feel like we are getting better,” Bennett said. “We’ve worked hard in the offseason.”

However, lack of size is a concern. The 5-foot-7 Armstrong is the team’s tallest player.

“With our lack of size, it’s defending people in the post,” Bennett said of his biggest concern. “We have to do a great job of blocking out and scoring in transition.

“I’d love to run and play more aggressive defensively, but that’s not easy. We have to give great effort, and it has to be every night. We can’t let up. We have to work too hard to score.”

Bennett expects the district’s top teams from last season to be at the top once again.

“Our district is tough,” Bennett said. “Westmoreland is great every year. Sycamore is strong. White House Heritage has great kids. It’s everybody. We just have to play tough.”

White House lost its final 18 games last season, finishing with a 1-21 record. The Lady Devils lost three seniors – starting guard Jordan Nixon, guard Baileah Kell and center Michaela Willbanks.

White House is hoping to advance to the regional tournament for the first time since the 2007-08 season.

“That is definitely our goal, to get to the region,” Bennett said. “We haven’t been to the region in a number of years. It’s been a while. It would be a great goal to attain.”

The Lady Devils play a Tennessee Secondary Schools Athletic Association Hall of Champions game at Maplewood on Thursday.

White House begins regular-season play by hosting East Robertson and Gallatin on Nov. 23 and Nov. 24, respectively. The Lady Devils open district play with a game at cross-town rival White House Heritage on Dec. 8.

Reach Craig Harris at charris@mtcngroup.com or at 615-575-7138. Follow him on Twitter @HarrisGNESports. 

Greenbrier Coach Kirk Williams is stepping down after 18 seasons.

Kirk Williams is stepping down as Greenbrier High School football coach after helming the program for the past 18 years.

The longtime coach told his players on Thursday afternoon about his decision, which he attributed to health reasons.

“There comes a time when every coach knows that it’s time to step down,” Williams said. “For me, it was because of health reasons, but no matter the reason, it’s the right time for me and the program and that’s what matters most.”

Informing the school administrators and his players on Thursday made for difficult conversations because he is going to miss everything, Williams said.

“I’m going to miss practices the most because that was a time that we really got to work with our young men,” he said.

The end of Williams’ tenure at Greenbrier caps off a 33-year coaching career.

“That’s something I’m going to truly miss,” Williams said. “I was blessed 18 years ago to have the best coaching staff a coach could have and I’ve been fortunate enough to work with some of the best coaching minds ever since. I will truly miss that camaraderie I had each day with the coaches and our players, but I know this is the right move for me right now.”

Williams started his coaching career in 1983 as an assistant football coach at Greenbrier High School, where he also served as a baseball coach for eight years. After 10 years, Williams accepted the offensive coordinator position at Springfield High School, a position he held for five years. The Yellow Jackets won the state championship during his stint with the team.

In 1998, Williams returned to Greenbrier as the head coach of the football team, leading the Bobcats to the state championship game in 2004.

Greenbrier Principal Dr. Katie Osborne and her staff will be conducting a nationwide for Williams’ replacement immediately.

“Coach Williams is a class act,” Osborne said. “He’s been an amazing mentor to our students and our other coaches, but as principal, what stuck out to me the most was that he always did the right thing.

“I’ve never had to worry about a problem with our football team because I knew that Coach Williams was doing things the right way and because of that, our boys also conducted themselves in that same manor. As principal, my primary concern is for his health, so I understand why he’s stepping down, but he will truly be missed by everyone here at Greenbrier.”

Greenbrier and White House have been rivals on the field for years, but Blue Devils coach Jeff Porter counted himself as one of Williams’ best friends off the field.

“He called me as soon as he made his decision and I was sorry to hear that he was stepping down, but understood why,” Porter said. “Kirk is one of the classiest people I’ve ever known and this will be a great loss to our profession.

“He’s given a lot of himself to his team and the community as a whole, and if I had a son I would want him to play for Kirk because he always did things the right way. We go back a long way, more than 30 years, coaching against each other, so I count myself lucky to be able to call myself one of his friends.”

Ex-Maplewood standout Ladarius Vanlier was named the OVC co-offensive player of the week on Sunday.

Ex-Maplewood standout Ladarius Vanlier was named the OVC co-offensive player of the week on Sunday.

Former Maplewood star Ladarius Vanlier was named the Ohio Valley Conference Co-Offensive Player of the Week on Sunday after scoring a career-high four touchdowns in Tennessee Tech’s 42-24 win over Austin Peay on Saturday.

Vanlier helped the Golden Eagles snap their five-game losing streak by accounting for 272-all-purpose yards. That moved him into second in Tech history for all-purpose yards (5,196) and fourth among active Football Championship Subdivision players.

