Main Street Preps This Week

Pearl-Cohn coach Tony Brunetti on state title chances + BlueCross Bowl preview

Could 2023 be the year Pearl-Cohn football finally breaks through? Coach Tony Brunetti sure hopes so. His Firebirds (14-0) face Upperman (14-0) in the TSSAA Class 4A BlueCross Bowl state championship game on Saturday morning. Pearl-Cohn hasn't won a state title since earning back-to-back Class 4A crowns in 1996 and 1997. Host Russell Vannozzi interviews Brunetti and previews all nine BlueCross Bowl matchups on this week's show.

CPA coach Ingle Martin on team's path to Chattanooga + DI semifinals preview

Like clockwork, Christ Presbyterian Academy football is set to return to the TSSAA Division II-AA BlueCross Bowl. The Lions (12-1) will make their sixth straight state championship game appearance on Thursday, Nov. 30 when they face Boyd Buchanan (13-0). CPA coach Ingle Martin joined today's show to discuss how his team made it back to Chattanooga and what to expect from coach Gary Rankin's Buccaneers. Host Russell Vannozzi also previews the fourth round of the playoffs to close out...

FRA coach Justin Geisinger on program building + Round 3 preview

Franklin Road Academy football coach Justin Geisinger likes to talk about the process rather than the results. Geisinger insists that he and his staff don't dwell on the outcomes of games, instead focusing on program-building. That formula seems to be working for the Panthers (11-1), who face CPA (11-1) in Friday's Division II-AA state semifinals. Show host Russell Vannozzi caught up with Geisinger to talk about FRA's quick rise. Vannozzi closes the episode by reviewing storylines a...

Page coach Charles Rathbone discusses playoff consistency + Round 2 preview

Few teams have qualified for the TSSAA football playoffs as consistently as Page over the last two decades. The Patriots, which are back in the postseason for the 16th straight time, host Tullahoma in the second round on Friday. Ahead of that game, Page coach Charles Rathbone joined the show to discuss how his program's expectations have been elevated by back-to-back Class 5A runner-up finishes and what this year's team must do to get back to Chattanooga.

East Nashville coach Damien Harris on his first season + Round 1 preview

Under first-year head coach Damien Harris, East Nashville football has picked up right where it left off. The back-to-back Class 3A runner-up Eagles (8-2) enter the TSSAA playoffs as the No. 1 seed from Region 5-3A with plenty of juice for another deep postseason run. Harris joined this week's episode to give an assessment of his team to host Russell Vannozzi, who also talks area storylines and first-round score predictions later in the show.

Riverdale coach Will Kriesky talks Battle of the Boro + Week 11 preview

More than a decade has passed since Riverdale football last beat Oakland in 2012. Could this be the year the Warriors finally take the Battle of the Boro? Riverdale coach Will Kriesky joined this week's show to preview the rivalry matchup and highlight some of his team's top players like quarterback Braden Graham, wide receiver Brock Montgomery and Michigan State commitments Jaylen Thompson and Keshawn Williams. Russell Vannozzi also goes over Week 11 storylines and gives his score ...

Oakland's Kevin Creasy on coaching his son, emerging stars, high expectations + Week 9 preview

This season brought a new wrinkle for Oakland football coach Kevin Creasy: his son Kyler at starting quarterback. After suffering a broken collarbone early in the season, Kyler returned to action in late September. Kevin joined this week's show to provide an update on his son's status, talk about running backs Daune Morris and Ashton Jones (along with other emerging stars), and discuss how his program is handling the expectations that come with being the three-time defending Class 6...

Nashville Christian coach Jeff Brothers on progress of young team + Week 8 preview

Nashville Christian football coach Jeff Brothers knew his 2023 team would require some patience. The back-to-back Division II-A runner-up Eagles graduated their leading rusher, top four pass catchers and a number of key contributors on defense. After opening the season with three consecutive losses, Nashville Christian (3-3) has won three straight to enter Friday's game against Columbia Academy (4-3) with a .500 record. Hear from Brothers on this week's show, along with Week 8 story...

