All four Tipton County-area football teams play games tonight that will have significant postseason ramifications. Covington hosts South Gibson, Munford hosts Kirby, Brighton hosts Southwind and Tipton-Rosemark hosts Columbia Academy.
For a couple of teams a loss could end postseason hopes. For two others, wins could mean a region title. Here’s a look at each team’s playoff outlook:
Covington Chargers
Are they in?
Pretty much. A win in either of the Chargers’ two remaining league games will clinch a playoff berth.
What seed will they be?
That depends on what happens Friday night when South Gibson comes to town. If the Chargers can beat the first-place Hornets, and then defeat Sheffield and McNairy Central, games in which they will be heavily favored, Covington will win a tiebreaker and be the top seed out of Region 7-3A.
Who could they face in the playoffs?
If Covington finishes first, a matchup against MLK Prep or Raleigh-Egypt is likely. A second or third finish would mean a first-round game against Melrose or Sheffield.
Munford Cougars
Are they in?
Almost certainly. The only thing that could possibly keep them out is taking a loss against winless Kingsbury in the season finale, which is extremely unlikely.
What seed will they be?
Friday’s home game against region foe Kirby is huge. If Munford can take care of that one the Cougars, assuming they beat Kingsbury, can finish no worse than second and will host a first-round playoff game. If Munford wins out and finishes 8-2 it will have an outside chance to finish first. A loss to Kirby means Munford will finish third or fourth.
Who could they face in the playoffs?
If Munford ends up hosting a playoff game, possible first-round opponents include Clarksville and Kenwood. Munford does not want to finish fourth because that will mean a trip to Paris to play Henry County.
Brighton Cardinals
Are they in?
Maybe. Brighton needs to win two of its three remaining games to have a chance.
What seed will they be?
The Cardinals host first-place Southwind this week and Ridgeway, which is in fourth place, the next. The regular season ends against one-win Overton. If Brighton wins all three it will be in, probably as a three-seed. A split with Ridgeway and Southwind and a win against Overton could put Brighton in fourth.
Who could they face in the playoffs?
Henry County and Dyer County are likely opponents if Brighton makes it to the postseason.
Tipton-Rosemark Rebels
Are they in?
It’s complicated. A win this week against Columbia Academy would un-complicate things.
What seed with they be?
The top six teams in DII-A-West make the state playoffs and TRA is in sixth place. If the Rebels can beat fifth-place Columbia Academy on Friday, they are in the playoffs. However, a loss vs. Columbia and another defeat in the regular season finale at Nashville Christian, which is undefeated, would put the postseason in jeopardy. In that case the Rebels, which are idle on the final Friday of the season, would probably be scoreboard watching to see if they make it in.
Who could they face in the playoffs?
Donelson Christian Academy and Mt. Juliet Christian are possibilities.
