Main Street Preps This Week: Recent Episodes
Main Street Media of Tennessee
Highlighting the best of high school sports in Middle Tennessee each week with hosts Russell Vannozzi and Tyler Palmateer
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 his score predictions for this week's top Nashville-area games.
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.
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 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.
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 Russell Vannozzi also talk Week 1 storylines and give their predictions for the opening weekend's top games.
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.
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.
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.
Brentwood Academy point guard Tyler Tanner joins the show to explain why he committed to Vanderbilt basketball over offers from Belmont and Murray State, among others. 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.
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 the first place.
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.
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 League.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 football superlative winners.
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.
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.
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.
Tyler Palmateer and Russell Vannozzi interview Page football coach Charles Rathbone ahead of his team's second straight appearance in the Class 5A BlueCross Bowl. The Patriots finished as the runner-up to Powell last year. Russell and Tyler also give their score predictions for this week's state championship games.
Tyler Palmateer and Russell Vannozzi catch up with Nashville Christian football coach Jeff Brothers ahead of his team's Division II-A semifinal against Jackson Christian. The Eagles have won nine straight games since opening the year with losses to FRA and Goodpasture. Tyler and Russell also look back at the second round and preview this week's top games.
Tyler Palmateer and Russell Vannozzi interview Cane Ridge football coach Eddie Woods after his team's 48-0 win over Gallatin in the first round of the playoffs. Tyler and Russell also give their thoughts on the first round and make picks for the second round.
Tyler Palmateer and Russell Vannozzi interview Cane Ridge football coach Eddie Woods after his team's 48-0 win over Gallatin in the first round of the playoffs. Tyler and Russell also give their thoughts on the first round and make picks for the second round.
Tyler Palmateer and Russell Vannozzi interview Cane Ridge football coach Eddie Woods after his team's 48-0 win over Gallatin in the first round of the playoffs. Tyler and Russell also give their thoughts on the first round and make picks for the second round.
Tyler Palmateer and Russell Vannozzi preview the 2022 TSSAA high school football playoffs. Tyler and Russell give their takeaways from Week 11 before diving into the best first-round games, their postseason dark horses to watch and potential BlueCross Bowl matchups.
Tyler Palmateer and Russell Vannozzi preview the 2022 TSSAA high school football playoffs. Tyler and Russell give their takeaways from Week 11 before diving into the best first-round games, their postseason dark horses to watch and potential BlueCross Bowl matchups.
Lipscomb Academy football coach Trent Dilfer did not mince words during his appearance on this week's show. Starting at the 14:32 mark, listen in as Dilfer explains how he and his team have been "treated poorly" by those outside the program, particularly on social media, during their rise to local and national prominence. Russell and Tyler also give their takeaways from Week 10 and predictions for Week 11.
CPA football coach Ingle Martin joined this week's show ahead of the Lions' Friday matchup against unbeaten Lipscomb Academy. Tyler Palmateer and Billy Derrick also give the latest on Nashville-area high school football and make predictions for Week 10.
Tyler Palmateer and Russell Vannozzi catch up with Franklin Road Academy coach Justin Geisinger, whose team is 7-1 heading into its open week. Tyler and Russell also give their high school football observations from across the Nashville area and preview Week 9's top games.
Tyler Palmateer and Russell Vannozzi talk to Nolensville coach Paul Derrick ahead of his team's Region 6-5A showdown with Page, which is also unbeaten at 7-0. After the interview, Tyler and Russell break down the Nashville-area high school football scene and give picks for Week 8.
Tyler Palmateer and Russell Vannozzi talk to East Nashville football coach Jamaal Stewart about his team's 6-0 start to the season. They also give their thoughts on Week 6 and look ahead to Week 7.
Tyler Palmateer and Russell Vannozzi interview Rockvale football coach Brian Guthrie, fresh off a program-building, 20-7 win over Riverdale. They also give their thoughts on Week 5 and look ahead to Week 6.
Tyler Palmateer and Russell Vannozzi speak with Father Ryan football coach Brian Rector before his team's home date with MBA. They also break down Week 4 high school action and look ahead to Week 5.
Tyler Palmateer and Russell Vannozzi catch up with Ravenwood football coach Will Hester before his team's marquee matchup with Oakland. They also look back at Week 3 and preview what's to come in Week 4.
Tyler Palmateer and Russell Vannozzi chat with Riverdale football coach Will Kriesky ahead of Friday's 'Backyard Brawl' against rival Blackman. They also break down what happened in Week 2 and look ahead to Week 3.