Hillsboro coach Anthony Brown assesses his team ahead of Nolensville matchup + Week 7 preview

Hillsboro football will be tested often over the next month of Region 6-5A play. The Burros (5-1) enter the meat of their schedule starting Friday at Nolensville (5-1). Coach Anthony Brown joined the show to discuss how his team has played so far, why two-way senior Kaiki Baker is indispensable and what he thought about former Burros star Matthew Jackson earning a roster spot with the Tennessee Titans. Host Russell Vannozzi also reviews storylines and makes predictions for Week 7 ga...

Brentwood coach Clint Finch on why his team is still unbeaten + Week 6 preview

Brentwood coach Clint Finch doesn't take the easy route when it comes to scheduling non-region opponents. Despite having already played teams like Brentwood Academy, Henry County and Hendersonville, the Bruins (5-0) remain unbeaten halfway through the regular season. Finch spoke on the impact of transfer QB Baylor Hayes, how Brentwood may enjoy more than a decade of WR production from a single family, what's made the Bruins defense so effective and more on this week's episode. Host ...

Father Ryan coach Brian Rector on BA win, MBA matchup + Week 5 preview

What does Father Ryan football get following its biggest win in recent memory? A showdown with Montgomery Bell Academy, which the Irish have not beaten since the 1997 Clinic Bowl Division II state title game. Father Ryan coach Brian Rector discusses how his team took down Brentwood Academy 56-21 last week, why senior QB JoJo Crump is so valuable and what needed to change after the Irish finished 2-9 a year ago. Show host Russell Vannozzi also goes over Week 5 storylines and gives hi...

Devin Arnold and Takhyian Whitset discuss Antioch football's turnaround + Week 4 preview

Overlook Antioch's football team at your own risk. The Bears snapped their 22-game losing streak with an 18-15 win at Cane Ridge last week, and if coach Devin Arnold has his way, the program's turnaround has only just begun. Arnold and junior lineman Takhyian Whitset join this week's show to discuss how Antioch has returned to being competitive. Host Russell Vannozzi also talks other Nashville-area storylines and gives his predictions for top Week 4 games.

Main Street Preps High School Football Wrap-up Show - Sept. 5, 2023

Glencliff coach Phillip Stevenson talks program's first win since 2018 + Week 3 preview

Phillip Stevenson was out of coaching in 2020. Inspired by the loss of his father that year, Stevenson eventually re-entered the ranks as Glencliff's head coach in 2022. After another 0-10 finish last season, the Colts earned their first victory since 2018 on Aug. 25. Hear the inspiring story of Stevenson and the Colts on this week's episode, along with high school football analysis from host Russell Vannozzi.

Davidson Academy coach Jonathan Quinn, QB Knox Roberts on opening win + Week 2 preview

Davidson Academy began its 2023 football season with a feat that's eluded the Bears for the past two years: beating Nashville Christian. Coach Jonathan Quinn and quarterback Knox Roberts join the Main Street Preps High School Football Preview Show to discuss that win and more about the Bears expectations for this year. Hosts Tyler Palmateer and Russell Vannozzi also break down Week 1 and look ahead to a few of this week's top games.

Lipscomb Academy football coach Kevin Mawae on debut game + Week 1 preview

Pro Football Hall of Famer Kevin Mawae has coached and played in hundreds of games. Friday will be the first time Mawae takes the field as a high school head coach, and a tough challenge awaits as his Lipscomb Academy team is set to host national power IMG Academy. Mawae joined the Main Street Preps High School Preview Show to discuss his first six months on the job, what to expect from the Mustangs offensive line and where the team's QB situation stands. Hosts Tyler Palmateer and R...

