CLASS 6A

Oak Ridge Wildcats (7-3) at McMinn County Cherokees (8-2)

Kickoff, 7 p.m. EDT

The coaches: Oak Ridge’s Scott Blade, McMinn County’s Bo Cagle.

Playoff history: Oak Ridge is 56-23 in the postseason, McMinn County 11-15. The teams have met once in the playoffs with Oak Ridge winning 28-14 in a 1975 semifinal. Oak Ridge has four state championships and lost 14-7 to Ravenwood in the 2005 state finals. They missed the playoffs in 2006 and 2008 and lost a first-round game in 2007. McMinn has not advanced last the first two rounds since 2001 when the Cherokees lost in the quarterfinals to Ooltewah.

Things you may want to know: Oak Ridge has seven official football assistant coaches. ... The Wildcats’ colors are cardinal and gray. ... Both of these teams have already played and lost to Maryville, the likely opponent for the winner. If Dobyns-Bennett was to pull the upset, then McMinn-Oak Ridge winner would host. Dobyns-Bennett was ranked No. 1 going into the playoffs last year and McMinn beat the Indians 28-24. ... Both teams were members of Region 2-5A the previous four seasons and split those games. The Cherokees won 24-21 last year.

Getting here from there: An easy trip. Hop on I75 south to exit 49. Turn left and go approximately 3 miles to Congress Parkway (first major intersection) and turn right. School is on the left. Numerous eating establishments – fast food and chains – before getting to Congress Parkway and also just past the intersection.

The winner gets: The winner of the Dobyns-Bennett at Maryville game, likely Maryville (9-1).

Farragut Admirals (8-2) at Ooltewah Owls (9-1)

Kickoff, 7 p.m. EDT

The coaches: Farragut’s Eddie Courtney, Ooltewah’s Benny Monroe.

Playoff history: Farragut is 21-17 in the postseason, Ooltewah 12-8. Their last game was a 14-7 Ooltewah win in the 2008 playoff quarterfinals. Teams have met three times in the postseason with Ooltewah winning all three.

Things you may want to know: The Admirals list have 10 assistant coaches. ... Farragut’s school colors are navy and gray (although it’s spelled grey on their TSSAA directory info; FYI, grey is the preferred spelling in the UK, gray in the USA). ... Both teams were members of Region 2-5A the previous four seasons. Ooltewah has won the last two meetings (both in 2008) and four of the last five. Exit has changed since last year so beware. Also, most Farragut fans know if you turn left coming off exit that you can find fast food, especially burgers. There also is a Cracker Barrel and a Zaxby’s.

Getting here from there: Another easy trip. Turn right out of the Farragut parking lot onto Campbell Station Road, go a couple of miles to I-75 south and proceed to the Ooltewah exit.

The winner gets: the winner between unbeaten Sevier County (10-0) and Bearden (8-2).

CLASS 5A

Cleveland Blue Raiders (3-7) at Columbia Central Lions (9-1)

Kickoff, 8 p.m. EDT

The coaches: Cleveland’s E.K. Slaughter, Columbia’s Vance Belew.

Playoff history: Cleveland has a long history and possesses a 33-25 postseason record. However, the Blue Raiders haven’t played more than one game in the playoffs since 2002 when they reached the quarterfinals and lost to Maryville. Columbia has a 2-7 playoff record, has advanced only once twice in seven playoff years (1977, 2002). This is their first playoff showing since 2004.

Things you may want to know: Columbia’s colors are purple and gold. ... Belew has 11 assistant coaches. ... These two chools have never played previously. ... Columbia’s lone loss was to Independence following a seven-game win streak to open the season. Four of Columbia’s opponents had winning records. Eight of Cleveland’s opponents had records of .500 or better including McMinn County, Red Bank, Cookeville and Ooltewah.

Getting there from here: It’s approximately 185 miles. Take 75 south to I24 West to state highway 840 west just beyond Murfreesboro. Go about 20 miles to I-65 south and go six miles to Saturn Parkway toward Columbia. Take US 31 toward Columbia and go nine miles. Turn right onto US 412 and go about 3 miles before turning onto Industrial Park Road ramp. Turn left onto Industrial Park and go less than a half-mile before turning right onto North James Campbell Blvd. Another half-mile and turn right onto Hampshire Pike and then make a left onto Lion Parkway. School will be on the right.