The 5-foot-8, 175 pound senior rushed for touchdowns from 51, 46 and 1 yards and also had a 69-yard catch for a TD.

Vanlier rushed for 131 yards on just 11 carries and had two catches for 74 yards. He returned two kickoffs for 66 yards and a punt for 1-yard.

Vanlier is ranked 16th nationally in all-purpose yards (141.9 per game). He leads Tech in rushing (622) and return (597) yards and is fourth in receiving (175).

Tech (3-7, 2-5 OVC) will end the season Saturday when Tennessee State (4-5, 1-5) visits.

Eastern Kentucky quarterback Bennie Coney, who completed 44-of-68 passes for a school-record 417 yards and three TDs in a 41-34 double overtime win against Murray State, was also co-offensive player of the week.

Eastern Illinois defensive lineman Dino Fanti was the top defensive player, Southeast Missouri’s Cameron Sanders, a freshman from Memphis, was the top specialist, and his teammate, freshman Dante Vandeven, was the top newcomer.

Reach Mike Organ at 615-259-8021 and on Twitter @MikeOrganWriter.

TSSAA basketball season gets under way Monday.

With the beginning of high school basketball season on Monday, here’s a quick look at some of the area’s top teams and players to watch during the 2015-16 campaign:

Who’s going to fill their shoes? Christ Presbyterian Academy has been one of the top teams in the state for the last few years, but mass departures from last year’s Class AA state tourney squad leave Coach Drew Maddux in a major reloading project.

While CPA graduated three of its starters from last season’s team, the biggest losses came with underclassmen who transferred. Two-time Mr. Basketball Braxton (Blackwell) Key, a 6-foot-7 Alabama signee, elected to play his senior season at Oak Hill Academy in Virginia. Standout eighth-grade point guard Tyger Campbell moved out of state during the offseason.

Returning with honors: Several Mr. Basketball and Miss Basketball finalists will be back on the court this season in the Midstate.

Among them are Blackman’s Crystal Dangerfield (Class AAA Miss Basketball winner), Van Buren County’s Lakelyn Bouldin (Class A Miss Basketball finalist), Brentwood Academy’s Sydni Harvey (DII-AA Miss Basketball finalist), Ensworth’s Jordyn Cambridge (DII-AA Miss Basketball finalist), FRA’s Kenny Cooper (DII-A Mr. Basketball finalist), Ensworth’s Jordan Bone (DII-AA Mr. Basketball finalist) and Brentwood Academy’s Darius Garland (DII-AA Mr. Basketball finalist).

Dangerfield, a 5-foot-5 Connecticut signee, claimed her second-straight Miss Basketball award last season, averaging 15.5 points, 5.7 assists, 4.6 rebounds and 2.6 steals for the two-time defending champion Lady Blaze. Bouldin averaged 23 points last year. Harvey scored 11 a contest while Cambridge averaged 16.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, four assists and three steals.

Just a sophomore, the 5-foot-11 Garland, averaged a team-leading 13 points a season ago and has already received scholarship offers from Vanderbilt, Tennessee, Virginia, Louisville, UCLA, Baylor, Memphis and Wake Forest. Cooper, a 6-foot-1 Lipscomb signee, posted a team-high 17.8 points per game while leading the Panthers to a Division II-A sub-state appearance. Bone, a 6-foot-1 Tennessee signee, averaged 16.2 points last season, leading the Tigers to a Division II-AA semifinal appearance.

BOYS TEAMS TO WATCH: 

Brentwood Academy: The defending Division II-AA champions return plenty of talent from last year’s 28-2 campaign. Garland will be joined by state tourney MVP Jeremiah Oatsvall (11 ppg). Fellow two-sport standouts Gavin Shoenwald (6 ppg, 6 rpg) and Cam Johnson (6 ppg) were also key contributors for the Eagles last year.

Station Camp: The Bison came up one win shy of securing their first state tournament appearance, and coach Seth Massey’s squad brings back three key contributors from last year’s District 9-AAA and Region 5-AAA champions. Guard Keaton Dotson (6-foot-4) returns after averaging 10.7 points, and 6-foot-6 forward Yalen Reed posted 10.5 points while pulling down 6.7 rebounds per game.

Brentwood: The Bruins will have a new face on the sideline as Greg Shirley takes over for legendary coach Dennis King, who stepped down after last season. The defending District 11-AAA champion Bruins will also have several new faces in their starting lineup as Grant Teichmann, Jalen Lawson and Tanner Tapp graduated after last year’s 30-8 Class AAA runner-up season.

Pearl-Cohn: The graduation of last year’s leading scorer Jordan Sandifer leaves some big shoes to fill, but the reigning Region 5-AA champion Firebirds bring back four starters from last year’s 28-3 campaign, including senior point guard Anthony Ramsey (16 ppg, 4 rpg, 4 apg) and junior forward Michael Cawley (12 ppg, 9 rpg).