What's up with all the high school football transfers? Plus, an early look at Mr. Football candidates

Find team rosters if you're headed to a high school football game in Tennessee next week. Numerous players transferred schools during the offseason, leading show hosts Tyler Palmateer and Russell Vannozzi to discuss potential reasons behind all the movement. Later, they rattle off way-too-early candidates for the 2023 Tennessee Titans Mr. Football Awards and discuss Metro Nashville football storylines.

Former Goodpasture standout PJay Smith discusses his college basketball journey

Patrick "PJay" Smith Jr. is right where he always wanted to be. After two standout basketball seasons at Division II Lee University, Smith hit the transfer portal this spring and landed at Furman, fresh off a trip to the NCAA tournament. The former Goodpasture star guard details his journey through the college ranks in this week's episode. Hosts Tyler Palmateer and Russell Vannozzi also take a moment to remember Donovan Stewart and talk high school football.

Get to know recently hired Robertson County sports reporter David Wilson

David Wilson is hitting the ground running in Robertson County. The Trevecca graduate joined Main Street Preps and The Connection this month as a sports reporter, just in time for the 2023 high school football season. Hosts Tyler Palmateer and Russell Vannozzi get to know David in this week's episode and close the show by discussing Nashville's top football storylines.

Why Brentwood Academy point guard Tyler Tanner committed to Vanderbilt basketball

Brentwood Academy point guard Tyler Tanner joins the show to explain why he committed to Vanderbilt basketball over Belmont and Murray State. He discussed how he approached his recruitment, what excites him about playing for coach Jerry Stackhouse, and his relationship with BA alum and current Cleveland Cavaliers star Darius Garland. Hosts Tyler Palmateer and Russell Vannozzi close the episode by reviewing a variety of Nashville-area news and notes.

Goodpasture's Carson Rucker talks MLB Draft; Vanderbilt's Wesley Schelling breaks down the art of long snapping

In a wide-ranging episode, MSP This Week hosts Tyler Palmateer and Russell Vannozzi welcome recent Goodpasture baseball graduate Carson Rucker and former Pearl-Cohn long snapper Wesley Schelling for interviews. Hear how Rucker reacted to being selected by the Detroit Tigers in the MLB Draft and what his older brother Jake has meant to his baseball career. Plus, listen to Schelling detail the unlikely touchdown he scored for Vanderbilt last season and why he became a specialist in th...

Father Ryan wide receiver Charlie Becker discusses his commitment to Indiana

Like many football prospects of his caliber, Charlie Becker wanted to make his college decision before his senior season. The Father Ryan wide receiver committed to Indiana on June 22 over offers from Iowa and Northwestern, among others. He joined this week's episode to talk about why he landed on the Hoosiers and what he hopes to accomplish in his final year with the Irish. Hosts Tyler Palmateer and Russell Vannozzi also give a Nashville-area football recruiting update.

Lipscomb Academy grad Houston High on his road back to pitching success after Tommy John surgery, other obstacles

Houston High's baseball career has been full of twists and turns. His senior season at Lipscomb Academy was canceled by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and a year later, he tore the UCL in his throwing elbow during his first pitching appearance for Union University. On this week's episode, High talks about the "stubbornness" that kept him going and eventually led him to the success he's having now at Freed-Hardeman University and with the Dubois County Bombers of the Ohio Valley Leag...

John Jenkins details his journey from Station Camp to Vanderbilt to the NBA

John Jenkins is keeping his NBA dreams alive. He plans to return to G League Ignite next season for another crack at landing an NBA contract. On this week's episode, Jenkins details his journey from starring at Station Camp High and Vanderbilt, dealing with an injury setback in his second year with the Atlanta Hawks and navigating the ups and downs that come with overseas hoops.

Franklin baseball coach Wally Whidby gives insight on AJ Russell's quick rise to All-American at Tennessee

Before AJ Russell was stacking up All-America honors with Tennessee baseball, he was a star pitcher at Franklin High. Coach Wally Whidby joined MSP This Week to give insight on Russell's impressive freshman season, along with his thoughts on Franklin's team outlook for 2024. Host Russell Vannozzi closes the show by reviewing Main Street Preps' All-Midstate Players of the Year for each spring sport.

