SPORTS

The Tennessean Midstate Top 10

Michael Murphy

USA TODAY NETWORK – Tennessee

The Eagles have amassed at least 550 yards in each of their last two games.

A look at the top high school football teams in Middle Tennessee, as ranked by The Tennessean, through Week 9 of the regular season:

Franklin Road Academy is one game away from a perfect 10-0 regular season.

10. FRA (9-0)— The Panthers faced their toughest test of the season, and despite committing three turnovers — including a pair of fourth-quarter fumbles — they still found a way to capture their ninth straight win, 31-28 over Davidson Academy. Last week: No. 10. This week: Bye.

9. Hendersonville (7-1)— The Commandos have run for at least 250 yards in each of their seven wins, piling up 2,122 yards on the ground and 26 rushing touchdowns this season. Last week: No. 9. This week: Friday at Glencliff (2-6).

8. CPA (7-1)— Dual-threat quarterback Zack Weatherly accounted for 270 yards and four total touchdowns in the Lions’ 49-13 victory over Region 5-3A foe Greenbrier — the school’s 23rd straight win against league competition, dating back to 2011. Last week: No. 8. This week: Friday vs. Goodpasture (0-8).

7. Ravenwood (7-1)— The Raptors limited Region 3-6A foe Overton to just 189 yards in Thursday’s victory, coasting to a 38-7 win behind 24-unanswered second-half points. Last week: No. 7. This week: Friday at Wilson Central (4-4).

The Cougars are currently tied with Henry County atop the Region 7-5A standings.

6. Centennial (7-1)— The Cougars will hit the road to face a solid Rossview squad next week — a potential trap game prior to the squad's Oct. 30 matchup with fellow Region 7-5A unbeaten Henry County. Last week: No. 6. This week: Friday at Rossview (6-2).

5. Blackman (6-2)— Senior Taeler Dowdy took care of business on Friday, tallying 281 yards and three rushing touchdowns in the Blaze’s 55-30 triumph over winless Siegel. Last week: No. 5. This week: Friday vs. Coffee County (3-5).

4. Independence (8-0) — The Eagles moved one step closer to a perfect 10-0 regular season with Friday’s 49-16 triumph over Columbia — their seventh victory by 20 points or more this year. Last week: No. 4. This week: Friday vs. Franklin County (3-5).

3. MBA (7-1)— The Big Red received a much-needed bye after being dealt their most lopsided loss since 2014 — a 48-14 loss at the hands of top-ranked and seemingly unstoppable Brentwood Academy. Last week: No. 3. This week: Friday at Baylor (7-1).

The Patriots are coming off their seventh straight win.

2. Oakland (7-1)— Junior Lazarius Patterson ran for a career-high 243 yards and three touchdowns in the Patriots’ 43-14 win over Riverdale — the squad’s seventh straight. Last week: No. 2. This week: Friday at Cookeville (6-2).

1. Brentwood Academy (7-1)— The Eagles notched their second consecutive 550-yard performance on Friday, a 45-7 rout of region foe Father Ryan. Last week: No. 1. This week: Friday vs. University Christian, Fla. (6-1).

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