SUPER SEVEN SCHEDULES FEATURE TOP OUT-OF-STATE FOES

Given the breakneck nature of the Division II-AAA season, it would be hard to blame the league's coaches for scheduling non-conference cupcakes in an effort to lighten the load.

The Super Seven coaches don't subscribe to that logic.

Instead, Tennessee's strongest league continues to put itself in a league of its own when choosing future foes.  But while Super Seven teams always schedule tough squads from across the state, this year's slate includes a number of prestigious teams from outside Tennessee.

The eight out-of-state teams who play Super Seven squads this year have some pretty striking credentials.  All eight posted records of .500 or better in 2004. In fact, they compiled a combined 74-20-1 record last season, and two of them -- Mississippi's Jackson Academy and South Carolina's Byrnes -- won state championships last season.  Byrnes is the three-time defending state champ in the Palmetto State's largest classification.

The teams are from Mississippi (4), Georgia (2), Kentucky (1), and South Carolina (1). 

The matchup receiving the most attention is the showdown between Byrnes and Montgomery Bell Academy.  Byrnes is vying for its fourth consecutive South Carolina title, and MBA is widely believed to be a legitimate Clinic Bowl contender.  MBA Coach Jeff Rutledge told the Tennessean that while he's excited about the intrigue interstate matchups provide, he wishes he didn't have to look outside Tennessee for games.

"I want to play the best teams we can and I’m excited about starting the year with Byrnes and Trinity,” Rutledge said. “But I will say that I look forward to the day that we don’t have to go out of state in order to complete a schedule.”

Other games promise to be just as interesting.  After hosting Byrnes, MBA welcomes perennial Kentucky power Trinity, who ripped the Big Red 35-7 last year after a narrow defeat in 2003.

McCallie is also looking for revenge.  The Blue Tornado travels to Georgia's Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe after falling 23-15 in Chattanooga last year.  Ralph Potter's crew also visits Atlanta's Lovett School.

Brentwood Academy will get a taste of Magnolia this year.  The Eagles play two squads from Mississippi, Hillcrest Christian and Meridian.  BA plays each team for the first time.

Memphis University School, DII-AAA's defending state champion, will continue its annual pleasantries with Mississippi's Jackson Prep.  The Owls have vanquished Prep each of the last four seasons.

The Briarcrest Saints entered the league and quickly decided to follow suit, challenging a Jackson team themselves -- but not just any Jackson team.  Jackson Academy won the MPSA AAA championship last season and looks to field a strong team this year.

The Super Seven looks to expand its already-sterling reputation with a stiff out-of-state schedule.  While there are no cupcakes on the agenda, DII-AAA coaches hope the tough early games will prove to be icing on the cake when crunch time rolls around.