Class 5A POTY/Title Contenders

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Who are the top championship caliber football teams coming out of the 5A ranks for the 2024 season? Prep Redzone Tennessee has you covered here along with our pre-season player accolades. </h2>     Pre-season Honors   D2-Class AAA MVP: (DE) [player_tooltip player_id='219439' first='Eric' last='Hazzard'] - Page    Off. Player of the Year: ‘26 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='480742' first='Kelvin' last='Perkins'] - Southwind    Def. Player of the Year: (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='390716' first='Brenden' last='Anes'] - Page    Lineman of the Year: (OL) [player_tooltip player_id='616543' first='Otto' last='VanRensburg'] - Sevier Co.    Underclassmen of the Year: ‘26 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='866718' first='Kaden' last='Powell'] - Beech    Coach of the Year: Charles Rathbone - Page   - - -   Top Title Contenders   Page Patriots - Region 6   - Can the Patriots finally break through this 2024 season and come home with a 5A state championship? It's very possible as Page might have the best team in this classification headed into the season but many things must come to fruition and players must stay healthy for this statement to become true. This year's squad and senior class has been through a lot of games together, so experience certainly resides with the Patriots but some youngins will definitely be needed to help get them to promise land.    Winning football games comes in a variety of ways but two long time factors that remain the same to this day is strong play within the offensive line and a dominating defense and Page has both. Up front on the line, the Pats are led by seniors [player_tooltip player_id='808035' first='A.J.' last='Johnson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='219378' first='Connor' last='Coffman'] and they are joined by stud juniors [player_tooltip player_id='853121' first='Jacob' last='Rathbone'] and [player_tooltip player_id='402552' first='Jordan' last='Curll'] to form one of the better O-line's in the entire state. The same can be said for the Pats defense. Led by seniors [player_tooltip player_id='219439' first='Eric' last='Hazzard'], [player_tooltip player_id='390716' first='Brenden' last='Anes'] and [player_tooltip player_id='219351' first='William' last='Wiebush'], Page has a stellar defensive unit that can take them all the way to Chattanooga, where maybe they come away with that elusive “Gold Ball”.    The off-season addition of junior quarterback Mitchell Grandjean was huge for the offense as he provides a dual threat to the backfield where he can beat you with both his arm and his legs. The Patriots are yet again equipped to go after the 5A title but they must get there first. Every team Page goes up against will be gunning for them, so competition will be stiff. I do think the veterans on this team that know how to win and have been to the 5A championship two years in a row will have this team ready to go and focused on the bigger picture. Don't be surprised to see Page in Chattanooga again this season but this time, finally come home with their first ever football state title.    - - - - -    Southwind Jaguars - Region 8   - The Jags had their best season ever during the 2023 campaign but it wasn't good enough to come away as 5A champs. Well most of that team from last year returns this Fall along with one of the best quarterbacks in the state and your reigning Mr. Football winner in [player_tooltip player_id='480742' first='Kelvin' last='Perkins']. Southwind has a loaded team for the 2024 year that presents a great opportunity for them to earn their way to Chattanooga and compete for that 5A title but it won't be an easy path.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/09/kelperkins.jpeg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-1001754" style="width:296px;height:auto" /></figure>   Having Perkins at the helm is an automatic edge over just about every opponent the Jags will face this season. He is a legit college prospect that is just scratching the surface. Perkins should have an excellent supporting cast around him along with one of the better O-line's in the state. Scoring points should not be an issue for the Jags and  they shouldn't have a problem stopping opposing offenses either. Southwind is stellar on defense, joining Page as one of the top units in the state and the Jags are good at all three levels. The D-line in particular should be fierce with seniors [player_tooltip player_id='841166' first='Cornelius' last='Thompson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='611950' first='Taylor' last='Jones'] as well as junior stud [player_tooltip player_id='854363' first='Charles' last='Sullins'] wrecking havoc.    A lot of pieces are in place for Southwind to not only keep the winning ways going but also compete for a 5A state championship. Here in the pre-season, it looks like Page and Southwind are the top two teams in this classification that are destined to face each other again in the playoffs like they did last year where the Pats came out on top. Things could be different this season as the Jags sport the coaching, the depth and the talent to go all the way this season and bring their first ever football state title to campus.    - - - - -    Beech Buccaneers - Region 7   - Headed into the 2024 season, Beech has generated strong buzz from themselves throughout the off-season as their players have developed at a nice rate, which points towards the Bucs having a big year that could potentially end in Chattanooga. This is a well balanced ball club that is strong on both sides of the ball with a nice mix of veterans and youthful talent as well as a seasoned coaching staff that knows how to win ball games. The recipe is staying together as a collective unit while remaining healthy along the way and if that stays true, Beech will certainly be in the mix for a state title run.    Offensively, the Bucs have one of the best backfields in the state with two juniors in [player_tooltip player_id='866718' first='Kaden' last='Powell'] and [player_tooltip player_id='800803' first='Chelton' last='Swafford'] and one sophomore in [player_tooltip player_id='1206523' first='D.K.' last='Williams']. This trio is scary for the opposition to deal with but they will of course need their O-line to hold up throughout the season. Powell will have some nice targets to throw to as well in [player_tooltip player_id='466263' first='KaJuan' last='Harris'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1369787' first='Tyler' last='Campbell']. The offense has a chance to be explosive, which should allow a strong defense to play fast and freely.    Led by senior standout linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='951112' first='Gunnar' last='Clary'], the Beech defense should be stellar this Fall with a strong defensive front seven and a secondary that could contend for one of the best in the greater Mid-TN area. The off-season addition of [player_tooltip player_id='976622' first='Josiah' last='Moore'] makes this unit deeper and more flexible. Just about every unit throughout this team on both sides of the ball is strong. Head coach Anthony Crabtree may have one of his best team's ever in his long tenure at Beech but this is pre-season and we have a lot of football to play but early indications point towards the Bucs making a deep playoff run and a possible appearance in the 5A title game.    - - - - -    Powell Panthers - Region 2   - The Panthers have steadily stayed in the upper echelon of not only their region but the 5A ranks for several years now and this 2024 season could be another big one with a chance to bring their 2nd state title back to campus. A lot has to go right and the team must stay healthy but I see pieces in place that can make it happen, especially with one of the best backfields in the state in [player_tooltip player_id='937072' first='Connor' last='Wheeler'] and athletic junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1111032' first='Deuce' last='Rodgers'] handling business on offense. These two are key to the team's success this year with both having a shot at competing for Mr. Football.    The offense as a whole is young but showed during our research some long term talent. Defensively is where I believe the Panthers could shine the most this year. The defensive line is the strength where Powell has depth and star power. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='1154536' first='Iverson' last='Garcia'] is the top guy but his counterparts in Cardell Thomas, Dylan Goodwin and [player_tooltip player_id='1106222' first='Grayson' last='Ravo'] can't be slept on. Stopping the run should be a strength for this team but it's in the defensive secondary where I need to see further development. Junior Karmaryon Farmer is one to watch back there.    Some could say Powell is a year away from competing for the 5A title but I don't because Wheeler is that good of a player that you gotta go after the “Gold Ball” this season. His ability to hit the big one and Rodgers capabilities of running with his legs and using the play action to push the ball down field with his arm, is a dangerous combination. It will be interesting to see how this team comes together and performs this year because it won't be easy but I feel the Panthers are up for the challenge.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/carthomas.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1368089" style="width:326px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Knox. West Rebels - Region 2   - When you start talking about potential champions, it's hard not to put the reigning two time 5A state champs on this list. Knox. West has been the standard in 5A for two years running but can they do it three years in a row? It will be a tougher road for the Rebels this year but with coach Lamar Brown at the  helm and this program riding a winning wave right now, winning the 5A title this Fall can be done. It will need to be done by a new cast of players that will be stepping into either bigger or starter roles this year, so it will be interesting to follow along and see how this team progresses.    Offensively, the Rebels will remain run based, especially with implementing new starters at several skill positions, including quarterback. The offensive line is in transition as well, except for the return of potential All-Region senior Stephen Johnson. Many unknowns reside on this side of the ball but one thing I do know is that they will be well coached. Two playmakers to know about for this season are seniors [player_tooltip player_id='860597' first='Kelin' last='Rucker'] and Anterius McAlister. Those two along with a few others will be asked to produce and create big plays on a weekly basis and if they do, this offense will develop and grow.    