SPORTS

The Tennessean Midstate Top 10

Michael Murphy

USA TODAY NETWORK – Tennessee

A look at the top high school football teams in Middle Tennessee, as ranked by The Tennessean:

10. BGA (5-0) — Wildcats quarterback Clayton Beathard failed to eclipsed the 300-yard mark for the first time all season, but BGA still escaped with a 28-27 win at Page thanks to a key defensive stop in overtime. Last week: NR. This week: Friday vs. Davidson Academy.

9. Ensworth (3-3) — The Tigers clawed their way back from a two-score deficit, outscoring unbeaten CPA 24-0 in the second half, to capture a 24-14 win and get back to .500 on the year. Last week: NR. This week: Friday vs. Brentwood Academy.

8. Centennial (5-1) — The Cougars extended their winning streak to four games while remaining unbeaten in Region 7-5A with a convincing 43-6 win over West Creek. Last week: No. 10. This week: Friday vs. Clarksville.

Jae S. Lee / The Tennessean
Ravenwood's Andrew Lutgens and John Thompson tackle Mt. Juliet's Jauhar Jackson (28).

7. Ravenwood (4-1) — Andrew Rappe started the first four games at quarterback for the Raptors, but McCain Marrow threw for 196 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the team’s 24-7 win over Region 3-6A rival Franklin. Last week: No. 7. This week: Friday vs. McGavock.

The Lions take the field prior to Friday's game at Ensworth.

6. Christ Presbyterian Academy (4-1) — The Lions, who jumped out to a 14-0 lead over Ensworth, surrendered 24-unanswered points in the final two quarters, suffering their first defeat since the 2013 Class 3A title game. Last week: No. 3. This week: Friday at Stratford.

Blackman running back Taeler Dowdy (center)

5. Blackman (4-2) — The Blaze amassed more than 400 yards rushing in Friday’s 49-28 triumph over previously unbeaten Cookeville — 266 of which came from senior running back Taelor Dowdy, who also accounted for four of the team's seven scores. Last week: No. 6. This week: Friday vs. Smyrna.

4. Independence (5-0) — The Eagles, ranked No. 1 in Class 5A, have averaged more than 420 yards per game en route to the program’s first 5-0 start since 2006. Last week: No. 5. This week: Friday at Stewarts Creek.

Oakland takes the field prior to Friday's game against Coffee County.

3. Oakland (4-1) — Brendan Matthews threw for 169 and two touchdowns while Lazarius Patterson piled up 102 yards rushing and a pair of scores, but the Patriots still committed four turnovers in a 48-0 win over Coffee County. Last week: No. 4. This week: Friday at Warren County.

Brentwood Academy running back Prince Momodu (left).

2. Brentwood Academy (4-1) — The Eagles and reigning TitanUp Tennessean High School Football Player of the Week Jeremiah Oatsvall haven’t been tested since their Week 2 loss to Trinity (Ky.) That will change this week when they travel to Ensworth. Last week: No. 2. This week: Friday at Ensworth.

1. MBA (6-0) — Rival Father Ryan provided little resistance on Friday as running back Ty Chandler delivered his second straight four-touchdown performance for the Big Red, finishing with 193 yards rushing on 23 carries. Last week: No. 1. This week: Friday vs. Pope John Paul II.

Reach Michael Murphy at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports.