Brentwood Academy (BA) is one of those schools that expects a state championship or nothing year in and out. The team went 8-2 last year, losing in the state quarterfinals, and, naturally, the team and its fans hope for bigger and better things this year.
Because of such high expectations, the team schedules the hardest non-division opponents it can find. In the season opener BA traveled to Mississippi to play the 29th ranked team in that state, Olive Branch. BA’s explosive offense made quick work of that contest, running away 48-6.
In our Game of the Week, on Friday Trinity from Kentucky comes to town.
BA Getting Early Test in Home Opener
Teams playing in the ultra-compe7 p.m.titive Division II-AA the region for the larger private schools in TSSAA districting, schedule out of division games as a way of tempering their teams. Like a black smith putting a blade in the fire then pounding on it to make it stronger, unbending, BA schedules teams like Trinity not so much with an eye towards winning or losing (though of course that matters) but to push their teams to find the edge of their ability and maybe extend them. Just as important is what a coach finds out about his team against an excellent team. For BA Friday at 7 p.m. Trinity will do the trick.
“I think they are outstanding, the best team in Kentucky,” said Coach Cody White, in his fourth season. “We have our hands full, but it is a good gauge of where you are as a football team.”
Coach Cody White was not exaggerating when he said Trinity is the best team in Kentucky. They are the USAToday number one school in Kentucky, and 45th nationally. Last Friday, they rolled over Ensworth 45-0. BA lost to Ensworth, which went 10-2 last year, last October.
Weapons and O-Line and What to Watch For
BA has plenty of talent on its side of the ball, though, in case it sounds like there won’t be a contest.
According to Clay Maddox at PrepWeekly.com:
Brentwood Academy runs an up-tempo spread offense that looks to put lots of points on the board. The Eagles foundation on offense is it’s 8 returning starters and big, experienced offensive line including highly touted big time college recruits, Bryce Matthews (6’6”, 275, Sr) and University of Tennessee commitment Ryan Johnson (6’5”, 270, Sr). The mammoth offensive tackles will be holding the edges for athletic QB Jeremiah Oatsvall (6’1”, 188, Jr). The center of the line will be quick with Ryan Franklin (6’1”, 235, Sr), Brian Garvey (6’3”, 275, Sr), and Elijah Treat (6’4”, 275, Jr). Oatsvall will count on the speed and hands of youngsters Josh Smith (6’0”, 190, Jr) and Camron Johnson (6’1”, 185, So) at WR, and the Eagles will balance out their high speed attack by giving the ball to powerful, bruising RB Prince Momodu (6’0”, 200, Sr).
Defensively, the Eagles are strong and fast, attacking the interior and locking up outside receivers. Coach White’s squad is solidified with 7 returning starters. Brentwood Academy will be relying defensively on the huge, dominant force of highly rated talent. DT Brandon Adams (6’2”, 290, Jr), explosive two way threat Coutrell Plair (6’0”, 170, Sr), all-region cover specialist Trent Taylor (6’1”, 175, Sr), three-year starter Chris Hopkins (5’11”, 190, Sr), and smart, athletic safety Evan Beddoe (6’1”, 185, Jr) -PrepWeekly.com.
See you at the game on Friday, and don’t forget to tune into 104.5 The Zone for live updates on BA and other Williamson County games.
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