The winner gets: the winner between Hillsboro (3-7) and Glencliff (5-5). Either way, if Cleveland wins the Blue Raiders will be on the road again.

CLASS 4A

Gibbs Eagles (6-4) at Red Bank Lions (10-0)

Kickoff, 7 p.m. EDT

The coaches: Gibbs’ Brad Conley, Red Bank’s Tim Daniels.

Playoff history: Red Bank is 20-20 overall and advanced to the quarterfinals in 2007 and 2006, losing each year to Maryville. The Lions won the state in 2000. Gibbs has been in the playoffs each of the last three years and lost to Knox Catholic (the 2008 3A state champ) each time.

Things you may want to know: Gibbs’ colors are Columbia blue and white. ... Gibbs has five assistants. ... Three of the Eagles’ opponents finished with 9-1 records. Six of Red Bank’s 10 opponents are in the playoffs including one-loss Boyd-Buchanan. There aren’t a whole lot of eating establishments close to where you get off the highway other than a Hardee’s. If you come early, there’s a good and inexpensive Japanese restaurant if you come off the 4-lane, make a right and then a left at the red light.

Getting here from there: Jump onto I-640 west to I40W/I75S and continue on I75S until merging onto I24W, proceeding through downtown Chattanooga to 27N. Continue on 27N to Morrison Springs Road exit. Turn left and go approximately 1.5 miles. Red Bank will be on the left.

The winner gets: The winner between Fulton (7-3) and East Ridge (7-3).

Brainerd Panthers (7-3) at Claiborne Bulldogs (8-2)

Kickoff, 7 p.m. EDT

The coaches: Brainerd’s Marvin Jones. Claiborne’s Barry Liles.

Playoff history: Brainerd is 5-10 in the playoffs and last advanced in 2007. They lost in the first round to Knox West. The Panthers made it to the second round in 1999 and 2000. Their best showing was in 1997 when they lost in the quarterfinals. Claiborne has played two games in the postseason, losing 70-26 and 64-8 to Knox Catholic and Knox Fulton respectively in 2005 and 2006.

Things you may want to know: Liles also serves as the school’s boys’ and girls’ track coach. ... He has four assistants. ... Claiborne’s colors are navy, silver and white. ... The Panthers and Bulldogs have never met previously.

Getting there from here: It’s about 150 miles and not too far from the Tennessee-Kentucky border. Take I24E to I75N to I-640E (exit 385) toward Lexington. Go six miles to US-441N and go 40 miles. Turn right onto Main Street and then make a near immediate left onto Davis Drive. School is less than a mile on the right.

The winner gets: The winner between Central (5-5) and Greeneville (7-3).

East Ridge Pioneers (7-3) at Fulton Falcons (7-3)

Kickoff, 7 p.m. EDT

The coaches: East Ridge’s Mike Martin, Fulton’s Buck Coatney.

Playoff history: East Ridge has made the playoffs in all but two seasons this decade, missing in 2006 and 2007. They made it last year but got shut out by White House in the first round to drop their playoff record to 2-10. Fulton has won numerous state championships and possesses a record of 31-15. They biggest loss is by 57 points (65-8) to Marion County (in 1995).

Things you may want to know: Fulton has nine assistants. ... The Falcons won state titles in 2003, 20094 and 2006. They lost in the state finals in 2007 and then failed to make the playoffs in 2008. ... A roundabout connection: Fulton lost to Austin East (20-14), which lost to Brainerd ((19-8), which lost to East Ridge (12-7).

Getting there from here: I-75 N and go about 100 miles to Knoxville/Airport/Lexington/UT exit and merge onto I-275 N toward Lexington. In less than two miles, take Woodland Ave./Oldham Ave. exit and turn right. Go 1.2 miles and turn left onto North Broadway NE. School will be visible from there.

The winner gets: The winner between Red Bank (10-0) and Gibbs (6-4).

Central Purple Pounders (5-5) at Greeneville Green Devils

Kickoff, 7 p.m. EDT

The coaches: Central’s David Barger, Greeneville’s Caine Ballard.

