Friday night, the Oakland Patriots hosted Blackman in a No. 2 vs. No. 3 state battle royale. Oakland controlled the line of scrimmage on their way to victory over the Blaze. The Patriots won 24-14 behind strong offensive line play and a big night from running back Xavier Myers. 

It wasn't all bad for Blackman, however. Arkansas commit Adonis Otey took off in the third quarter for an 80-yard touchdown run. Tamicus Napier added to his season touchdown totals with a 30-yard scamper of his own in the first half. 

It was a battle of heavyweights with Oakland's Myers and Woodi Washginton, and Blackman's Otey and Trey Knox set to play at college football's highest level next season. 

While this first matchup between the two teams went Oakland's way, there's sure to be a playoff rematch in the not-so-distant future. Barring something unforeseen between now and then, the next matchup between Blackman and Oakland will have a lot more than No. 2 vs. No. 3 on the line. 

The road to Cookeville and the Blue Cross Bowl in November likely goes through these two teams.