By SAM McGAW
Brentwood Academy (5-1) at Montgomery Bell Academy (6-1), 7 p.m. Friday*
There’s potential for plenty of fireworks Friday when the Brentwood Academy Eagles visit Montgomery Bell Academy in a rematch of last year’s Division II-AA title game.
The two squads combined for 1,039 yards and 13 touchdowns in BA’s 56-55 double-overtime win in December’s championship matchup.
With both teams entering this week’s battle averaging 39 points per game, there won’t be a shortage of offensive firepower.
“Every year is a big game with MBA, so this one isn’t any different,” BA head coach Cody White said. “These kids grow up knowing each other and this rivalry is important for our kids and theirs. These games are always fun. Part of the reason you go to a school like this is to play in games like this.”
BA quarterback Jeremiah Oatsvall has done nothing but dominate MBA since his first season as a starter in 2014.
In his three matchups against the Big Red, the senior Austin Peay commit has accounted for 846 passing yards, 409 rushing yards, 13 touchdowns (6 run) and two interceptions.
He enters Friday with momentum after he led the Eagles with 207 passing yards, 52 rushing yards and four touchdowns (1 run) in last week’s 35-21 win over Ensworth. It was his third straight four-touchdown game.
He has 911 passing yards, 431 rushing yards, 17 touchdowns and six interceptions this season.
BA’s other top weapons include running back Mario Pleasant (443 rush yds, 7 TDs), wide receiver Camron Johnson (18 rec., 288 yds, 4 TDs) and tight end Gavin Schoenwald (16 rec., 158 yds, 2 TDs).
The group will need to fire on all cylinders against an MBA defense that allows 14.86 points per game.
“They’re really disciplined and understand what they’re doing really well,” White said about MBA. “I think they’re very similar to what they always are. They do a good job putting a good team on the field all the time as a coaching staff.”
The focal point for the Eagles’ defense this week is simple: contain MBA running back Ty Chandler.
Put that on the list of things that are easier said than done.
Chandler, a Tennessee commit, has rushed for 1,159 yards and 25 touchdowns on 116 carries this season.
He torched the Eagles for 258 rushing yards and four touchdowns, including a 99-yard kickoff return, in the title game.
“They’re going to feed him the ball, as well as they should,” White stated. “He’s the best running back in the state. Hopefully, we can run him down and keep him from getting the super long gains. The trick of it is to not let him hit the home run.”
Sam McGaw is sports editor of Home Page Media Group. Email him at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @SamMcGawSports.
