High school football: Murfreesboro area Week 9 preview

Region games will dominate the remainder of the schedule for most area football teams, beginning with Week 9 contests.

Below is a preview of area games and predictions by The Daily News Journal's Cecil Joyce:

GAME OF THE WEEK

Riverdale (5-2, 3-1 3-6A) at Oakland (7-0, 4-0)

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

The Battle of the 'Boro renews for what will be the 51st meeting overall between Murfreesboro's oldest rivals, but recently it has been all Oakland, which is riding a seven-game winning streak in the series. The Patriots have been dominant all season, outscoring their opponents 394-45. Oakland is coming off a 40-0 win over Blackman two weeks ago, while Riverdale came from behind to down Siegel 28-14 on Oct. 4.

There are big region ramifications in this game: A Warriors win probably would create a three-way tie for first. Riverdale will need to lean heavily on senior running back Drew Smith and hope to sustain long drives to keep Oakland off the field. The Patriots, however, have feasted on their defense and special teams this season, including two punt returns for touchdowns and a defensive touchdown against Blackman. Oakland senior linebacker Dejon Glaster has five defensive scores this season.

Joyce's pick: Oakland 42, Riverdale 13

Blackman (3-4, 3-1 3-6A) at Rockvale (0-7, 0-4)

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Blackman has had a bye week to get healthier and stew over a 40-0 loss to Oakland two weeks ago. That could prove to be problematic for the first-year Rockets, who have battled injury issues themselves this season and have struggled in recent weeks after a competitive start to the season. The Blaze need to win out to secure second in the region.

Joyce's pick: Blackman 49, Rockvale 6

Cookeville (3-4, 2-2 3-6A) at Siegel (0-7, 0-4)

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

In recent years, this matchup has been for the fourth playoff spot in the region. Cookeville is in line to grab the fourth playoff berth. Cookeville's dual-threat quarterback, Stockton Owen, has rushed for more than 500 yards and nine touchdowns, and he has passed for more than 700 yards this season. Siegel quarterback Tucker Sears has heated up in recent weeks, and the Stars are averaging 26 points over their past three games.

Joyce's pick: Cookeville 37, Siegel 28

Smyrna (4-3) at Ravenwood (6-1)

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Coming off a 48-7 loss to Cane Ridge two weeks ago, things won't be any easier for the Bulldogs in this nonregion game. The sixth-ranked Raptors are loaded with Division I college talent, including running back/defensive end Reggie Grimes, offensive lineman Graham Barton, receiver Andrew Mason and tight end Jake Briningstool. 

Joyce's pick: Ravenwood 35, Smyrna 20

Stewarts Creek (6-1) at Lebanon (4-3)

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

The 10th-ranked Red Hawks will get their stiffest test since a Week 4 loss to Cane Ridge. Stewarts Creek scored a combined 92 points in back-to-back wins over Station Camp and McGavock. Lebanon is coming off a 38-0 win over Station Camp two weeks ago. Stewarts Creek has had success running the ball behind seniors Amari Jelks and Savion Davis.

Joyce's pick: Stewarts Creek 24, Lebanon 16

McGavock (0-7, 0-3 5-6A) at La Vergne (4-3, 2-1)

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

La Vergne has won two in a row, including a 14-12 triumph over Wilson Central last week, and will lock up a playoff berth with a win over the Raiders. McGavock has struggled on both sides of the ball, having allowed more than 30 points in six of its seven games while averaging just 12 points a contest.

Joyce's pick: La Vergne 30, McGavock 12

Summertown (5-2, 2-1 5-2A) at Eagleville (5-2, 1-2)

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

With a win, Eagleville would climb into a tie for third with Summertown, which has been one of the surprises of the region after going just 4-6 overall and 1-5 in league play last season. Summertown is coming off a 13-6 loss to Forrest two weeks ago, but has defeated No. 7 Lewis County. Eagleville is coming off a 36-28 loss to Lewis County.

Joyce's pick: Summertown 21, Eagleville 16

MTCS (1-6, 1-3 DII-A East) at Franklin Grace (0-7, 0-4)

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

This is a must-win game for MTCS in terms of postseason seeding, but Grace Christian is arguably the easiest foe on the Cougars' schedule. Grace Christian is allowing more than 44 points a contest while being held to single digits in four of its six losses, including a shutout.

Joyce's pick: MTCS 40, Franklin-Grace 7

Cannon Co. (4-4, 1-2 4-3A) at Smith Co. (4-3, 2-1)

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

A win would give Cannon County, which has won two in a row, its most victories since the 2009 season. More importantly, it would put Cannon County in a tie for third with the Owls. Smith County won 34-29 last season in a game that was for the fourth playoff spot in the region.

Joyce's pick: Smith Co. 28, Cannon Co. 20

Last week: 2-0. Season: 51-18 (.739).

Reach Cecil Joyce at cjoyce@dnj.com or 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Cecil_Joyce.

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