#PRZTN Regional Breakdown: Class 1A-Region 3

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Jumping back into our regional previews, here we look at Class 1A-Region 3, which have some additions this year but can anybody overtake South Pitt as the lead dog? We shall see but we definitely think this region has gotten better! </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class 1A-Region 3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chatt. Prep Sentinels </strong>(Chattanooga, TN/Hamilton Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>HC: Eugene Banks</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘22 Record: </strong>1-7 overall&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>‘25 (APB) <strong>LonDeon Kellog</strong>, ‘25 (QB) <strong>Camper Coulter</strong>, ‘25 (Ath) <strong>Kejuan Craddock</strong>. ‘25 (LB) <strong>Devon Holton-McKinney</strong>, ‘25 (NG) <strong>Jaelen Banks</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Outlook: </strong>Last season was a struggle for the Sentinels and I expect the 2023 year to be much of the same but they are building and you can tell by looking at their roster, this Scenic City program is growing some good talent. Everything starts with their junior class where multiple prospects will be taking on lead roles on both sides of the ball and be expected to push their team to victories. The Sentinels have a solid option at quarterback in <strong>Camper Coulter </strong>along with athletic playmaker in junior <strong>LonDeon Kellog </strong>to provide the Sentinels a nice offensive pairing to build around.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What this program and team lacks at the moment is depth, especially in the line of scrimmage. While the Sentinels have some good young pieces in the line to develop and grow, the depth isn't there and may be a big reason why this 1A program could struggle again this Fall. The expanded region doesn't help the cause but it will battle test these Sentinels and build their program for the future even further. Chatt. Prep may take several losses but they may also upset somebody too, so don't sleep on the Sentinels.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Early Season Prediction: </strong>Bottom Three Region Team</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>—------------</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Copper Basin Cougars </strong>(Copperhill, TN/Polk Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>HC: Chad Grabowski</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘22 Record: </strong>1-8 overall (0-4 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>‘25 (QB/Ath) <strong>Cade Dean</strong>, ‘25 (Ath) <strong>Tallon Smith</strong>, ‘26 (WR/S) <strong>Tucker Rhodes&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Outlook: </strong>Last season was a transition year for the Cougars football team and they may be looking at more development this year as well as the roster remains full of youth while their region has expanded. The biggest step forward for this program this year is to win a region game or two. That's a good starting point for the Cougars program as they try to get back to their winning ways. It won't be an easy road as Copper Basin is lacking in overall talent, especially up front where they lack the depth or size to compete on a consistent basis.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Where the Cougars will need to rely upon to win ball games this year is their skill players and they appear to have a few guys to spotlight and grow with over the next few years. <strong>Cade Dean </strong>and <strong>Tallon Smith </strong>look like two skillful young men that have the athleticism and playmaking abilities to make a difference within the Cougars team. They will need help however as two guys can't do on their own, so this spring and summer will be key for Coach Grabowski and the Cougars coaching staff to find some guys to step up into lead roles and become not key contributors but full time starters that help turn this program around.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Early Season Prediction: </strong>Bottom Three Region Team&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>—------------</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lookout Valley Yellow Jackets </strong>(Chattanooga, TN/Hamilton Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>HC: Joshua Payne</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘22 Record: </strong>5-6 overall (2-2 Region) - Lost 1st Rd to Gordonsville&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(QB) <strong>Christian Chandler</strong>, ‘25 (Ath) <strong>Devon Cooper, Jr</strong>, ‘25 (DE/LB) <strong>Mari Talley</strong>, ‘25 (Ath) <strong>Zah Dorsey</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":814381,"width":386,"height":386,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/cchandler.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-814381" width="386" height="386" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Outlook: </strong>Should this region be on the “lookout” for “Lookout” this coming Fall football season? It's very possible as the Yellow Jackets are coming off a playoff appearance and a solid 2022 season they can build upon and push even further for the 2023 year. Coming from the 1A level, it will always be an uphill battle for Lookout Valley as they don't have the depth numbers like many others but this school is building and growing in the right direction with the 2023 season looking like it could be a big breakout year for this Yellow Jackets football program.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Much like many teams on the 1A level, the Yellow Jackets don't have the depth or size up front but they make up for it this year with a nice collection of skill players that will lead the way, starting with quarterback <strong>Christian Chandler</strong>. The guy to watch for Lookout Valley this year to have a breakout season is rising junior two-way athlete <strong>Devon Cooper, Jr. </strong>He is a dynamic playmaker that shows on film some college upside. The Yellow Jackets coaching staff will need Chandler, Cooper, Jr and others to step up this year and lead the team and hopefully put the Yellow Jackets in contention for a region title but more importantly, another playoff appearance.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Early Season Prediction: </strong>Playoff Contender</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>—-------------</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sale Creek Panthers </strong>(Sale Creek, TN/Hamilton Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>HC: Ron Cox&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘22 Record: </strong>4-7 overall (1-3 Region) - Lost 1st Rd to Clay Co.