West Tennessee High School Football Week 1 Matchups to Watch
The GOTW Report
High school football is officially back in West Tennessee, and Week 1 is loaded with can’t-miss matchups that will set the tone for the 2025 season. The GOTW features powerhouse programs, rivalry battles, and even an early Thursday night showdown. Here’s a breakdown of the top five games to watch this week.
The GOTW: MASE at Westview
The former 1A TSSAA state champions, the Memphis Academy of Science and Engineering (MASE) Phoenix, start their 2025 season with a tough road trip north to face the Westview Chargers in Martin. After winning the 1A title last season, MASE moves up to 2A and brings a physical style, especially on its defensive line. The Phoenix will depend on toughness, a strong running game, and a hard-hitting defense to show they can compete at a higher level.
MASE’s Jamarkus Pittman stands out as a towering 6-foot-5, 312-pound defensive lineman, one of the top 2027 recruits nationwide. Rated as a four-star prospect with over 20 offers, Pittman is already committed to Ole Miss and ranks among the top defensive linemen in the country according to 247Sports.
Westview, meanwhile, is coming off a 14-1 season that ended in the 2024 Division I Class 3A state championship game. They lost to powerhouse Alcoa, 40-21, but despite the defeat, the Chargers proved themselves as one of the state’s top programs, and they go into 2025 with hopes of finishing the job.
The Chargers have several Division I prospects, led by quarterback Graham Simpson, a highly rated sophomore who impressed with a standout freshman season. He will be supported in the backfield by explosive running back Asa Barnes, while offensive linemen Garrett Adams and Cade Arnold add size and stability up front. Both are already attracting interest from college programs.
One of Westview’s brightest young stars is Miles Brown, a 2027 recruit and among the top-rated cornerbacks in his class nationwide. Brown is already ranked among Tennessee’s elite recruits and has received scholarship offers from schools like Tennessee, Purdue, and Maryland. His presence in the secondary adds even more strength to an already talented roster.
Other key contributors for the Chargers include seniors Donteze Joy and Christopher Damron, providing Westview with the experience and depth to support its rising stars.
With MASE’s physical defensive front set to test Westview’s offensive line and Westview’s combination of veteran leadership and young Division I talent ready to shine, this matchup has all the makings of a season-defining opener. For MASE, it’s about proving they belong at the 2A level. For Westview, it’s about taking the first step back toward another championship run.
Haywood at Henry County (Thursday)
Thursday night football comes early this season as Haywood heads to Paris to face the always-tough Henry County Patriots.
Haywood County High School remains a hotbed for football talent, with several players attracting serious Division I attention. Leading the pack is Caden Harris, a dynamic four-star prospect who recently committed to Vanderbilt. Harris is ranked the No. 92 player nationally by 247Sports and selected the Commodores over more than 40 scholarship offers, including 27 from Power 4 programs. On the field, his versatility is unmatched. He recorded 30 tackles, seven pass breakups, and an interception as a junior, while excelling on special teams with a 30-yard punt return average and a touchdown. Offensively, Harris proved to be a game-changer, catching 37 passes for 782 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Rising junior Jaden Butler is another player to watch. Standing 6-foot and weighing 170 pounds, Butler has proven himself as a versatile athlete, catching 26 passes for 417 yards and three touchdowns last season. His talents have already attracted offers from top programs, including Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Kentucky, Mississippi State, Missouri, Virginia Tech, Memphis, Duke, and Arkansas.
Jamari Person, who has already received offers in his first year of football play, adds to the Tomcats’ growing list of prospects. This shows his raw talent and the program’s reputation for developing top-tier players.
The Patriots will depend on senior leaders Jaxon Blaski, Konner Buie, and Cam Henry, while junior Aaden Teague is expected to be a key contributor. Diezal Ward, Jaivyn Patton, and Xavier Foster have also earned preseason honors from The Paris Post-Intelligencer, further highlighting their playmaking talent on Henry County’s roster.
Haywood’s athleticism and speed have been staples in recent years, but Henry County’s physical style of play and home-field advantage at Patriot Stadium make this a challenging opener.
Both teams expect deep postseason runs, making this a crucial early measuring stick.
Huntingdon at McKenzie
The Huntingdon Mustangs are heading to face the McKenzie Rebels in a Carroll County community showdown. McKenzie starts the season with high hopes, especially after a strong showing at the Henry County Jamboree. But the rivalry makes this game even more intense. Huntingdon will rely on its powerful rushing attack, while McKenzie responds with a dynamic offense eager to make a statement on opening night.
Dyer County at Dyersburg
Few rivalries in West Tennessee evoke as much emotion as Dyer County vs. Dyersburg. The Choctaws and Trojans will again face off in a battle for county bragging rights. Dyersburg, known for its tradition and fan support, goes up against a Dyer County team eager to prove it can compete with one of the area’s most respected programs. Expect intense action from kickoff to the final whistle in this rivalry showdown.
Humboldt at Halls
Completing the Big 5, the Humboldt Vikings travel to face the Halls Tigers. Both teams aim to gain momentum in Week 1 after mixed results last season. Humboldt will rely on speed and playmaking, while Halls plans to control the line of scrimmage and wear down the Vikings with a physical ground game. This game could early influence their regional standings.
Final Thoughts
Week 1 in West Tennessee sets the stage for a season full of rivalries, rising stars, and championship goals. From MASE testing its strength against Westview, Haywood, and Henry County, facing off in an early-season test, each game looks at which programs are ready to compete.
Community rivalries like Huntingdon–McKenzie and Dyer County–Dyersburg, and a momentum-building matchup between Humboldt and Halls, show that the opening week is filled with excitement. With so much talent and so many stakes, fans across the region can expect a thrilling start to the 2025 high school football season.