OMSpirit.com's Zach Berry talks football recruiting, MBA soccer coach Giles Cheevers discusses winning another title

Hosts Tyler Palmateer and Russell Vannozzi welcome a pair of guests on this week's show. First up is Zach Berry with On3/OMSpirit.com to talk college football recruiting, the transfer portal and area prospects to watch. MBA soccer coach Giles Cheevers then discusses his team's Division II-AA state title victory and why he's enjoyed his time in Nashville after moving from Ireland nearly 20 years ago.

Valor College Prep soccer coach Paul Elkins reflects on title run; plus Spring Fling highlights

Valor College Prep earned its first state championship of any kind last week when its soccer team downed Greeneville 1-0 on penalty kicks to capture the Class AA title. Hosts Russell Vannozzi and Blaine Kellar caught up with Wildcats coach Paul Elkins to hear more about the team's memorable tournament run. Later, Russell and Blaine discuss highlights from TSSAA Spring Fling.

Previewing TSSAA Spring Fling 30 with MSP reporters from around the Midstate

It’s TSSAA Spring Fling week! Get ready for the action with a combined preview show featuring MSP This Week hosts Tyler Palmateer and Russell Vannozzi along with special guest hosts and MSP reporters Blaine Kellar, Brady McAtamney and Casey Patrick. Stay tuned to MainStreetPreps.com for full coverage of spring sports state championships across Middle Tennessee.

Centennial baseball coach Rob Baughman talks revamped postseason format, top pitchers and his team's unique outfield berm

Centennial baseball is in prime position to work its way to a second-straight Class 4A state tournament berth. Longtime Cougars coach Rob Baughman joined MSP This Week before hosting this weekend's Region 5-4A tournament to talk about the revised postseason format, his team's top performing players and why fans enjoy the unique setup beyond Centennial's right-field wall. Show hosts Tyler Palmateer and Russell Vannozzi also provide an update on other area playoff developments.

Lipscomb Academy baseball coach Brad Coon, Nolensville softball coach Luke Patton join the show ahead of their postseason tournaments

Lipscomb Academy baseball and Nolensville softball are among the area teams hoping for lengthy postseason stays. Hosts Tyler Palmateer and Russell Vannozzi caught up with their coaches – Brad Coon and Luke Patton – for conversations about where each team stands entering May. Coon and the Mustangs open the Division II-AA Middle Region tournament on Friday, while Patton and the Lady Knights begin the District 12-4A tournament the same night.

Meet new Hunters Lane boys basketball coach Katrina Carter, East Nashville football coach Damien Harris

A few familiar faces in Metro Nashville Public Schools have found new places to coach. Tyler Palmateer and Russell Vannozzi interview the recently hired Katrina Carter (Hunters Lane boys basketball) and Damien Harris (East Nashville football) as they settle into their roles. Carter led Hillsboro girls basketball to a 34-1 record and the Class AAA state title in 2009, while Harris has been an assistant football coach at his alma mater Pearl-Cohn since 2008.

Steve Wade provides latest on throwing sensation Mensi Stiff; Brad Myers talks GCA baseball

It's an all-Williamson County episode as Tyler Palmateer and Russell Vannozzi visit with Brentwood Academy throwing coach Steve Wade and Grace Christian Academy baseball coach Brad Myers. Wade provides an update on Mensi Stiff, who continues to re-break her own state records in the discus and shot put. Meanwhile, Myers and the Lions are 17-6 with six games to go before the Division II-A postseason. His interview begins at the 20:00 mark.

Catching up with Goodpasture baseball coach Jim Carter, Green Hill softball coach Savannah Sanders

Goodpasture baseball and Green Hill softball are two of the Nashville area's top performing teams so far this spring. Defending state champion Goodpasture is 16-2, while upstart Green Hill is 22-2. Hosts Tyler Palmateer and Russell Vannozzi caught up with their head coaches - Jim Carter (Goodpasture) and Savannah Sanders (Green Hill) - to highlight both programs this week.