Tyler Palmateer and Russell Vannozzi catch up with Brentwood football coach Clint Finch following his team's Week 1 victory over Blackman. They also look back at the opening games and preview what's to come in the Nashville area this Friday.
Tyler Palmateer and Russell Vannozzi return just in time to preview the opening week of Middle Tennessee high school football. They also speak with Montgomery Bell Academy defensive coordinator Chris Chauvin ahead of his team's Friday night showdown at Ravenwood. Keep up with the rest of our high school sports coverage at MainStreetPreps.com.
Russell and Tyler recap the Spring Fling Championships plus visit with Page Soccer Coach Nate Clapp
Russell & Tyler visit with Brentwood Academy's new basketball coach Andy Blackston, plus NFL Draft results from the weekend, and who from the Midstate could be next? Plus, an update on basketball coach movement season & Mensi Stiff breaking records at the Great Eight Invite.
Russell and Tyler visit with Donnie Webb, who coaches the Franklin girls flag football team, plus they talk football recruiting in the Midstate.
Russell and Tyler welcome DCA baseball coach John Berti for an interview, and later they discuss the shortage of high school sports officials.
Russell and Tyler caught up with Franklin Road Academy athletic director Kris Palmerton and looked back at the 2021-22 Nashville-area high school basketball season.
Lebanon basketball coach Jim McDowell, girls state tourney recap and boys state tourney predictions.
Russell and Tyler welcome Sumner County sports editor Zach Womble to the show for a conversation about the TSSAA Division I basketball state tournaments. They also give their tournament favorites and dark horses in each of the boys and girls brackets.
Russell and Tyler welcome Lipscomb Academy girls basketball coach Becky Starts for an interview ahead of this week's Division II state final four. They also go over the Fab 15 rankings and give tournament predictions for potential matchups this weekend.
Russell and Tyler bring on Brentwood Academy boys basketball coach Matt Hoppe to talk about his team's undefeated run through the DII-AA Middle Region. They also discuss the latest Fab 15 rankings and preview the top tournament games to watch this week.
Pope Prep boys basketball coach Charles Wade joins the show, plus Russell and Tyler go over the latest Fab 15 Midstate power rankings and look ahead to the games to watch as postseason play reaches full swing.
Rockvale girls basketball coach Bill Hockenberry, Fab 15 Power rankings, Games of the Week and more.
Russell and Tyler visit with Cane Ridge boys basketball coach Marlin Simms, unveil the latest MSP Fab 15 Rankings and give their top games to watch.
Russell and Tyler welcome Ensworth girls basketball coach Mary Taylor Cowles, present this week's Fab 15 power rankings and give you their Games of the Week.
Russell and Tyler welcome Ensworth boys basketball coach Bradley Pierson on the first edition of Main Street Preps This Week. Plus, they review the latest Fab 15 rankings and preview the top upcoming games.
Russell and Tyler welcome Loretto girls basketball coach Ashley Rutledge to talk about her team's chances of repeating as state champions, and the two unveil this week's Fab 15 rankings plus their Games of the Week.
Russell and Tyler ring in the New Year with a transition to basketball as they welcome Goodpasture boys basketball coach Adam Sonn. Plus, there's some exciting news about the next few months for the Main Street Preps Podcast.
Russell and Tyler recap all nine Blue Cross Bowl state championship games plus visit with outgoing Tullahoma head coach John Olive, who helped the Wildcats to their first-ever Class 4A title on Saturday.
Russell and Tyler welcome DCA football coach Paul Wade, preview all nine BlueCross Bowl championship games and bring in Clarksville reporter Brady McAtamney to pick the games that will decide the Main Street Preps staff-wide pick 'em title.
Russell and Tyler welcome Main Street Preps statewide football insider Donovan Stewart to talk about the TSSAA Division I semifinal playoff games.
Russell and Tyler give you their takeaways from the second round of the playoffs, look ahead to the third round and visit with Green Hill football coach Josh Crouch.
Russell and Tyler visit with Nolensville football coach Paul Derrick and preview the second round of the TSSAA playoffs.
Russell and Tyler lay out the road map for Middle Tennessee high school football teams and their journey to Chattanooga in the TSSAA playoffs.
Russell and Tyler visit with Cane Ridge football coach Eddie Woods, go through playoff scenarios for teams across Middle Tennessee and give their picks for the final week of the high school football regular season.
