Top Memphis area TSSAA high school football playoff games for DI quarterfinals, DII semifinals

Ten Memphis-area teams are still alive in the playoffs, with six of them facing each other. Here's a look at each game. 

Game of the Week

Whitehaven (10-1) at Houston (12-0)

This game will be a clash between the area's most prolific offense and its most dominant defense. The Houston offense, led by Mr. Football finalist Lincoln Pare, is averaging 44.8 points. The Whitehaven defense, which is led by a trio of Tennessee linebacker commitments including Mr. Football finalist Bryson Eason, has given up 38 points all season. 

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Thompson's Pick: Whitehaven 31, Houston 28

Winner Plays: Ravenwood-Brentwood winner in the 6A semifinals

Montgomery Bell Academy (7-4) at Memphis University School (10-1)

The only blemish on MUS' record is its 17-14 loss to Montgomery Bell Academy, which was the only time MUS was held under 21 points. Can region MVP Marcus Henderson and Memphis commitment Devonte Nelson lead the Owls to back-to-back Blue Cross-Bowl appearances? It all depends on whether the Owls can put up points on an MBA defense that has held all opponents except Briarcrest to 21 points or less. 

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Thompson's Pick: MUS 24, MBA 21

Winner Plays: McCallie-Ensworth winner in the DII-AAA state championship game

Lausanne (7-4) at Evangelical Christian School (11-1)

Lausanne hit its stride at midseason and has won five in a row since losing to ECS on Oct. 4. ECS has won eight in a row since losing to Houston. The 14 points Lausanne scored against ECS were the most the Eagles have given up to anyone other than Houston. Each side has a lineman with FBS offers in Lausanne's Deris Jackson and ECS' Dietrick Pennington.

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Thompson's Pick: ECS 28, Lausanne 14

Winner Plays: Lipscomb-CPA winner in the DII-AA state title game

Wooddale (10-2) at Covington (10-2)

Wooddale travels to Tipton County for its first quarterfinal appearance in school history. The Chargers have made back-to-back appearances in the state title game. Covington eliminated top-seeded South Gibson last week while Wooddale topped Milan, which beat Covington on Oct. 4. 

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Thompson's Pick: Covington 35, Wooddale 28

Winner Plays: Pearl Cohn-Giles County winner in the Class 3A semifinals

Fairley (10-2) at Peabody (12-0)

Fairley, which features Mr. Football finalist Terry Wilkins, has beaten all of its Class 2A opponents by at least three touchdowns, including last week's 36-6 win over Union City. Next comes a matchup with undefeated Peabody, which has shut out both of its postseason opponents.

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Thompson's Pick: Fairley 24, Peabody 17

Winner Plays: Winner of Forrest-Riverside in the 2A semifinals

Lake Cormorant (8-4) at Neshoba Central (9-3)

Lake Cormorant punched its second-round ticket with its best offensive performance of the season, putting up 61 points on Ridgeland. Now it takes on MSHAA Region 2-5A champ Neshoba Central.

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Thompson's Pick: Lake Cormorant 35, Neshoba Central 31

Winner Plays: West Point-Lafayette winner in the 5A North Half title game

Olive Branch (9-3) at Starkville (11-2)

Olive Branch posted a strong showing in a 24-7 win over Madison Central. Starkville beat Horn Lake 35-2.

When: Friday, 7 p.m. 

Thompson's Pick: Olive Branch 28, Starkville 21

Winner Plays: Oxford-South Panola winner in the 6A North Half title game

Last Week: 7-3

Season: 94-36 (.723)