All kickoffs 7:30 Eastern unless noted
* district/region game
* BRENTWOOD ACADEMY EAGLES (7-1, 3-1) at BAYLOR RED RAIDERS (5-2, 2-1)
Storyline: The Eagles complete the Scenic City swing after coming to town and blasting McCallie last week. Operating behind an overpowering offensive front, sophomore QB Jeremiah Oatsvall ran for two scores and threw for another as the BA offense put 59 on the previously unbeaten Blue Tornado. The Baylor defense will be challenged and its offense will need to help by extending drives.
* BRAINERD PANTHERS (2-6, 2-2) at TYNER RAMS (1-6, 1-2)
Storyline: The Rams are coming off their first win of the season, thumping winless Howard, a team that also lost to the Panthers. This District 6-AA game has special meaning, though, because the winner can claim the mythical inner-city championship. Tyner has been more of a ground-and-pound team while Brainerd has shown a penchant for the flash-and-dash, big-play explosiveness. Tyner has won the last two in the series, both by at least 27 points, and has taken four of the last five.
* BLEDSOE COUNTY WARRIORS (3-4, 0-3) at GRUNDY COUNTY YELLOW JACKETS (3-4, 2-1), 8
Storyline: The Jackets have won three of the last five meetings, including two consecutive and the last two played at Coalmont. Bledsoe has struggled, especially in District 7-AA, losing two by shutout before scoring 24 in last week's loss to Sequatchie County. Grundy has lost three of its last four but last week regrouped and moved into third place in the district with a win over Chattanooga Christian.
* HIXSON WILDCATS (5-2, 3-0) at RED BANK LIONS (4-3, 3-0)
Storyline: The winner of this one likely secures a playoff spot and the definite inside track on the District 6-AA championship. They're the only 6-AA unbeatens remaining but each still has two district games left after this one. Hixson's veer offense continues to function efficiently, and the defense was good enough to confound East Ridge and hand the Pioneers a 15-0 loss in their last game. The Wildcats, who have taken the last two from the Lions, had an open date last week while Red Bank was slipping by East Ridge 14-7.
* HOWARD HUSTLIN' TIGERS (0-7, 0-3) at CENTRAL PURPLE POUNDERS (5-2, 2-2)
Storyline: Central holds a 3-2 advantage over the past five years, and Howard won 20-14 in its last visit to Central in 2012. This Howard team, under first-year head coach Mark Teague, has been shut out three times and has averaged barely seven points per game. The Tigers had a season-high 19 against Tyner last week. The Pounders, who also had found points hard to come by, put up a season-high 37 last week. They move from average to above-average when oft-injured RB Isyah Funk is in the lineup.
* NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH (6-1, 3-0) at SEQUATCHIE COUNTY (3-4, 1-2), 8
Storyline: The Irish are on a roll and now control their own destiny with regard to the District 7-AA title thanks to a stout defense that has given up just a field goal over the last three weeks and an offense anchored by RB Auston Banks, WR Kareem Orr and QB Alex Darras. They showed in a win over Signal Mountain that they could handle a stiff running game like that Sequatchie will run out tonight in Dunlap. That offense has been led by sophomore Adam Pickett, who has combined with Colby Reed, Hayden Hicks and Branden Rudd to account for 320 rushing yards per game. The Irish haven't lost since falling 15-12 to still-unbeaten Knoxville Catholic in the season opener. They're giving up 7.4 points per game and have allowed 10 or more points twice. The Indians are averaging 28.7 points per game.
* SALE CREEK PANTHERS (0-7, 0-2) at WHITWELL TIGERS (4-4, 1-2), 8
Storyline: The Tigers are back for their last home game of the regular season and can move back above .500 overall with a third straight win in their last District 6-A game. The Panthers had high hopes last week but were crushed by Grace Academy and continue seeking the program's first win. Whitwell likes to run the football and has four players who have scored at least 45 points. Clay McHone, Cody Ingrassia, Tyler Tate and Jack Sartin combined are rushing for better than 300 yards per game.
* SIGNAL MOUNTAIN EAGLES (6-1, 2-1) at CHATTANOOGA CHRISTIAN CHARGERS (4-3, 1-2)
Storyline: With three games remaining, the Chargers need one win to secure their first .500 or better finish. A state-playoff appearance is a possibility. Signal, meanwhile, has secured a playoff berth and will be jockeying for a postseason home game or two. The Eagles were off last Friday and have had two weeks to refine an offense now without sophomore RB Skye Wilson (knee).
* SILVERDALE BAPTIST SEAHAWKS (3-4, 0-1) at GRACE ACADEMY GOLDEN EAGLES (1-6, 0-1)
Storyline: The Golden Eagles have to be reinvigorated after their first win of the season last week, while the Seahawks, scrambling to salvage a winning season, are trying to put a mistake-filled loss to Chattanooga Christian behind them. They put the ball on the ground nine times. Four were turnovers, and the others often left them with two-play possessions before punts. Both District 5-A teams are still in the playoff picture with three games left on the schedule.
