PRZTN Regional Breakdown: Class 1A-Region 6
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The Class 1A defending state champ in McKenzie resides here but can they maintain their status as the top team this season? It will be tough as this region has gotten deeper and a certain West Carroll is in the…
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Continue ReadingThe Class 1A defending state champ in McKenzie resides here but can they maintain their status as the top team this season? It will be tough as this region has gotten deeper and a certain West Carroll is in the rear view, looking to take over!
Hollow Rock-Bruceton Central Tigers (Bruceton, TN/Carroll Co.)
HC: Trey Crews
‘22 Record: 1-9 overall (1-5 Region) – No Playoffs
Top Returning Players: (DL/OL) Devyn Patterson, (LB) Caleb Craig, ‘26 (OL/DT) Zander Stepp
Team Outlook: Many season’s have gone by and these Tigers have not been in the conversation as a perennial playoff team, let alone region or state title contenders and right now, it’s unknown if Hollow Rock will change that narrative this upcoming football season. The Tigers deal with the same problem that many Class 1A programs manage and that’s depth. Hollow-Rock hasn’t had the depth nor talent to make a big difference over the past several years and if they can ever build that up, the Tigers could turn things around as they sit in an area of the state that has been producing sneaky good talent over the past few years.
When you look at this region for the 2023 season, I can see where Hollow Rock can make a jump and put themselves in contention for a playoff spot. The Tigers sit in the same position as many others in this region as unknowns, meaning opportunity is there for someone to make that jump into the top four and turn themselves into a playoff team. Hollow-Rock looks like a youthful team this year but anything can happen and my guy tells me the Tigers will be a team that fights for postseason play by season’s end.
Early Season Prediction: Middle Region Finish; Possible Playoff Team
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Houston Co. Fighting Irish (Erin, TN/Houston Co.)
HC: Orman Meadow
‘22 Record: 0-10 overall (0-5 Region) – No Playoffs
Top Returning Players: (WR/S) Grayson Pate, ‘25 (RB) Malaki Cary, ‘25 (Ath) Tristen Hooper, ‘26 (RB) Preston Mitchell
Team Outlook: The only way to go for this FIghting Irish program is up and it’s gotta start happening sometime soon as for several years now, this West Tennessee football team has been struggling to find victories or stability. Looking through the Fighting Irish roster, it’s hard to see where the 2023 team does much better than their winless record from last year but I do see them improving and at least competing for a few victories this Fall.
The skill positions will have to lead the way, spearheaded by senior receiver/defensive back Grayson Pate along with big help and play from junior running back Malaki Cary. Where the Fighting Irish might struggle is the line of scrimmage where I don’t see much talent or depth and when you don’t have the hogs up front in football, your team might falter. We are still a few months away from the start of the 2023 season, so much can change and develop for this Fighting Irish team and they very well may surprise everybody, finishing in the top half of the region but I just don’t see that happening. Any wins this year for Houston Co. is progress and something to build on.
Early Season Prediction: Bottom Three Region Finish
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McEwen Warriors (McEwen, TN/Humphreys Co.)
HC: Eric Pullen
‘22 Record: 6-5 overall (3-3 Region) – Lost 1st Rd to Moore Co.
Top Returning Players: (DT/OL) Blaine Gibson, (RB) Chris Petty, ‘25 (LB) Dalton Williams, ‘26 (OL/DT) Chase Mitchell
Team Outlook: Can the Warriors step into the spotlights this Fall and compete for a Region title? That statement may be a little outlandish but with McKenzie having to replace tons of talent, an opening is there for someone to take over the region and maybe McEwen could be that team. Coming off a winning season and a playoff appearance, the Warriors are looking to expand on last year’s success and push this program further but key players must play up to their capabilities and others must step forward into the lead roles for McEwen to compete for the Region championship and beyond.
Looking at their roster prior to the start of the season, I see a lot of spots where new players can step forward and become go-to guys but the Warriors will need big years from seniors Blaine Gibson and Chris Petty if this West Tennessee program plans to make major waves this season. Gibson is a load up front on both sides and Petty will be given the lead role at running back this year and he could be a sleeper Mr. Football prospect. Junior linebacker Dalton Williams is a name to watch this Fall as someone that could become the team’s leading tackler. Question marks sit with these Warriors headed into the 2023 season but I see enough talent here to make a run at the Top 3 in the region and make the playoffs yet again.
Early Season Prediction: Top Four Region Finish; Playoff Team
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McKenzie Rebels (McKenzie, TN/Carroll Co.)
