All four Tipton County-area teams – Brighton, Covington, Munford and Tipton-Rosemark – are in the playoffs this year, something that does not happen all that often.
Each team’s path to Chattanooga, the site of this year’s state title games is different. A couple of local teams will be favored this week and two will be underdogs.
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Here’s a look at each local game:
What: Munford (8-2) vs. Portland (4-6) in Class 5A first round
Where: Munford
When: Friday night at 7
Players to watch: Munford – RB Auvic White, QB Jordan Bell, WR Icarius Hodgin, LB Ben Cerniglia
Storylines: If the name Portland sounds familiar to Tipton County football historians, it’s probably because Portland beat Covington in the 2000 Class 3A title game … Auvic White and Jordan Bell have received most the attention this year, but the defense has been pretty stout too, allowing two touchdowns or less in three of the past six games.
What’s next: The winner plays Dyer County or Henry County.
What: Covington (7-2) vs. Raleigh-Egypt (5-4) in Class 3A first round
Where: Covington
When: Friday night at 7
Players to watch: Covington – RB Jamarion Dowell, RB Jalen Fayne, LB A.C. Mason, LB Christian Barbee
Storylines: Keep an eye on Eumorrion Flowers. He played defense only all year until getting his first carries of the season last week. The bruiser rushed for 87 yards on 10 carries … The Chargers always run more than they pass, but this year that disparity has been even bigger. Passing yards: 236, rushing: 2,966.
What’s next: The winner plays Ripley or Memphis East.
What: Brighton (6-4) vs. Springfield (8-2) in Class 5A first round
Where: Springfield
When: Friday night at 7
Players to watch: Brighton – QB Nick Harvell, RB Ty Stark, DB Kolby Jones, OL Harrison Moore
Storylines: Brighton’s leading rusher and one of the best running backs in the area, Braxton Sharp, was injured last week and is not expected to play … Springfield moved to Class 5A this year from 4A. In 4A Springfield finished state runnerup in 2017 and 2019.
What’s next: The winner plays Memphis Central or Kenwood.
What: Tipton-Rosemark (6-3) vs. Friendship Christian (6-4) in DII-A first round
Where: Lebanon
When: Friday night at 7
Players to watch: Rosemark – QB Payne Fullen, WR Tyler Byrd, RB Alex Ndon-Blue, OL Gibson Phillips
Storylines: Rosemark was off last week so they should be well-rested. Payne Fullen rushed for 243 yards and three TDs in a Week 9 win vs. FACS … Friendship Christian is ranked fourth in the latest DII-A Associated Press state poll.
What’s next: The winner plays Donelson Christian.