Creek Wood: The Red Hawks welcome back three starters from last season’s Class AA quarterfinalists, including 1,000-point scorers Ross Plunkett and Ross Cummings, along with senior Gabe Cummings, who averaged eight points and four assists. Sophomores Coulter Dotson (10 ppg) and Clay Ruf should round out the starting five for Creek Wood, which is coming off the first state tournament appearance in school history.

GIRLS TEAMS TO WATCH:

Christ Presbyterian Academy: The Lady Lions’ lone loss in 2014-15 came in the Class AA sectional to eventual state champion Martin Luther King. Sixth-year coach Becky LeGate has a good chance to take CPA even further this year as the Lady Lions return their top scorer (Kenedi Hambrick, 14.1 ppg), leading rebounder (Savannah LeGate, 8.8 rpg) and their leader in assists (Chelsea Burt, 3.4 apg).

Dickson County: The Lady Cougars finished 32-3 last season eventually falling to Bearden in the Class AAA quarterfinals, and return their top scorer in All-Midstate first-team selection Lea Lea Carter. Dickson County may have a different look this year, though, as Greg Tipps replaces long-time coach Eve Hamilton.

Franklin Road Academy: The Lady Panthers won 31 games on their way to a Division II-A championship game appearance last season where they lost to Knoxville Webb. FRA has a good chance of making another deep postseason run, returning its leading scorer Riley Casey (12 ppg) and senior point guard Catera Sawyers.

Brentwood Academy: Brentwood Academy took home the state title in Division II-AA last year behind a 29-1 record. Harvey will be joined by two returning double-digit scorers in Bria Dial (11.2 ppg) and Bre Jackson (10.2 ppg).

TSSAA basketball season gets under way Monday.

Blackman: Blackman lost two key players and its coach from last year’s Class AAA championship team as Alex Johnson and Meme Jackson have graduated and coach Chad Hibdon left for Truett-McConnell College. However, Dangerfield is back for her senior season, and she’ll be looking to help lead the Lady Blaze to a third straight state title behind new coach Jessica Jackson. Also back is 6-foot-3 forward Jazz Bond, a South Florida signee.

OTHER PLAYERS TO WATCH

Nick Hopkins, Sr., Fayetteville: The 5-foot-11 Belmont signee averaged a team-leading 21.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 3.1 steals last season for the Tigers.

Austin Douglas, Sr., Cheatham County:  A Tennessean All-Midstate third-team selection a season ago, Douglas, a 6-foot-3 forward, averaged 20.3 points and 10.4 rebounds for the Region 5-AA semifinalist Cubs.

Anastasia Hayes, Jr., Riverdale: Speed and ball-handling ability make the 5-foot-7 Hayes one of the toughest players in the Midstate to guard.

Lea Lea Carter, Sr., Dickson County: The 5-foot-11 Vanderbilt signee averaged 15.1 points, 7.0 rebounds and 4.3 assists, shooting 52 from the field while leading the Lady Cougars to a state quarterfinal appearance.

Kendall Spray, Sr., Wilson Central: The reigning District 9-AAA MVP buried a state-record 139 3-pointers a season ago, and the UT Martin signee averaged 21.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.9 steals per game.

Shelby Gibson, Sr., Oakland: The 6-foot-1 senior Ole Miss signee averaged a team-leading 14.8 points and 7.4 rebounds for the Class AAA runner-up Lady Patriots.

Allison Cowie, Jr., Battle Ground Academy: Cowie, a 5-foot-10 junior averaged 18.2 points and 10.7 rebounds, and the All-Midstate selection has averaged a double-double each year since the eighth grade.

Reach Michael Murphy at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports. Reach Sam Brown at 615-259-8232 and on Twitter @SamBrownTN. 

A look at the top high school football teams in Middle Tennessee, as ranked by The Tennessean:

Independence players celebrate their 49-7 opening-round win over Cane Ridge.

Hendersonville sophomore quarterback Brett Coker.

10. Hendersonville (10-2) — The Commandos surrendered a season-high 450 yards in Friday’s 38-7 season-ending defeat at unbeaten Independence, while also struggling to a season-low 148 yards rushing on 39 carries in the lopsided loss. Last week: No. 9.

Hillsboro linebacker Javonte Wiggins (2) brings down Pearl-Cohn running back Ke’Juan Vaughn for negative yardage.

9. Hillsboro (9-3) — After wrapping up the regular season with four straight wins, the Burros have carried that momentum into the postseason, beating their first two playoff opponents — La Vergne and Beech — by a combined score of 68-14. Last week: NR. This week: Friday at Independence (11-0). 