Russell and Tyler give their takeaways from Week 7 of high school football, plus they look ahead to Week 8 and visit with undefeated Summit football head coach Brian Coleman.
Russell and Tyler welcome Pope Prep football coach Justin Geisinger, look back at the results from Week 6 and make their picks for Week 7 of high school football season.
Russell and Tyler look back to Week 5 of high school football season, welcome Ravenwood football coach Will Hester to discuss the Raptors' hot play of late and preview the Lipscomb Academy-Oakland Thursday night matchup along with the rest of the Week 6 slate.
Russell and Tyler discuss the announcement of Oakland and Lipscomb Academy scheduling a game, plus coach Roc Batten joins the show to talk about Ensworth's hot start. The show concludes with previews and picks for the top Week 5 high school football games.
Russell and Tyler give their biggest takeaways from Week 3 of Middle Tennessee high school football. They also visit with CPA football coach Ingle Martin to talk about his team's approach to scheduling and upcoming game against MBA. Plus, the boys pick their winners of key Week 4 matchups.
Tony Brunetti joined this week's podcast to talk about Pearl-Cohn's win at MBA, the return of four-star prospect Barion Brown and where the Firebirds will play their home games while their stadium undergoes renovations. Hosts Russell Vannozzi and Tyler Palmateer also give their thoughts on the Bishop Sycamore situation and preview the top Week 3 games.
Kevin Creasy joined this week's podcast to break down Oakland's season-opening 42-7 win at Hendersonville, preview his team's ESPN2 matchup against Madison-Ridgeland Academy and highlight specific players, including Georgia commitment Jordan James. Hosts Russell Vannozzi and Tyler Palmateer also give their Week 1 takeaways and look ahead to the top Week 2 games.
Russell Vannozzi and Tyler Palmateer go over all of the top games in the Midstate heading into Week 1 of the high school football season.
Arcentae Broome joined this week's podcast to discuss his move from Maplewood to Overton, where he was named the head football coach on March 26. Broome gave insight into why he took the Overton job (1:57), the challenges presented by the 2020 season (6:47), the coaching style he brings to the Bobcats (8:52), and where his son, Lipscomb Academy star running back Alex Broome, stands in the college recruiting process (12:26).
Clay County boys basketball coach Rob Edwards joined the Main Street Preps podcast to reflect on his team's first-ever state title. The Bulldogs beat MAHS 62-52 on March 20 to capture the Class A gold ball. Edwards discussed the championship game (1:00), the play of Mr. Basketball Grant Strong (4:00), what the win means to the Celina community (6:35) and how Clay County could be good again next season (10:08).
Franklin boys basketball coach Jason Tigert joined this week's Main Street Preps podcast after his team won the District 11-AAA title on Wednesday. Tigert discussed a strange occurrence from Monday's quarterfinal game (1:20), how a six-man senior class has led the Admirals to a 26-2 record this season (6:04), why he left Dickson County for Franklin in 2019 (7:15), and much more.
Goodpasture boys basketball coach Adam Sonn joined this bonus edition of the Main Street Preps podcast ahead of the Division II-A Middle Region tournament. Sonn discussed waiting out the snowy week (1:24), star guards PJay Smith and Isaiah West (8:40), and what it would mean for the Cougars to make a state tournament run (16:06), among other topics.
Russell Vannozzi chats with Tyler Palmateer, who just started last week as the new Main Street Preps/Main Street Nashville high school sports reporter. The guys talk about Tyler's journalism career (1:24), the launch of Main Street Nashville (4:20), the Midstate high school basketball postseason (14:25), Metro Nashville hoops (20:00) and former Franklin HS and Lipscomb University standout Garrison Mathews having success in the NBA (30:40).
CPA boys basketball coach Drew Maddux joined this week's Main Street Preps podcast to discuss his team's recent hot streak (which includes 12 straight wins) and preview the postseason.
Newly-hired Blackman High School football coach Chandler Tygard joined the Main Street Preps podcast to talk about his coaching background, his uptempo offense and what he thinks it will take to turn Blackman into a winner again. (2-2-21)
White House Heritage boys basketball coach Carl Miller talks about his offensive philosophy and his team's postseason outlook, among other topics. Host Russell Vannozzi also gives an update on Metro Nashville basketball.
Brentwood Academy boys basketball coach Matt Hoppe joined the Main Street Preps podcast to discuss his team's hot start to the season, how the Eagles developed a positive team culture and what it's been like to watch former BA star Darius Garland in the NBA.
