A look at the top small high school football teams in Middle Tennessee, as ranked by the USA Today Sports network for Middle Tennessee.
Small schools consist of teams from Class 1A, Class 2A, Class 3A and Division II-A.
Senior running back James Deaton is hoping to help Christ Presbyterian Academy to its fourth consecutive appearance in the state championship game.
1. Christ Presbyterian Academy: The Lions are 67-6 over the last five seasons, including three consecutive appearances in the Class 3A state championship game. Last year: 13-2. This week: Friday at Parkview (Ga.).
2. Stratford: The Spartans have added T.J. Carter — a running back and defensive back who transferred from Hendersonville — to a team that ended its 2015 season with a second-round loss to CPA. Last year: 8-4. This week: Friday vs. Maplewood.
3. Nashville Christian: The Eagles won the program’s first state title last December and will be aided by transfer quarterback Bryce Pemberton. Last year: 14-1. This week: Friday vs. Red Boiling Springs.
4. Franklin Road Academy: The Panthers reeled off 11 consecutive victories last season before an abrupt ouster at the hands of University School of Jackson. Last year: 11-1. This week: Idle.
5. Davidson Academy: Bolstered by Nigerian exchange students Obinna Eze and Ani Izuchukwu, the Bears hope to challenge FRA for the Division II-A district championship. Last year: 7-4. This week: Friday at Friendship Christian.
6. East Nashville: Eagles hope to improve on last season’s struggles behind senior linebacker Jacob Phillips. Last year: 3-8. This week: Friday vs. Rossview.
7. Friendship Christian: Commanders hope to challenge Knoxville Webb once again for the top spot in Division II-A District 1. Last year: 8-4. This week: Friday vs. Davidson Academy.
8. Fairview: The Yellow Jackets return nine starters on both offense and defense for a program that has made 10 consecutive playoff appearances. Last year: 7-4. This week: Friday vs. Page.
9. DeKalb County: Senior quarterback Steven Jennings, the 2015 Region 4-3A Offensive Most Valuable Player, leads the Tigers. Last year: 7-4. This week: Friday vs. Warren County.
10. Waverly: Behind sophomore quarterback Gavin Stanfield, the Tigers are hoping to improve on last season’s first-round, playoff exit. Last year: 9-2. This week: Friday vs. Camden.
Reach Craig Harris at 615-259-8238 and on Twitter @CHTennessean.
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