#PRZTN State Championship Preview: Class 5A/6A

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Wrapping up our championship previews, here we look at the big boys, the teams from the 5A/6A classifications in what could be two of the best games of the entire weekend slate! </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class 5A Championship</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Knox. West Rebels </strong>(14-0) vs. <strong>Page Patriots </strong>(12-2)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Out of all the championship matchups for this weekend, this contest between the Rebels and the Patriots, might be one of the best games of all as you have two physically gifted, well coached teams going head to head to see who the best of the best is for the Class 5A ranks. Knox. West comes into the game undefeated and feeling very confident as they knocked off some top level teams this season on the road to Chattanooga. Page is not much different, though their path had a few rough patches, they fixed their issues to go on a run throughout the playoffs to place themselves here in the 5A title and chance at bringing a “Gold Ball” back to Rudderville.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This matchup is very intriguing as you have two teams with two different styles on offense but sport defenses that like to play fast and physical. Knox. West is a run based team with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='504199' first='Brayden' last='Latham'] </strong>leading the way while everything for the Patriots runs through <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='305696' first='Colin' last='Hurd']</strong>, who can beat ya with his arm and his legs. The Rebels want to play ball control keeping the clock in their favor while forcing the opposing offense to stay on the sidelines. Page doesn't mind scoring quickly but can also use that clock in their favor. Neither team turns the ball over that much, so something must give with both these offenses, meaning whoever's defense makes plays, creates turnovers or gets off the field quickly, could be the team in favor to win. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":524222,"width":376,"height":361,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/11/braylatham-1024x984.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-524222" width="376" height="361"/></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Looking at how both these teams matchup, it's honestly hard to pick a winner. Knox. West is the favorite in this game and a team that has been playing above their head all season, putting forth a dream year that they hope to end with a championship. Page is back in the 5A title game for the 2nd year in a row, so you can bet the Patriots are itching at righting a wrong and finally bring that title home. This game will not be settled till the very end and my gut keeps telling me to go with the Patriots as I just feel they are destined to become 5A champs.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Matchup: </strong>The Patriots front seven vs. Latham &amp; the Rebels rushing attack&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game Prediction: Page </strong>38&nbsp; <strong>Knox. West </strong>35&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Players/Prospects</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='504199' first='Brayden' last='Latham'] </strong>- Knox. West: Latham is a Class 5A Mr. Football finalist and it's well warranted after having a breakout year as the Rebels lead back and workhorse that they will surely ride in this championship contest.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- (QB/LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='305696' first='Colin' last='Hurd'] </strong>- Page: Everything on both sides of the ball moves through Hurd and his play will be critical in his team's efforts in defeating an undefeated Knox. West team.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- (Ath) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='234957' first='Cayden' last='Latham'] </strong>- Knox. West: An all around athlete that brings several strong traits to the football field, Latham is a big play threat waiting to happen that the Patriots must keep an eye on.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='203835' first='Boyce' last='Smith'] </strong>- Page: All season long, Smith has been the clutch, go to guy for Hurd and his offense and I don't expect that to change in this championship contest.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- (Ath) <strong>Ja'Quirrus Wrenn </strong>- Knox. West: Wrenn is certainly a player that the Patriots staff has circled as someone that must keep in check and keep quiet as much as possible due to his athleticism and speed.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- ‘24 (DE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='301377' first='C.J.' last='Smith'] </strong>- Knox. West: A force on the edge that can wreak havoc in the backfield, Smith is an extremely talented defender that has put forth a breakout season thus far and would like to end the year with a championship ring.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- ‘25 (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219439' first='Eric' last='Hazzard'] </strong>- Page: This has been a breakout year for this sophomore edge rusher that has been wreaking havoc in the opponent's backfield throughout the entire season with his motor and athleticism. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":465648,"width":371,"height":339,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/10/IMG_2281.