Top 5 high school games for Week 1
Game of the week Christian Brothers at Houston
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Semifinalist Houston, which had the best offense in the area last year, will have a whole new look without Class 6A Mr. Football Lincoln Pare (Arkansas State) and wide receiver Grayson Hitt (Alabama baseball). Can quarterback Gray Nischwitz and offensive lineman Harrison Wilkes help Houston pick up
where it left off? Or will Dallan Hayden and DJ Harden help Christian Brothers pick up a huge road win to start the season?
Thompson's pick: Houston 31, Christian Brothers 21
Briarcrest at Collierville
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Collierville, which was 5-6 last season, returns two of the state's top 40 prospects in Southern Miss defensive line commitment Ethan Hassler and wide receiver Scottie Alexander. Briarcrest won its first nine games last year but lost its final two and fell in the quarterfinals for the eighth year in a row. Saints' quarterback Michael Dallas was an all-region selection last year.
Thompson's pick: Collierville 28, Briarcrest 21
Munford at Covington
Covington beat Munford 35-0 in last year's opener on its way to the Class 3A semifinals. Munford lost to Clarksville by a point in the first round of the Class 5A playoffs. The Chargers return all-state running back Marcus Hayes and all-state linebacker Lareko Burton. Covington has beaten Munford three of the past four years.
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Thompson's pick: Covington 41, Munford 14
Ripley at Millington
Millington, which finished 9-3 and made the second round of the Class 4A playoffs, is coming off of its most wins since 2011. But the Trojans were shut out by Ripley 10-0 on Oct. 25. Ripley also made the second round of the Class 4A playoffs, falling to Haywood 37-0.
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Thompson's pick: Ripley 21, Millington 14
Fayette Academy at West Carroll
The Vikings were 6-6 last season and fell to Nashville Christian in the DII-A quarterfinals. This year, they're under a new coach as Michael Hodum replaced Vic Shivers, who took a position as an assistant at Hernando. West Carroll fell to Lake County in the Class 1A quarterfinals.
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Thompson's pick: Fayette Academy 28, West Carroll 14