CPA senior Wallace Barrett (25)

8. CPA (11-1) — Senior running back Chip Omer racked up 193 yards and a pair of touchdown runs in Friday’s 31-12 triumph over Stratford, and the 6-foot, 200-pounder also returned a second-quarter kickoff 93 yards for a score. Last week: No. 8. This week: Friday vs. White House Heritage (9-3). 

Centennial coach Brian Rector

7. Centennial (11-1) — The Cougars defense forced five turnovers in a 25-7 second-round victory over rival Brentwood, and senior Mondu Sawyers ran for 147 yards and a touchdown in the decisive win — the team’s 10th in a row. Last week: No. 7. This week: Friday vs. Henry County (10-2).

Ravenwood running back Connor Jeffries (44)

6. Ravenwood (11-1) — Senior Connor Jeffries came through with 104 yards and pair of first-quarter touchdown runs as the 3-6A champion Raptors rolled to another lopsided win over region foe Overton, this time by a score of 35-0. Last week: No. 6. This week: Friday vs. White Station (9-3).

Blackman running back Taeler Dowdy (3)

5. Blackman (10-2) — Senior running back Taeler Dowdy eclipsed the 2,000-yard mark for the season as the Blaze buried crosstown rival Siegel with three fourth-quarter touchdowns to secure a 56-28 second-round win. Last week: No. 5. This week: Friday at Maryville (12-0). 

Independence players celebrate their 49-7 opening-round win over Cane Ridge.

4. Independence (12-0) — One of just seven undefeated squads in the state, the Eagles, who’ve won their 12 games by a combined score of 459-115, captured another dominating victory last week — a 38-7 triumph over a solid Hendersonville squad. Last week: No. 4. This week: Friday vs. Hillsboro (9-3). 

Montgomery Bell coach Marty Euverard celebrates after last year’s BlueCross Bowl win over Ensworth.

3. MBA (10-1) — Senior running back Ty Chandler notched his second four-touchdown performance against McCallie this season, and the Big Red didn’t need overtime this time around, blowing out the Blue Tornado 38-10 in Friday’s DII-AA quarterfinal. Last week: No. 3. This week: Friday at Christian Brothers (9-2). 

Oakland running back Lazarius Patterson (4).

2. Oakland (11-1) — The Region 2-6A champion Patriots captured their most lopsided victory of the season in Friday’s second-round matchup, limiting Riverdale to less than 200 yards in a 54-7 rout of the rival Warriors. Last week: No. 2. This week: Friday vs. Smyrna (9-3). 

Brentwood Academy quarterback Jeremiah Oatsvall

1. Brentwood Academy (10-1) — Quarterback Jeremiah Oatsvall completed 17 of 25 pass attempts for 292 yards and four touchdowns on Friday, leading the top-ranked Eagles to a 50-3 quarterfinal victory over visiting Briarcrest Christian. Last week: No. 1. This week: Friday vs. Baylor (9-2). 

Reach Michael Murphy at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports. 

BGA’s Clay Beathard has a shot at his second consecutive Division II-A Mr. Football award this year as one of the 34 finalists announced Monday.

The Tennessee Titans announced the finalists for the 31st annual Mr. Football Awards on Monday, with play-by-play voice of the Titans Mike Keith making the announcement on the team website.

Mr. Football

The four semifinalists in each category were trimmed down to two, leaving 34 total finalists in the six classifications in Division I and the two in Division II.

Each classification will award a Back of the Year and Lineman of the Year award. There will also be a Kicker of the Year award given to the top kicker in the state, regardless of classification.

Keith will also emcee the awards presentation on Nov. 30 at Nissan Stadium.

2015 finalists

Class 1A

Back of the Year: Preston Rice (Wayne County), Dresser Winn (Dresden)

Lineman of the Year: Daniel Bituli (Nashville Christian), Jamison Blackwell (Union City)

Class 2A

Back of the Year: Andrew Goldsmith (Trinity Christian), Cordarrian Richardson (Trezvant)

Lineman of the Year: Jake Harden (Boyd Buchanan), Boone Sweeney (Forrest)

Class 3A

Back of the Year: Traneil Moore (East Ridge), Zack Weatherly (CPA)

Lineman of the Year: Jonathan Decker (Alcoa), Matthew McClurg (Alcoa)

Class 4A

Back of the Year: Ashton Posey (Marshall County), Amari Rodgers (Knoxville Catholic)

Lineman of the Year: Emmit Gooden (Haywood), Cade Mays (Knoxville Catholic)

Class 5A

Back of the Year: Tee Higgins (Oak Ridge), Nate Johnson (Independence)

Lineman of the Year: Tyrel Dodson (Centennial), Jeremiah Jackson (Ooltewah)

Class 6A

Back of the Year: Dillon Mitchell (White Station), Jacoby Stevens (Oakland)

Lineman of the Year: T.D. Blackmon (Maryville), Delvin Salter (Whitehaven)

Division II-A

Back of the Year: Clay Beathard (BGA), Chase Hayden (St. George’s)

Lineman of the Year: Trey Smith (USJ), Jacob Still (St. George’s)

Division II-AA

Back of the Year: Ty Chandler (MBA), Austin Lee (Christian Brothers)

Lineman of the Year: Bryce Mathews (Brentwood Academy), Ryan Parker (Baylor)

Kicker of the Year: Crews Holt (Ravenwood), Jacob Smith (Siegel)

Reach Sam Brown at 615-259-8232 and on Twitter @SamBrownTN.