HC: Wade Comer
‘22 Record: 15-0 overall (6-0 Region) – 2022 Class 1A State Champions
Top Returning Players: (LB) Drew Chappell, (WR) Stafford Roditis, ‘25 (QB) Tate Surber Tate Surber 6'3" | 205 lbs | QB McKenzie | 2025 TN , ‘25 (RB/LB) Colt Norden, ‘26 (OL/DT) Ryan Toombs
Team Outlook: Coming off their first ever state title, the Rebels will be the targeted team this Fall but I’m not sure if they will have the talent to live up to the hype. Coach Comer and his coaching staff are having to replace the best senior class in school history while also playing in a new region with new competitors. I still think the Rebels will be a tough out based on their culture and strong coaching staff but the 2023 season could be a challenge for McKenzie as they implement new starters while trying to find new talent.
It may take some time for these two to gel but the Rebels have a nice offensive duo to build around over the next two years in quarterback Tate Surber Tate Surber 6'3" | 205 lbs | QB McKenzie | 2025 TN and junior two-way talent Colt Norden. Both of these rising juniors are physically impressive young men that show flashes on film the ability to develop into star players for their Rebels team. Eventually, I think the offense will be fine but it’s the line of scrimmage and defense that will need to develop further over the coming months to help compliment the offense. Coach Comer is a winner, so I don’t doubt he will find a way to get his team back to the playoffs. It just may take some time for players to develop but the Rebels will remain in the mix.
Early Season Prediction: Top 3 Region Finish; Playoff Team
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Perry Co. Vikings (Linden, TN/Perry Co.)
HC: Calvin Zemer
‘22 Record: 1-9 overall (0-6 Region) – No Playoffs
Top Returning Players: (QB) Joshua Martin, (OL/DT) Steven Martin, ‘25 (G/C) Connor Howard, ‘25 (G/C) Brady Gobelet
Team Outlook: For several years now, it has been an uphill battle for this Perry Co. program and looking ahead into the 2023 season, I think it will be another challenging year for the Vikings but progress can be made as being inside a new region brings new hope. Going winless within their region last year, Perry Co. has nowhere to go but up with their program as nobody will be expecting the Vikings to make noise this season, so they can play sleeper all year long as they develop their roster.
The glimmer of hope for a possible playoff run this year sits with senior quarterback Joshua Martin and a solid offensive front, led by senior Steven Martin. He is complimented by two rising juniors in Connor Howard and Brady Gobelet. The offensive front should be the catalyst for the Vikings offense and if they give Martin time to throw it as well as open up running lanes on a consistent basis, then Perry Co. may have a pretty good offense in the 2023 season. It will be the rest of the team and the defense that will need to back up their offense and develop over the coming weeks, if these Vikings plan on competing for a playoff spot by season’s end.
Early Season Prediction: Bottom Region Finish; Possible Playoffs
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West Carroll War Eagles (Atwood, TN/Carroll Co.)
HC: Clayton Morris
‘22 Record: 5-6 overall (2-3 Region) – Lost 1st Rd to MASE
Top Returning Players: (DE/LB) Nathan Wykoff, (Ath) Daelon Drasel, (QB/Ath) Jaxon Mims, (G/C) Nick Andre, (DB) Will Robinson, ‘25 (RB) Jayden Milton Jayden Milton 5'10" | 190 lbs | RB West Carroll | 2025 TN , (DT) Tyce Reed
Team Outlook: If I was forced to make a prediction right now as the back end of May, I would pick these War Eagles to be the region champs and a squad that could go deep in the playoffs. West Carroll returns a strong senior class with a few guys that could reach the college game along with some depth and a running back that could lead them on a long postseason run as well as contend for Mr. Football.
Rising junior Jayden Milton Jayden Milton 5'10" | 190 lbs | RB West Carroll | 2025 TN had a breakout year as a sophomore where he ran for over 1,000 yards and establishing himself as a legit Mr. Football candidate headed into the 2023 season. Complimenting him on offense is a multi year starter at quarterback in Jaxon Mims and receiver Daelon Drasel. Helping up front is one of the best O-lineman in the Class 1A ranks in Nick Andre. Several pieces are in place for these War Eagles to have a potent offense along with a strong defensive front led by Nathan Wykoff and junior D-Tackle Tyce Reed. Other players must step forward to fill in key roles but the veteran leadership and talent is there for these War Eagles to not only win this region but possibly be a sleeper team to plays its way to Chattanooga.
Early Season Prediction: Region Title Contender; Deep Playoff Run