Football Game Preview: Middle Tennessee Christian Cougars vs. Clay County Bulldogs

The Middle Tennessee Christian Cougars will face off against the Clay County Bulldogs at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday. Each of these teams will be fighting to keep a win streak alive as Middle Tennessee Christian comes in on three and Clay County on five.

On Friday, Middle Tennessee Christian earned a 28-21 win over Providence Academy. That's two games straight that the Cougars have won by exactly seven points.

Alie Bangura continued his habit of posting crazy stat lines, rushing for 211 yards and three TDs while picking up 12.4 yards per carry. He was no stranger to the big play, taking off on a dash that went for 57 yards. Middle Tennessee Christian also got help from Malachi White, who showed off his sure hands for 90 receiving yards.

They were just one part of a punishing run game: Middle Tennessee Christian was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 234 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 234 rushing yards in three consecutive matchups.

Eric Bowling

Total Tackles

09/26/25 @ Providence Academy	11
09/19/25 vs Concord Christian	12
09/12/25 @ Grace Baptist Academy	10
08/29/25 vs Grace Christian Academy	9
08/22/25 vs Ezell-Harding Christian	11

Middle Tennessee Christian didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off three passes before the game was over. It was truly a group effort as Trey Youell, Bangura, and Eric Bowling picked up one apiece. Bowling is also crushing it when it comes to total tackles: he's made at least nine every time he's taken the field this season.

Meanwhile, Clay County beat Cannon County 30-21 on Friday.

Middle Tennessee Christian's record now sits at 4-1. As for Clay County, their record is now 5-1.

Everything came up roses for Middle Tennessee Christian against Clay County in their previous matchup back in September of 2016, as the team secured a 55-14 victory. Will the Cougars repeat their success, or do the Bulldogs have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.