Memphis area’s top football games
A clash of two of the top five teams in the Memphis area highlights Week 5 in the TSSAA football season. Here’s a look at some of the top games in the area this week, plus predictions.
Game of the Week: Bartlett (3-1, 1-0 Region 8-6A) at Germantown
(4-0, 1-0)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
Germantown will have the task of slowing a Bartlett offense that has surpassed 400 yards the last two games. The Red Devils’ defense has done well at slowing teams down, allowing no more than 21 points in a game this season. Bartlett will have to play a complete game again to beat Germantown and not get complacent. Germantown seems to play its best when it’s trailing.
Wynston’s pick: Germantown 28, Bartlett 24
Briarcrest (2-2, 0-1 DII-AAA) at Christian Brothers (2-2, 0-1)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
This one will come down to defense for Briarcrest, which is averaging 348 total yards against the last two games — both losses.
They’ll face a Christian Brothers offense that has struggled this season. The only game the Purple Wave eclipsed 300 yards was a blowout win over Sheffield. This game will be decided by whether Christian Brothers can find some offensive consistency.
Wynston’s pick: Briarcrest 27, Christian Brothers 17
Whitehaven (2-2, 0-1 Region 8-6A) at Houston (3-1, 1-0)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
Whitehaven faces a Houston team that is averaging just under 330 yards per game. Houston has relied heavily on Damon Sisa out of the backfield this year; he has 448 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
If Houston wants to win, it will need to limit turnovers. Whitehaven will punish the Mustangs, just like Briarcrest did, if they can’t keep the ball.
Wynston’s pick: Whitehaven 32, Houston 27
Overton (2-2) at Munford (4-0)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
Munford is averaging 305.5 yards per game, largely due to running back
Braxton Sharp, who exploded in his first game this season with 150 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Between Sharp in the backfield and Jordan Bell running the offense at quarterback, the Cougars begin their Region 8-5A title defense against Overton.
Wynston’s pick: Munford 35, Overton 6
Ensworth (3-1, 1-0 DII-AAA) at Memphis University School (3-1, 1-0)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
How well MUS can run the ball will determine how much success it will have this season.
The only game it had less than 250 rushing yards was its only loss (Germantown). Makhi Shaw and Tee Perry are the feature backs and have combined for 594 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns this season.
Wynston’s pick: Ensworth 24, MUS 17
Freedom Prep (4-0) at St. George’s (1-3)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
Junior quarterback E.J. Gilliam has thrown for 842 yards and 17 touchdowns in his first four starts with Freedom Prep and hasn’t thrown an interception yet. In the run game, Desi Hemphill has 419 yards and six touchdowns. Simply put, this offense is lethal and it won’t be slowing down anytime soon.
Wynston’s pick: Freedom Prep 30, St. George’s 22
Trezevant (1-3, 0-1 Region 8-3A) at Sheffield (2-2, 1-0)
When: 7 p.m., Thursday
Mark Joseph’s five interceptions may raise some eyes, but his offense has helped Sheffield this season. He has 490 passing yards with six touchdowns through the first four games and 335 rushing yards. He’s a playmaker on both sides of the ball and he should help the Knights get back in the win column this week.
Wynston’s pick: Sheffield 26, Trezevant 12
MASE (3-0, 1-0 Region 8-1A) at Booker T. Washington (1-1, 1-0)
When: 7 p.m., Thursday
The Phoenix have scored 136 points and haven’t allowed a score yet this season. Last week, Dylan Jackson had a interception return for a touchdown and Lance Taylor, London James and Kristian Miller all helped slow down Memphis Business Academy. MASE should get another dominant win and remain undefeated.
Wynston’s pick: MASE 32, Booker T. Washington 0
Covington (3-1, 1-0 Region 7-3A) at Ripley (3-1, 1-0)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
Skylan Smith and Jamarion Dowell have combined for 883 yards and 17 touchdowns the last three weeks. Though Ripley poses an equal threat in the run game, Covington is hitting its stride. Its backfield duo has too much to slow down.
Wynston’s pick: Covington 35, Ripley 30
Cordova (1-2, 0-1 Region 8-6A) at Collierville (4-0, 1-0)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
Aidan Glover has led the offense through the air with 453 yards and eight touchdowns.
He has three receivers at least 140 receiving yards and two touchdowns. The Dragons also have Andy Bell and Logan Davis with at least 200 rushing yards and two touchdowns each.
This should be another dominant win for Collierville and its hot offense.
Wynston’s pick: Collierville 37, Cordova 12
Reach Wynston Wilcox at wwilcox@gannett.com and on Twitter @wynstonw__.