Class 6A POTY/Title Contenders

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Who are your prime candidates to contend for the 6A state title this year? We got that covered for ya here along with our pre-season players of the year and superlatives. </h2>     Pre-season Honors   D2-Class AAA MVP: (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='219387' first='Daune' last='Morris'] - Oakland    Off. Player of the Year: (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1002741' first='Geron' last='Johnson'] - Bartlett    Def. Player of the Year: (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='402528' first='Caleb' last='Ellison'] - Oakland    Lineman of the Year: (OL/DT) [player_tooltip player_id='504236' first='Nic' last='Moore'] - Jefferson Co.    Underclassmen of the Year: ‘26 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='402540' first='Femi' last='Babalola'] - Ravenwood    Coach of the Year: Derek Hunt - Maryville    - - -    Top Title Contenders   Houston Mustangs - Region 8    - The Mustangs are your Class 6A returning state champs and they are built to possibly repeat this season due to a strong core of seniors returning this Fall, including one of the best quarterbacks within this classification. Senior signal caller [player_tooltip player_id='816017' first='Chandler' last='Day'] is a true leader that does just about everything right to help his team succeed. He is complimented nicely by a solid O-line and some talented skill players around him with the likes of [player_tooltip player_id='829107' first='Marcelles' last='Davis'], [player_tooltip player_id='540017' first='Derrick' last='Miller'] and others. It should be a well balanced offense this year with a chance to become explosive.    Over on defense, the Mustangs return just about everybody from last year's title team. Having a veteran-like defense is an automatic upper hand when the Mustangs walk into every game. They are stout up front with [player_tooltip player_id='219418' first='Garrett' last='Hagan'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1676391' first='Tony' last='Williams'] leading the way. The linebackers are solid too with [player_tooltip player_id='219363' first='Owen' last='Waggener'] being their top guy. The secondary is ultra talented with several future college guys like [player_tooltip player_id='529774' first='Ladeadrick' last='James'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1110694' first='Andre' last='Allen'] roaming on the back end. There are some up and coming prospects on defense as well that people will need to keep an eye on.    Overall, this is a good team that is championship caliber yet again for the 2024 season. This is a well coached team that is physical, tough, disciplined and athletic. Even though Houston is equipped for another title run, it won't be easy as they compete in possibly the toughest region in the state and it's hard to repeat when you are the hunted. It should be fun to see how these Mustangs compete and respond this year to what could be a challenging but fun football season.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/mardavis.jpeg?w=473" alt="" class="wp-image-1219260" style="width:232px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - - -    Oakland Patriots - Region 3   - Defeat probably still sits in the mind of the Oakland coaching staff and their players after losing to Houston in the 6A title game last year but it's not a bad thing to be thinking that way as it may be good motivation to take back that “Gold Ball” for the 2024 season. The Patriots are a staple on the 6A level that can be counted on to compete for championships every season, especially with coach Kevin Creasy at the helm. His son, [player_tooltip player_id='1526934' first='Kyler' last='Creasy'] should be the main guy at quarterback again this season with [player_tooltip player_id='219387' first='Daune' last='Morris'] taking hand-offs from him. The run game is always the first option for the Pats and they should be dynamic yet again in that area.    Defensively is the area where Oakland stays consistent year in and year out and I believe they should be good on this side of the ball again this year. The Pats are strong in front seven with Quentin Norfolk, Aviery Haynesworth and our pre-season 6A defensive player of the year, linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='402528' first='Caleb' last='Ellison']. They are equally as strong in the secondary as well with one of the best collections of defensive backs in the state. It only got stronger this off-season with the addition of junior [player_tooltip player_id='1161079' first='Omari' last='Bledsoe'] to go along with [player_tooltip player_id='467267' first='Bronson' last='Crisp'], [player_tooltip player_id='1265520' first='Gus' last='Ramsey'] and [player_tooltip player_id='856867' first='Craig' last='Tutt']. This defense alone should keep Oakland in every single game they play this Fall.   There don't appear to be too many question marks with this year's Oakland football team but there are some areas that will need to be shored up throughout the season for the Patriots to reach another 6A title game. The O-line and the receivers are two areas on offense that need guys to step up but I'm sure by mid-season all will be right with these groups. Everybody must stay healthy as well and that's something that's a roll of the dice each season. The Pats will face tough competition but something they aren't used to, so by season's end, Oakland should be right in the mix to compete for another shot at the 6A championship.    - - - - -    Bartlett Panthers - Region 8    - Our projected pre-season number two team in Region Eight, these Panthers bring a deep and talented roster to the field in 2024 with aspirations of winning a 6A title this year. That can happen with a balanced offense, led by [player_tooltip player_id='1002741' first='Geron' last='Johnson'] and their rushing attack as well as a stout defense that should be quite good up front. Complimenting Johnson and his rushing is a deceptive passing attack, led by quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='279488' first='Kam' last='Alexander']. The Panthers O-line is athletic and strong as well with enough depth to stay on par throughout the season.    Spearheaded by Mississippi St. commit and stud linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='795560' first='Austin' last='Howard'], Bartlett may have one of the better defenses in the state but that can't become true unless several guys on this side of the ball mature into forceful players. Howard is joined in the front seven by a potential double digit sack guy in [player_tooltip player_id='1257697' first='Lawrence' last='Taylor'] along with a solid secondary behind them, led by seniors [player_tooltip player_id='258657' first='Chase' last='Sutton'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1179089' first='Malik' last='Rogers']. Defense is where championships are won and the Panthers have a strong unit that can definitely help them get to Chattanooga.    It will be a tough path for Bartlett to take as they reside in a tough region with Houston, Germantown and others but also have a strong non-region slate as well. The Panthers will certainly be battle tested by the time we reach the playoffs. If this team can remain healthy while continuing to gel and learn along the way, Bartlett will be a formidable opponent you may not want to face in postseason play.    - - - - -    Ravenwood Raptors - Region 6   - The stars may be aligned for these Raptors to have a special 2024 season due to a deep and talented roster along with one of the better coaching staffs in the state running things. This is a balanced roster with an offense that can be high scoring and explosive along with a defense that should be very physical with talent sitting at all three levels. This roster has been building and growing together over the past two years where I think they are a definite championship caliber team this year that has the talent to go toe to toe with the likes of Houston, Oakland and others.    Sporting one of the better O-lines in the Mid-TN region, the Raptors are well equipped offensively to be very potent this Fall. The passing game should be outstanding with star junior [player_tooltip player_id='402540' first='Femi' last='Babalola'] running the show and him throwing it to a deep receiving corps, led by seniors [player_tooltip player_id='219435' first='Ben' last='Hubbard'] and [player_tooltip player_id='390640' first='Max' last='Kimpel']. The offensive balance comes from a rushing attack that has been staple within this Raptors offense for many season's now and I don't expect it to be any different this year.    Defensively is where I think Ravenwood can be much improved compared to last year. This side of the ball has a nice mix of veteran and youthful talent with some strong seniors in [player_tooltip player_id='1112606' first='Elliot' last='Hampton'], [player_tooltip player_id='219353' first='Lane' last='Sumerel'], [player_tooltip player_id='1153858' first='Austin' last='Mayfield'], [player_tooltip player_id='820942' first='Donovan' last='Starr'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1159791' first='Jayden' last='Smitherman'] leading the way. The secondary in particular should be very strong with Starr locking things down on the outside and Smitherman using his ball hawking skills at safety to make plays on the ball. This is a tough unit that I foresee being consistent throughout the season and a major factor behind a possible deep playoff run. The depth and pieces are in place for Ravenwood to win a region title this year while also competing for a 6A title. It will be challenging but I think these Raptors will be up for it.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/10/mkimpel.jpg?w=819" alt="" class="wp-image-1066801" style="width:247px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Germantown Red Devils - Region 8   - Over the past few years, the Red Devils have been right there when it comes to competing for a 6A state title but in the playoffs, Germantown has been knocked off each time but maybe this 2024 season can be different. This year's version was going to be much better until an off-season subtraction lessened the talent but the Red Devils are still legit with a versatile roster that is blended nicely between vets and up and coming talented prospects.    There will be a new signal caller at the helm in [player_tooltip player_id='1285552' first='Mekhi' last='Robins-Abram'] that showed this off-season he is capable of getting the job done. He will have a talented group of skill players around him, led by senior wideout [player_tooltip player_id='1264564' first='Jaden' last='Jones'] and rising star, [player_tooltip player_id='1113841' first='Tre'von' last='McGory']. Those skills players should have enough time to do their job with a strong offensive line in front of them. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='466282' first='Tyrin' last='Williams'] is the vet up front but he is joined by several talented underclassmen in [player_tooltip player_id='425182' first='Andre' last='Amos, Jr'], Tyrik Harris, [player_tooltip player_id='1285553' first='Patrick' last='Dolly'], Jeremiah Thompson and others. Defensively is where I think the Red Devils will be the strongest with a well balanced group from front to back.    