Week Six was one of those weeks for Metro schools. The East Nashville Eagles (3-3 overall, 2-1 metro and 2-0 5-3A), opened their beautiful facility but fell to winless Brainerd 20-12. In front of former players and coaches along with their fanbase, the Eagles took the lead on their first play from scrimmage. Junior Jashon Watkins ran a reverse 61 yards for the score. The momentum shifted when he was called for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for excessive celebration. Brainerd gain field position deep in East Nashville territory and scored leading to a 20-0 run.
Down 20-6 in the fourth quarter, Eagle running back Rondarius Gregory ran for 68 yards for a touchdown to make it 20-12. After a failed onside kick, Gregory took a punt back for a touchdown that was called back for a block in the back. During the assuring drive, wide receiver Brian Thompson hit fellow wide out Adam Smith for a touchdown but that was also called back because an illegal motion call. The Eagles now out their attention on region foe Giles County.
“Losing this game was tough but we have to re-group,” said East offensive coordinator Anthony Owens. “We have a region game at home (Friday). We win that then we get a home playoff game. Our focus is on that.”
Two Metro schools recorded huge upsets. The Stratford Spartans (2-4, 1-2 and 0-15-3A) defeated the Maplewood Panthers (3-3, 2-2 and 1-1 4-4A) 20-6 in a mild upset. The Spartans were led by 300 plus pound running back Alexander Kelly’s three rushing touchdowns. In the past three weeks, offensive coordinator Matt Taylor has implemented a grind it out approach riding Kelly. That strategy has propelled Stratford to a 2-1 record. On defense, Robert Howard added two interceptions.
The Hillsboro Burros (3-3,1-0 and 1-1 6-5A) held on to defeat Christ Presbyterian Academy 30-28. The Burros were led by senior running back Jacob Frazier who recorded 310 yards and one touchdown on the ground. The Burros will now face a tough test this week when they travel to Beech.
“Our kids played well then hung on for dear life,” said Burro head coach Maurice Fitzgerald. “they came together and did the job. That is a very good team we beat. Our schedule has been tough. This week it will be no different”
In other action, the Glencliff Colts (1-5, 0-1 and 0-2 6-5A) will try to make it two in a row when they host Hillwood (1-4, 0-1 and 0-0 6-5A). Top ranked Cane Ridge (5-1, 0-0 and 3-0 5-6A) will host winless Overton (0-6, 0-1 and 0-3 5-A). The Spartans will welcome the Pearl-Cohn Firebirds (4-2, 0-0 and 1-0 5-3A). All three games are Metro versus Metro games with implications in each of their regions.
Week 7 Metro Baker’s Dozen
School Name Overall Metro Region Next
1. Cane Ridge 5-1 0-0 3-0 5-6A @ Overton
2. McGavock 5-1 3-0 3-0 5-6A Stewarts Creek
3. Pearl-Cohn 4-2 0-0 1-0 5-3A @ Stratford
4. Hillsboro 3-3 1-0 1-1 6-5A @ Beech
5. Maplewood 3-3 2-2 1-1 4-4A Spring Hill
6. East Nashville 3-3 2-1 2-0 5-3A Giles County
7. Stratford 2-4 1-2 0-1 5-3A Pearl-Cohn
8. Antioch 1-5 0-1 0-2 5-6A Lavergne
9. Hillwood 1-4 0-0 0-1 6-5A @ Glencliff
10. Glencliff 1-5 0-1 0-2 6-5A Hillwood
11. Overton 0-6 0-1 0-3 5-6A Cane Ridge
12. Whites Creek 0-6 0-2 0-2 5-3A @ BGA
13. Hunters Lane 0-5 0-1 0-1 6-5A Gallatin