Playoff history: The history doesn’t include all the powerhouse teams Central put on the field from the 1930s through 1960s. Purple Pounders are listed with only 10 playoff games and a 4-6 record. They haven’t been since 2003 and that year they went 1-1, beating Powell and then, like so many Chattanooga teams in the past, losing to Maryville. Greeneville got to the semis last year before losing to Maryville. The Green Devils are 19-18 overall. Their playoff competition with Chattanooga area teams has been limited to a 1996 loss to Cleveland.

Things you may want to know: The Green Devils list 11 assistant coaches. Greeneville has actually gotten to the semifinals twice and lost both times to Maryville.

Getting there from here: Take your pick of ways to get on I-75, whether you go back to 153 from Central or go North up Hwy 58 and cut across. Either way you need to get on 75N and stay on I-75N/I-40E and stay on I-40 until you get to I-81. Go 22 miles to Exit 11 miles and then take US 11 E to Greeneville and go less than two miles before turning left onto South Main Street. Go 1/2 mile and turn right onto Tusculum Boulevard. School should be on the right.

The winner gets: the winner between Brainerd (7-3) and Claiborne (8-2).

CLASS 3A

Tyner Rams (6-4) at Alcoa Tornadoes (10-0)

Kickoff, 7 p.m. EDT

The coaches: Tyner’s Wayne Turner, Alcoa’s Gary Rankin.

Playoff history: Alcoa has won the last five AA state championships and thusly possesses a string of 25 straight playoff victories. Their last playoff loss came in the 2003 semifinals. The Tornadoes have a record of 68-12. They bested Tyner 31-14 in the 2005 semifinals. Tyner also has a pretty good postseason track record with two trips to the state finals and one state title. Over the last three seasons the Rams are 1-3 in the playoffs. Tyner has a 23-19 postseason record.

Things you may want to know: Rankin has 11 assistants including former McMinn Central assistant Brian Gossett and ex-Vol Rocky Riley, who is the brother of former UT lineman and ex-UTC assistant Spencer Riley. ... Alcoa averaged 39 points offensively and 8.7 defensively and that includes a win over perennial playoff performer Maryville. The Tornadoes also opened the year with a 41-14 win over Kentucky defending 4A state champ Bell County, which bested Soddy-Daisy later in the season.

Getting there from here: Take I-75 N to I-140 E toward Maryville, go approximately 10 miles and merge onto Airport Hwy/Alcoa Hwy (US-129 S). Go three miles and take the TN-335 ramp, bearing slight right and then slight left onto Mills Street. Go 1/2 mile and turn left onto Farady Street. School should be visible from there.

The winner gets: the winner between CAK (9-1) and McMinn Central (7-3).

McMinn Central Chargers (7-3) at Christian Academy of Knoxville Warriors (9-1)

Kickoff, 7 p.m. EDT

The coaches: Central’s Josh Goodin, CAK’s Rusty Bradley.

Playoff history: Central lost in the state finals in 1993 and hasn’t gotten past the first round since 1995 when they lost in the semifinals to Marion County. That’s nine straight postseason losses including a 28-14 setback to DeKalb County in 2008. The Chargers have an overall record of 9-18. CAK made a run to the 2003 semifinals but lost to Boyd-Buchanan 37-6. They have won at least one game in each playoff year since and have been in the playoffs each of the past four seasons. All four times they lost to Alcoa in the second round. Their record is 7-5.

Things you may want to know: The Warriors list eight assistants including former Vols offensive lineman Jarvis Reado and defensive back Fred White. ... They were teammates of Goodin’s brother Matt, a UT walk-on. Josh played at UTC. ... CAK’s lone loss came in its last game (Alcoa). Only four of the Warriors’ opponents had winning records. ... This time last year, Goodin was an assistant helping McMinn County get ready for its gigantic upset of top-ranked Kingsport Dobyns-Bennett.

Getting there from here: From the school parking lot, make your way to I-75 and head for Knoxville. Continue on to at I-75/I/40 junction, bearing right. Continue approximately 10 miles to Cedar Bluff Road exit (378). Turn left and go about 1/2 mile and then turn left again at Dutchtown Road. Go slightly less than 1/2 mile and turn left onto Christian Academy Boulevard. If, on Cedar Bluff road, you see Knox Catholic on your right, then you have gone too far. There are numerous eating establishments off Cedar Bluff road, especially if you go right instead of left.

