#TNHSFB Early Season Takeaways

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">We have made it four weeks into the 2024 season, so there is enough info out there to sort through and judge how things are going inside the Volunteer State. Here we go over a few storylines from the current season and what the biggest takeaways are. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defense Dominates The 2024 Season</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- As we have made it through four weeks of action here in Tennessee, the narrative that continues to pop up about this season is the fact that we got stellar defenses across the Volunteer State that are good enough to lead their teams to championships. Most teams have played four teams while some have competed in three but I think we have a good idea on who's legit and who could be championship caliber on the defensive side of the ball.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Through the early part of the year, we have 63 teams that have given up less than 50 points with six teams given up less than 10 points. Now this info is all subjective as some teams have played tougher schedules than others but still, having 63 squads with defenses like we do says what kind of football year we have here in Tennessee and that's defensive led!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If we had to take a stab at who may have the best defense in the entire state right now, it could be Page. The Patriots have yet to give up a point this year, shutting out all their opponents and doing so in dominant fashion. They are led by three Power Four commits in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219439' first='Eric' last='Hazzard']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='390716' first='Brenden' last='Anes'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219351' first='William' last='Wiebush'] </strong>that play fast and hard while providing excellent leadership. Many others like Bolton, Covington, Ensworth, Green Hill, Kirkwood, Marion Co., Maryville, Mitchell, Mt. Juliet, Ravenwood and many more would argue they are right there with Page and they very well could be but what I do know is that we have a football season on our hands that is defensive laden and I expect that to remain the case for the remainder of the calendar year.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(Points Allowed Thru 3 or 4 GMS)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fairley - 0, Page - 0, Middle College - 6, Green Hill - 7, Whitwell - 7, Bolton - 8</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Happy Valley - 12, Summertown - 12, Kirkwood - 13, Westview - 13, Maryville - 14, Mt. Juliet - 14, Covington - 15</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ensworth - 20, Marion Co. - 20, Chrst. Brothers - 23, Tenn. High - 23, Mitchell - 24, J.C. Merry - 26, Lausanne - 26, Rossview - 27, DCA - 27, Boyd Buchanan - 28, Halls - 28</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Johnson Co. - 31, Millington - 31, Clarksville - 32, Greeneville - 32, Chatt. Prep - 33, Meigs Co. - 33, Ravenwood - 33, Sevier Co. - 33, Westwood - 33, Coalfield - 34, East Robertson - 34, South Greene - 34, Loretto - 35, MASE - 35, Oneida - 35, Science Hill - 35, Riverside - 38, Tellico Plains - 38, Unicoi Co. - 38, Collierville - 39, Gordonsville - 39</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Memp. Central - 40, Mo-West - 40, Riverdale - 40, Bledsoe Co. - 41, Centennial - 42, Beech - 42, Huntland - 42, FRA - 42, Kirby - 42, Powell - 42, Red Bank - 43, Loudon - 45, Mt. Pleasant - 45, Bartlett - 46, Eagleville - 48, Macon Co. - 48, South Pitt - 48, Baylor - 49</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1357798,"width":"329px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/psnead.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1357798" style="width:329px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Potential Entertaining Region Championships</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- We have gotten to the point of the year where we can see region title races starting to form and we got some fun ones on our hands over the next month and a half to watch and pay attention to. The D2-Class AA Middle Region will look very clear after Week Five as BGA (4-0) travels to CPA (4-0) to compete in what could be the region championship. Both the Cats and Lions have been impressive this season with impressive offenses, led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='914547' first='Kaedyn' last='Marable'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1335216' first='Rawls' last='Patterson'] </strong>but we can't sleep on FRA either as they sit undefeated at 4-0 as well. I still think the Panthers are the third team in this race, so whoever wins this Thursday between BGA and CPA will get a leg up on the region title.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After four weeks, it's starting to look like Houston and Collierville will battle for the 6A-Region 8 title. Both sit at 4-0 with the Mustangs knocking off Germantown while the Dragons defeated Bartlett. All four of those teams in one way or another still have to compete against each other but both Houston and Collierville have a leg up at the moment. This region could come down to a four way tie as well but only if somebody can find a way to knock off Houston, who is the defending 6A champs.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mt. Juliet (4-0) and Green Hill (4-0) are next door rivals that are yet again competing for a region title but an outsider from Putnam Co. in Cookeville might have something to say about it before this region is wrapped up. We will get a great idea at who the leader for the region title is after Week Five as <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219402' first='Tyler' last='Travers']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219347' first='Jonmikael' last='Crudup']</strong> and the Golden Bears travel to Cookeville to face off against the Cavs and their potent rushing attack with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='353388' first='Blake' last='Owen'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1201020' first='Thomas' last='Johnson']</strong>. This matchup should definitely be fun with both team's being good enough to win. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1361195,"width":"308px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/jmcrudup.