Ravenwood Head Coach Will Hester has his squad in the 6A quarterfinals against visiting White Station Friday.

Some big guns went down in the state football playoffs Friday night, leaving the door wide open for several Midstate teams to make a push for a berth in the BlueCross Bowl and vie for state championships

Three defending state champions lost (Knoxville West in 5A, Fulton in 4A, Union City in 1A), and another favorite, unbeaten Boyd-Buchanan, lost in Class 2A.

Here’s a breakdown of each bracket, with quarterfinal action in Division I (semifinals in DII) being played Friday night.

CLASS 6A

Favorite: Maryville (12-0). No news here. The nationally ranked Rebels were everyone’s favorite going in and have done nothing to disprove that.

Top contender: Ravenwood (11-1). The Raptors reached the title game last year and had Maryville on the ropes. The Raptors are in a favorable position to return to Cookeville, with White Station at home Friday and then the winner of Whitehaven-Wilson Central in the semifinals.

Wrong place, wrong time: Oakland (11-1). The Patriots would arguably be the top contender, but Oakland is in the same bracket as Maryville and will have to beat the Rebels (providing they avoid an upset with visiting Blackman) in the semifinals to compete for a 6A title. A date with rival Smyrna stands in the way of that.

Overview: This bracket is still the most intact, as far as returning BlueCross Bowl members and favorites still being alive. Of the eight quarterfinalists, seven were expected to be there. Only Wilson Central (6-6) has shaken up things, pulling off two upsets en route to a game at Whiteheaven (11-1).

Independence and quarterback Andrew Bunch will battle Hillsboro Friday in the 5A state playoffs.

CLASS 5A

Favorite: Independence. Despite the defending champ Knox West returning to the field, most around the state have had the Eagles penciled in as their champion. Independence, behind a stingy defense and explosive offense, led by QB Andrew Bunch and Mr. Football finalist Nate Johnson at WR, has been ranked No. 1 most of the season in the 5A Associated Press poll.

Top contender: Centennial. It won’t be easy, having to play a tough Henry County squad again before a potential rematch with Independence, which handed Centennial its only loss 38-7, in the semifinals. If Mr. Football finalist Tyrel Dodson and the Cougars pull the upsets, the BlueCross Bowl matchup should actually be an easier game.

Wrong place, wrong time: Hillsboro. The Burros are defending 5A runners-up and have played well this year. However, they have the unenviable task of taking on Bunch and Independence this week, and their reward for an upset win would be another daunting task against Centennial or Henry County.

Overview: One of the least exciting brackets for a few years, Class 5A is arguably the best bracket in the field this year, particularly for Midstate teams. Don’t be surprised if Ooltewah (10-2) awaits the winner from the West in the BlueCross Bowl.

Springfield quarterback Dewayne Buckner (5) is stopped by Pearl-Cohn’s Rontavius Groves (5) during during a recent game. The two teams match up again Friday in the 4A quarterfinals.

CLASS 4A

Favorite: Knox Catholic. If you unseat the best, then you have to be taken seriously, and despite having four losses, Catholic has certainly impressed in the first two rounds — a 53-7 win over Sullivan East and 28-25 win over defending champ Fulton.

Top contender: Pearl-Cohn. Another four-loss team, but anyone who has kept a close eye on the Firebirds knows that Pearl-Cohn has had arguably the toughest schedule in 4A. With an offense that has skill all over the place and a defense that has allowed 17 points combined in two playoff games, don’t be surprised to see the Firebirds in Cookeville.

Wrong place, wrong time: Marshall County (11-1). This team could easily be labeled favorite or top contender, having outscored its first two opponents 103-20. But an unfavorable matchup against a hot East Hamilton team awaits, with a win landing either Greeneville (11-1) or Catholic.

Overview: There are still some tough teams left in this bracket, with basically only Fulton as the major upset victim. This is the toughest of all eight brackets to pick. With Memphis East (11-1) lingering around in the West, there are still six or seven teams that could legitimately win the title.

Mr. Football finalist Zach Weatherly and CPA will battle White House-Heritage in the 3A quarterfinals Friday.

