PRZTN Regional Breakdown: Class 1A-Region 8

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Everybody in this region will be fighting M.A.S.E. for region ownership and it will be hard as the Phoenix return a talented roster that has Class 1A title aspirations! </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>B.T. Washington Warriors </strong>(Memphis, TN/Shelby Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>HC: Aubrey Phillips</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘22 Record: </strong>5-5 overall (4-1 Region) - Lost 2nd Rd to Peabody&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(RB) <strong>Darrius Wadley</strong>, (LB) <strong>Fredrick Neely</strong>, (TE/DE) <strong>Ethan Spencer</strong>, ‘25 (OL) <strong>Terry Gibbs&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Outlook: </strong>Coming off a playoff appearance where the Warriors made it to the 2nd round, Coach Phillips and his staff will be looking to not only get back into postseason play but take the program one step further. Much is yet to be seen if this year's squad will have what it takes to continue the success from last season but I'm sure the coaching staff will be working their guys hard to try and build their young roster up to remain consistent.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are a lot of unknowns right now about this Washington roster, so much is there to learn about the Warriors prior to and at the start of the Fall football season. Veterans like <strong>Darrius Wadley</strong>, <strong>Fredrick Neely</strong> and <strong>Ethan Spencer </strong>will need to become key leaders and producers on this team while others step up and youngsters emerge. Winning this region won't be easy with MASE being as stacked as they are but the Warriors can win enough ball games this year to reach postseason play yet again and continue their consistent ways that eventually lead one day to possible titles.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Early Season Prediction: </strong>Middle Region Finish; Playoff Team&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>-------</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Manassas Tigers </strong>(Memphis, TN/Shelby Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>HC: Chris Rayborn</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘22 Record: </strong>2-7 overall (2-5 Region) - No Playoffs&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(DE/LB) <strong>Ja'Juan Longstreet</strong>, (OL) <strong>Michael Hunley</strong>, ‘25 (RB) <strong>DonTrell Vaughn</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Outlook: </strong>Missing the playoffs yet again last year, Manassas might have an uphill climb for postseason play this season as they are having to replace several starters while not showing the depth at the moment to get out of the bottom half of the region. The Tigers face the same problem that many 1A programs have and that's overall talent and depth but don't let Coach Rayborn and his staff hear that as I'm sure they are working hard to build their roster in hopes of putting together a successful 2023 season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two talented players to keep an eye on this season for the Tigers are senior edge rusher <strong>Ja'Juan Longstreet</strong> and rising junior running back <strong>DonTrell Vaughn</strong>. Both of these players have to have banner seasons for their Manassas team if the Tigers expect to get out of the dweller and compete for a playoff spot. They also need others to step forward into lead, starting roles as well, so headed into the Fall season, many questions remain for Manassas and if they have what it takes to turn their program around.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Early Season Prediction: </strong>Middle Region Finish; Playoff Team&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>-------</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>M.A.S.E. Phoenix </strong>(Memphis, TN/Shelby Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>HC: Julius Jackson, Jr</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘22 Record: </strong>13-1 overall (5-0 Region) - Lost Semi-finals to McKenzie&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(Ath) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='207328' first='Kumaro' last='Brown']</strong>, (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='228698' first='Lance' last='Taylor'], Jr</strong>, (DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='207307' first='Jaden' last='Lenore']</strong>, (OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='835733' first='Tyler' last='Wren']</strong>, (WR/S) <strong>JaQuaveon Brown</strong>, (QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='268186' first='E.J.' last='Gilliam']</strong>, (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='540048' first='Stanley' last='Burrow'], Jr</strong>, ‘25 (DT) <strong>Omari Carrick</strong>, ‘25 (S) <strong>Deuante Jones</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":862175,"width":354,"height":354,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/ejgilliam2.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-862175" width="354" height="354" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Outlook: </strong>The Phoenix go into the 2023 season as the clear team to beat in this region and after putting forth a 13-1 record last year while returning a loaded roster, many will be eyeing this West Tennessee program as top contenders for the Class 1A championship. MASE made a name for themselves last year, running roughshod over the 1A teams in the West until the eventual champs took them out in the Semi's but the Phoenix should use that as motivation this year, being that many players from that team return as well as some newcomers.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last year, the Phoenix had a stellar offense that was complemented by the defense and this season it should be switched around with the defenders leading the way. MASE has some studs on defense in PRZTN Top 100 linebacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='228698' first='Lance' last='Taylor'], Jr</strong> and two trench monsters up front in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='207307' first='Jaden' last='Lenore'] </strong>and junior middle pass rusher <strong>Omari Carrick</strong>. Coming over from Freedom Prep for his senior year, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='268186' first='E.J.' last='Gilliam'] </strong>looks to be running things at quarterback with the help from stud <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='207328' first='Kumaro' last='Brown'] </strong>and sleeper O-line prospect <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='835733' first='Tyler' last='Wren']</strong>. A few more pieces on both sides of the ball need to be ironed out but the Phoenix appears to have almost everything in place to go on another deep playoff run with maybe this year finishing with that “Gold Ball”. