RED BANK LIONS (11-2) ALCOA TORNADOES (11-2) AT
Storyline: Red Bank is led in rushing by senior RB Zay Brown, who has rushed 296 times for 2,039 yards and 22 TDs. Hybrid athlete Calvin Jackson has been a scoring machine, rushing for 20 TDs, receiving 12, returning a kickoff for one and converting three two-point conversions. Sophomore QB Madox Wilkey has completed 65.7 percent of his 230 passes for more than 2,100 yards. The DEs are standouts on the Lions’ defense. Jamel Davis and Ivan Young both have made double-digit tackles in the backfield. Alcoa coach Gary Rankin guided the Tornadoes to their 15th state championship last year and got his 400th coaching victory earlier this season. Alcoa’s offense is led by junior QB Walker Russell. He’s surrounded by several capable skill-position players. Ahmauud Sankey caught a 50-yard TD pass in last week’s win over Austin-East and Connor Canfield hauled one in from 28 yards. Senior WR DiAndre Johnson and freshman TE Grey Carroll are other top targets for Russell. The running game is led by K’Vaughn Tyson and Jalen McCord. Defensive playmakers include Landon Ray, who had a sack for a 14-yard loss last week. The teams played last year in the regular season with Alcoa winning 28-0. Red Bank coach Chad Grabowski said among the things his team learned about the Tornadoes is that they don’t make a lot of mistakes, and they’re patient while playing a field-position game waiting for a scoring opportunity to arise. Defense in the red zone could be a determining factor, although Red Bank might be challenged to drive a long way to get there. K Zeke Rankin has been solid for the Tornadoes. But holding them to FGs would enhance the Lions’ chances of winning.