With the Tennessee high school football regular season less than three weeks away, we take a look at the top games to watch in 2023 involving Murfreesboro area teams:
Smyrna at Riverdale
When: 7 p.m.. Aug. 18
This game was a defensive showcase last season (a 15-5 Smyrna win) and the non-region battle between perennial playoff teams should highlight Week 1 coverage for area fans.
Brentwood at Blackman
When: 7 p.m., Aug. 18
The Bruins are the only team not named Oakland that defeated Blackman last year en route to the Blaze reaching the 6A quarterfinals. Brentwood reached the second round of the state. Both teams lost a lot from last season, but first-year Blackman coach Matt Kriesky is familiar with his first opponent and former rival.
Providence Christian at Eagleville
When: 7 p.m., Aug. 18
It will be a historic first TSSAA 11-man football game for the Lions, who will go up against a talented Eagles squad that is a mainstay in the state playoffs every year. The Lions will have their home debut at MTSU the following week against Cannon County.
Oakland at Center Grove (Indiana)
When: 7 p.m., Aug. 25
You will have to drive about five hours to see this game, but it should be worth it. The Patriots are 44-1 the past three seasons and have won three consecutive 6A state titles and four in five years. Center Grove is 40-2 in that span with three consecutive Indiana 6A titles. The Trojans went 12-2 last year, defeating previously unbeaten Carroll, 35-9, in the title game.
La Vergne at Siegel
When: 7 p.m., Aug. 25
Not only will this be a good test between county rivals, but it will be the first game the Stars play on their new artificial turf. Siegel is the fifth area school to install turf on its football field. The Stars also tout four-star prospect and senior WR/DB Tarrion Grant.
Oakland at Haywood
When: 7 p.m., Sept. 1
The Patriots have a tough non-region road schedule, including this trip to West Tennessee to battle a Tomcats team that went 13-1, reached the Class 4A state semifinals (falling to Pearl-Cohn, 53-47) and averaged almost 50 points a game in 2022.
Riverdale at Germantown
When: 7 p.m., Sept. 8
This also will be a considerable trip for area fans, but another game that should be worth the drive. Germantown could be one of the favorites in the West side of the 6A bracket after going 10-3 and losing by just two points to rival Bartlett in the state quarters last season.
Rockvale at Riverdale
When: 7 p.m., Sept. 15
The Rockets defeated the Warriors, 20-7, last season to go 4-1, but lost their final five games after QB Brennan Mayhew was injured along with other Rockets. Both teams have a lot back, making the backyard rivalry one that could have big implications in the region standings.
Stewarts Creek at Smyrna
When: 7 p.m., Oct. 13
The Mayor's Cup has bigger meaning again after the Red Hawks moved to Region 5-6A after having played in 3-6A the past couple of seasons. The two rivals could be playing for a home playoff game, or even a region title, by the time the Week 9 showdown rolls around.
MORE:How Oakland football is reloading in quest for fourth straight TSSAA Class 6A state title
Blackman at Riverdale
When: 7 p.m., Oct. 13
It's the Kriesky Bowl. Riverdale coach Will Kriesky faces twin brother Matt in a region showdown. Last year's game determined second place in the region and a home playoff game, and the 34-27 Blaze win was aided by a trick play late in the game.
PCA vs. MTCS (at MTSU)
When: 7 p.m., Oct. 20
These two schools have formed some exciting rivalries in other TSSAA sports since Providence Christian began playing varsity sports. This will be the beginning of a football rivalry that should grow into one of the city's best in the next several years. The game will be played at MTSU, where all PCA home games will be. The Lions are the first high school team to occupy Floyd Stadium as their home since Siegel in the early 2000s.
MORE:What to know about PCA's first year of TSSAA football, including home games at MTSU
Blackman at Rockvale
When: 7 p.m., Oct. 20
Playoff positioning will be huge during this Week 10 battle. The two teams combined for 90 points last season, though the Blaze now don't have coach Chandler Tygard and his wide-open offensive philosophy, along with several big weapons off that squad. Rockvale touts one of the area's top juniors in four-star prospect Jaylan Morgan.
Riverdale at Oakland
When: 7 p.m., Oct. 27
The Battle of the 'Boro goes back to the regular-season finale for the first time since 2012, which is also the most recent time the Warriors defeated the Patriots (17-14) after dominating the series for the better part of the previous two decades. With a bevy of college prospects on both sides, this could be a preview of the 6A state quarterfinals just three weeks later.
Smyrna at Cane Ridge
When: 7 p.m., Oct. 27
For the past six years, this matchup has decided the region champion, with the Ravens rolling to a 35-14 win last season. The Bulldogs reeled off four consecutive wins after that loss to secure second and a home playoff game.
