Top 10 Memphis-area high school football games for Week 3
Khari ThompsonGAME OF THE WEEK
Christian Brothers (2-0, 0-0 DII-AAA West) at MUS (2-0, 0-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
The MUS-Christian Brothers game comes early this year, as the teams that split the last four region titles open region play with each other.
Both teams are averaging over 35 points. Both teams shut out their opponents last week. MUS has yet to give up a touchdown.
Four-star MUS offensive lineman Marcus Henderson, the No. 8 prospect in the state according to the 247Sports Composite, is the highest-rated prospect for either team. Christian Brothers' linebacker Al Wooten was an all-state selection last year.
Thompson's pick: MUS 28, Christian Brothers 21.
Whitehaven (2-0) at North Little Rock, Ark. (2-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
TSSAA Class 6A runner up Whitehaven hits the road to take on Arkansas Class 7A runner-up North Little Rock, which features Memphis running back commitment Brandon Thomas.
Last year, Whitehaven lost 45-36 to North Little Rock.
This year, Whitehaven gets its first test of the season as the Tigers have beaten their first two opponents 73-7.
Thompson's pick: Whitehaven 35, North Little Rock 31.
Cordova (2-0) at South Panola (2-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
So far, Cordova has picked up a pair of close wins against Class 6A opponents. This week, the Wolves travel to Batesville, Mississippi, to take on South Panola and three-star Mississippi State defensive back commitment Janari Dean.
Cordova's defense is allowing 16 points per game. South Panola's offense is averaging 42 points.
Thompson's pick: Cordova 28, South Panola 24.
Collierville (2-0) at Central (0-2)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Collierville pulled out a pair of close victories at home, including last week's overtime win over Center Hill. This week is a chance to see how the Dragons look on the road.
Central gave up 48 points to visiting Houston last week. A Warrior loss would mark the first time Central began a season 0-3 since 2010.
Thompson's pick: Central 21, Collierville 17.
Haywood (2-0) at Olive Branch (0-1)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Former Germantown coach Chris Smith leads Haywood to take on Olive Branch, which dropped its home opener 13-7 to Clinton last week.
Alabama offensive line commitment Xavier Hill and Mississippi State defensive line commitment Jevon Banks are players to watch for the Conquistadors.
Thompson's pick: Olive Branch 31, Haywood 20.
Mitchell (2-0) vs. MAHS (1-1)
When: Thursday, 7 p.m.
Location: Melrose
Mitchell has an opportunity to go 3-0 for the first time since 2012. The Tigers beat KIPP 40-6 last week. MAHS fell to Bartlett 21-6.
Thompson's pick: Mitchell 21, MAHS 14.
Brighton (1-1) at Kirby (2-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Last year, Kirby beat Brighton 48-7. The Cougars have many key pieces still in place, including Arkansas State defensive line commitment Corbet Mims and Austin Peay quarterback commitment Draylen Ellis, who has thrown eight touchdowns against one interception.
Thompson's pick: Kirby 42, Brighton 21.
Freedom Prep (2-0) at MASE (1-1)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
These were the two best teams in 8-1A last year. Freedom Prep won 46-12 last year against a MASE team that was shorthanded due to academic suspensions.
This year, Freedom Prep has won its first two games by an average of 42 points. MASE fell to MAHS 46-6 and beat Westwood 46-14.
Thompson's pick: Freedom Prep 35, MASE 14.
DeSoto Central (1-1) at Germantown (1-1)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
DeSoto Central lost to Germantown (Miss.) before beating Lake Cormorant 28-14 last week. This week it faces the Germantown Red Devils, which lost by a point to Cordova.
Thompson's pick: Germantown 31, DeSoto Central 24.
Harding Academy (1-1) at ECS (2-0)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
ECS demolished St. Benedict 42-7 last week. Carson Gagnon caught three touchdowns and made nine tackles for ECS.
Harding Academy beat Overton 23-20.
Thompson's pick: ECS 42, Harding 14.
Last week: 9-1
Season: 13-7 (.650)