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Early Season Prediction: </strong>Region Title Contender; Playoff Team; Class 1A Title Contender</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>-------</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Middle College Bulldogs </strong>(Memphis, TN/Shelby Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>HC: LeNorris Staples</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘22 Record: </strong>5-5 overall (3-2 Region) - Lost 1st Rd to Lake Co.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='281685' first='Matthew' last='Keller']</strong>, (Ath) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='222284' first='Brandon' last='Mitchell']</strong>, (DL) <strong>Jon Hulbert</strong>, (OL/DT) <strong>Camerron McFadgon</strong>, ‘25 (WR) <strong>Sean Crump</strong>, ‘25 (DB/WR) <strong>De'Aundre Motley</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Outlook: </strong>The Bulldogs have been building two years for this season where they put the ball into the hands of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='281685' first='Matthew' last='Keller'] </strong>and let him and his teammates around him grow and now it's time for it all to pay off. Coming off a 1st round loss to Lake Co. last year, Middle College was sorely disappointed in the early exit and will be ready to right some wrongs this year and not only push for a region title but also going on a deep playoff run. It will be a challenge as MASE presents a problem but the Bulldogs have the talent and vets to give them a run for their money.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Helping Keller on offense will be the Bulldogs top athlete at receiver in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='222284' first='Brandon' last='Mitchell'] </strong>and he will have one of the better center prospects from the greater Memphis area blocking for him in <strong>Camerron McFadgon</strong>. Rising junior wideout <strong>Sean Crump </strong>is a name to know and someone to watch over the next two years. The Bulldogs defense is led by senior lineman <strong>Jon Hulbert </strong>but beyond him and Mitchell, the rest of the defensive starters are unknown, so this side of the ball must step up to help push Middle College into a championship caliber squad. If everybody on this team collectively comes together, playing ball at a high level, Middle College might have a shot at doing something special for the 2023 season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Early Season Prediction: </strong>Region Title Contender; Playoff Team (Possible deep run)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":837438,"width":463,"height":465,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/88-Matthew-Keller.jpg?w=1020" alt="" class="wp-image-837438" width="463" height="465" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>------</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Middleton Tigers </strong>(Middleton, TN/Hardeman Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>HC: Craig Harris</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘22 Record: </strong>0-10 overall (0-5 Region) - No Playoffs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(WR) <strong>Landen Grantham</strong>, (RB) <strong>Ashton Robbins</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Outlook: </strong>The immediate thing I think about when looking at these Tigers is the only way is up as last year they went winless, so at least one victory this Fall is a positive. That will be a challenge however as Middleton appears to be lacking the depth and overall talent to make a big splash for the 2023 season, so finding those victories will be tough. Every season brings new opportunities for each team in this state and Middleton has every chance to improve moving forward and change the narrative about their program.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This team must find an identity that helps generate positively and potential wins and find that certain niche that can be that perfect recipe in searching for victories. The Tigers won't have the beef or depth up front to make a major difference there, so seniors like <strong>Landen Grantham </strong>and running back <strong>Ashton Robbins </strong>must become go-to guys and players that can be dependent on making plays. The end results for the 2023 season may not be what the Middleton coaching staff wants but any victories this season will be a positive move in the right direction.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Early Season Prediction: </strong>Bottom Region Finish; No Playoffs&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>-------</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Westwood Longhorns </strong>(Memphis, TN/Shelby Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>HC: Jarvis Jones</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘22 Record: </strong>1-9 overall (1-4 Region) - No Playoffs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(WR/S) <strong>Malik Jones</strong>, (WR) <strong>Naterius Moore</strong>, ‘25 (WR) <strong>Marlowe Sutton</strong>, ‘26 (Ath) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1206960' first='Woodrow' last='Biggs']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Outlook: </strong>A new year, a new season of opportunity ahead for the Longhorns and I'm sure Coach Jones and his staff are ready to get back on the field and develop their roster. Westwood took home one victory last year and missed postseason play, so I bet this staff is working hard to not have that happen again this Fall but it won't be easy as Longhorns don't appear the depth at the moment, however that could change when we get into the football year.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Looking over the Westwood roster, the area of concern appears to be in trenches. The Longhorns don't seem to have the depth up front to withstand a long season or push them into postseason contention, so it will be up to the skill players to step up and lead this team. Senior playmakers <strong>Malik Jones </strong>and <strong>Naterius Moore </strong>are two vets that can provide a big play threat for the Longhorns offense. Westwood also has an interesting junior wideout with great size at 6'5 180 pounds in <strong>Marlowe Sutton</strong> to use on the outside as a deep and red zone threat. Overall, the Longhorns offense may have some firepower to put up points on occasions but the situation up front may be too much to overcome for Westwood to pull itself out of the region dweller.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Early Season Prediction: </strong>Bottom Region Finish; No Playoffs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":862176,"width":464,"height":464,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/majones.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-862176" width="464" height="464" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->