Gridiron Greatness: Knoxville's High School Football ShowdownAs the 2024 high school football regular season enters its final stretch, the Knoxville area is gearing up for a thrilling slate of matchups that will shape the regional landscape. From undefeated powerhouses to teams fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive, the upcoming week eight action promises to deliver high-stakes drama and intense competition on the gridiron.## Knoxville's Gridiron Clash: Gibbs Eagles Soar, Carter Hornets Seek RedemptionThe Gibbs Eagles have been the talk of the town, enjoying one of their best seasons in program history. Undefeated at 6-0, the Eagles are seeking a 7-0 start, a feat they haven't accomplished since MaxPreps began tracking win-loss records in 2004. Their opponent, the Carter Hornets, have experienced a rollercoaster campaign, knocking off a top-10 team earlier in the year before suffering blowout losses. This pivotal region tilt will have major implications for both teams' title aspirations, as Gibbs looks to join Anderson County as the only 3-0 squads in Region 2-4A, while a loss would all but eliminate the Hornets from contention.### Sevier County Seeks to Maintain Reign, Morristown-West Aims to UpsetAnother game with significant region-champion implications will take place in Morristown, as the Sevier County Smoky Bears, the No. 2 team in Class 5A, look to continue their dominance. The Smoky Bears' defense has been one of the area's stingiest, allowing less than 10 points per game through six contests. Their opponent, the Morristown-West Trojans, will be looking to bounce back from a season-opening loss and solidify their position in the region race.### Lenoir City Panthers Surge, Clinton Dragons Seek RedemptionTwo teams heading in opposite directions will clash, as the Lenoir City Panthers, winners of three straight after a 1-2 start, take on the struggling Clinton Dragons, who have lost three consecutive games despite a strong effort against Oak Ridge. The Panthers' defense has been a key to their success, allowing just 10.5 points per game in their four victories. Clinton, on the other hand, has been a much better team at home, with both of their wins coming on their home turf.### Farragut Admirals Aim to Build Momentum, Oak Ridge Wildcats Seek Fifth Straight WinIn another intriguing matchup, the Farragut Admirals, fresh off their first win of the Geoff Courtney era, will face the Oak Ridge Wildcats, who are seeking their fifth consecutive victory. The Wildcats will be looking to maintain their momentum and solidify their position in the region standings.### Fulton Falcons Seek Road Success, Seymour Eagles Aim to End Losing StreakThe Fulton Falcons, under the guidance of head coach Justin Long, will travel to Seymour in search of their first road win of the season. Meanwhile, the Seymour Eagles will be desperate to break a 22-game losing streak and pick up their first victory of the 2024 campaign.### Bradley Central Bears and Hardin Valley Hawks Battle for Region SupremacyIn a clash of Region 2-6A foes, the Bradley Central Bears and Hardin Valley Hawks will square off, with the loser becoming the lone remaining winless team in the region. Both teams will be fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive.### Campbell County Cougars and Karns Beavers Vie for Postseason PositionThe Campbell County Cougars and Karns Beavers will meet in a crucial Region 3-5A matchup, with the winner taking over the fourth and final playoff spot in the region. Both teams will be looking to gain an edge in the race for the postseason.### Kingston Yellowjackets Seek Sixth Straight Season of 5+ Wins, Austin-East Roadrunners Aim to Break Losing StreakThe Kingston Yellowjackets, seeking their sixth consecutive season of 5 or more wins, will face the Austin-East Roadrunners, who are desperate to break a seven-game losing streak and pick up their first victory of the year.### Bearden Bulldogs and Cleveland Blue Raiders Battle for Region SupremacyIn a clash of Region 2-6A heavyweights, the Bearden Bulldogs will travel to Cleveland to take on the Blue Raiders. A Bearden win would move the Bulldogs into position to finish second in the region behind powerhouse Maryville.### White County Warriors and CAK Warriors Clash in Crucial MatchupThe White County Warriors, currently sitting at 5-2, will face off against the CAK Warriors, who are looking to avoid a third straight losing regular season record. This game will have significant implications for both teams' postseason aspirations.Knoxville's high school football fans are in for a treat this Friday night, as these matchups and more will be showcased on WVLT's Varsity All Access, providing viewers with a front-row seat to the gridiron drama unfolding across the region.