The Five: Class 6A Top Title Contenders

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is where the big boys play and this is where you can find the deepest pool of championship caliber teams in the state but only one can take home the “Gold Ball” at the end of the season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are the five teams that we believe are stacked and ready to go on a deep playoff run and find themselves in Chattanooga competing for the Class 6A title. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1. Maryville Rebels …#EastTN</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Winning state championships is what these Rebels do and this ‘22 season could be another banner year for this East Tennessee program as they have the pieces to go on another deep run and put another Gold Ball inside their trophy case. This year's team is a bit different from past teams as the Rebels don't have the athleticism and skill at receiver or defensive back but what they do have is one of the best O-lines in the state as well as one of the top running backs from the in-state 2023 recruiting class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='102349' first='Noah' last='Vaughn'] </strong>is an elite level back with speed and balance who could be poised for a Mr. Football season. His play will be dictated by a stout offensive line, led by Liberty commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='118718' first='Cal' last='Grubbs']</strong>. The top center in the state is vastly underrated still but could push his stock up even further this season. He is joined up front by three talented linemen in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='150332' first='Aidan' last='Edwards'], [player_tooltip player_id='102171' first='Jay' last='Adams'] </strong>and rising junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='305914' first='Blake' last='Heckmann']</strong>.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Rebels defense looks pretty good as well, led up front by Army commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='102234' first='Caleb' last='Graham']</strong>, edge rusher <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='102279' first='Jason' last='Manaker'] </strong>and a fast, aggressive linebacker in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='150378' first='Peyton' last='Cooper']</strong>, who could lead the East Tennessee region in tackles. This team may not have the wow factor or flashy play but they have steady, consistent performers that know how to play the game of football and compete hard every snap, every game. This program also knows how to win, so seeing Maryville in the Class 6A title game this year would not be a surprise. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":324218,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/04/jmanaker2.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-324218" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2. Collierville Dragons …#WestTN</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The West Tennessee region hasn't been represented in Chattanooga on the 6A level in quite some time but these Dragons could change that as they have a loaded team that just screams championship material. Head coach <strong>Joe Rocconi </strong>has put together a very talented team that is well balanced on both sides of the ball along with a strong senior class and multiple underclassmen with potential star power. While the offense will get the press clippings, it's the Dragon's defense that could be the force that leads them to Chattanooga.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>D-linemen <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='225961' first='Jaden' last='McKinney'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='150360' first='Sam' last='Hultz'] </strong>are two of the best at their positions in this state and should be major forces against opposing offensive lines this year. Behind those guys are two talented juniors in linebacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='306265' first='Eli' last='Myers'] </strong>and cornerback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='301382' first='Kameron' last='Herring']</strong> that can develop into future D1 players. One defender to keep an eye on over the coming weeks is defensive end <strong>Christian Burrage</strong>, who is 6'6 225 pounds and full of upside.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Offensively, everything starts and ends with junior quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='258673' first='Aidan' last='Glover']</strong>. This 6'3 talented passer has all the tools to be one of the best in this state but it will be his leadership and play this year that will push his stock even further. He has a nice target to throw to in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='150324' first='Noah' last='Flaskamp'] </strong>and several other complimentary parts around him. Collierville has been building towards a season like this for a while and just maybe they can break through and compete for the 6A title and finally bring that Gold Ball back to the greater Memphis area. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":418496,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/08/collierville2.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-418496" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3. Oakland Patriots …#MidTN</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Coming off another season where the Patriots won the Class 6A state title, this year's version may not have the firepower and large senior class that makes you think champion but you can't count out head coach <strong>Kevin Creasy </strong>and his Oakland team as this program just simply knows how to win! The staff is having to replace several key players from last year's title run but bring back enough talent along with talented underclassmen to be right in the mix, competing for yet another 6A title.