All kickoffs at 7:30 EDT unless noted
* district/region game
BAYLOR RED RAIDERS (5-1) at OAKLAND (5-1)
Storyline: The Red Raiders rake their show to Murfreesboro after a tough rivalry loss to McCallie. Baylor's offense never got going last week, and its defensive front will be tested this week against an Oakland offensive line that includes University of Tennessee commitments Kyle Oliver at TE and Jack Jones at OT.
* BRENTWOOD ACADEMY (6-1, 2-1) at McCALLIE (7-0, 3-0)
Storyline: The gauntlet for the Blue Tornado continues. After wins against undefeated foes Bowling Green (Ky.), Ensworth and Baylor, McCallie welcomes the Eagles to Spears Stadium. The Blue Tornado have been highly efficient offensively, but last week the defense was every bit as impressive. The Eagles' loss was 52-44 to Montgomery Bell Academy, and they beat Pope John Paul II 50-10 last week.
* CENTRAL PURPLE POUNDERS (4-1, 1-2) at BRAINERD PANTHERS (2-5, 2-1)
Storyline: The Pounders finally got a District 6-AA win last week but trail Brainerd in the standings after the Panthers got their second win in three games, scoring a season-high 53 points vs. Howard. Central has one of the stingiest defenses in the state, allowing 9.7 points per game, but must contend with Brainerd QB Tevin Walker, RBs Tre Davenport and Marcus Hudson and WR Kaylen Stewart.
CHATTANOOGA CHRISTIAN CHARGERS (3-3) at SILVERDALE BAPTIST SEAHAWKS (3-3)
Storyline: It's a nondistrict battle but a game that could include some bragging rights. The Chargers let a District 7-AA win slip away last week -- surrendering 16 fourth-quarter points to Grundy County. Silverdale is coming off an open date. CCS QB Zach Mercer has picked up his game and completed 9 of 16 for 206 yards in the loss. SBA has relied heavily on RBs Hunter Arnold and Tanner Webb, but QB Nathan Keylon has completed 55 percent of his passes for 503 yards and four TDs.
CARTER HORNETS (4-2) at McMINN CENTRAL CHARGERS (7-0)
Storyline: Carter's 35-13 win last week at Union County was its fourth victory in five games since a season-opening loss to Gibbs. The Hornets, though, will have to contend with Chargers RB Logan Jackson, who is coming off a 232-yard, two-TD rushing performance in his team's road win at Sweetwater. Central was challenged in mid-September, getting back-to-back wins over Grace Christian and Polk County by a total of three points, but has scored 40-plus points each of the last two weeks.
BOYD-BUCHANAN BUCCANEERS (1-5) at SOUTH PITTSBURG PIRATES (3-3)
Storyline: Both teams have struggled some this season, the Bucs mightily before winning 55-7 last week over District 5-A foe Grace Academy. In this renewal of a notorious rivalry, South Pittsburg has had two weeks to scheme for the Bucs while getting healthy and has won its last two games while scoring 78 points. None of the Pirates' losses have come within their 1A classification. Boyd-Buchanan also has one of the toughest Class A schedules in the state.
COPPER BASIN COUGARS (4-2) at MARION COUNTY (6-1), 8
Storyline: The Cougars have had no problem scoring points, averaging 31.3 per game, but they have had trouble holding down opponents. Their two losses are by a total of six points, and they've won four of their last five. But they're stepping up from Class 1A against 2A Marion County, which lost only to Class 4A Central, and that was 7-0. The Warriors depend heavily on a stout running game, and most of the varsity rested for three quarters in a lopsided District 6-A win over Sale Creek eight days ago.
LOOKOUT VALLEY YELLOW JACKETS (1-5) at MEIGS COUNTY (2-4)
Storyline: A couple of turnovers likely kept Meigs from an upset win over Knoxville Grace Christian, but the Tigers already were handicapped by the loss of RB Dakota Ricker to a knee injury. The Yellow Jackets have had injury troubles in a big way as well. Coach Tony Webb started the season with 32 players and dressed 16 last week. They get one back this week in DB/WR Austin Stansifer. "If you look at the defense we started in the jamboree, eight of them are out," Webb said. The Jackets have had to cancel their junior-varsity games.
SALE CREEK PANTHERS (0-6) at GRACE ACADEMY GOLDEN EAGLES (0-6)
Storyline: The Panthers are now 16 games into varsity football and still looking for their first victory, while the Golden Eagles won their last two games of 2013 on the way to a 4-6 finish. Grace last had a winning season (6-5) in its 2011 playoff year. Both teams are struggling for players, each fielding 20-25 the past few weeks.