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-465648" width="371" height="339"/></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>------------------</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class 6A Championship</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Oakland Patriots </strong>(13-1) vs. <strong>Beech Buccaneers </strong>(13-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- If you like watching teams run the ball, this is the game for you! Both Beech and Oakland are run based squads that will run it and run it some more, trying to wear down the opposing defenses and keeping the clock in their favor. You can't blame either team for wanting to run the ball as each team has a loaded backfield with multiple guys destined for the college ranks. The Patriots are spearheaded by their quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='268153' first='Kade' last='Hewitt'] </strong>and complimented by a pair of talented running backs in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='201077' first='Eric' last='Taylor'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219449' first='Tamari' last='Hill']</strong> while the Buccaneers have a pair of studs too in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='150315' first='Darius' last='Johnson'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='410577' first='J.P.' last='Courtney']</strong>. Whichever offensive line is able to establish physicality and move the line of scrimmage will eventually take control and allow their runners to break loose.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While the offense will be the talk of this game, I feel it will be the defense that wins this game for either squad. Both Oakland and Beech are well coached on defense and have been consistent throughout the entire year, especially the Patriots where they have been very active in the front seven with guys like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='102229' first='Jerrell' last='Franklin']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='340474' first='Nathan' last='Hepborn']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='278377' first='Korey' last='Smith'] </strong>leading the way. The Buccaneers aren't as strong up front but they play extremely hard and don't put themselves in bad positions too often. Turnovers are key in every game but in this one it will be important as whoever is able to force a turnover, could get the leg up towards earning a championship title.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Many will look at this game and immediately choose Oakland due to their lore and championship makeup but you can't sleep on Beech as they won't be intimidated by the Patriots and will certainly be ready for the challenge. You could see this game turn into a blowout or you might see a close contest that isn't settled till the 4th quarter. It's hard to judge how the game may be laid out due to both teams loving to run the ball but in the end, I feel the Patriots size and overall athleticism will prove to be too much for the Bucs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":532875,"width":377,"height":252,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/12/darjohnson.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-532875" width="377" height="252"/></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Matchup: </strong>The Bucs front seven vs. Taylor, Hill &amp; the Patriots rushing attack&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game Prediction: Oakland </strong>38&nbsp; <strong>Beech </strong>28</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Players/Prospects</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- (QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='268153' first='Kade' last='Hewitt'] </strong>- Oakland: This is the most important player for the Patriots as everything runs through Hewitt. The Bucs have to stop the Pats run game but must keep an eye on Hewitt as he can beat ya with his arm and his legs.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- (RB/DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='201077' first='Eric' last='Taylor'] </strong>- Oakland: Over the past month, Taylor has been on fire, especially on offense at where he has put together big games and even boosted his stock as a possible college running back.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='150315' first='Darius' last='Johnson'] </strong>- Beech: The Bucs rushing attack runs the show for their team and Johnson is a major factor in that cause. He has put forth a big season thus far and could be a prime candidate for MVP honors in this game if the Beech can pull out the win.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- (Ath) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='410577' first='J.P.' last='Courtney'] </strong>- Beech: Courtney may be the most important piece on the entire Bucs roster as he handles a lot of responsibility, playing on both sides of the ball but lately producing big time on offense at running back.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='102229' first='Jerrell' last='Franklin'] </strong>- Oakland: A tackling machine with who is a violent finisher, Franklin has been excellent vs. the run this season but can also drop back and cover as well. Expect to hear this guy's name a lot on Saturday evening.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='155800' first='Tyler' last='Nix'] </strong>- Beech: Nix handles several big roles for his team as the top edge rusher on defense and his quarterback's safety valve on offense at tight end. He could be a mismatch problem for the Patriots defenders.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- ‘25 (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219449' first='Tamari' last='Hill'] </strong>- Oakland:  Part of a two-headed monster in the Pats backfield, Hill is the more athletic back that can hit the home run anytime the ball touches his hands. Look out for this sophomore as he could be one of the top backs from his in-state recruiting class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":418491,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/08/etaylor.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-418491"/></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->