By David Wells
Despite having the better record at 7-3, Brentwood Academy will be the lower-seeded team as it travels to 4-6 Briarcrest Friday night.
The Eagles finished their season strong with a five straight wins, including a 36-10 season-finale victory at home over Ensworth, which had won its last 29 games. Should Brentwood Academy win Friday night, it would likely travel to Ensworth for the state semifinals.
Brentwood Academy boasts an offense that has the ability to score quickly with a pass-first philosophy behind quarterback Tyler Swafford, who crossed over the 2,000 mark in passing yards with 210 yards against Ensworth.
Receiver C.J. Sanders has been Swafford’s favorite target all year with 43 catches, thoughtTanner Priest is averaging more yards per catch with fewer receptions than both Sanders and Brandon Taylor, who has 408 yards on 39 catches.
On the ground, Brentwood will split most of its carries between Shon Lumpkin and Shawn Brashers, both of whom are averaging 9-10 touches per game (in contrast to an average of 23.6 passing attempts per game).
Friday night’s game kicks off a 7 p.m.
