We preview the top 5 prep football games this week
Game of the week Arlington (3-1, 0-0 7-6A) at Houston (2-2, 0-0)
When: Friday at 7 p.m.
This is a matchup in the only local Class 6A region allowed to play so far. Houston dropped its first two games before picking up a COVID win against
Bolton and picking up a dominant 4810 win over defending DII-AA state champ Evangelical Christian School last week. Arlington, which beat Halls, Desoto Central and Lewisburg, lost to ECS, which scored 23 unanswered points in the second half for a 23-15 comeback win. Houston running back Ben Stegall rushed for five touchdowns last week. Arlington quarterback Zach Baker threw for 222 yards and accounted for five touchdowns.
Thompson’s pick: Houston 35, Arlington 28
Bartlett (1-1) at Southaven (1-0)
When: Friday at 7 p.m.
Bartlett stopped four-star running back Dallan Hayden on fourth-andgoal from the 2 with less than 30 seconds remaining to earn a big upset win over Christian Brothers. Will the Panthers be able to contain Southaven receiver Isaiah Brevard, an Oregon commitment who is the area’s topranked prospect for the Class of 2021?
Thompson’s pick: Bartlett 21,
Southaven 14
St. Benedict (2-1, 0-0 DII-AAA) at Briarcrest (2-2, 0-2)
When: Friday at 7 p.m.
St. Benedict, led by 2.5 sacks and a rushing touchdown from Walter Nolen, the nation’s No. 1 prospect for the Class of 2022, shut out FACS 36-0 Friday night.
Briarcrest, despite five touchdowns from Michael Dallas, dropped its second consecutive region game against Montgomery Bell Academy.
Thompson’s pick: Briarcrest 35, St. Benedict 21
Covington (4-0, 1-0 7-3A) at Westview (4-0, 1-0)
When: Friday at 7 p.m.
Westview, led by four-star quarterback Ty Simpson, has scored 35 or more in each game. Covington has scored 40 or more in three of its four games with the exception being a 20-13 win over Class 4A Haywood, which made the state semifinals last year. Covington running back Marcus Hayes is a player to watch.
Thompson’s pick: Covington 35, Westview 31
Northpoint Christian (2-0, 0-0 DII-AA) at Evangelical Christian (2-1, 1-0)
When: Friday at 7 p.m.
The Eagles lost to Houston 48-10 without their two best players — Clemson offensive line commitment Dietrick Pennington and running back Jaylen Greenwood.
It was the first home loss for the Eagles since 2017. Northpoint has a COVID-19 win against Faulkner (Mississippi) and shut out Fayette-ware in Week 2. The Trojans have not been in action since.
Thompson’s pick: ECS 42, Northpoint 21
Last Week: 3-2
Season: 13-7 (.650)