Jackson area's high school football upset watch for Week 1

Michael Odom
Jackson Sun
Bolivar's Jace McKenzie (16) looks for a player to pass to while Bolivar's Raveyon Gibbs (29) fakes being handed off the ball 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.

Week 1 is getting closer and closer. The Jackson Sun has looked at the top 10 games during Week 1.

Now, let’s look at three teams that should be on upset alert on Friday.

There is no guarantee that these three upsets will happen, but if the favorites do not play up to potential, the underdog could walk away with a win.

Adamsville at Bolivar

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Expectations are high around Adamsville this season with a Region 7-2A title in the Cardinals' sights. Bolivar is hoping for an improved defense to lead the team, while the offense rebuilds with the graduation of Trey Lowe and Briason Mays. The Tigers defense will try to keep the score low to give Jace McKenzie and the offense and chance to win the game in the fourth quarter.

Dresden at Westview

When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Dresden has won three straight games in this series. The Lions have plenty of athletes this year with Drake Yates, Zach Crawford, and Divers Lockhart. But Westview is ready to try and make a statement to open this season. The Chargers are 10-21 over the past three years, but there is optimism around the program with freshman quarterback Ty Simpson on the field. Simpson has offers from Michigan, Tennessee, Mississippi State and other programs before the start of his freshman season in high school.

Friendship Christian at Liberty

Liberty's Kendall Johnson celebrates after tackling Jackson Christian's Walker Rhea at the SportsPlus Football Jamboree at Liberty Technology Magnet High School in Jackson, Tenn., on Friday, Aug. 10, 2018.

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Yes, Friendship Christian is the defending Division II-A state champions. But Liberty worked hard in the offseason after ending last year 1-8. There is some potential with this group of Crusaders, especially with the play of seniors Stephun Bush and Jeremiah Fitzhugh. Both guys like to hit hard on defense, and they could produce an early turnover to give Liberty the lead. With rain expected to fall Thursday and Friday, this game will be about play on the line of scrimmage and limiting turnovers.

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