Jackson area top 10 high school football games in Week 1

Jackson Sun

Huntingdon's Konnor Pearson tackles McKenzie's Lucas Waddell during their game, Friday, Aut. 18.

Here are the top 10 games for Week 1 of 2018:

GAME OF THE WEEK

Huntingdon at McKenzie

When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

A Carroll County rivalry game to kick off the season. Last year’s meeting opened the new turf field at Huntingdon. The Rebels only have three returning starters on offense. But one of those is running back Joseph Miller, who was one of the best in West Tennessee in 2017. Huntingdon is primed for another strong season, but the Mustangs must replace Mr. Football finalist Kade Pearson. But players like Brandon Lawton, Hunter Ensley and Damion Byrd will keep the Mustangs playing at a high level.

Prediction: Huntingdon 24, McKenzie 10

Haywood at Henry County

Haywood's Deyondrius Hines is tackled from behind by Crockett County's Kerrington Parker as he crosses the end zone during their game, Friday, November 17.

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Haywood made the Class 4A semifinals last season, while Henry County reached the Class 5A quarterfinals. If the Tomcats want to prove they are ready to make a run at the state title game, a win here would be a big statement. How will Haywood players such as Deyondrius Hines, Decourtney Reed, Jackson Pettigrew, Derrion Bell and Jerwin Young perform on the road?

Prediction: Haywood 28, Henry County 24

Jackson Christian at TCA

TCA's Addison Coleman goes in for the tackle on Jackson Christian's Luke Robertson on Aug. 18, 2017.

When: Thursday, 7 p.m.

This game should be all about the quarterback. TCA lost starter Matt Spurgeon less than two weeks ago after a tubing accident. Kevin Davis played at the jamboree, but Lane Lamberth and Mitch Sisk could also play. Jackson Christian starter Caedan Clark sat with ice on his knee for most of the jamboree. Freshman Walker Rhea stepped in against a tough Liberty team, but will Clark be back on Friday?

Prediction: TCA 21, Jackson Christian 12

Chester County at USJ

USJ's Cody Smith passes off the ball to USJ's Caleb Willis at the SportsPlus Football Jamboree at Liberty Technology Magnet High School in Jackson, Tenn., on Friday, Aug. 10, 2018.

When: Thursday, 7 p.m.

The Eagles picked up a one-point win last year at home. Chester County is under first-year coach Steve Robinson, but he has some skilled players back. Michael Stroup is entering his second season in charge of the Bruins, but he lost most of last year’s offense with the graduation of Jacob Buie and Ryan Miller.

Prediction: USJ 32, Chester County 28

Dresden at Westview

Dresden's Drake Yates is tackled by a Trenton Peabody player on Sept. 22, 2017.

When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

This is probably going to be the debut of Westview freshman quarterback Ty Simpson, who has offers from Michigan, Tennessee and Mississippi State. Dresden has one of the top athletes in West Tennessee in Drake Yates. This game is usually on a Thursday night, but this year it has been moved back to Friday.

Prediction: Dresden 35, Westview 24

Adamsville at Bolivar

Adamsville's Colin Misenhimer (10) tucks the ball and runs against TCA on Sept. 1, 2017.

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Bolivar showed is offensive power last season with a 42-21 victory. Adamsville had won four straight in the series. The Tigers will look different on offense after graduating a large senior class, while the Cardinals bring a lot of the key players back. The score won’t be as a high this year.

Prediction: Adamsville 28, Bolivar 18

Dyer County at Crockett County

Crockett County's Luke Pratt (2) looks for players to pass to in a TSSAA high school football game between Peabody High School and Crockett County High School at Peabody High School in Trenton, Tenn., Friday, July 27, 2018.

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Crockett County got the easy win last year on the way to winning its first seven games. Dyer County won three of its final four games during the regular season, so the Choctaws are hoping that some of that momentum carries over. Crockett County doesn’t have bruisers like Jordan Branch, Jacob Fitzhugh and Manny Jordan, so it will be inexperienced in spots.

Prediction: Crockett County 27, Dyer County 24

Riverside at Obion County

Bolivar's Rayshawn Cunningham (20) tackles a Riverside running back in a TSSAA high school football scrimmage game between Bolivar High School and Riverside High School at Bolivar Central High School in Bolivar, Tenn., Tuesday, July 31, 2018.

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Riverside takes a step up as the Class 2A Panthers travel to a 4A school. Last year, this went to overtime with Riverside winning by one point, and the Panthers bring back the nucleus of the team that reached the playoffs.

Prediction: Riverside 17, Obion County 10

Bruceton at West Carroll

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

This is the second Carroll County rivalry that opens the 2018 season. Bruceton won 14-0 last season. Both have playoff aspirations. West Carroll will try to get junior Jeremiah Bryant off to a good start running the ball. Bruceton junior Gavin Guthrie ran for over 900 yards last season.

Prediction: Bruceton 21, West Carroll 7

Friendship Christian at Liberty

Liberty's Saidrick Pewitte is tackled by a Jackson Christian player at the SportsPlus Football Jamboree at Liberty Technology Magnet High School in Jackson, Tenn., on Friday, Aug. 10, 2018.

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Friendship Christian went 13-0 last season and won the Division II-A state championship. The Commanders played Lancaster Christian in Week 1 last year, while Liberty had the first of its two open weeks. The Crusaders want to start this season off better after going 1-8 last year.

Prediction: Friendship Christian 28, Liberty 17

MORE: Jackson area prep football schedules

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MORE: Preseason All-West Tennessee football team

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Reach Michael Odom at michodom@jacksonsun.com or 731-425-9754. Follow him on Twitter @JSWriterMichael.