WHITWELL TIGERS (7-0, 2-0) SOUTH PITTSBURG AT PIRATES (7-0, 2-0)

Storyline: The Region 3-1A championship will be decided, and the Tigers — ranked No. 3 in the classification — are looking to snap a 26-game losing streak to their cross-county rivals. After knocking off Class 2A’s sixth-ranked Trousdale County on a last-second field goal last week, Whitwell is 7-0 for the first time in program history and has tied the school record for consecutive regular-season wins. The Tigers, who have outscored opponents by an average of 34 points, set the tone with a stingy defense led by LBs Thundur Roberts and Josh Wingo and linemen T.D. Argo, Travis Nolan and Garrett Shrum. Whitwell’s starting defense has allowed just 20 total points (special teams has given up another nine points) all season. Top-ranked South Pittsburg has won its games by an average score of 48-10 and hasn’t had an opponent stay within three TDs since the season-opening win over Class 3A’s Sequatchie County. The Pirates, who have beaten the Tigers by an average score of 47-12 during the rivalry streak, are led by junior FB/LB Garrett Raulston and senior RB/LB Sawyer Kelley. Senior Cade Kennemore is a shifty weapon whether he gets his hands on the ball at WR or returning kicks.