The winner gets: The winner between Tyner (6-4) and Alcoa (10-0)

Loudon Redsksins (8-2) at Bledsoe County Warriors (8-2)

Kickoff, 8 p.m. EDT

The coaches: Loudon’s Jeff Harig, Bledsoe’s Jason Reel.

Playoff history: Loudon has a record of 29-16 and won state championships in 1969, 1974 and 1975. They got to the quarterfinals last year and got shut out by Alcoa. This is the Redskins’ fifth straight postseason appearance. Bledsoe made the playoffs in 2006 and 2007 and lost first-round games each time. However, last time the Warriors made the postseason with a winning record was 1998. That was also the last year they advanced past the first round. Bledsoe’s postseason record is 4-12.

Things you may want to know: Loudon’s colors are red and white. ... The Redskins have six assistant coaches. ... Bledsoe and Loudon have never met in the postseason.

Getting here from there: Take I-75S to exit 49 and turn right (Hwy 30) and continue through Decatur and Dayton via Hwy 30 to US-127 (approximately 41 miles). Turn left and proceed approximately 1.5 miles. School will be on the right.

The winner gets: The winner between Kingston (5-5) and Polk County (10-0).

Kingston Yellowjackets (5-5) at Polk County Wildcats (10-0)

Kickoff, 8 p.m. EDT

The coaches: Kingston’s Vic King, Polk’s Derrick Davis.

Playoff history: Kingston has made four trips to the state finals and has one state championship. Their last finals trip was in 1998. Since 2000, Kingston is 2-7 with a first-round win (over Seymour) last year. Their overall playoff record is 28-22. Meigs has never met Polk County in the postseason. Polk has been in the playoffs every year since 2001 but the Wildcats haven’t won a game since the first round of 2002, translating to a string of seven straight playoff losses.

Things you may want to know: Kingston’s colors are navy and orange. ... They list seven assistant coaches. ... It has been at least 35 years since the school played. ... Polk County posted its first unbeaten season since 1917 with a Friday victory over Meigs County. ... The Wildcats’ district championship is the first for Davis.

Getting here from there: Pick up I-40 East to I-75S (approximately 15 miles) and proceed to Exit 52 (Athens), turning left onto TN-305 (Mt. Verd Road). Go 4.9 miles and follow US-11, TN-30 E about nine miles. Turn onto US-411/N and proceed 12 miles. School will be on the left.

The winner gets: The winner between Loudon (8-2) and Bledsoe County (8-2).

Grundy County Yellowjackets (5-5) at Goodpasture Cougars (8-2)

Kickoff, 8 p.m. EDT

The coaches: Grundy’s Nick Bryant, Goodpasture’s David Martin.

Playoff history: Grundy’s last trip to the playoffs was in 2004 and the Yellowjackets’ last playoff win came in 2003 (16-15 over Trousdale County). They have a 5-11 record. Goodpasture has been a playoff fixture since 1992, losing state playoff championships to Alcoa in 2005, 2006 and 2007. Last year they made it to the semifinals before losing to Milan. Their postseason record is 55-21.

Things you may want to know: Goodpasture’s colors are blue, white and gold. ... They list six assistants . ... Only Chattanooga area team that has a postseason win over the Cougars is Tyner (2003). Their victims include Meigs County (1995 state finals), Marion County, Polk County, Sequatchie County and the aforementioned Tyner Rams,

Getting there from here: I-24W to Nashville and go 62 miles to I-65 N toward Clarksville/Louisville but go less than two miles before exiting at Exit 47A (Spring Street) heading toward US-31E (Ellington Parkway). Ellington turns into Briarville road after five miles and Briarville becomes South Graycroft. Turn left onto West Due West Avenue. School is on left.

The winner gets: The winner between York Institute (7-3) and Sequatchie County (6-4).

Alvin C. York Institute Dragons (7-3) at Sequatchie County Indians (6-4)

Kickoff, 8 p.m. EDT

The coaches: York’s Dickie Brown, Sequatchie’s Chad Barger.

Playoff history: York has a playoff record of 4-12 and eight of the losses have come to Chattanooga area teams including Bledsoe County, Boyd-Buchanan, Hoard, Marion County, and McMinn Central. Sequatchie has one trip to the state finals but hasn’t won a game since the 1997 opening round. They Indians have been saddled with six straight losses including a 5-0 setback to Smith County last year.