* SOUTH PITTSBURG PIRATES (3-4, 2-0) at LOOKOUT VALLEY YELLOW JACKETS (1-6, 0-2)
Storyline: Injuries have decimated the Yellow Jackets, but South Pittsburg is in the unusual situation of battling for a .500 season with rival Marion County and a potential District 6-A championship game still down the road. The Pirates changed their offense last week, going to Chase Blevins as their primary runner, and he responded with 173 yards on 28 carries. Corbin Fitzgerald, who had been South Pitt's primary rusher, sustained a knee injury late in the game.
* BRADLEY CENTRAL BEARS (2-5, 0-3) at McMINN COUNTY CHEROKEES (2-5, 2-1)
Storyline: The Bears enter this game against the Cherokees desperately in need of a win. They've put their fortunes on the shoulders of sophomore QB Cole Copeland by moving to an empty backfield set, designed to get receivers in space to make plays and in part because of the lack of a consistent running game. That hasn't been a problem for the Cherokees, who have won back-to-back District 5-AAA games. They are led by backs D.J. Kimpson and Damiese Bradley and QB Corbin Powers.
* SODDY-DAISY TROJANS (4-3, 1-2) at EAST HAMILTON HURRICANES (1-6, 1-3)
Storyline: The Trojans are a District 5-AAA win away from being in the discussion for a state playoff berth, led by an offense averaging 423 yards per game. QB Hunter Maynor has options all over the field, from the backfield with RB Christian Bell to receivers Tre Carter, Levi Thornton and Blake Smith. The Hurricanes, who have dropped their last four, are relying on the playmaking abilities of Matt Milita, who has moved to the QB position, and RB David Whiteside.
* WALKER VALLEY MUSTANGS (4-3, 1-2) at CLEVELAND BLUE RAIDERS (4-4, 3-1)
Storyline: The winner of this District 5-AAA game has the chance to claim county bragging rights for the next 12 months, as well as vault itself into position for a state playoff berth. The Mustangs have found success with their ground game, as well as a solid defensive effort led by their experienced front seven. The Blue Raiders have been able to rely on their running game, which has opened opportunities for QB Austin Massey to make some plays downfield in their two-game win streak.
* WARREN COUNTY PIONEERS (3-5, 1-2) at RHEA COUNTY EAGLES (7-0, 3-0), 8
Storyline: The Eagles continue to work toward an undefeated regular season and potential top seeding going into the Class 5A playoffs, needing a District 6-AAA win tonight to clinch at least a No. 2 seeding and automatic berth. They come into tonight's game averaging 332.6 rushing yards and 467 yards of total offense per outing, to go with a defense that has allowed 91 points all season -- although 64 of those have come in the last two weeks.
* COPPER BASIN COUGARS (4-3, 1-0) at BOYD-BUCHANAN BUCCANEERS (2-5, 1-0)
Storyline: With four teams in District 5-A, every league game is big. This season, none is bigger than this one. Copper Basin coach Patrick Daley isn't fooled by the Bucs' overall record, knowing the rugged schedule they have played. Neither is Boyd-Buchanan coach Grant Reynolds surprised to see Copper Basin in this spot, given all the Cougars returned from last season. The Cougars have a small squad but have size in the offensive line, which has RB Aaron English headed toward a 1,000-yard rushing season. The Bucs' speed concerns Daley. Reynolds is looking for his team to be able to run the ball on the edges and complete some passes.
* LOUDON REDSKINS (7-0, 2-0) at McMINN CENTRAL CHARGERS (7-1, 3-0)
MIDWAY GREEN WAVE (4-3, 1-2) at MEIGS COUNTY TIGERS (3-4, 1-2)
Storyline: Midway has lost its last three games, but Meigs coach Jason Fitzgerald isn't buying that its players will be coming in hanging their heads. Hayden Hester, a 6-3, 300-plus pounder, anchors the Green Wave's big and experienced line. Another senior, Jonathan Beason, is a threat offensively as well as a key player at safety. Most Midway starters play both ways. The Tigers have outscored their last five opponents 152-41, and that's with speedster Dakota Ricker missing a game and a half. He is probable to return this week.
* SWEETWATER WILDCATS (4-3, 0-2) at POLK COUNTY WILDCATS (0-7, 0-2)
Storyline: In 27 years for former head coach and current offensive coordinator Larry Davis at Polk County, a freshman has never started at QB. That will change tonight. Wyatt Martin, who played some at QB last week against Notre Dame, gets the start. Sweetwater also had had a QB change with D.J. Vanderwerf taking over after Andrew Barr had a season-ending injury. Polk coach Derrick Davis has dealt with injuries and quitters but praises players such ad FB Ben Norwood, who personified toughness by returning after missing only one game after breaking a bone in his foot.
