By Donnell Murphy (D)
The postseason brings out Tennessee’s toughest, most battle tested programs, and this Friday Night Threat Playoff Edition matchup between the Brentwood Academy Eagles and the Christ Presbyterian Academy Lions (CPA) is shaping up as one of the most intriguing clashes of the entire playoff slate. Both teams come in with elite coaching, disciplined defenses, and high level offensive talent, setting the stage for a classic Tennessee private school playoff showdown.
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Brentwood Academy: Searching for a Statement Win
Brentwood Academy enters this playoff matchup looking to reaffirm itself as one of the premier programs in the state. The Eagles battled through a challenging schedule full of top tier opponents, sharpening a roster loaded with athleticism, versatility, and depth.
Strengths and Identity
- Balanced offense capable of attacking through the air and on the ground.
- Physical front seven that pressures quarterbacks and disrupts timing.
- Playmakers in space who can turn any touch into a momentum swing.
Key Players to Watch – Brentwood Academy (2025–26)
QB – “Field General”
Crews Jenkins – JR, #3, QB
A poised junior who opened the year 13 of 16 for 169 yards and a touchdown. Jenkins has been efficient and steady in the short and intermediate passing game and is reliable in high pressure moments. He operates the offense with confidence and composure.
RB1 – “Downhill Bruiser”
Larry Sanders II – JR, #2, RB
A physical, tone setting runner who thrives in traffic. Sanders finishes runs with power, leans forward for extra yards, and sets the early tempo for the Eagles. His presence forces defenses to respect the run and opens up play action.
WR1 – “Explosive Playmaker”
Kesean Bowman-Sims – JR, #1, WR/CB
An elite wide receiver prospect with high level recruiting attention. Bowman-Sims brings top end speed, strong hands, and route polish, giving Brentwood Academy a true home run threat on the perimeter. Any time he touches the ball, the defense is on alert.
LB1 – “Defensive Anchor”
Roman Jennings – JR, #9, MLB/TE
One of the top young linebackers in the state, Jennings diagnoses plays quickly and meets ball carriers with physicality. He sets the emotional tone for the defense, communicates pre snap, and controls the middle of the field for the Eagles.
Brentwood Academy’s success often hinges on winning early downs, sustaining drives, and keeping its defense fresh for four quarters.
CPA: A Team Built for Playoff Football
CPA enters the postseason with a familiar identity built on physicality, discipline, and a polished offensive structure. The Lions rarely beat themselves and excel at dictating pace through the run game and controlled passing concepts.
Strengths and Identity
- Power run game that wears down defenses over four quarters.
- Elite line play on both sides of the ball, especially in the trenches.
- Play action concepts that punish defenses for overcommitting to the run.
- A coaching staff known for preparation and in game adjustments.
Key Players to Watch – Christ Presbyterian Academy (2025–26)
QB – “Efficient and Poised”
Jack VanOrman – SO, #7, QB
A young, rising quarterback who operates confidently within CPA’s system. VanOrman is smart with the football, works well off play action, and is tasked with keeping the offense on schedule rather than forcing big plays.
RB1 – “Bell Cow Back”
Rawls Patterson – SR, RB
A true workhorse running back with multiple 20 plus carry performances. Patterson has shown he can control tempo with games such as a 197 yard outing against Montgomery Bell Academy. He keeps the chains moving and sets the tone for CPA’s physical identity.
TE/WR Hybrid – “Matchup Nightmare”
Owen Cabell – WR/CB, 6’3″, 195
A versatile, long athlete who creates matchup issues for linebackers and safeties. Cabell can stretch the field vertically, body up defenders, and thrive in play action situations where the defense is slow to recover.
Defensive Front – “Stout and Disciplined Unit”
Led by EDGE Eli Dickey
Dickey anchors a disciplined and physical front seven that takes pride in gap control and technique. CPA’s defensive front limits explosive plays, rallies to the football, and forces opponents to execute long drives without mistakes.
CPA’s ability to dictate pace, avoid negative plays, and rely on a sturdy front makes the Lions a dangerous opponent in any playoff setting. For more team and player data around Tennessee, you can also track statewide numbers on MaxPreps Tennessee Football.
Key Matchups That Will Decide the Game
1. Brentwood Academy Defensive Line vs CPA Run Game
CPA wants to run the ball around 30 to 40 times if possible. If Brentwood Academy’s defensive line can win on first down and force CPA into third and long, the advantage swings quickly toward the Eagles. Stopping Patterson early is a major key.
2. Brentwood Academy Passing Attack vs CPA Secondary
With Bowman-Sims on the perimeter and Jenkins at quarterback, Brentwood Academy has the athletes to test CPA vertically and horizontally. If the Eagles connect on explosive plays early, CPA may be forced to adjust coverages and lighten the box.
3. Time of Possession
CPA thrives when the game is slowed down with long, physical drives that chew up clock. Brentwood Academy is at its best when the tempo picks up and possessions increase. The team that controls time of possession likely controls the scoreboard.
4. Third Down Execution
This game sets up to be decided by small margins. Expect plenty of third and short situations with playoff level intensity. Converting in those moments will be a serious difference maker.
X Factors
- Turnovers: In a matchup between two disciplined programs, a single mistake can swing momentum and field position.
- Special Teams: Field position will be critical. CPA is known for clean special teams execution, while Brentwood Academy often shines in the return game.
- Adjustments: Both coaching staffs are highly respected. Halftime adjustments and in game tweaks could decide the outcome.
Prediction Outlook
This Friday Night Threat Playoff Edition matchup is built on two contrasting identities. Brentwood Academy brings elite athletes, dynamic offensive threats, and defensive speed. CPA leans on discipline, structure, and a punishing rushing attack that can wear opponents down across four quarters.
Brentwood Academy is in a strong position if the game opens up, with more possessions and explosive plays on the perimeter. CPA holds the edge if the game turns into a slow, physical battle at the line of scrimmage with long drives and limited possessions.
Both teams have a realistic path to victory, and that is what makes this showdown feel like a true playoff toss up between two heavyweight programs built for November football.
© 2025 Donnell Murphy (D)
Triple Threat Sportscast | All Rights Reserved
Contact: triplethreatsportscast@gmail.com
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