#PRZTN Insider: Scrimmage Notes/Takeaways

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Over the past two weeks, high school football teams across the state have competed in scrimmages and enough action has come out of these games for us to gather intel as well as see some clips of players and teams to show us the kind of the season that lies ahead.</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>East Tennessee&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Alcoa looks like it will be just fine this year and poised to win another Class 3A state title. The Tornadoes are having to replace some key players, especially at the skill position but they appear well equipped this year in other areas to get the job done. New quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='148864' first='Cody' last='Pagach'] </strong>has looked crisp so far through the pre-season and his O-line has held up well, even with implementing new players. Pagach has two talented pass catchers to work with this season as well in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='674370' first='Brandon' last='Winton, Jr'] </strong>and rising junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='783023' first='Luke' last='Cannon']</strong>. Winton, Jr in particular looks explosive and fast, so watch out for him this year as a Mr. Football sleeper. The Tornadoes will be good yet again and by any indication from their scrimmage work, the Alcoa offense might be more explosive this year than it has in the past.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/prepxtra/status/1685066302287712256?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/prepxtra/status/1685066302287712256?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Both Chattanooga area power programs Baylor and McCallie have looked crisp so far throughout scrimmages, showing me and soon the rest of the state that the Red Raiders and Blue Tornado teams are two of the best in this entire state. If Brentwood Academy doesn't win the D2-Class AAA state title, one of these two teams will. Both have star quarterbacks in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='323145' first='Whit' last='Muschamp'] </strong>(Baylor) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='287027' first='Jeremy' last='St-Hilaire']</strong>.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- A team everyone may need to pay attention to moving forward is Oak Ridge. The Wildcats have looked impressive thus far throughout the pre-season, especially on offense where they might be quite explosive. They have a trio of offensive weapons in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='741423' first='De'Jauvis' last='Dozier']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='149157' first='Brandon' last='Heyward'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='207340' first='Almani' last='Rembert'] </strong>that have been dynamite so far. Dozier in particular has looked really good. He is explosive, quick in short spaces and well balanced as well as way under the radar with his recruitment. Continued work work and development must be done but Oak Ridge may be a legit 5A title contender this year.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The new Cleveland Blue Raiders team under head coach <strong>Chandler Tygard </strong>is already showing what their offense is going to look like on Friday nights during their pre-season action and it's going to be explosive and high scoring with some talented players leading the way. New quarterback addition <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='445180' first='Cash' last='Bandy'] </strong>looks legit and the right fit for Tygard's offense. If his scrimmage work is any indication, junior running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219362' first='Isaiah' last='Davis'] </strong>is a speed demon ready for a breakout season. Blocking for those two up front in the trenches will be critical towards a successful 2023 season for Cleveland and if that happens, the Blue Raiders could make some serious waves this year.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Isaiahdavis423/status/1685120609502601216?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Isaiahdavis423/status/1685120609502601216?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Middle Tennessee&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Even though everybody else is talking about them, it's hard not to mention Brentwood Academy and how good they could be this year. So far through two scrimmages, the Eagles offense under junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219419' first='George' last='MacIntyre'] </strong>looks like a smooth oiled machine that will be explosive and high scoring due to a deep skill group. Playmakers surround MacIntyre in the backfield with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219449' first='Tamari' last='Hill'] </strong>at running back and on the outside at receiver in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='625142' first='Neo' last='Clifton']</strong>, <strong>Easton Jointer</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='889222' first='Garrett' last='Cyphers'] </strong>and rising sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402563' first='Shavar' last='Young, Jr']</strong> and these guys have been flashing big play abilities during scrimmage work thus far. It won't be easy for the Eagles this year as they have a tough schedule ahead of them but they are well equipped with one of the best offenses in the state with tons of potential and upside to win a possible state title this year.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/joe_spears7/status/1687626105073627137?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/joe_spears7/status/1687626105073627137?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Even though I already had East Robertson as state title contender for the 2A ranks this year, I might need to go back and look at them further after two scrimmages that showed an explosive offense with a young quarterback who shows tons of upside. Led by senior linebacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='332217' first='Elijah' last='Groves']</strong>, who is also catching passes on offense, the Indians have looked smooth on offense thus far with a passing attack led by freshman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1422904' first='Kason' last='Young']</strong>. This youngster looks legit, sporting nice size and an arm that can push it deep. That passing attack is complemented by one of the best RB's in the junior class with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='497421' first='Isaiah' last='Groves']</strong>, so makings are there for East Robertson to have one of the best offenses they have had in some time and be the key ingredient towards a possible state title run.