The secondary will be the team strength with seniors [player_tooltip player_id='461255' first='Yasir' last='Muhammad'] and [player_tooltip player_id='866985' first='Kyle' last='Campbell'] doing their thing at corner while Mason Sanders handles things at safety. The front four will be a work in progress but the linebackers should be solid, led by rising junior [player_tooltip player_id='1667877' first='Jaydon' last='Dockery']. Defense has been consistent every year under the staff of Gene Robinson and I expect them to be just as good this year. It will be a tough path for Germantown to reach Chattanooga but they will eventually and maybe this Fall is their time.    - - - - -    Maryville Rebels - Region 2    - Are the Rebels back? Is the Maryville football program ready to compete for 6A titles again? We shall see but headed into the 2024 season, Maryville looks well equipped to not only win their region but also contend for the 6A championship. Many factors must go in the favor of Maryville for special things to happen but it's possible as the Rebels have a veteran team returning this Fall along with some depth and youthful talent on the come up.    The first area that makes me think this year's Rebels team is championship caliber is their offensive line. They are loaded up front with [player_tooltip player_id='466287' first='Alex' last='Boyd'] and the #PRZTN #1 ranked junior O-lineman in [player_tooltip player_id='284141' first='Brody' last='Smith'] handling the tackles (Boyd could play inside too) and [player_tooltip player_id='1182668' first='Henry' last='Chambers'], [player_tooltip player_id='853127' first='Jacob' last='Prince'] and Nash Stinnett taking the other starting roles. The Rebels also may have one of the better quarterbacks in the state with rising sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1167467' first='Will' last='Jones'] that has college upside written all over him. He will be handing it off to #PRZTN Top 10 ranked running back [player_tooltip player_id='361227' first='Price' last='Davis'], who is a definite contender for Mr. Football. He also has a solid receiving corps too, led by senior [player_tooltip player_id='361235' first='Britton' last='Barrett']. It's a well rounded offense that should put up a lot of points but can their defense do their job too.    I think they will but this side of the ball is where the Rebels have some questions that need answered. The linebackers will be the strength, spearheaded by senior standouts [player_tooltip player_id='1137205' first='Matthew' last='Covert'], [player_tooltip player_id='834596' first='Jonah' last='Arms'] and David Crawford. The secondary should be fine with Barrett, [player_tooltip player_id='839383' first='Justin' last='Prince'], [player_tooltip player_id='1103034' first='Andrew' last='Smith'] and others competing on the back end. The defensive line is where the most unknown resides. If the staff can form together a solid front four, this defense could become elite. Overall, the Rebels have a good team that appears determined to get things back on the winning track and it looks like they have the team to do it.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/01/15-Matthew-Covert.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1138150" style="width:361px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Riverdale Warriors - Region 3   - Momentum is building with this Riverdale program, especially after taking the region title last year and de-throwning Oakland. Now the Pats got revenge by knocking the Warriors out of the playoffs but last year was a nice building block towards Riverdale competing for titles, year in and year out. This year's version is a talented group of players that see's the defense having the edge as we head into the 2024 season. The Warriors brought in some additions this off-season to boost their secondary with [player_tooltip player_id='819506' first='Ke'Darean' last='Fletcher'] and [player_tooltip player_id='858830' first='Malik' last='Hicks'] to go along with [player_tooltip player_id='219397' first='Dominic' last='Taylor'], [player_tooltip player_id='219453' first='Camryn' last='Darden'] and others. The linebackers are good too with some pass rushing with [player_tooltip player_id='1151465' first='J.C.' last='Haynes'] and solid play from the middle with [player_tooltip player_id='490634' first='Jomauri' last='Smith'].    Defensively, I think Riverdale will be just fine, it's on offense where the Warriors have some questions. Running the football looks to be their strength this season with Taylor being their guy and someone that can compete for Mr. Football. He will need the offensive line to hold up and right now, I'm unsure as to who the top guys up front will be. Quarterback will be interesting as all signs point to sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='866735' first='Donte' last='Cameron'] taking the reins and being the guy behind center for the next three years. He is young but talented.    The Warriors defense will certainly be leaned upon early and throughout the year as their offense grows week by week. They face a tough schedule too along with a region that has gotten better with the ascension of Rockvale and a young but talented Blackman team. Oakland is most definitely the team to beat but if Riverdale can defeat and get by them again, competing for the 6A championship becomes very possible.    Other Contenders to Watch: Bearden, Mt. Juliet, Brentwood, Clarksville, Whitehaven   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/Carson-Niukkanen-Donte-Cameron.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1299096" style="width:419px;height:auto" /></figure>