CLASS 3A

Favorite: Alcoa (11-1). This is 3A’s version of Maryville. Coach Gary Rankin’s squad is gunning for its ninth state title since 2004. The defending runners-up (who were beaten 7-0 by CPA in last year’s title game) have lost to only Maryville this year.

Top contender: CPA (11-1). The Lions aren’t as dominant as last year’s unbeaten state champs, but until someone unseats them, they are as good a pick as anyone to return to Cookeville. Mr. Football finalist Zach Weatherly and running back Chip Omer have aspirations of back-to-back titles. You could easily swap the Lions with Liberty Tech (12-0) in this spot.

Wrong place, wrong time: East Ridge (12-0). Coming off a 28-0 win over Chattanooga Christian sets East Ridge up with a favorable matchup against Notre Dame (9-3) in the quarterfinals. However, Alcoa looms in the semis.

Overview: Expect some dazzling semifinal matchups between Alcoa and East Ridge in the East and CPA and Liberty Tech in the West. Combined the four teams would have just two losses should this happen.

CLASS 2A

Favorite: Marion County (11-1). Tyner won’t be an easy quarterfinal matchup, but Marion County is playing as well as any team in 2A right now.

Top contender: Trezevant (9-3). This is a team that finished runner-up in 4A last year, and the Memphis squad has flexed its muscles thus far in the 2A playoffs after moving down, having won its first two games by a combined 106-0. Granted those two teams were a combined 4-16.

Wrong place, wrong time: The Midstate. This is a classification that isn’t well represented with Midstate teams anyway, and no local squads reached the quarterfinals.

Overview: With Boyd-Buchanan out of the picture, Hampton (12-0) and Marion County should take advantage. Manassas is still alive despite a 5-7 mark, but a rude awakening happens Friday against Trezevant.

Nashville Christian’s Carter Clark (25) scores a touchdown during a recent game. The Eagles battle unbeaten Marion County Friday in the 1A quarterfinals.

CLASS 1A

Favorite: Nashville Christian (11-1). Thanks, Peabody. If you talked to Nashville Christian faithful prior to the season, being in the same bracket as Union City usually accompanied postseason talk. With Peabody snapping the two-time defending champs’ 39-game winning streak, the door is wide open for Coach Jeff Brothers, Mr. Football finalist Daniel Bituli and the rest of the Eagles.

Top contender: Columbia Academy (12-0). The Bulldogs face a very stiff challenge in South Pittsburg (9-3) this week, but the Pirates better bring their defense. No team has held Columbia Academy to fewer than 40 points. Multi-talented athlete Taylor Thompson and his squad could be poised for a BlueCross Bowl run.

Wrong place, wrong time: Wayne County (12-0). Mr. Football finalist Preston Rice (31 TDs, 2 INTs) has had Wayne County on a roll all season, and Friday’s quarterfinal matchup with Nashville Christian should be one of the best games of the night. One of these teams will unfortunately pack it in for the season.

Overview: Don’t count out Harriman (9-3), which has cranked up its offense during the playoffs, scoring 100 points in two games and knocking off defending runner-up Coalfield. The Nashville Christian-Wayne County winner will be rewarded with a very tough matchup against an 11-1 Dresden squad, which has simply outscored its first two playoff foes 118-14.

Brentwood Academy head coach Cody White talks with his players during a recent game. The Eagles battle Baylor at home in the DII-AA semifinals Friday.

DIVISION II-AA

Favorite: Brentwood Academy (10-1). Many have pegged the Eagles as favorites all season, with offensive options  such as Jeremiah Oatsvall and Cam Johnson and an offensive line that rivals anyone’s.

Top contender: MBA (10-1). The defending champs have just one blemish all season — albeit a nasty one to Brentwood Academy. With Ty Chandler in the backfield, the Big Red should escape Christian Brothers and punch a ticket to Cookeville for a rematch with BA.

Wrong place, wrong time: Baylor (9-2). In any other season, Baylor is good enough to win a state title, and that could still happen. The Red Raiders’ two losses, however, have come to Brentwood Academy and MBA.

Overview: As is usually the case in DII-AA, any of the four teams left in the semifinals are as good as most teams in the state (in any classification) and could win it all. It’s actually tough to label any win being an “upset” at this point.

DIVISION II-A

Favorite: St. George’s (11-1). A favorite to reach Cookeville going in to the playoffs, nothing has changed.

Top contender: Northpoint Christian (12-0). If you’re still unbeaten at this point, you’ve done something right. A first-round blowout win was followed by a squeaker over DCA (15-14).

Wrong place, wrong time: University School of Jackson (9-3). Having come off an upset over unbeaten FRA last week, the Bruins could be primed for making a run. However, a trip to the BlueCross Bowl will be tough, with Northpoint Christian in the way.

