Munford puts its 4-0 record on the line Friday against Whitehaven, a Class 6A program that has won four straight and allowed six points in its past three games.
Elsewhere in the county, Covington brings the area’s most productive running game against Ripley, Brighton tries to end a three-game skid against Kingsbury, and Tipton-Rosemark Academy travels to unbeaten Jackson Christian.
Whitehaven at Munford
Munford has scored at least 34 points in every game. The Cougars beat Haywood 38-14 last week, one week after holding off Woodford County, Kentucky, 34-30, in the first game that tested their defense this season.
Whitehaven lost its opener to Ensworth and has not lost since. The Tigers beat Houston, edged Germantown 7-6, shut out Fairley and are coming off a 33-0 win at Southaven.
Last meeting: Munford won 36-35 at Whitehaven last season, one of the Cougars’ closest games of the year.
Players to watch: Junior Tay Starks is averaging nearly 116 rushing yards per game and has scored 10 touchdowns. Senior Qua Bell and junior Dixon Mooneyham keep fresh legs in the Munford backfield.
The key: The line of scrimmage. Munford wants to keep its running game moving and stay out of long-yardage situations. Whitehaven has the size and speed to push the Cougars away from what they do best.
What’s next: This is Munford’s final game before Region 8-5A play. The Cougars host Kingsbury next week, followed by Overton and Brighton.
Ripley at Covington
Covington rushed for 489 yards and eight touchdowns in last week’s 64-13 win at Obion County Central, its best performance of the season and its third straight win.
The Chargers are doing it by committee. Three backs have each rushed for more than 350 yards this season, but no Covington player has more than 41 carries. The ground game is averaging more than 400 yards per game, and the defense has held its past two opponents to a combined 408 yards.
Players to watch: Junior Nic’kylan Murray ran for 192 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries last week. Senior Steven Cunningham scored three times, and senior Makaviyon McKinnie and freshman Cadarius Byars each added a touchdown.
The opponent: Ripley is 1-4 but stayed with Dresden to the end in a 23-20 loss last week. The Tigers are still looking for their first Region 7-3A win.
The key: Ball security. Covington has lost six fumbles this season, and turnovers are one of the few things that could interrupt its running game.
Kingsbury at Brighton
Brighton opened with close wins over PURE Academy and Dyersburg, then lost to Jackson Central-Merry, Covington (26-7) and Memphis Central (49-17). The Cardinals are 2-3 overall and 0-1 in Region 8-5A.
Kingsbury is also 2-3 and has already matched last season’s win total. The Falcons beat Craigmont 30-20 last week after a 50-6 loss to St. Benedict. They scored 60 in a win over Booker T. Washington and 30 in a loss to Wooddale but managed a combined six points against Harding Academy and St. Benedict. Friday is Kingsbury’s region opener.
Last meeting: Brighton won 70-6.
Player to watch: Senior Ja’Karion Burrell, Brighton’s most consistent runner and the player the Cardinals lean on when games turn physical.
The key: Getting Burrell going early. When Brighton runs the ball well, it controls the pace, sustains drives and keeps its defense off the field.
What’s next: Brighton hosts McCracken County, Kentucky, before an open date. Kingsbury travels to Munford.
Tipton-Rosemark Academy at Jackson Christian
Rosemark rushed for 317 yards in a 42-6 win over First Assembly Christian School two weeks ago, then was held to 131 total yards and 58 rushing yards in last week’s 35-3 loss at Evangelical Christian School.
Jackson Christian is 5-0 after beating Fayette Academy 35-16 and has scored at least 31 points in every game. The Eagles ran for 261 yards against Union City and threw for 231 against ECS.
Region picture: Rosemark is 1-1 in Division II-A West after a 14-8 loss to Harding Academy and the win over First Assembly.
Last meeting: Jackson Christian won 42-13.
Players to watch: Rosemark sophomore running back Reggie Holmes has more than 400 rushing yards. For Jackson Christian, senior running back Jay Pirtle averages more than 140 rushing yards per game, and senior Kelsey Rose leads the team in receiving and tackles.
The key: Keeping Holmes involved, putting together drives and not giving the Eagles short fields.
What’s next: Rosemark plays another region road game at Fayette Academy.
Friday’s schedule
All games kick off at 7 p.m.
- Whitehaven at Munford, Dr. Sid Witherington Field
- Ripley at Covington, George Pinner Stadium
- Kingsbury at Brighton, Rodney Eubank Field
- Tipton-Rosemark Academy at Jackson Christian School