POLK COUNTY WILDCATS (0-6) at NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH (5-1)
Storyline: Polk coach Derrick Davis still has enough healthy players to practice -- there were 33 Tuesday -- but for the first time in 13 years he is limiting contact and has been forced to cancel junior-varsity games. "I have lost track of the injuries. We're basically taking a JV team to play," he said. "All I can do is take my hat off to the guys that are going to finish what they started." Notre Dame is coming off an impressive victory over Signal Mountain. LB Kealey Green suffered a knee injury against Signal and was diagnosed with an MCL injury that might allow him to rejoin the team before the state playoffs.
* EAST RIDGE PIONEERS (2-5, 1-2) at RED BANK LIONS (3-3, 2-0)
Storyline: It's another must-win situation for the Pioneers, who last week suffered another District 6-AA loss after being picked as a preseason co-favorites. Opponents have latched on to the idea of controlling QB JoJo Tillery, and it's greatly enhancing their chances of winning. The Pioneers were in the red zone four times against Hixson but lost 15-0. Red Bank WR Malik Davis and RB DeMarcus Rivers have been playing well along with NG Jaylen Moore and LBs Courtney Stamper and Robert Perry.
SEQUATCHIE COUNTY INDIANS (3-3) at STONE MEMORIAL PANTHERS (4-3)
Storyline: When the Indians' offensive line is clicking, the team has fared well with RBs Colby Reed, Adam Pickett and Hayden Hicks. Those three are averaging a combined 242 rushing yards per game. Sophomore LB Hunter Davenport is averaging 10 tackles per game and has 20 lost-yardage hits. The Panthers ended a two-game losing streak last Friday, holding on for a 40-34 win over Warren County (2-5).
* TYNER RAMS (0-6, 0-2) at HOWARD HUSTLIN' TIGERS (0-6, 0-2)
Storyline: One team is deep into a rebuilding program with a first-year coach (Howard's Mark Teague) and the other is drowning in mistakes and turnovers. Rams RB Chasen Patrick turned in the area's seventh-best rushing performance last week (222 yards), but they fell by 20 points to Central. Howard has struggled, scoring a total of 31 points while suffering three shutouts, including a 53-point loss to Brainerd last week. Based on opponents' records, Tyner has the toughest schedule in the state among Class 4A and Class 3A teams.
* CLEVELAND BLUE RAIDERS (3-4, 2-1) at BRADLEY CENTRAL BEARS (2-4, 0-2)
Storyline: Although this game might not have the same District-5-AAA championship implications as it has in the past few seasons, the rivalry should still bring out the best in both teams. Despite missing their top two running backs at different times this season, the Blue Raiders still are averaging 171 rushing yards per game. Passing has paced Bradley's offense. QB Cole Copeland has spread the ball mainly to four receivers, each with more than 20 catches so far.
* EAST HAMILTON HURRICANES (1-5, 1-2) at McMINN COUNTY CHEROKEES (1-5, 1-1)
Storyline: After five losses to start the season, the District 5-AAA Cherokees get an opportunity to start a winning streak if they can defeat the Hurricanes, who have struggled since the loss of their starting QB in the season opener. The Cherokees' rushing attack, paced by RB D.J. Kimpson, has been their strength. The Hurricanes found some success with Matt Milita, a converted RB and WR, moving to the QB position last week.
* OOLTEWAH OWLS (7-0, 3-0) at WALKER VALLEY MUSTANGS (4-2, 1-1)
Storyline: The strength of Ooltewah's state-ranked team has been its defense, but its offense has gone to another level since the insertion of Kelvin Leon to full-time starter at QB a few weeks ago. Leon has been able to distribute the ball to athletes in space. District 5-AAA opponent Walker Valley has been led by its running game and its defensive front seven, who have been able to get pressure on every QB they have faced this season.
SODDY-DAISY TROJANS (4-2) at RHEA COUNTY EAGLES (6-0)
Storyline: The Trojans have one of the most explosive offenses in the area, led by QB Hunter Maynor. He's been a distributor, getting the ball to WRs Blake Smith, Tre Carter and Levi Thornton, who have a combined 78 catches for 1,489 yards and 16 touchdowns. Christian Bell adds a threat in the running game. The Eagles have been explosive in their own right, led by their running game that averages 320.5 yards and almost five scores per game. WR Noel Patterson adds a deep threat if teams don't honor QB Daniel Dotson's passing ability.
