The Five: Best Statewide 2-0 Starts

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2>It's still early with plenty of games to go but these five teams have been impressive through two weeks and look like possible state title teams by season's end. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1. MBA Big Red (2-0) …#MidTN</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Headed into the 2022 season, MBA was viewed as a contender in the D2-Class AAA ranks but it was going to be a tough start as they had to face two Middle Tennessee powers in Ravenwood and Pearl Cohn but the Big Red have not only defeated those two but did so in commanding fashion. Led by star quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='102308' first='Marcel' last='Reed']</strong>, the Big Red have made statements through the first two weeks of the season and established themselves as legit state title contenders that might gain even more team strength as the season rolls along.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Everybody knows about Reed and the Big Red offense but through two games, it has been the MBA defense that has stood out, shined and helped pave the way to victory. The Big Red front seven has been physical and imposing through two weeks, led by stud prospects <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226009' first='Eriq' last='George']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='242093' first='Browning' last='Trainer'] </strong>and junior linebacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='331623' first='Jake' last='Moore']</strong>. The secondary isn't too shabby either with guys like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='237041' first='Alan' last='Young'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='150320' first='Tahj' last='Woods'] </strong>roaming on the back end. The defense as a whole has been the catalyst to this start with the offense handling business like they should, especially with a future SEC quarterback at the helm.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is an impressive start for MBA but the road will only get tougher as they have to face a tough slate of D2-Class AAA teams, beginning this Friday against Christian Brothers. It's still too early to say how good this Big Red truly is but the start of the 2022 season tells you that MBA is legit and a team that has the chops to turn in a special season with a possible title run in the mix. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":343817,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/05/egeorge-819x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-343817"/></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2. Whitehaven Tigers (2-0) …#WestTN</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The West Tennessee region has seen several teams start their year in impressive fashion but nobody has shut down their opponents more so than these Tigers. Through two games played, the Whitehaven defense has yet to give up a point and has pretty much dominated every moment against the opposing offense when on the field. It's been an impressive start by the defense that sports key seniors in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='263681' first='Mahamadou' last='Diarra']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='265405' first='Taylor' last='Burton'] </strong>and <strong>D.J Arije</strong> leading the way and barring injuries, this should be one of the best defenses in the entire state for the rest of the season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Tigers offense has been quite impressive as well, averaging more than 40 points a game and doing so mainly on the ground with their running backs and strong offensive line. It's been a committee by approach for the Whitehaven offense thus far as multiple guys are producing at a high level and giving the Tigers variety in numbers. Between the defense and their stifling approach and the offense's ground attack, it's been a nice combination thus far and looks like a good recipe towards winning a bunch of games this year.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Whitehaven is a consistent program that knows how to win but they are salivating for a state title and they could be on the way back towards competing for just that. Playing on the 6A level, the Tigers compete with the big boys, so the road won't be easy but this Whitehaven team has enough senior leadership and overall talent throughout the roster to make a deep playoff run come November. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":431829,"width":1017,"height":621,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/08/whitehaven-1024x625.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-431829" width="1017" height="621"/></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3. Knox. West Rebels (2-0) …#EastTN</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Before the 2022 season was set to begin, these Rebels were already considered possible title contenders on the 5A level and through two games, they have done nothing to dispute that. West has put together two strong performances over two good teams in Bearden and Farragut but they must remain focused and hungry as their schedule will get tougher over the coming weeks. While the offense has been steady and produced points, it's been the Rebels defense that has flashed dominance thus far and been the key cog towards their strong 2-0 start.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Rebels defense has a nice mix of veterans and youthful talent leading the way but it's been strong play from the front seven that has stood so far through two games. Multiple players are flashing for the Rebels defense but two guys who are standing out when watching film is senior linebacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='102190' first='John' last='Carlevato'] </strong>and junior defensive end <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='301377' first='C.J.' last='Smith']</strong>. Both these guys are future college players and both are physical standouts that opposing teams have to account for. Not to be overlooked, the Rebels offense has produced bright spots as well, especially the backfield where <strong>Brayden Latham </strong>has been very impressive.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Knox. West is playing well at a high level to begin the season and shows signs of maintaining this play throughout the year. They have a nice balance on both sides of the ball that many teams strive to put on the field but they must stay healthy and focused if they want to be in contention for the 5A title come season's end and I believe they will. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4. Munford Cougars (2-0) …#WestTN</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Could the 2022 football season be the special year that the Munford community has been waiting for over some time now? If the Cougars start is any indication, that's very possible as this West Tennessee program has begun the season 2-0 and done so against two quality teams. Over the offseason and summer months, this senior class at Munford has been preparing for this season because they knew it could be special and thus far, those guys and others are competing like they want a shot at the Class 5A state title.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both games that the Cougars have played so far have challenged them in different ways while also winning those games in multiple ways as well. Munford has a well balanced offense that is led by senior back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='119168' first='Braxton' last='Sharp'] </strong>and talented junior quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='148838' first='Jordan' last='Bell'] </strong>while sporting a physical and aggressive defense that has college talent in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='150368' first='Tristan' last='Bohannon'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='150336' first='Colton' last='Perry'] </strong>running the show. The Cougars have valuable pieces on both sides of the ball they can lean on and provide not only senior leadership but playmaking abilities that have been key in their two victories.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's been an impressive start for Munford but like any championship aspirational teams, they must go through some challenges, especially some tough games upcoming against Dyersburg, Overton, Dyer Co. and Memp. Central. Munford will still be the favorite in those games but championship caliber teams win those games and keep marching on. These Cougars have the makeup and talent to travel a tough path and find themselves at the end competing for a shot to play in Chattanooga. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":431840,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/08/munford2.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-431840"/><figcaption>Photo: CovingtonLeader.com</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5. Marshall Co. Tigers (2-0) …#MidTN</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Some may ask themselves why Marshall Co. is on this list and it's because this is now a Class 4A title contending team that has more firepower on offense than I thought they did headed into the season. These Tigers defeated Page, who is a Class 5A power in their “Jamboree” game and started the regular season with victories against Columbia and Shelbyville Central, which are two solid teams. It's been a good start for Marshall Co. but they must not get too big of a head as challenging opponents arrive soon.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What the Tigers have that opposing defenses will have to deal with is their offense, which is led by junior quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='398083' first='Silas' last='Teat']</strong>, who is an accurate passer with a calm demeanor behind center. The offense also has some dynamic playmakers in senior back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='155405' first='Demari' last='Braden'], </strong>junior athlete <strong>Antwomme Cathorn</strong> and rising sophomore star <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='390641' first='Aja' last='Jones'] </strong>that have been game changers so far on the season. The offense as a whole has been consistent thus far, providing balance on the ground and through the air that should maintain during the rest of the season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The biggest reason for adding the Tigers to this list is the fact that they are region contenders now and one of the top 10 teams from the greater Class 4A ranks. Their impressive start and talent leads me to believe that they may be the team to beat in their region and we will know just that next week when the Tigers face off with their rival and defending state champs, Tullahoma.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Three Other Teams Of Note<strong>: Sevier Co., Lebanon, Cane Ridge</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":413895,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/08/20220812_193235-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-413895"/></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->