Things you may want to know: Most Sequatchie followers will remember York coach Brown. He was head coach at Bledsoe County for several years before going to White County and then to York. ... Barger played for Brown at Bledsoe and then served as a volunteer assistant under him in 2000. ... There is the usual variety of fast-food restaurants.

Getting here from there: It’s almost a straight shot down US-127 (about 86 miles). Make a slight right onto TN-28S and school will be on right.

The winner gets: The winner between Grundy County (5-5) and Goodpasture (8-2).

CLASS 2A

Boyd-Buchanan Buccaneers (9-1) receive bye

The coach: Grant Reynolds.

Playoff history: The Bucs had three straight title runs from 002-2004 and won the state in 2003. They went 2-1 last year and saw their season end in a 7-6 upset loss to Marion County. Their overall playoff record over 12 years is 27-11.

They will host: The winner between Forrest (9-1) and Marion County (6-4)

Silverdale Baptist Seahawks (5-5) vs. Signal Mountain Eagles (9-1)

Kickoff, 7 p.m. EDT

The coaches: Silverdale’s John Allen, Signal Mountain’s Bill Price.

Playoff history: Signal has none, this being the Eagles’ first year of varsity competition. Still a relatively new school, Silverdale has made the playoffs each of the past two seasons under Allen but lost each time.

Things you may want to know: Allen was named Price’s successor at Bradley Central and both are former head coaches at Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe. ... Signal went undefeated last year in 10 junior varsity games. If you’re going early, there’s a neat Italian restaurant known as the Pastaria (or Nino’s).

The winner gets: a trip to Cascade (7-3), recipient of a first-round bye.

Marion County Warriors (6-4) at Forrest Rockets (9-1)

Kickoff, 8 p.m. EDT

The coaches: Marion’s Troy Boeck, Forrest’s Kyle Stacey.

Playoff history: The Warriors’ playoff history is rich but rusty. They won state titles in 1990, 1992, 1994 and 1995. However, until last year when they reached the state semifinals had just one win in a nine-year stretch. Their overall record is 44-23. Forrest has never gotten more than two games into the postseason and the Rockets haven’t done that since 1992. They have lost seven straight playoff games including a 25-21 setback to Mt. Pleasant in 2006, their last postseason trip. They have a record of -17.

Things you may want to know: The Rockets list five assistants. ... Their school colors are blue, white and red.

Getting there from here: Take I-24W and go 82 miles to TN-840W (exit 74A) toward Franklin. Then take US-31A/US-41A (exit 42) and turn left toward Shelbyville/Lewisburg. Continue on 31-A (Horton Highway) slightly more than 15 miles and school will be visible.

The winner gets: a trip to Boyd-Buchanan (9-1), recipient of a first-round bye.

CLASS 1A

South Pittsburg (8-2) receives bye

The coach: Vic Grider.

Playoff history: The Pirates have been to seven state finals, winning four state championships. The Pirates’ last title came in 207 when they went 17-0. They were upset in last year’s quarterfinals by Trousdale County, leaving them with a 52-22 record.

They will host: the winner between Eagleville (3-7) and Monterey (5-5)

Copper Basin Cougars (5-5) at Coalfield Yellow Jackets (3-7)

Kickoff, 7 p.m. EDT

The coaches: Copper Basin’s Patrick Daley, Coalfield’s Keith Henry.

Playoff history: Teams have met three times in the postseason with Coalfield winning twice. However, Copper Basin won the most recent meeting, posting a 27-0 victory in 2000. Although they haven’t been to the playoffs since 2004, the Cougars had a stretch of postseason showings in 11 of 13 years from 1992 through 2004. Their playoff record is 5-15. Since a trip to the 2006 quarterfinals, Coalfield has lost openers the last two years, dropping their record to 19-21.

Things you may want to know: Coalfield’s colors are orange, black and white. ... The Yellow Jackets list five assistants.

