The Nolensville Knights open the TSSAA Class 5A playoffs against the Hendersonville Commandos at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6.

Nolensville enters the postseason at 9-1, ranked No. 6 in Class 5A, according to MaxPreps. Hendersonville is 6-4 and ranked No. 19 in the classification. The Knights' lone loss came Friday, Oct. 30, in the Region 6-5A title game, a 38-17 defeat to Page.

Nolensville allowed just 96 points across 10 games this season. Hendersonville gave up 248.

Key players to watch

Quarterback Ryan Newell leads the Knights' offense, averaging 116.3 passing yards per game and 186.3 total yards per game, per MaxPreps. Running back Tristen Lithmexay averages 81.5 rushing yards per game. Receiver Lane Dever adds 43.0 receiving yards per game.

Hendersonville leans on quarterback Christopher Jordan, who averages 43.8 passing yards and 79.5 total yards per game. Ayden Meadows handles multiple roles at cornerback and wide receiver, averaging 43.2 rushing yards and 17.4 receiving yards per game.

How the teams compare

Nolensville holds a clear edge in total offense, averaging 115.9 yards per game to Hendersonville's 88.4. The scoring averages are tight: Hendersonville at 28.3 points per game, Nolensville at 28.1.

Hendersonville lost to Beech 49-7 on Thursday, Oct. 29, and fell to Station Camp 45-42 on Oct. 16, according to MaxPreps. The Commandos beat Shelbyville Central 32-29 on Oct. 23.

The two teams share three common opponents. Both lost to Page and beat Rossview and Summit.

What's at stake

A win Friday sends Nolensville into the second round of the Class 5A bracket. The Knights went 5-0 on the road and 4-1 at home during the regular season, outscoring opponents 281-96.