As the 2024 Tennessee high school football season reaches its crescendo, two of the state’s premier teams, Battle Ground Academy (BGA) and Christ Presbyterian Academy (CPA), have firmly established themselves as powerhouses. With a dominant regular season behind them, both teams are poised for an exciting playoff matchup, having already squared off earlier in the season.

Team Records and Overview

Battle Ground Academy, based in Franklin, TN, enters the contest with an impressive 11-2 overall record. Their journey has included a solid district performance with a 4-2 record and a strong 6-1 mark at home. Their potent offense has generated 537 points this season, averaging a healthy 41.3 points per game, while their defense has allowed 234 points.

On the other hand, Christ Presbyterian Academy, hailing from Nashville, TN, remains undefeated with a perfect 13-0 record. They dominated in district play with a flawless 6-0 record and have been equally strong both at home (8-0) and on the road (5-0). Their offense has scored 503 points, averaging 38.7 points per game, while their defense has allowed just 155 points.

Key Matchup Recap

The two teams met earlier in the season on September 19, 2024, with CPA emerging victorious by a decisive 49-16 scoreline. The game saw CPA dominate in all facets, especially in the second and fourth quarters, where they outscored BGA 42-6. Despite a strong first half from BGA, CPA’s depth and skill proved too much as they cruised to the win. BGA will surely be looking for redemption in this upcoming neutral-site playoff game.

Statistical Breakdown

Both teams have shown impressive offensive numbers throughout the season. Battle Ground Academy has been especially strong in their passing game, averaging 245.1 yards per game, led by quarterback Kaedyn Marable, who has passed for 232.8 yards per game. On the ground, Ethan Kellum has been a standout, rushing for 69.9 yards per game. However, their defense has been more of a concern, as they average just 51.3 tackles per game.

Christ Presbyterian Academy, meanwhile, has balanced their offensive attack with 175.7 rushing yards per game and 182.6 passing yards per game. The team has been led by running back Rawls Patterson, who averages 96.7 yards per game, and quarterback Hutson Chance, who leads the team with 171.6 passing yards per game. CPA’s defense, spearheaded by Steele Chance (9.7 tackles per game) and Brock Beddingfield (0.6 sacks per game), has been formidable all season, as they hold opponents to just 155 points in 13 games.

Team Leaders

Battle Ground Academy:

• Ethan Kellum (RB): 69.9 rushing yards per game
• Kaedyn Marable (QB): 232.8 passing yards per game
• Arnett Hayes Jr. (WR): 85.6 receiving yards per game
• Elijah Fernandez (LB): 5.8 tackles per game
• Nathaniel Fleming (DL): 1.0 sacks per game

Christ Presbyterian Academy:

• Rawls Patterson (RB): 96.7 rushing yards per game
• Hutson Chance (QB): 171.6 passing yards per game
• Owen Cabell (WR): 86.0 receiving yards per game
• Steele Chance (LB): 9.7 tackles per game
• Brock Beddingfield (DL): 0.6 sacks per game

Head-to-Head and Common Opponents

CPA’s victory over BGA in September is a key factor heading into this playoff game, but both teams have dominated their common opponents. Each squad has faced a rigorous schedule, with BGA posting a 5-1 record against common opponents and CPA remaining perfect at 5-0. Notable wins include both teams defeating Davidson Academy, Pope John Paul II, and Goodpasture Christian. CPA’s commanding performance against these teams has added to their confidence heading into the playoffs.

The Playoff Picture

Both teams enter the playoffs in excellent form, with BGA holding a 3-0 record in postseason play and CPA also unbeaten at 3-0. The stakes are high as each team hopes to advance to the next stage and possibly meet again in the state championship.

Conclusion

Battle Ground Academy and Christ Presbyterian Academy are two of Tennessee’s finest football programs, and their upcoming playoff showdown promises to be a thrilling contest. While CPA enters the game as the clear favorite due to their undefeated record and dominant performance earlier in the season, BGA will have the opportunity to prove their resilience and perhaps turn the tables in what promises to be an exciting battle for the ages.