*GILMER COUNTY BOBCATS (5-1, 3-1) at SOUTHEAST WHITFIELD RAIDERS (5-1, 3-1)
Storyline: Gilmer has been nearly impossible to run against this season, so this game will be a clash of wills since Southeast is reliant on its run game. Raiders quarterback Will Swantic is the key offensively and will likely have to loosen the Bobcats front seven with some early-down passing. Northwest Whitfield had success through the air last week against Gilmer, as did Carrollton in the Bobcats' lone loss. While the Southeast offense has been grounding out yards, its defense has been allowing them in bunches. Expect Southeast to crowd the line and at least take away some of the running lanes for Gilmer back Russell Cochran and make quarterback Chris James beat them through the air.
* RIVER RIDGE KNIGHTS (3-3, 1-2) at DALTON CATAMOUNTS (6-1, 4-0)
Storyline: The Catamounts host fellow former Region 7-AAAA foe River Ridge in a 7-AAAAA game that again could see the potent Dalton offense take off. The Cats are coming off a 62-point game against Rome as QB Payton Veraldi, RB Kelvis Rhodes and crew moved the ball at will. The Dalton offensive line, led by LG Hayden Gross and LT Andrew Williams, has dominated the opposition. Expect the Knights, behind QB Marcus Spears and receivers Jarrod Fletcher and Michael Lewis, to throw it early and often in an effort to keep up.
* RINGGOLD TIGERS (4-2, 2-2) at SONORAVILLE PHOENIX (4-3, 3-2)
Storyline: This key Region 6-AAA game is likely to be for the No. 3 playoff seeding. Each team has lost to top teams Calhoun and Adairsville, so barring an upset in games each will be favored in, this game is crucial for a favorable playoff position. Ringgold comes in at less than 100 percent, with RB Kile Sholl still sidelined with a foot injury and DL Zach Morris slowed by a hamstring injury in addition to the recent departure of two defensive starters. That defense will be tested by Sonoraville QB Cody Long, RB Brandon Dendy and receiver Clark Johnson. The key may be the ability of the Phoenix defense to contain RB D.L. Goins, who had more than 200 yards from scrimmage last week on 12 touches.
* PICKENS COUNTY DRAGONS (5-1, 2-1) at LaFAYETTE RAMBLERS (2-4, 0-3)
Storyline: The key for the Ramblers is simple in this Region 7-AAAA game -- find a way to slow down Shannon Brooks. The state's leading rusher with more than 1,400 yards, the Minnesota recruit is coming off his second 300-yard game a week ago against Southeast Whitfield. LaFayette is quite capable of staying in the game behind effective QB Evan Head but has to avoid drive-killing mistakes.
* CARTERSVILLE PURPLE HURRICANES (5-1, 3-0) at NORTHWEST WHITFIELD BRUINS (3-3, 1-2)
Storyline: Cartersville has taken control of the region in its first season in 7-AAAA behind a stout defense and suddenly strong passing game. Freshman QB Trevor Lawrence has passed for five TDs and nearly 500 yards in the past two games to lead an offense that is averaging 45 points in its region games. Northwest got one of its injured players back in last week's narrow loss at Gilmer County as receiver Clay Phillips helped energize the passing game. However, QB Caleb Shiflett injured his hand during the game and freshman brother Luke took over and led a rally. Whichever Shiflett starts, the Bruins will have to be effective through the air to stay close.
* NORTH MURRAY MOUNTAINEERS (3-3, 2-2) at COAHULLA CREEK COLTS (0-6, 0-4)
Storyline: The Mountaineers, who began the season leaning more on the pass, have morphed into a dangerous running team and in doing so have unleashed the all-around abilities of QB Hinton McConkey. The senior had 300 yards of total offense in their last game, including 168 and three touchdowns on the ground. Running back Darius Towns has moved into a starter's role and is thriving. The same can't be said for the Colts, who have scored in just one game. Any improvement will be seen as a victory for coach Chad Barger and staff.
* GORDON CENTRAL WARRIORS (1-6, 1-4) at MURRAY COUNTY INDIANS (1-5, 1-3)
Storyline: These two one-win teams defeated the same opponent. The Indians beat a Coahulla Creek team that has scored a total of 14 points this year -- all against them -- and the Warriors shut out Coahulla Creek 42-0.
* ADAIRSVILLE TIGERS (5-1, 3-1) at LAKEVIEW FORT OGLETHORPE WARRIORS (3-4, 3-2)
Storyline: The Warriors started the year with at least 22 seniors but are down to 14, according to coach Todd Windham. QB Ryan Keith is having a decent year, RB Jessie Flanagan is a good between-the-tackles runner and Frankie Pinkston needs another big game on the line. "If they're making it so it comes down to them being bigger and physical, then so be it," Windham said. "Let's don't make it sloppy. Let's make good plays, be ready and protect the ball."