The defensive side of the ball is where I think the Rebels could be solid and good enough to keep things afloat while the offense comes together. Linebacker Jack Keith is one to watch as a potential “Region Defensive Player of the Year” nominee and someone that could lead the team and region in tackles. Senior Antwain Burdine is another prospect that can be a difference maker. Overall on paper, this doesn't look like the best team Knox. West has had but this program knows how to win and I expect them to be right in the mix for another region title and once we get to the playoffs, watch out for the Rebels!    - - - - -    Walker Valley Mustangs - Region 4    - Coming off their best season in school history, the Mustangs are poised for Round Two this Fall where they have a great shot at repeating last year's success and maybe even find themselves in Chattanooga, competing for the 5A title. This is a brand new year, so plenty of roadblocks will come but Walker Valley returns the vast majority of last year's team along with some up and coming young talent that should put the Mustangs in contention for postseason success.    Finding a replacement for Evan Schwarzl is the biggest question headed into the season for either side of the ball. His play earned him a spot at Bethel but now the Mustangs must move on and whoever the starter should be will have a nice crop of pass catchers to throw at. Senior two-way star [player_tooltip player_id='1125380' first='Hudson' last='Makuch'] and his brother [player_tooltip player_id='853131' first='Spencer' last='Makuch'] along with rising junior [player_tooltip player_id='1125399' first='Roman' last='Eulo'] are three high performing prospects that will be showcased heavily this year. They will be helped by one of the best offensive lines in the 5A ranks, led by stud senior [player_tooltip player_id='305232' first='Jeremiah' last='Townsend']. Defensively is where I think the Mustangs will be the strongest as they have vets, solid depth and deceptive athleticism.    Looking over this roster, Walker Valley may have a better team this season compared to last. The Mustangs may be more equipped this year to chase after that “Gold Ball.” but it won't be easy. Their region will be tough with McMinn Co. right there fighting for the top spot. The non-region schedule will test them as well. Walker Valley will certainly earn their way this season and I think they're ready, so pay attention to these Mustangs this season as they could sneak up and play their way into 5A title contention.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/reulo.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1355722" style="width:322px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Sevier Co. Smoky Bears - Region 1    - We gotta have a sleeper team to follow this Fall and mine is the Smoky Bears. The 5A title may be tough for Sevier Co. to gain this year but I can see a scenario where this East TN program plays they're way into contention and does so with a balanced offense and physical defense. The Smoky Bears have a talented ball club that got even better in the off-season with the addition of stud running back [player_tooltip player_id='219342' first='Tegan' last='Avera']. His fast running style blends nicely with one of the better young quarterbacks we have in this state in sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1142902' first='Cooper' last='Newman']. That backfield alone can be elite and that statement can come true not only due to Avera's and Newman's abilities but also because of their O-line, which is one of the best units within the 5A ranks.    The front five is stout for the Smoky Bears, led by three seniors in [player_tooltip player_id='616543' first='Otto' last='VanRensburg'], Chase Gillispie and [player_tooltip player_id='1261919' first='Lataveus' last='Booker']. Those three along with junior [player_tooltip player_id='801918' first='Colby' last='Cunningham'], form a top notch O-line that can pave the way for Avera and keep Newman clean. Over on defense, the Smoky Bears have a nice mix of veterans and youthful talent, spearheaded by senior tackling machine, [player_tooltip player_id='983418' first='Tyler' last='Mann']. He is joined within his linebacking corps by [player_tooltip player_id='1102513' first='Jude' last='Costner'], Dillon Woods and rising junior [player_tooltip player_id='1543020' first='Joey' last='Galazin'] to form a solid unit of tacklers. Making noise up front off the edge is sophomore stud [player_tooltip player_id='1103040' first='Jaxson' last='Perry'], who has a chance to place himself among the top sack artists not just in the 5A region but the entire state.    There are several pieces in place this season for Sevier Co. to make some noise and take a deep ride into the 5A playoffs. I don't foresee them having a challenge to win their region and where they will be placed in the playoff bracket, Sevier Co. should have a great shot at winning multiple games. Many things must go in their favor and top players must stay healthy for this to happen but the Smoky Bears appear ready for the challenge and a team to watch this Fall as a potential title contender.    - - - - -  Three Sleeper Teams: Oak Ridge, Knox. Halls, Tullahoma   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/tymann.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1368091" style="width:317px;height:auto" /></figure>