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1361195" style="width:308px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Green Hill will certainly have something to say about this region as well, especially with possibly the best defense between the three teams. The Hawks are star led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='964976' first='Kannon' last='Burroughs'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219336' first='Aaron' last='Mattingly'] </strong>but their defense has led the way and should remain a constant force throughout the rest of the season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>All of sudden, 6A-Region 2 looks like it could be fun to watch as we have both Cleveland and Maryville sitting at 4-0 and I know many didn't foresee the Blue Raiders being undefeated at this point. They have been high scoring and steady on offense to this point, led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219362' first='Isaiah' last='Davis'] </strong>and their run game while the defense has been strong up front, spearheaded by junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='927765' first='A.J.' last='Westfield']</strong>.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Maryville has been impressive thus far themselves, led by one of the best defenses in the state that has given up 14 points through four games. It's been a collective effort from all three defensive levels for the Rebels. Senior linebacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1137205' first='Matthew' last='Covert'] </strong>has been stud through the early season with his game play and leadership and I expect him to continue playing at a high level the remainder of the year.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bearden is the sleeper in this region, so keep an eye on the Bulldogs. Even though they sit at 1-2, they have yet to play Maryville or Cleveland. Watching these three teams battle the rest of the season should be fun with all three bringing different philosophies and styles to the playing field.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Regions to Follow ….</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4A-Region 2 - Gibbs (4-0), Anderson Co. (3-0), Carter (3-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4A-Region 4 - Upperman (4-0), Macon Co. (3-1), White Co. (3-1)&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4A-Region 5 - Marshall Co. (4-0), White House (3-1), Pearl Cohn (2-2)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5A-Region 2 - Knox. Halls (3-1), Powell (3-1), Knox. West (2-2)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5A-Region 5 - Lincoln Co. (3-1), Shelbyville (3-1), Tullahoma (2-2)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6A-Region 1 - Dobyns-Bennett (3-1), Science Hill (3-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6A-Region 7 - Clarksville (4-0), Kirkwood (4-0), Rossview (4-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1452217,"width":"400px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/alethgo-crop-1500x985-1726430431.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1452217" style="width:400px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class 4A is Wide Open</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Some classifications are starting to take shape when it comes to who are the main contenders for state championships but Class 4A appears to be open for all without a clear cut team right now sticking out. Now my gut tells me that Pearl Cohn is still the team to beat. Even though the Firebirds have started the season at 2-2, their losses have been to two CPA and MBA, two private powers that could beat anybody on the public school level. I think by the time we get to the end of the year, Pearl Cohn will be in championship form but I don't think their path to Chattanooga will be as easy this year.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Firebirds have to get through their region first as Marshall Co. has been as impressive as any on the 4A level, led by a strong offensive core of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='390641' first='Aja' last='Jones']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1422897' first='Tyler' last='Thompson']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1423245' first='Jamahl' last='Gentry']</strong>. Taking a tough defeat recently to Oakland, the Tomcats of Haywood are still at the top of the list of contenders. Their rushing duo of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='466233' first='Camarion' last='Miller'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1102345' first='Kemonte' last='Williams'] </strong>will be hard to stop, especially once we get to the back half of the season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you had to choose one team that has looked the best up to this point, it may be Upperman. The Bees have two good wins against Lebanon and Macon Co. and have basically the same team that barely lost in the 4A title last year. Upperman junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1254853' first='Bronzden' last='Chaffin'] </strong>is a strong candidate for Mr. Football while they have a nice senior core, led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='533747' first='Ethan' last='Palk'] </strong>that's been playing at a high level. If everybody remains healthy, I expect the Bees to be right there competing to return to Chattanooga.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Anderson Co. looks equipped to go on a deep postseason run themselves. Their new additions of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='650014' first='Landen' last='Hensley']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='467258' first='Eli' last='Dorton'] </strong>look to be paying off while the defense has been strong, receiving steady play from <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='783318' first='Cody' last='Miller']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='497426' first='Israel' last='Small'] </strong>and others. The Mavs have a region battle on their hands before they can think of Chattanooga but I believe they are the leaders in the clubhouse.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Even though Greeneville has begun their year at 2-2, they are still a prime contender for the 4A title. One of their losses came by way of forfeit, so the only time they have beaten was last Friday to state power Alcoa. The Green Devils sport a strong culture, so I expect them to bounce back and get things right. Their power lies up front in the trenches, led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='841187' first='Brandon' last='Iezzi'] </strong>and a solid defense that has <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='390715' first='Drew' last='Armbrister'] </strong>making all the calls at linebacker.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Overall, this is an interesting classification with several high quality teams in place to contend for the 4A title by the time we reach postseason play. There could be a few sleepers out there too that might jump in the mix with the teams listed above and if that happens, the rest of the 4A season and playoffs should be fun to follow.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1370472,"width":"345px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/jkinnard.jpg?w=683" alt="" class="wp-image-1370472" style="width:345px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->