Brentwood soccer coach Mike Purcell on high expectations, national rankings and his growing collection of tattoos

Defending TSSAA Class AAA soccer state champion Brentwood has picked up where it left off. The Bruins are 8-0 and rank as the No. 5 team in the latest United Soccer Coaches Top 25 national poll. Tyler Palmateer and Russell Vannozzi caught up with longtime Brentwood coach Mike Purcell to discuss how his players are embracing the high expectations, and why Purcell might be on the hook for another tattoo if the Bruins keep winning. Plus, Tyler and Russell provide a laundry list of spri...

Coach Jamaal Stewart talks move from East Nashville to Centennial football

It wasn't easy for Jamaal Stewart to leave East Nashville. Stewart, who grew up in that area of town, led the Eagles to back-to-back Class 3A state championship games in 2021 and 2022. Hear Stewart explain why taking the head coach position at Centennial was the best move for his career and family. Hosts Tyler Palmateer and Russell Vannozzi spend the second half of the show discussing spring sports.

Getting to know Maplewood football coach Chris Simpson, plus a look back at hoops season

Chris Simpson has spent the better part of the last decade working his way through the high school football coaching ranks. On Tuesday, he was announced as the new head coach at Maplewood, the school he graduated from in 2008. Hosts Tyler Palmateer and Russell Vannozzi spend the episode getting to know the former East Nashville defensive coordinator. Tyler and Russell also wrap up the 2022-23 basketball season.

MLK Magnet coach Caden Anderson details his team's run to the Class 3A state tournament

Forget the beach. Martin Luther King Jr. Magnet basketball and head coach Caden Anderson are spending their spring break at the TSSAA Class 3A state tournament in Murfreesboro. Anderson joined hosts Tyler Palmateer and Russell Vannozzi to discuss the Royals' best postseason run since 2005. Tyler and Russell also break down several other basketball topics to close the show.

Jacob Gill shares why he became a coach and his journey to Brentwood Academy football

Jacob Gill's path to coaching started when he was a kid. Hear his backstory and how he ended up becoming Brentwood Academy's next football coach. Hosts Tyler Palmateer and Russell Vannozzi close the show with basketball state tournament talk.

Brentwood girls basketball coach Marcel Williams, Blackman football coach Matt Kriesky join the show

It's another two-guest edition of Main Street Preps This Week, as Brentwood girls basketball coach Marcel Williams and Blackman football coach Matt Kriesky join the show. Williams and his Lady Bruins were set to face Hillsboro for the Region 6-4A title on Wednesday night. Kriesky, previously at Centennial, just accepted the Blackman job last week. Russell Vannozzi and fill-in host Blaine Kellar also briefly discuss postseason hoops.

Andy Blackston on finding success in his first season with Brentwood Academy basketball

Andy Blackston's debut season at Brentwood Academy has been a memorable one. The Eagles (25-3) have only lost to one in-state team (Rossview), feature a Mr. Basketball finalist (Tyler Tanner) and can advance to the Division II-AA final four with one more win on Saturday (against MUS). Hosts Tyler Palmateer and Russell Vannozzi also give an update on postseason hoops and state wrestling.

Goodpasture boys coach Adam Sonn, MTCS girls coach Hannah Jones talk postseason hoops

Hear interviews with Goodpasture boys basketball coach Adam Sonn and Middle Tennessee Christian girls basketball coach Hannah Jones. Goodpasture (26-1) enters the Division II-A Middle Region tournament in top form, while MTCS (23-9) appears to be on a collision course with back-to-back defending state champion Webb School. The show, as always, is hosted by Tyler Palmateer and Russell Vannozzi.