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- A sleeper team to follow this Fall is the Rockvale Rockets, who might be in store for their best season yet. It's taken two years for the Rockets staff to build the depth within this program and this year it may pay off. Led by senior quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='540000' first='Brennan' last='Mayhew']</strong>, who has gained a lot of weight and looks ready for his best season yet, the Rockets should have pieces to put up a lot of points this season while also having a stout defense, starring senior edge rusher <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='362089' first='Timi' last='Williams']</strong>, linebacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='150290' first='Jake' last='Sayles'] </strong>and stud <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='309135' first='Jaylan' last='Morgan']</strong>, roaming on that side of the ball. The Rockets compete in one of the toughest regions in the Middle Tennessee area but they will be ready to compete and might surprise some upper echelon teams along the way.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Week One pits Davidson Academy vs. Nashville Christian in what should be a pass happy affair between two teams with top level quarterbacks. Thus far during scrimmage action, both Bears senior passer <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='268180' first='Knox' last='Roberts'] </strong>and Eagles sophomore stud <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402548' first='Jared' last='Curtis'] </strong>have looked crisp and on point, telling me when these two teams match up in two weeks, it should be an outstanding football game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Roberts has yet to see his recruitment take-off but he has the physical tools to achieve, especially with a standout senior year. Curtis is a national star for the 2026 recruiting class, who holds 20 plus Power Five, D1 offers and looks great so far throughout his pre-season action. Both these signal callers should be fun to watch this coming Fall season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Cam_615Preps/status/1687590745601925121?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Cam_615Preps/status/1687590745601925121?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>West Tennessee</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Germantown Red Devils were already viewed as a top contender for the 6A state title and their chances got even better with the recent addition of senior quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='149844' first='Cordero' last='Walker'] </strong>and athletic, speedy junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='461255' first='Yasir' last='Muhammad']</strong>. Before adding those two, the Red Devils were already looking good throughout pre-season action but gaining Walker and Muhammad makes their team even more dangerous.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Walker is a seasoned vet, who comes from Haywood with plenty of experience and playmaking abilities that can put him in the mix for 6A Mr. Football. Muhammad is a budding star with two-way upside, who will step into the Red Devils defense and should immediately start at cornerback. If these two and the rest of the Red Devils team stays healthy along with continued development from all, this season could be special!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Early on throughout pre-season action, both Munford and Southwind have looked impressive, telling me it will be a battle to win Class 5A-Region 8 as both the Cougars and Jaguars reside there and both are not only region title contenders but teams that can go deep into the playoffs. Munford should be excellent on offense with Mr. Football candidate <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='148838' first='Jordan' last='Bell'] </strong>running the show at quarterback. The Cougars should also have one of the best secondaries in the state with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='301354' first='Kollin' last='Collier']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='372994' first='Jay' last='Dancey'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='552638' first='Tyler' last='Williams'] </strong>roaming on the back end.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While Munford could have the edge on offense, the Jaguars might have the better overall defense. Talent is spread out well throughout the Southwind defense, spearheaded up front by D-linemen <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='149317' first='Kavion' last='Benton']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='207302' first='Ahmare' last='Holt'] </strong>and rising sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='854363' first='Charles' last='Sullins']</strong>. It will be fun to watch these two teams this Fall to see who comes out on top within the region and which team is capable of going on a deep run and possibly compete for a 5A state championship.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Many will see Baylor, Brentwood Academy, Lipscomb Academy and McCallie as the four favorites to win the D2-Class AAA region but don't sleep on the MUS Owls as they have a team built to give those top four a run for their money. The Owls have looked good throughout scrimmages thus far, led by a rising junior quarterback in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219433' first='Brady' last='Hughes']</strong>, who has looked very impressive along with an opportunistic secondary with future college players in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='258805' first='Brandon' last='Nicholson'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='301386' first='Max' last='Williams'] </strong>making plays on the back end. Much will come together for this team as the season goes on but early on, the Owls look strong and a team you can't forget about as the season goes on.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Could this be the year that Hardin Co. finally breaks through in the playoffs to find themselves in Chattanooga competing for a 4A state title? If the play from <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='207322' first='Carter' last='Smith'] </strong>is any indication during his pre-season work, the Tigers offense will be ready to roll and a team that could finally bust through that glass ceiling. Smith has good pieces around him on offense within their skill but I think it will be their defense that makes a difference on if the Tigers compete for a state title or not. If everyone on the team collectively comes together and plays at a high level, Hardin Co. might finally be there in the end to compete for that elusive state title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/cartersmith_5/status/1687508880887095300?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/cartersmith_5/status/1687508880887095300?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->