Main Street Preps editors Russell Vannozzi and Zach Womble take a look back at the 2020 high school football season. They discuss the MSP All-Midstate team, review top moments of the year and give some way-too-early predictions for 2021.
Will Hester has returned to Williamson County. The Brentwood High graduate was named Ravenwood's next head football coach on Friday, Dec. 11. Hester led the Raptors to a state title in 2015 before leaving for Nolensville. We caught up with him to discuss returning to his hometown, what he learned while he was away and how Ravenwood can remain a contender in the loaded Region 7-6A.
Davidson Academy football coach Jonathan Quinn joined the Main Street Preps podcast to talk about winning a third straight DII-A state championship, coaching his son and what's ahead for the Bears in DII-AA.
Main Street Preps editors Russell Vannozzi and Zach Womble preview the 2020 BlueCross Bowl state championships, primarily focusing on the games involving at least one Nashville-area team: DII-AA: Lipscomb Academy vs. CPA DII-A: USJ vs. Davidson Academy Class 5A: Oak Ridge vs. Summit Class 6A: Brentwood vs. Oakland Music: "Wise Guy" by Yung Kartz (Creative Commons, freemusicarchive.org/music/Yung_Kar…_2018/Wise_Guy)
Nolensville football coach Paul Derrick talks about his team's 15-14 win at Tullahoma and looks ahead to their semifinal matchup vs. Elizabethton. Then MSP editor Russell Vannozzi gives his Midstate playoff predictions. Music: "Wise Guy" by Yung Kartz (Creative Commons, freemusicarchive.org/music/Yung_Kar…_2018/Wise_Guy)
Oakland football coach Kevin Creasy joined the Main Street Preps podcast to talk about his team's 12-0 start, Friday's Battle of the 'Boro rematch and how his time at Trousdale County set him up to be successful. Music: "Wise Guy" by Yung Kartz (Creative Commons, freemusicarchive.org/music/Yung_Kar…_2018/Wise_Guy)
Pope John Paul II football coach Justin Geisinger joined this week's show to talk about his team’s 2020 success, highlight a few key players and break down the upcoming Brentwood Academy matchup. Afterwards, MSP editor Russell Vannozzi gives his second-round picks.
Main Street Preps editors Russell Vannozzi and Zach Womble break down the 2020 TSSAA football playoffs. The discussion includes Cookeville favorites, sleeper teams, players to watch and first-round picks. Music: "Wise Guy" by Yung Kartz (Creative Commons, freemusicarchive.org/music/Yung_Kar…_2018/Wise_Guy)
Main Street Preps editor Russell Vannozzi chats with DCA football coach Paul Wade, who addresses the tornado damage his team’s stadium suffered in March, how the Wildcats have come together since then and what they need to do to get to Cookeville. Russell also gives his Week 11 high school football predictions. Music: "Wise Guy" by Yung Kartz (Creative Commons, freemusicarchive.org/music/Yung_Kar…_2018/Wise_Guy)
Main Street Preps editor Russell Vannozzi and Sumner County sports editor Zach Womble talk all things Middle Tennessee high school football, including the MSP Top 25 and a preview of Week 8. Music: "Wise Guy" by Yung Kartz (Creative Commons, https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Yung_Kartz/August_2018/Wise_Guy)
Main Street Preps editor Russell Vannozzi talks with former NFL QB and current Lipscomb Academy football coach Trent Dilfer, whose team has won three straight heading into Friday's game against Briarcrest Christian. Russell also gives his predictions for 10 Week 7 high school football games.
Main Street Preps editor Russell Vannozzi chats with Springfield football coach Dustin Wilson following his team's 5-0 start to the 2020 season. Later in the show, Russell runs through his Week 6 high school football predictions.
Main Street Preps editor Russell Vannozzi catches up with Ravenwood High School football coach Matt Daniels ahead of the Battle of the Woods matchup with Brentwood. Later in the show, Russell gives his football picks for Week 5.
Main Street Preps editor Russell Vannozzi is joined by CPA soccer coach Thomas Gerlach to discuss the girls season and the state of the sport in Middle Tennessee. Later in the episode, Russell runs through his Week 4 football predictions.
In the first-ever edition of the Main Street Preps Weekly Podcast, Russell Vannozzi introduces the show, discusses the ongoing Metro Nashville sports situation with Cane Ridge coach Eddie Woods and makes his football picks for Week 3.