Getting there from here: It’s about 125 miles. Take I-75N to I-40W. Go three miles and take US-321 (exit 364) toward Lenoir City/Oak Ridge, picking up TN-95 N for 6.5 miles. Merge onto Hwy 58S/Oak Ridge turnpike to Kingsport and go slightly more than a mile. Then turn right onto Blair Road (Tn-327) and go almost 6 miles before turning right again onto TN-61 (Harriman Highway/Hannah Highway) and go another 6 miles. Turn left onto TN-62 (Winter Gap Road) and go 4 miles and turning left onto Fairview road.

The winner gets: a trip to Harriman (6-4), recipient of a first-round bye.

Lookout Valley Yellow Jackets (7-3) at Gordonsville Tigers (6-4)

Kickoff, 8 p.m. EDT

The coaches: Lookout Valley’s Tony Webb. Gordonsville’s Ron Marshall.

Playoff history: The Yellow Jackets played a second-round game at Gordonsville two years ago and lost 38-13. They have won three games in 14 tries, last winning in 2007 (49-21 over Watertown). It was out of character for Gordonsville when the Tigers failed to make the playoffs last year. They’ve been there 23 years and have a 29-22 record. The Bulldogs have wins over Lookout Valley in 2002, 2005 and 2007.

Things you may want to know: Gordonsville’s colors are royal blue and white. ... The Tigers have five assistant coaches.

Getting there from here: Go through Chattanooga onto US-27N to TN-111 (Dunlap and Sparta). Merge onto I-40 W and go 29.9 miles, taking Exit 258 (TN-53) to the left for a half-mile. Turn left on East Main Street (TN-141) and go one mile.

The winner gets: a trip to Middle Tennessee Christian (4-6), recipient of a first-round bye.

DIVISION II-AA

St. Benedict Eagles (3-7) at Baylor Red Raiders (6-4)

Kickoff, 7 p.m. EDT

The coaches: St. Benedict’s Mike David, Baylor’s Phil Massey.

Playoff history: St. Benedict hasn’t done much since but the Eagles went to the state finals in 1996. They have suffered seven straight postseason losses and have a 5-11 playoff record. Baylor won a state title in 1973 but has gotten no further than the semifinals since. However, there are four semifinal visits since 1997. The Red Raiders are back in the playoffs for the first time since 2006. They have an 18-20 record.

Things you may want to know: The Eagles principal is former Notre Dame assistant principal George Valadie. ... The Eagles list seven assistants. ... Their colors are red and blue.

Getting here from there: It’s approximately 325 miles. Take I-40E to Nashville and merge onto I-24E to Chattanooga where you’ll merge onto US-27N toward Chattanooga/downtown. Proceed across Tennessee River to Signal Mountain Blvd. exit. Entrance to Baylor school should be on your left at third traffic light. There are some places to eat close to Baylor but the majority is fast food. A favorite locally that’s close is Nicky’s which is on Cherokee Boulevard, (take Whitehall Road exit, turn right at stop sign and goo through tunnel) but there also is a neat pizza place called Crust on Signal Mountain Boulevard, a Waffle House and two barbecue places — one almost directly across from the Baylor entrance and another further down Signal Mountain Boulevard on the right called Shuford’s. There are some fast food places on Dayton Boulevard (two exits up from the Signal Mountain Boulevard exit and Dayton Boulevard intersects Signal Mountain Boulevard).

The winner gets: A trip to MUS (10-0).

McCallie Blue Tornado (4-6) at Briarcrest Saints (6-4)

Kickoff, 8 p.m. EDT

The coaches: McCallie’s Rick Whitt, Briarcrest’s Major Wright.

Playoff history: McCallie won the state in 2001 and made the finals in 2006. They lost a first-round game to Ensworth last year. They have made eight semifinal appearances since 1998 but have an 11-20 playoff record.

Things you may want to know: Briarcrest’s colors are green and gold. ... Wright has nine assistants.

Getting there from here: I-24W to South Pittsburg (Exit 152). Merge onto US-72 and go 71 miles to I-565 W for 21.5 miles. I-565 becomes US-72A for 47 miles and US-72A becomes US-72 W (119 miles and passing through Mississippi and back into Tennessee). Pick up Bill Morris Parkway toward Memphis for 3.6 miles. Take Houston Levee Road exit (.3 miles) and then North Bailey Station Road ramp (0.1 miles) before merging onto South Houston Street. Go six miles and turn right onto Houston Levee Road. Proceed slightly more than a half-mile.

The winner gets: A trip to Father Ryan (7-3).