Overview: The hardest bracket to pick since the beginning. USJ has knocked off the defending champs (Knox Webb) and one of only two unbeatens in the bracket. St. George’s avenged its only loss last week (42-10 over Lausanne). No Midstate teams left after DCA, Friendship Christian and FRA went down last week.

It didn’t take long for the Station Camp High School girls basketball team to get settled in.

Station Camp High junior Linze Edwards elevates for a jump shot over Hunters Lane’s Brenisha Cooper during fourth-quarter action. Edwards scored a game-high 18 points.

The Lady Bison outscored visiting Hunters Lane by a 23-4 margin in the second quarter and never looked back as they came away with a 68-36 victory in Tuesday evening’s Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association Hall of Champions contest.

Station Camp led 35-10 at halftime

The Lady Bison hit nine 3-pointers in the contest, courtesy of five different players.

“We are very capable of knocking those downm and we have multiple people who can knock them down,” Lady Bison interim head coach Jill Gregory said. “I’m very pleased with that.”

Sophomore Jane Deason hit three of those 3-pointers on her way to an 11-point effort.

Sophomores Carol Fitch and Jessica Hopson connected on two 3-pointers each, and junior Cassidy Fry and sophomore Sydney Creager each hit one 3-pointer.

Station Camp High sophomore Sydney Creager dribbles past Hunters Lane’s Michilina McClain during fourth-quarter action. Creager scored five points in Station Camp’s 68-36 victory.

The Lady Bison’s outside shooting allowed junior Linze Edwards to work inside. Edwards scored a game-high 18 points.

“She had a big night,” Gregory said. “In practice, we’ve been making sure to let the girls know that we want to get it inside, that they can drive to the basket and dish (the ball) off to her, and we can shoot those little floaters and let her get up there and get them.

“We made sure that the girls recognize that we do have an inside person, and we need to make that presence in practice. It carried over to the game.”

Had it not been for her teammates’ sharpshooting, that number might have been even more for Edwards.

“I think I could have gotten more rebounds,” Edwards said. “But the girls shot the ball well, so that’s good too.”

The Lady Bison eventually built a 37-point lead (64-27) following Fitch’s 3-pointer with 2:52 remaining, which activated the mercy rule. That results in a continuously-running clock (implemented when one team leads by 35 points in the fourth quarter).

“I told the girls that it’s very important for us to play our game and for us to stay in control of the ball,” Gregory said. “That’s what we wanted, and that’s what we did.”

Nine different Lady Bison scored. In addition to Edwards and Deason, Hopson finished with eight points, and Fry had seven.

Edwards said that things have gone smooth under Gregory, who is filling in for head coach Kendra Jackson for this season as Jackson continues to recover from a bone marrow transplant.

“I’ve worked with her the past three years, so it’s not that different, even though it’s my first year for varsity,” Edwards said.

The Lady Bison debuted new uniforms for this season, with lime green trim in support of Jackson’s battle with lymphoma. Station Camp will have new uniforms for both home and away games this year.

Station Camp High junior Emiline Payne drives toward the basket ahead of Hunters Lane’s Trenia Hancock during fourth-quarter action. Payne scored six points in the Lady Bison’s 68-36 victory on Tuesday evening.

“The uniforms look really good,” Gregory said. “The girls were very excited about wearing those and supporting Coach (Kendra) Jackson, even though she’s not here. We have home and away uniforms, and we got those approved by the TSSAA (Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association) to wear the lime green this year.”

Hunters Lane’s leading scorer was Adrian Dalton, who finished with 12 points and also had two of the Lady Warriors’ four 3-pointers.

The Lady Bison are scheduled to travel to Smith County on Saturday for a pair of Hall of Champions games against York Institute (at 3 p.m. at Smith County Middle School) and Smith County (at 6 p.m. at Smith County High School).

Station Camp will open the regular season on Tuesday at Rossview.

Reach Chris Brooks at cbrooks@tennessean.com or at 615-575-7118. Follow him on Twitter @CB_SumnerSports.

HUNTERS LANE (36) –  Adrian Dalton 12, Trenia Hancock 8, TyAnthia Jordan 7, Brendne Cooper 4, Michilin McClain 3, Tybresha Watkins 2.

STATION CAMP (68) – Linze Edwards 18, Jane Deason 11, Jessica Hopson 8, Cassidy Fry 7, Carol Fitch 6, Emiline Payne 6, Sydney Creager 5, Pray Ward 5, Olivia Delk 2.

Half: 35-10, Station Camp. Three-point goals: Hunters Lane 4 (Dalton 2, Hancock 1, McClain 1), Station Camp 9 (Deason 3, Fitch 2, Hopson 2, Creager 1, Fry 1). Records: Hunters Lane 0-1, Station Camp 1-0.