WHITWELL TIGERS (3-4) at CLAY COUNTY BULLDOGS (3-4), 8
Storyline: Clay County endured a three-game skid before recovering last week with a 33-0 victory at Pickett County. But the Bulldogs are facing a ground-and-pound running game that boasts four runners averaging 5.7 yards per carry and a combined 302 yards per game. They are Clay McHone, Cody Ingrassia, Tyler Tate and Jack Sartin.
* LAKEVIEW-FORT OGLETHORPE WARRIORS (3-3, 3-1) at RINGGOLD TIGERS (3-2, 1-2)
Storyline: A state playoff spot could be on the line tonight at Don Patterson Stadium as the Catoosa County rivals clash, but each team is dealing with personnel issues. The Warriors are thin in the offensive line after a couple of starters quit the team. The Tigers are down four senior starters tonight after two on defense, including leading tackler Seth Pierce, decided to leave the team and two on offense, Kile Sholl (broken foot) and Bryan Derben, are out with injuries. Ringgold is the far deeper team, so expect a big dose of running back D.L. Goins and an active game from DLs Zach Morris and Michael King. LFO needs a big game from QB Ryan Keefe and RB Jesse Flanagan.
* DALTON CATAMOUNTS (5-1, 3-0) at ROME WOLVES (1-3, 1-1)
Storyline: Dalton is scoring more than 40 points a game in Region 7A-AAAAA play behind an offense displaying exceptional balance. The running game, long a Catamounts staple, is still strong behind RBs Kelvis Rhodes and Tyler Noland, but it's in the passing game where the team has become suddenly explosive. QB Payton Veraldi, off a 330-yard, six-TD game, has dangerous WRs in Zek Cobb and Peter Sigmon. The Cats will face another hot passing team as Rome QB Josh Perkins threw for 388 yards and four scores in a win over River Ridge, though no team has had much luck throwing on the Dalton secondary.
* RIDGELAND PANTHERS (3-2, 1-1) at CARTERSVILLE PURPLE HURRICANES (4-1, 2-0)
Storyline: Ridgeland was completely shut down by Gilmer County, totaling less than 100 yards offensively, and tonight it faces an even tougher defense. The Hurricanes not only shut down Heritage last week but scored two defensive TDs and will focus squarely on Ridgeland RBs Caderius Word, Chris Henderson and emerging freshman Markeith Montgomery. The Panthers will have to check a balanced Cartersville attack led by RB Tiamon Pennymon and QB Trevor Lawrence.
* SOUTHEAST WHITFIELD RAIDERS (5-0, 2-0) at PICKENS COUNTY DRAGONS (4-1, 1-1)
Storyline: If the Raiders want to prove they are for real, this is the time. Southeast has to avoid another slow start after having to rally in four of its wins, and the defense has to make the Dragons uncomfortable. That means slowing prolific RB Shannon Brooks, who has more than 900 rushing yards and is coming off back-to-back 200-yard games. The Raiders have plenty of offensive firepower to stay in the game. QB Will Swantic has had more than 100 yards rushing in consecutive games and RB Tyler Brown is coming off his best game -- 186 yards and three scores. Get ready for a shootout.
* NORTHWEST WHITFIELD BRUINS (3-2, 1-1) at GILMER COUNTY BOBCATS (4-1, 1-1)
Storyline: It's a bad time to be beat up, but that's what the Bruins are dealing with as their two top RBs and top receiver are out, which showed up in a one-sided loss to Pickens County. The offense needs a stellar night from QB Caleb Shiflett against a defense no team has run on with much effectiveness. The Northwest defense will focus most of its energy on stopping talented Gilmer QB Chris James.
* LaFAYETTE RAMBLERS (2-3, 0-2) at HERITAGE GENERALS (2-3, 0-2)
Storyline: The Ramblers are still smarting after losing an early 15-0 lead against Southeast Whitfield but believe their offense is beginning to take off after accumulating more than 350 total yards with QB Evan Head turning in another nice game. Nothing went right for the Generals in a pasting against Cartersville, but if the defense can keep Head and playmaker Kolbe Mosely under control, this one could be decided at the end.
* SONORAVILLE PHOENIX (4-2, 3-1) at CALHOUN YELLOW JACKETS (6-0, 4-0)
Storyline: Sonoraville gets a shot at Gordon County power Calhoun after knocking off rival Gordon Central last week. The challenge tonight, however, is on a different level as the Yellow Jackets are clicking on both sides of the ball. QB Kaelen Riley had a breakout game last week against Adairsville, accounting for five TDs and more than 300 yards of total offense, while the defense, though beat up a bit, is nearly impossible to run against. The Phoenix offense is led by QB Cody Long, RB Brandon Dendy and receiver Clark Johnson.
