Top 5 prep football games for Week 4
Game of the week
Houston (0-2) at Evangelical Christian (2-0)
When: Friday at 7 p.m.
Last year, the Mustangs pulled away from ECS for a 36-20 victory on their way to the Class 6A semifinals. It was ECS' only loss of the season. But the Eagles return many contributors from last year's DII-AA state title team, including Clemson offensive line commitment Dietrick Pennington. Houston, which graduated last year's Class 6A Mr. Football Lincoln Pare, hasn't shown yet that it can reach the same level of offensive production without him.
Thompson's pick: ECS 35, Houston 28
Bartlett (0-1) at Christian Brothers (2-0)
When: Friday at 7 p.m.
Christian Brothers has been on a roll, picking up wins over Houston, FACS and MUS. Dallan Hayden has nearly 700 yards and nine TDS, and the defense is holding teams to 7 points per game. Bartlett was blown out by Christ Presbyterian Academy at a neutral site game at Milan last week. Robert Giaimo scored both touchdowns in the loss.
Thompson's pick: Christian
Brothers 28, Bartlett 14
Lewisburg (1-0) at Arlington (2-1)
When: Thursday at 7 p.m. Arlington picked up a 24-14 win against Desoto Central last week and is set to host another opponent from Desoto County. Lewisburg opened its season with a 44-13 win over Byhalia (Mississippi).
Thompson's pick: Arlington 31, Lewisburg 17
FACS (0-3) at St. Benedict (0-1)
When: Friday at 7 p.m.
St. Benedict opened the season with a close 19-16 loss to Munford. FACS has yet to score and fell to Lausanne 56-0 last week. Can Walter Nolen, a defensive lineman ranked as the No. 1 overall college football prospect in the country for the Class of 2022, help the Eagles keep the Crusaders' scoreless streak going?
Thompson's pick: St. Benedict 28, FACS 0
Briarcrest (2-1) at Montgomery Bell Academy (0-0)
When: Friday at 7 p.m.
The Saints dropped their region opener against Pope John Paul II last Friday. This week, the Saints head to Nashville to take on last year's DIIAAA runner-ups. Briarcrest quarterback Michael Dallas is completing 59 percent of his pass attempts and has thrown for eight touchdowns.
Thompson's pick: MBA 31, Briarcrest 24
Last week: 3-2
Season: 10-5 (.667)