* CHATTOOGA INDIANS (2-4, 1-1) at GORDON LEE TROJANS (2-5, 1-2)
Storyline: The Indians have been a yo-yo team. They lost their first two games under first-year coach Charles Hammond, then have alternated wins and losses. The Trojans have pulled off no upsets. The Indians need to win third down on offense, Hammond said, and avoid giving up the big play on defense.
* MT. ZION, CARROLL, EAGLES (5-2, 3-1) at TRION BULLDOGS (4-2, 0-1)
Storyline: This is like looking in a mirror. The teams run similar offensive and defensive schemes. The Bulldogs have the second-ranked defense in Region 6-A, and coach Justin Brown credited Drake Clowdis and Malik Martin for some of that success. He's relying on a better game from his offensive players, including tackle Addison Meeler, the leader of his OL.
* MT. PARAN CHRISTIAN EAGLES (6-0, 4-0) at CHRISTIAN HERITAGE LIONS (3-4, 1-1)
Storyline: Christian Heritage is in the middle of the pack in Region 6-A. The Eagles are leading the region. They've scored at least 45 points in their last six games, which creates a challenge for the Lions, who are known to allow big scores.
* HERITAGE GENERALS (3-3, 1-2) at RIDGELAND PANTHERS (3-3, 1-2)
Storyline: Heritage has played in two straight blowouts, having lost by 45 to Cartersville and smoking LaFayette by 47. Last week the Panthers lost by 34 to Cartersville, which is leading Region 7-AAAA. Ridgeland RB Caderius Word and Heritage RB Khalyl Hood are key players.
* ARMUCHEE INDIANS (1-6, 0-3) at DADE COUNTY WOLVERINES (1-5, 0-2)
Storyline: Somebody will earn their first Region 7-AA win of the year. The Indians have lost four straight and allowed at least 33 points in each of their losses. Dade las lost five straight and reached the end zone just three times in that stretch. Perhaps this is the week Dade County RB Blake Lynn and RB Zac Freeman can find some freedom.
FORT PAYNE WILDCATS (6-1) at GARDENDALE ROCKETS (3-4), 8
Storyline: The Wildcats take a break from region play with another chance to fine-tune an offensive playbook that was changed when they lost QB Alan Smith and RB/WR Desmon Turner. Sophomore Wanya King has stepped up and had five catches for 113 yards in last week's win over rival Scottsboro. Logan Ellis completed nine passes for 134 yards.
* NORTH JACKSON CHIEFS (5-2, 4-1) at ONEONTA REDSKINS (6-1, 5-0), 8
Storyline: It's a big game for the Chiefs, as a win tonight could bring about a three-way tie in Region 7-4A among these two teams and Locust Fork, which beat North Jackson in Week 2. North Jackson has one of the highest-scoring offenses in the state, averaging 437 yards and 50.9 points per game behind RB Octavius Matthews and QB Logan Walters. Matthews is averaging better than 10 yards per carry and is 33 yards shy of the 1,000-yard plateau with three games to play. Walters is averaging better than 200 passing yards per game, and his TDs-to-interceptions ratio is better than 8-to-1.
* PISGAH EAGLES (3-4, 2-3) at NORTH SAND MOUNTAIN BISON (0-7, 0-5), 8
Storyline: Since scoring six points in their first two games, the Bison have improved offensively, averaging better than 16 points per game. They have been overpowered defensively, though, allowing 40-plus points per game. North Sand Mountain already has played the two unbeaten region leaders, while the Eagles are looking to improve on a fourth-place standing.
* GADSDEN SOUTHSIDE PANTHERS (6-2, 4-0) at SCOTTSBORO WILDCATS (4-3, 3-1), 8
Storyline: While Scottsboro was losing a close one to Fort Payne, the Panthers sat through a two-hour delay caused by lightning before securing a 44-20 win over Huntsville Lee -- and a postseason berth. Southside is a strong running team led by Holt Keeling and Aleric Williams, each with 100-yard performances in that win. The Wildcats have their own strong running game led by DeKarlos Billingsley but could have to depend even more on eighth-grader Bo Nix, who started at QB last week.
* VALLEY HEAD TIGERS (3-3, 3-1) at JACKSONVILLE CHRISTIAN TIGERS (3-3, 3-1) 8
Storyline: The Tigers are in a second-place tie in Region 7-1A and have back-to-back region wins since losing to region leader Cedar Bluff. They are, though, coming off a lopsided nonregion loss to top-ranked Class 2A Fyffe in which their only TD came on a 19-yard pass from Jeremy Young to Ben Kirby. They have played Jacksonville Christian twice and won both games, most recently 42-12 last year.