Powell (7-3) Opens Their Playoff Campaign Against Tennessee High (7-3)
By Aiden Gallagher
Powell opens their playoff campaign at home against Tennessee High. The two teams come into the game with lofty expectations, following 7-3 regular seasons respectively. The Powell Panthers made it to the Semi-Finals last year and are looking to make it a step further this time. DE Steven Soles was announced as a finalist for the 5A TSSAA Mr. Football Award. A strong performance from the Kentucky Commit would go a long way in proving he deserves the award.
Matchup History:
The Powell Panthers and Tennessee Vikings have met one time in 2012 when the Panthers took down the Vikings 31-10. Needless to say, the two teams look very different now than they were then.
Impact Players:
Powell:
Junior RB Connor Wheeler has struggled to get going the last few weeks, and the Panthers now need him more than ever. On the bright side, his woes as of late have forced the passing attack to get better over the last few weeks.
Looking Ahead:
The winner of this game will be playing the winner of Central and Sevier County. Expect this game to come down to the wire and the Panthers to be playing harder after a heartbreaking loss to the West Rebels.
Rest Of The Bracket:
The bracket is linked at the bottom of this article, but there are several interesting matchups going into the opening round, such as West v. Daniel Boone, or McMinn v. Clinton. 5A has been known to be one of the most unpredictable divisions in the state, and this year will be no different.