Top 10 Nashville area high school football games for Week 5
Tom KreagerHere’s a look at the top 10 Nashville area high school football matchups for Week 5 of the 2019 season.
GAME OF THE WEEK
Ravenwood (4-0, 2-0 6-6A) at Brentwood (3-1, 1-0)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
The two Williamson County programs have split the past four regular-season meetings with Ravenwood winning the lone playoff contest during that span. Brentwood's secondary will be tested. Brian Garcia has 928 passing yards with 11 touchdowns and just one interception. Teammate Andrew Mason had 356 receiving yards and seven TD catches in last week's win over Pulaski Academy (Ark.).
Kreager's pick: Ravenwood 27, Brentwood 24
Baylor (4-0, 1-0 DII-AAA East) at Ensworth (4-0, 1-0)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
Ensworth concludes a five-game home stand with a chance to enter the midpoint of the season undefeated for the first time since 2013. Ensworth is averaging 45 points and has given up 45 for the season. First-year starting quarterback Gerard Bullock is a big reason for the improved offense under coach Roc Batten. Bullock is averaging 158.8 passing yards.
Kreager's pick: Ensworth 42, Baylor 21
Wilson Central (4-0, 1-0 4-6A) at Mt. Juliet (1-2, 1-0)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
Wilson Central has quietly put together its best start in three seasons. To get to 5-0 the Wildcats must beat a Mt. Juliet program they haven't defeated since 2008. Xavier Ali leads the Wildcats' offense with 305 rushing yards and five rushing TDs. Mt. Juliet's defense played well a week ago, holding Gallatin to seven points.
Kreager's pick: Mt. Juliet 28, Wilson Central 14
BGA (4-0, 1-0 DII-AA Middle) at CPA (0-4, 0-0)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
A rematch of last year's Division II-AA state championship game lost some luster with CPA's sluggish start. That is in part due to the Lions' early scheduling, but graduation also hit them hard. The Lions must find a way to disrupt the hot start of BGA quarterback Nick Semptimphelter, who is 59-of-83 passing for 1,103 yards with 16 touchdowns and one interception.
Kreager's pick: BGA 42, CPA 20
Pope John Paul II (3-1, 0-1 DII-AAA East) at Christian Brothers (2-2, 0-1)
When: 7 p.m., Friday.
The Knights find themselves in position to make a move in the standings against one of the top teams in the region. JPII is giving up 17.8 points a game in part because of linebacker James Wright, who has 31 tackles with three for loss and two sacks. The Knights also have five interceptions, led by safety Devvan Darden.
Kreager's pick: Pope John Paul 21, Christian Brothers 20
Springfield (3-1, 1-0 5-4A) at White House (3-0, 0-0)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
White House first-year coach Ryan Hamilton gets his first big test in Springfield, the defending Region 5-4A champion. White House's Ranen Blackburn's 161 rushing yards led the Blue Devils in their 32-20 win over Hunters Lane. But White House must try to slow down quarterback Kevontez Hudson.
Kreager's pick: Springfield 28, White House 21
Franklin (1-3, 0-1 6-6A) at Independence (3-1, 1-0)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
Independence raised eyebrows last week with a dominating performance over Murfreesboro power Blackman behind the offensive duo of Ethan Cash and Chayce Bishop. Cash was 24-of-37 passing for 327 yards with five touchdowns. Bishop had 11 catches for 210 yards and caught all five TDs. They will challenge a Franklin defense giving up 171.8 passing yards a game.
Kreager's pick: Independence 42, Franklin 20
Goodpasture (2-2, 0-1 DII-AA Middle) at Lipscomb Academy (3-1, 1-0)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
Jaden Lyles' 430 rushing yards and six rushing TDs lead Lipscomb Academy, which holds a 5-4 series edge since 2010. Lipscomb Academy is averaging 40 points and is coming off a 24-14 win over Class 5A Page.
Kreager's pick: Lipscomb Academy 35, Goodpasture 14
Lebanon (2-2, 0-1 4-6A) at Hendersonville (2-2, 1-0)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
This will have strong bearing on playoff seeding as both are considered strong contenders for the region championship. Lebanon is coming a 28-27 win over La Vergne. The Commandos beat Lebanon 26-22 to help earn second place in last year's region standings.
Kreager's pick: Hendersonville 27, Lebanon 21
Mt. Pleasant (2-1, 1-1 5-1A) at Cornersville (2-2, 1-0)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
Both are chasing Fayetteville for the Region 5-1A lead. Cornersville, which has dominated the league the past two seasons, got back on track the past two weeks with wins over Forrest and Grace Christian. However, to win a third straight the Bulldogs must slow down receiver Keshawn Hudson, who has nine catches for 193 yards with four TDs.
Kreager's pick: Mt. Pleasant 21, Cornersville 20
Last week: 8-2. Season: 31-9 (.775).
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Reach Tom Kreager at 615-259-8089 or tkreager@tennessean.com and on Twitter @Kreager.