Station Camp High’s boys basketball team trailed early in its season-opening contest against visiting Hunters Lane.

Station Camp High senior Hayden Baldwin dunks during second-quarter action. Baldwin scored 10 points.

Then, the 3-pointers started falling, and the Bison had little trouble with the Warriors the rest of the way, cruising to a 78-56 victory in a Tennessee Secondary Schools Athletic Association Hall of Champions contest played on Tuesday evening.

Station Camp hit 11 3-pointers, with eight of them coming in the first half.

Senior Sawyer Taylor – playing in his first game since transferring from Beech during the offseason – made an immediate impact with six of those 3-pointers, resulting in a game-high 18 points.

“Really, that was our big men,” Taylor said. “When they got the ball in the post, they were looking to score, and if they got doubled down, they would kick it out. So, that resulted in me and Keaton (Dotson) being wide open.”

Five different Bison players finished in double figures. Junior Kody Eden tossed in 16 points, and seniors Dotson, Hayden Baldwin and Yalen Reed all finished with 10 points.

All of Reed’s output came in the third quarter, beginning with a dunk off of an alley-oop pass from junior Chase Freeman in the opening seconds of the second half.

Station Camp High senior Keaton Dotson drives past Hunters Lane defender Kendall Winston during third-quarter action. Dotson scored 10 points in the Bison’s 78-56 victory on Tuesday evening.

“He wasn’t open,” Station Camp head coach Seth Massey said of Reed. “I thought the guys did a really good job of finding the open man in the first half. They guarded Yalen well, and he didn’t have a shot. We found the guys we needed to find.”

The Bison trailed 5-0 and 8-6 before unleashing a 22-2 run over the final 5:20 of the first quarter to hold a 28-10 edge after eight minutes. The Bison hit six of their 3-pointers in the first quarter.

“(Taylor and Dotson) got some good looks tonight,” Massey said. “We were down 5-0 and we got hot.”

The Bison extended their lead to as much as 32 points (45-13) late in the second quarter before the Warriors scored 10 of the final 14 points of the first half.

“We’ve got a lot to work on though,” Massey said. “We’ve got things we need to work on defensively.”

An 11-3 run in the third quarter helped the Bison push their lead to 36 points (72-36), and the fourth quarter began with a continuously-running clock in effect due to the 35-point, mercy rule.

“I hated the running clock, because we had some guys that deserved to play,” Massey said. “I wanted to see those guys maybe get some more minutes, but anytime you can get (everybody) in, that’s good.”

The Warriors closed the gap somewhat, finishing the game on a 15-2 run.

“Hunters Lane played hard for four quarters,” Massey said. “They had a chance, in that run we made in the second half to just (give up), and they didn’t do it. They’re a well-coached team. They’ve got a young team, and they’re going to get better.”

Joseph Williams led the Warriors with 17 points, while Kendall Winston and Clint Overton added 13 and 10 points, respectively.

Station Camp High junior Kody Eden elevates for a layin against Hunters Lane’s Clint Overton (14) during first-quarter action. Eden finished with 16 points in the Bison’s 78-56 victory.

It was certainly a good start for Taylor in his first game in a Bison uniform.

“(The transition’s) been relatively smooth,” Taylor said. “The guys have accepted me with open arms. I tried to come in as smoothly as possible. I didn’t want to try and come in and take over anything. The coaches here made it as easy as it could be.”

The Bison are scheduled to travel to Smith County on Saturday for a pair of Hall of Champions games against York Institute (at 4:30 p.m. at Smith County Middle School) and Smith County (at 7:30 p.m. at Smith County High School).

Station Camp will open the regular season on Tuesday at Rossview.

Reach Chris Brooks at cbrooks@tennessean.com or at 615-575-7118. Follow him on Twitter @CB_SumnerSports.

HUNTERS LANE (56) – Joseph Williams 17, Kendall Winston 13, Clint Overton 10, Antonio Lennear 4, John Jackson 3, Anthony Farr 2, Aubrey Hardaway 2, Ravonte Murphy 2, Mitchell Randall 2, Sam Wreh 1.

STATION CAMP (78) – Sawyer Taylor 18, Kody Eden 16, Hayden Baldwin 10, Keaton Dotson 10, Yalen Reed 10, Jonathan Gillard 5, Peyton Anderson 4, Thomas Zazzaro 3, Matt Mathioweis 2.

Half: 49-23, Station Camp. Three-point goals: Hunters Lane 8 (Williams 5, Jackson 1, Overton 1, Winston 1), Station Camp 11 (Taylor 6, Dotson 2, Reed 2, Zazzaro 1). Records: Hunters Lane 0-1, Station Camp 1-0.