* COAHULLA CREEK COLTS (0-5, 0-3) at GORDON CENTRAL WARRIORS (0-6, 0-4)
Storyline: Coahulla Creek scored its first points of the season last week in a seven-point loss to Murray County. The Warriors have scored in every game, but not enough to win any, including a 27-3 loss at Sonoraville last week.
* MURRAY COUNTY WARRIORS (2-3, 1-2) at ADAIRSVILLE TIGERS (4-1, 2-1)
Storyline: Senior QB Justin Smith has been making some plays for the Warriors. LB Kevin Chavez "is the heart of the team," coach Chad Brewer said, and has 78 total tackles thus far. He'll be trying to tackle Adairsville's backs, "who are like linebackers running the ball," Brewer said. Sidnee Johnson is a tough one among them.
* DADE COUNTY WOLVERINES (1-4, 0-1) at DARLINGTON TIGERS (5-1, 2-0)
Storyline: The Wolverines haven't had the season they expected. Lineman Reid Hulgan departed, a RB is playing QB, and they've lost four consecutive games with a total of 18 points scored. The Tigers have scored at least 21 points in each of their five victories.
* GORDON LEE TROJANS (2-4, 1-1) at COOSA EAGLES (3-2, 1-0)
Storyline: Can Coosa's roll continue? The Eagles have scored at least 28 points in three consecutive wins. The Trojans are limited in their capability to match Coosa point for point. But the Trojans did score 33 points last week at Darlington.
* CHRISTIAN HERITAGE LIONS (3-3, 1-0) at MT. ZION, CARROLL, EAGLES (4-2, 1-0)
Storyline: Can the Lions really roar? They won 3-0 last week against Trion. Coach Preston Poag said QB Tyson Cooper is throwing the ball better and WR Ahmad Turner has had some big plays called back because of penalties. Defensively, Evan Townsend made 19 tackles last week, and Matt Cook had another 16 stops.
* SCOTTSBORO WILDCATS (4-2, 3-0) at FORT PAYNE WILDCATS (5-1, 4-0), 8
Storyline: This is one of the biggest rivalries in northeastern Alabama. Scottsboro broke a four-game Fort Payne win streak last year, 35-20, but Fort Payne leads the series 31-23-2. Scottsboro bettered its 30.6 scoring average through five games with 39 last week but fell to North Jackson, another strong rival. Fort Payne rebounded from a Sept. 26 loss without its QB to Hazel Green with a 28-7 victory over Huntsville Lee. Replacement QB Jay Tyler Ellis threw three TD passes. Scottsboro has a strong running game led by sophomore DeKarlos Billingsley, who is coming off a 346-yard rushing performance.
* COLLINSVILLE PANTHERS (3-3, 1-2) at IDER HORNETS (4-2, 1-2), 8
Storyline: These programs last met in 1999 with Ider suffering a 21-0 loss. The Hornets are led by Jarrett Palmer. This is the first of three tough region games for Collinsville, which has lost three consecutive. After Ider, it will face Gaston and Fyffe. Ider entered last week's open date having averaged 52.5 points in establishing a two-game win streak.
* NORTH SAND MOUNTAIN BISON (0-6, 0-4) at NEW HOPE INDIANS (3-5, 2-2), 8
Storyline: The Bison are adjusting offensively to their step up in classification but still are struggling defensively, giving up 46 points per game. New Hope is tied for third in the region.
* WESTMINSTER CHRISTIAN WILDCATS (4-2, 3-1) at NORTH JACKSON CHIEFS (4-2, 3-1), 8
Storyline: Both teams lost to Locust Fork, and each also beat Priceville and DAR. The Chiefs are coming off a big rivalry win, 42-39 over Scottsboro, while Westminster was beating DAR by 18. North Jackson beat DAR by 30. The Chiefs are led by RB Octavius Matthews, who is averaging 144 rushing yards, and QB Logan Walters, who has surpassed the 1,300-yard total-offense mark already.
FYFFE RED DEVILS (6-0) vs. VALLEY HEAD TIGERS (3-2), 8
Storyline: The Tigers have won two games in a row and played their way into a first-place tie in Region 7-1A with a 20-0 victory, paced by Jeremy Young's 121 rushing yards. However, their competition level rockets upward tonight with the Red Devils, ranked No. 1 in Alabama Class 2A. It's been 13 years since these schools have met in football. Fyffe rushed last week for an astounding 482 yards.