Week 8 football previews: Brighton, Munford and Tipton-Rosemark face stiff tests tonight

Brighton and Munford, thanks to COVID-19, are already done with region play, so each will play newly-scheduled non-region teams tonight on the road. Rosemark, meanwhile, will play a league opponent it needs two beat to keep its postseason hopes alive. Here’s a quick look at each game:

What: Brighton (2-5) vs. Fayette-Ware (5-1)

Where: Fayette-Ware High School

When: Friday at 7 p.m.

Cardinals to watch: QB Nick Harvell, RB Braxton Sharp, RB Ty Stark, TE Bryce Chaco, QB Tyler Todd

Story lines: Just like Brighton, Fayette-Ware’s league schedule was reduced to one game because of Shelby County teams not playing. The Wildcats beat Millington 26-20 last week to claim the Region 8-4A title. It’s their first league title since 1995 … Brighton and Fayette-Ware have three common opponents: Millington, Bolivar and Northpoint Chrisitian, which beat Fayette-Ware 40-0. Brighton beat Millington 36-0 and lost to Northpoint 27-8. Brighton beat Bolivar 44-0 and Fayette-Ware beat them 38-13 … Fayette-Ware’s Atlantis Thomas is fifth in the Shelby-Metro area with 662 rushing yards and is averaging 10 yards per carry.

What: Munford (4-2) vs. Northpoint Christian (3-1)

Where: Northpoint Christian

When: Friday at 7 p.m.

Rebels to watch: RB Auvic White, QB Jaxon O’Neal, DB Kelton Mason, RB Traveon Hawkins, DB Icarius Hodgin

Story lines: Munford quarterback Jaxon O’Neal has thrived in the Cougars’ new spread offense. He’s already thrown for 690 yards, which ranks fourth in the Shelby-Metro area. His eight TD passes ranks fifth … Icarius Hodgin has five interceptions this year, which is the most in the Shelby-Metro area … Munford’s defense is allowing just 225 yards per game, which ranks fifth.

What: Tipton-Rosemark (1-4) vs. Clarksville Academy (1-6)

Where: Clarksville Academy

When: Friday at 7 p.m.

Rebels to watch: QB Payne Fullen, RB Zak Vinson, WR Aiden Sprenkle, WR Jalen Hurt, OL Heath Harrald

Story lines: If the Rebels plan on making the playoffs for an eighth straight season, they will likely need to win this crucial DII-A-West game. Clarksville beat TRA last season, 21-14 … Trinity Christian Academy beat Clarksville 16-13 last month and defeated Rosemark 48-19 last week … Payne Fullen has 460 passing yards this season and he has utilized various receivers. Jalen Hurt has 179 receiving yards, Tucker James has 148 and Aiden Sprenkle 92.