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='268153' first='Kade' last='Hewitt'] </strong>runs the show on offense and he is a multi talented guy that can beat a defense with his arm and legs. He is helped up front by a solid O-line, led by senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='153479' first='Zach' last='Turk'] </strong>and stud junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='258681' first='Jake' last='Riggs']</strong>. Over on defense, the Pats have a nice mix of vets and youth but have enough star power to turn dominant by season's end. The secondary is where Oakland is stacked, led by seniors <strong>Jeremiah Collins </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='201077' first='Eric' last='Taylor'] </strong>and a rising junior in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='152933' first='Stephen' last='Ellison']</strong>, who holds multiple Power Five offers. They also have a star in the making at linebacker in junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='278377' first='Korey' last='Smith']</strong>.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oakland is a perennial power and one of the best overall programs not only in the Class 6A ranks but the entire state. Under the helm of Creasy, the Patriots reshape and reload each season, consistently competing for region and state titles and I don't expect the ‘22 season to be any different. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4. Riverdale Warriors …#MidTN</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The biggest competition to Oakland's reign inside the division and Class 6A are these Warriors. It has been a battle for Riverdale over the past several years, trying to get past the Patriots and the ‘22 season may finally be the year that they do so as they have a loaded defense and an offense rebuilt around a talented junior passer in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='119096' first='Braden' last='Graham']</strong>. Transferring into Riverdale this spring, Graham is a true pocket passer with a big arm that can sling it anywhere around the field. He is complemented by a solid ground game with junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='342016' first='Isaiah' last='Verser'] </strong>and a big offensive line, led by senior tackle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='228149' first='Derrick' last='Keith']</strong>.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Over on defense, the Warriors are stacked with talent and have the veteran leadership to lead this team all the way to the Class 6A title game. Everybody knows about the #1 prospect in the state in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='102249' first='Caleb' last='Herring'] </strong>but it's his teammates that will be catalysts towards a big defensive season. Up front, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='157393' first='Isaac' last='Oglesby'] </strong>is a load to handle off the edge due his strength and speed. On the back end, the Warriors have a pair of junior defensive backs in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='149390' first='Jaylen' last='Thompson'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='286599' first='Keshawn' last='Williams'] </strong>with Power Five upside written all over them. It's a nice balance on defense for the Warriors that I feel will be the key force towards a successful year for this Murfreesboro area team.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>All the pieces are in place for Riverdale to have a breakthrough, championship caliber year but of course things must go right, the team must play well and players must stay healthy. It won't be easy because their region and schedule is tough but the Warriors are well equipped and ready for a banner year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":418503,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/08/ioglesby.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-418503" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5. Ravenwood Raptors …#MidTN</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- One of the best quarterbacks in this state is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='60841' first='Chris' last='Parson']</strong>, who is committed to Mississippi State and when you have one of the best at the most important position, you have a shot at reaching championship aspirations. That is what these Raptors have in mind is a trip to Chattanooga and a title run behind a stellar quarterback and a salty defense that is well equipped up front. Parson will be throwing to some new wideouts this season as well as sporting a revamped offensive line led by seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='196986' first='Trent' last='Baldwin'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='232838' first='Brysten' last='Appleton']</strong>, so he will need a lot of help this season on offense but it will be his defense that leads the way.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Raptors are built well up front with three seniors who have college traits and the ability to take over a game on defense. On the edge you have <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='242086' first='Tanner' last='Schuck'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='102237' first='Mason' last='Green']</strong>, who both hold FCS offers and an under the radar defensive end in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='293733' first='Sam' last='Christian']</strong>. Behind those guys sits linebacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='102338' first='Drake' last='Stollenwork']</strong>, who not only could lead his team in tackles but the region and classification as well. Ravenwood's front seven should be a force on it's own but if their secondary comes along well at a good rate, watch out as the Raptors might have one of the best defense's in the state.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some of the best senior prospects in the state play for these Raptors but they have certain roles on both sides of the ball that need to be developed quickly if they plan to have a big year. Parson is more than legit, he is capable of leading this team to a region title and a deep playoff run but to win it all, others around him must step up and become playmakers.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Three Others to Know: </strong>Germantown (WestTN), Blackman (MidTN), Lebanon (MidTN)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":418506,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/08/dstollenwork.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-418506" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->