How coach Matt Shewmake built a girls basketball powerhouse at Webb School

Matt Shewmake promised a girls basketball state title in his first season at The Webb School in Bell Buckle. He delivered on that in 2021 and has since taken the Lady Feet, currently the No. 12 team in the country according to MaxPreps, to new heights. Hosts Tyler Palmateer and Russell Vannozzi caught up with Shewmake to talk about how Webb became a powerhouse. Tyler and Russell also recap National Signing Day and delve into a brief shot clock discussion.

Coffee County girls basketball coach Joe Pat Cope, CPA boys coach Kevin Maggard join the show

This week's show includes interviews with Coffee County girls basketball coach Joe Pat Cope and Christ Presbyterian Academy boys basketball coach Kevin Maggard. The Lady Red Raiders (27-1) haven't lost since late November, while the Lions (18-6) have won five of their last six games. Listen in as hosts Tyler Palmateer and Russell Vannozzi ask each coach a variety of questions about their respective teams ahead of the postseason.

Veteran coach Randy Coffman on first year with Page girls basketball

First-year Page girls basketball coach Randy Coffman, who led Riverdale to three straight state titles from 2016-18, joined the show to talk about why he took the job, how the Lady Patriots are faring in a tough district, and the ascension of senior Braley Bushman and sophomore Mary Elizabeth Fox. To close the show, hosts Tyler Palmateer and Russell Vannozzi discuss Lipscomb Academy's hiring of Kevin Mawae and give their takes on Nashville-area high school basketball.

Former Brentwood Academy DC Brian Lilly talks about new James Lawson football program

Hillwood High School will move to Bellevue and become James Lawson High School this fall. Main Street Preps This Week hosts Tyler Palmateer and Russell Vannozzi caught up with Brian Lilly, who was announced last week as James Lawson's first football coach. Tyler and Russell also give a Nashville-area basketball update to close the show.

Independence boys basketball coach Mark Wilkins, Nashville Christian girls coach Dustin Patton discuss strong starts to 2022-23 season

Join Main Street Preps editor Russell Vannozzi for conversations with Independence boys basketball coach Mark Wilkins and Nashville Christian girls basketball coach Dustin Patton. Both teams have enjoyed strong starts to the 2022-23 season, with Independence at 17-3 overall and Nashville Christian at 20-1 as of Jan. 11.

Lipscomb Academy boys basketball coach Kevin Starks on Division II-AA Middle Region, Kaleb Beasley as a dual-sport star, the legacy of Hunter York

Lipscomb Academy boys basketball coach Kevin Starks joined the show to discuss a variety of topics surrounding his team, including the outlook for the competitive Division II-AA Middle Region, his thoughts on Kaleb Beasley excelling in football and in hoops, and the legacy of former assistant coach Hunter York, who passed away in early November. Hosts Tyler Palmateer and Russell Vannozzi also break down basketball games to watch and go over the 2022 Main Street Preps All-Midstate foo...

Catching up with Williamson County Schools athletic director Darrin Joines

Williamson County Schools athletic director Darrin Joines joined the show to talk NIL and a variety of other high school sports topics. Hosts Tyler Palmateer and Russell Vannozzi also discuss National Signing Day and give an area hoops update.

Blackman football coach Chandler Tygard talks NIL impact on high school sports in Tennessee

Last Thursday the TSSAA amended its amateur rule to allow Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) payments to high school athletes under certain parameters. MSP This Week hosts Tyler Palmateer and Russell Vannozzi broke down that development with Blackman football coach Chandler Tygard. Later in the show, Tyler and Russell provide an area basketball update.

Oakland coach Kevin Creasy reflects on third straight Class 6A title + football season wrap-up

Russell Vannozzi and fill-in host Zach Womble caught up with Oakland football coach Kevin Creasy after his team's 42-6 win over Beech in the Class 6A BlueCross Bowl - the third straight state title for the Patriots. Russell and Zach also put a bow on football season by looking by at the top games, best individual performances and biggest surprises.