Three rivalry games with huge playoff implications are featured as we steam into Week 6 of the 2023 high school football season. And one has a peculiar twist. Here’s a look at some of the key contests around the 5Star Preps coverage area … [Read more...]
Halls Red Devils (5-0) coast past Carter; matches five-game perfect start from 2019
BY MIKE BLACKERBY STRAWBERRY PLAINS — Halls coach Brent Hughes has been adamant about getting his team to take it one game at a time this season. The Red Devils should have no trouble zeroing in on their next opponent. The Red Devils … [Read more...]
Connor Wheeler, Powell Panthers rush past Clinton, 45-27, on Thursday night Week 5 contest
BY MIKE BLACKERBY Standout Powell running back Connor Wheeler wasn’t even sure earlier in the week if would be able to play Thursday against Clinton. Yep he played, and yep Wheeler was his customary terrific self as the Panthers rolled … [Read more...]
THE BIG PREVIEW: The Top Games and Storylines to Watch in Week 5 of the 2023 season
BY MIKE BLACKERBY It’s hard to believe, but this week marks the halfway point of the high school football regular season. Here’s just a few of the games to watch this week as teams begin to jockey for playoff positioning heading to the midpoint of … [Read more...]
THE BIG PREVIEW: Top Matchups and Storylines for Week 4 of the 2023 Season
It doesn’t get any bigger than this in the regular season. Alcoa is ranked No. 1 in the state in Class 3A. Greeneville is ranked second in 4A. The teams – both perennial state powers – square off in a 7 p.m. Thursday TV game at Burley … [Read more...]
THE BIG PREVIEW: What To Look For in Week 3 of the 2023 Season
BY MIKE BLACKERBY They’re no longer in the same region, but it doesn’t matter. Powell vs. Oak Ridge has turned into one of the most heated rivalry games in the 5Star Preps coverage area over the last 15 years. The Class 5A teams square off in this … [Read more...]
The 20 Best Area High School Football Teams in TSSAA History (since 1969)
BY MIKE BLACKERBY So here they are. The following 20 teams are the best of the best in high school football in the 5Star Preps coverage area since the inception of the TSSAA playoffs in 1969. Since Morristown East (Class AAA) and Loudon … [Read more...]
Elizabethton Cyclones win weather-shortened game at Morristown West, 20-7
BY MIKE BLACKERBY MORRISTOWN – It’s hard enough to beat perennial Class 4A power Elizabethton. Throw in an avalanche of penalties and a couple of critical mistakes in the kicking game and it’s darn near impossible. Class 5A Morristown West (1-1) … [Read more...]
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN WEEK 2 OF THE 2023 SEASON, presented by Triple F
BY MIKE BLACKERBY It’s Week 2 of the high school football season and three area teams are ranked No. 1 in their respective classifications in the first Associated Press poll of the season. Defending state champions West (5A) and Alcoa (3A) … [Read more...]
Connor Wheeler never found fatigue in leading Powell to Week 1 win over Anderson County
BY MIKE BLACKERBY Anderson County was coming off a perfect 15-0 season and a state Class 4A championship. Meanwhile, Powell advanced to the 5A state semifinals in 2022. But both teams suffered heavy losses to graduation heading into their season … [Read more...]