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(G/C) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='497455' first='Matthew' last='Taylor']</strong>, (RB/LB) <strong>Grayson Cosper</strong>, (DB) <strong>Justin Griffin</strong>, (DB) <strong>Jackson Moore</strong>, ‘25 (QB/Ath) <strong>Khari Escobar</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Outlook: </strong>Coming off a playoff appearance for the 2022 season, the Panthers are building towards another postseason run as they return a solid senior class that gained tremendous experience last year and now return as vets and players to rely upon for the coming Fall football year. Looking through the Panthers 2023 roster, what you see is a nice mix of veterans and youthful talent that help place this Chattanooga area ball club into Top 3 contention within their region. It won't be an easy path but Sale Creek is right in the mix for not only a playoff spot but also could spoil the region title for a few other top contenders.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The offense appears to be run this year by rising junior <strong>Khari Escobar </strong>and he will have some solid help around him to help develop the Panthers offense. Having a guy like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='497455' first='Matthew' last='Taylor'] </strong>up front in the line will certainly help the cause. Defense looks like it will be the team's strength going into the season as you have key guys returning in <strong>Grayson Cosper</strong>, <strong>Justin Griffin </strong>and <strong>Jackson Moore</strong> but others will need to step forward into bigger roles to solidify this side of the ball. I don't foresee the Panthers overtaking this region this year but I see them making some noise, possibly upsetting a few teams while placing themselves back into the 1A playoffs.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Early Season Prediction: </strong>Playoff Contender</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>—------------</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>South Pittsburg Pirates </strong>(South Pittsburg, TN/Marion Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>HC: Wes Stone&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘22 Record: </strong>9-3 overall (4-0 Region) - Lost 2nd Rd to Gordonsville</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(QB/Ath) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='301360' first='Kamden' last='Wellington']</strong>, (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='258684' first='Jamarion' last='Farrior']</strong>, (WR/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='301362' first='Jacob' last='Bivens']</strong>, (DB) <strong>RaCash Kelly</strong>, (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='540033' first='Logan' last='Hargis']</strong>, ‘25 (DB) <strong>Jace Stone</strong>, ‘26 (Ath) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402553' first='Kadyn' last='Pace']</strong>, ‘26 (DE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1134337' first='J.R.' last='Hardrick']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":546113,"width":376,"height":444,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/7-Jamarion-Farrior-e1670873653156.jpg?w=870" alt="" class="wp-image-546113" width="376" height="444" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Outlook: </strong>This is the clear cut team to beat headed into the 2023 season and South Pitt has basically been the team to beat for many years now as the Pirates have one of the more consistent programs not only from the Class 1A ranks but the entire Chattanooga area region. The 2023 version looks to be no different as South Pitt returns one of the top 1A playmakers in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='301360' first='Kamden' last='Wellington'] </strong>and a strong senior defensive core of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='258684' first='Jamarion' last='Farrior']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='301362' first='Jacob' last='Bivens']</strong>, <strong>RaCash Kelly </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='540033' first='Logan' last='Hargis'] </strong>to lead the Pirates back in contention for a state championship.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Finding pieces up front on both sides of the ball will be the challenge this offseason for the Pirates staff but they tend to always find the guys needed to get the job done. Wellington is a prime candidate for Class 1A Mr. Football and Farrior might lead the 1A ranks in tackles by season's end. The pieces are in place for South Pitt to not only win their region but also make a deep run in the playoffs and possibly compete for the 1A state title. Plenty of time remains between now and then but as of right now, the Pirates look like one of the best teams coming out the 1A ranks for the 2023 season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Early Season Prediction: </strong>1A State Title Contender, Region Title Contender, Playoff Team</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>—------------</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Whitwell Tigers </strong>(Whitwell, TN/Marion Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>HC: Rocky Stephenson</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘22 Record: </strong>9-3 overall (3-1 Region) - Lost 2nd Rd to Clay Co.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(RB) <strong>Theron Mordecai</strong>, ‘25 (S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='480919' first='Bennett' last='McDougal']</strong>, ‘25 (QB/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1116802' first='Brandon' last='Easterly']&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Outlook: </strong>Possibly the biggest competition to South Pitt for the Region 3 title are these Tigers as they proved last year to be quite formidable and they return enough talent to do so yet again this Fall. Coach Stephenson and his staff have done a good job of turning around this program but the work isn't finished and they have a high scoring to build around going into the 2023 season to push this Chattanooga area program even further.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Led by senior running back <strong>Theron Mordecai</strong>, the Tigers have a potent rushing attack that can put a lot of points on the board this year. Joining Mordecai in the backfield is junior quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1116802' first='Brandon' last='Easterly']</strong>, who broke out into a Mr. Football candidate last season. He has a very talented two-way prospect to throw to as well in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='480919' first='Bennett' last='McDougal']</strong>, who has big college upside on defense at safety. That trio of players is what will lead the Tigers to success this season. If those three play up to their standards, Whitwell will be in contention for the region title and a deep playoff run. Now if the Tigers receive extended help from others, a possible run at the 1A title game is possibly in the cards as well but that all depends on how the rest of the team develops between now and the start of the season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Early Season Prediction: </strong>Region Title Contender, Playoff Team</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":814393,"width":528,"height":351,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/beasterly.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-814393" width="528" height="351" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->