NORTHEAST TENN.
Division I-4A
Morristown West at Sullivan South
The Rebels are riding an eight-game winning streak, as Curt Phillips’ consistently hot hand and South’s running game have bailed the Rebels out of three straight early deficits. Meanwhile, West has pulled together an up-and-down season to outscore its last three opponents 115-30.
South’s in for a battle. But the Rebels should have enough offensive talent to move on – barring another first-quarter no-show.
Prediction: Sullivan South 24, Morristown West 20

SOUTHWEST VA.
Region C, Division 2
Grayson County at George Wythe
The playoffs return to Pendleton Field on Friday as George Wythe returns to the playoffs after a one-year hiatus. GW hasn’t played since a dramatic 14-7 victory over Chilhowie two weeks ago and the Maroons have been banged up. The week off allowed them to heal some of those injuries. Grayson County (8-2) won the Mountain Empire District title and early reports say this is the best outfit the Blue Devils’ have put on the field in a while. However, GW still has the edge.
Prediction: George Wythe 20, Grayson County 14
Region C, Division 1

Bath County at Holston
Here’s one prediction that is bound to be true – get to Damascus early tonight. The place should be packed as the Cavaliers make their first playoff appearance since 1995 and host their first postseason game in 22 years. First-year head coach Jason Matlock has helped reenergize a once-downtrodden program and such standouts as Eric Mefford, Aaron Reynolds and John Pratt have put together productive seasons. The bus ride from Bath County to Damascus is the longest in Region C and Bath County must overcome that. However, the Chargers’ experience in the postseason should be the difference.
Prediction: Bath County 28, Holston 26

Bland County at Rural Retreat
Rural Retreat head coach Quinton Hensley knows a thing or two about the Region C, Division 1 playoffs. The Indians have won regional championships in his first three seasons at the helm and the Indians are 6-0 in regional games since he’s been in charge. Bland, under the direction of former Tazewell coach Harris Hart, has been a pleasant surprise. However, Rural Retreat should still roll.
Prediction: Rural Retreat 34, Bland 15

Region IV, Division 3
Patrick County at Richlands
The Cougars had to win three games in a week and a half just to qualify for the playoffs, but their run stops here against the defending state champs. The Blue Tornadoes’ offense began to hit its stride in the second half Oct. 26 at Carroll County and has scored 81 points in their last three halves. Add in a long bus ride for Patrick County, plus Richlands’ stout defense and special teams, and you have a routine first round win for the Blues.
Prediction: Richlands 30, Patrick County 12.

Marion at Graham
If you like your football played between the tackles, this is your game. Watch fullbacks Tommy Lyon (Marion) and Tyler Barreras (Graham) if you want to see guys bounce off defenders and churn out tough yardage. The teams’ regular season meeting resulted in a 13-8 G-Men win on a late Scarlet Hurricanes turnover inside the Graham 5-yard line. It will be close again, but the G-Men have a little more speed and that’s the difference.
Prediction: Graham 20, Marion 14. 

Saturday
Region D, Division 2
Honaker at Powell Valley
This is a rematch of a first-round game from last year in which Powell Valley’s offense overwhelmed Honaker en route to a win. Look for the same scenario to unfold today at Bullitt Park. Honaker running back Logan Ball should get his yards, but Powell Valley has too many weapons on offense.
Prediction: Powell Valley 41, Honaker 22.

Region D, Division 2
Lebanon at Gate City
This is a rematch from Sept. 14. In that game at Tommy Bryant Stadium, Lebanon collected 255 yards rushing en route to a 33-13 win. As usual, senior tailback Skyler Musick starred with 126 yards and two scores. Gate City was intercepted three times by Lebanon. Since then, the Blue Devils have lost only one other game (Powell Valley) with a back-to-basics running approach. Gate City has won 85 percent (30-5) of its postseason games at Legion Field since 1966. The sound of Musick will ring strong today, however.
Prediction: Lebanon 28, Gate City 21.

Region D, Division 1
St. Paul at J.I. Burton
Even though J.I. Burton is a heavy favorite, this is a rather intriguing matchup. Burton went 9-1 in winning its second consecutive Lonesome Pine District title and the Raiders will attempt to win the regional title for the fifth consecutive year. However, injuries have been an issue for the Raiders. Meanwhile, St. Paul features one of the area’s most explosive players in Josh Brooks. Can Burton’s stout defense contain Brooks? Will the injuries continue to slow Burton? Those questions will be answered Saturday in Norton.
Prediction: J.I. Burton 33, St. Paul 16

Appalachia at Clintwood
Eight days after facing each other to close out the regular-season, these two teams meet again in the regional quarterfinals. Clintwood cruised to a 37-point victory last Friday at Appalachia as quarterback Heath Counts burned the Bulldogs’ secondary for four touchdown passes and Chris Robinson led the Greenwave’s ground attack. Look for history to repeat itself today at Ralph Cummins Stadium.
Prediction: Clintwood 45, Appalachia 8