#TNHSFB Playoffs: Class 2A Preview

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Can East Robertson repeat as champs? Will someone else step forward and become the champion of the 2A ranks? See what we think below about this classification with our playoff preview!</h2>     1st Rd Matchups   Tellico Plains (6-4) at South Greene (8-1)   Eagleton (6-4) at Bledsoe Co. (9-1)   - - -   Polk Co. (4-6) at Happy Valley (7-1)   Hampton (3-6) at York Institute (8-2)   - - -   Cannon Co. (6-4) at Westmoreland (8-2)   Monterey (7-3) at Forrest (6-4)   - - -    Fayetteville (3-7) at East Robertson (9-1)   Smith Co. (2-8) at Marion Co. (8-2)   - - -    Riverside (6-4) at East Hickman (8-2)   Loretto (6-4) at Huntingdon (8-2)   - - -    J.C. Merry (7-2) at Summertown (8-2)   Lewis Co. (6-4) at Milan (9-1)   - - -    Bluff City (2-4) at Memp. Business Acad. (6-2)   Trezevant (1-7) at Mitchell (6-3)   - - -    Hillcrest (3-7) at KIPP Collegiate (2-6)   Fairley (9-0) / BYE Week   - - - - -    Key Players to Watch    One of the top dual threat quarterbacks coming out of the 2A ranks, Eubanks is a game changer for his Mustangs team that has the leadership and grit to lead his time all the way to the promiseland. This will be one of the more important individual players to their respective teams within these playoffs. However Eubanks performs and plays will dictate a lot on how the overall team competes. This is an athletic, tough runner that presents a lot of challenges for opposing defenses and if he is allowed to go off, Eubanks could lead his squad all the way to Chattanooga.    - - -    Coming off a 9-1 and region title winning season, Perry has been a steady force for the Eagles from his quarterback position and his high level play must continue if Westmoreland wants to advance in the 2A playoffs. Waiting his turn to take over on offense this year, Perry has been excellent with his play and a major reason behind the team's sensational season. He will have to maintain his dual threat, high level play into the playoffs as the Eagles could be a sleeper team to make a deep run.    - - -    Losing the team's top player early in the season, Young had to step forward and become a bigger contributor this year and he's done that by placing himself in the conversation for Mr. Football. The Indians sophomore signal caller has done well at commanding the offense and developing alongside his teammates throughout the season to where I think Young can lead his team back to Chattanooga and work at repeating as Class 2A state champs.    - - -    Sloan has been a rock solid performer for his Eagles team throughout his entire career with his senior season being one of his best. East Hickman leans heavily on their rushing attack with Sloan being the most important piece in that cause and for the Eagles to go on a deep playoff run, he has to play at a high level. Coming off a defeat to Summertown in the team's final regular season game, Sloan and his teammates will surely be ready for Round One on Friday where this running back will be used early and often.    - - -    This 2024 season has been a breakout show for this junior ball carrier, who has taken over the lead role in the Milan backfield and excelled towards becoming one of the top backs on the 2A level. The way the Bulldogs like to run the ball, Peete will be an important player through the coming playoffs and someone that could lead his team all the way to the title game. The O-line must stay firm up front and the defense has to do their job but Peete is very important towards the team's potential postseason success.    - - -    Going into the 2A playoffs, Beaty is one of the best playmakers coming out of this level that could be a game changer for his Dragons team. Sporting great size and length, Beaty is a mismatch problem for most defensive backs on this level that can take the top off with his developing speed. This guy can beat you deep or become an excellent piece in the red zone due to his size and physicality. Beaty will surely be keyed on by opposing defenses but if he's allowed to go off, the Dragons could be hard to beat.    - - -    An elite playmaker that is destined for the college level, Pickett is an electric ball player that can take over a game due to his natural athletic abilities and could be a big difference in the Warriors winning or losing in the coming playoffs. Opposing teams will keep their eyes glued on this East TN talent because if Pickett is allowed to go off, the Warriors could be advancing. This is a game changing prospect that will certainly be key in the team's overall success and potential at making it to Chattanooga for the 2A state championship.    - - -    The Bulldogs sit undefeated headed into postseason play and Porter has been a major factor behind the 9-0 record and someone the team could lean on to advance. Going both ways for his Fairley team, Porter has been electric from his running back position that has provided steady play in the Bulldogs backfield and given an identity to this 2024 team. His high level of play must continue in the playoffs as Fairley is a clear candidate to contend for the 2A title this year with Porter being a key factor in those efforts.    - - -    Robertson has been a steady force off the edge for his Tigers team over the past two years and will be needed in a big way starting this Friday in the First Round of the TN High School football playoffs. This senior edge defender is a constant disruptor with a nose for the oppositions backfield that has shown improvement this year with playing in space. Robertson can be a game wrecker and might be a difference maker during this postseason that could help his Tigers win and advance then possibly earn their way into the 2A title game.    - - - - -   Top Title Contenders   East Robertson Indians   - The defending 2A state champs must be at the top for title contenders this year but it's a different team going into the playoffs that has had to lean on new players to lead. After losing star player [player_tooltip player_id='497421' first='Isaiah' last='Groves'] early this season, others had to step forward and so far they have. The Indians bring a strong backfield into the playoffs with [player_tooltip player_id='1422904' first='Kason' last='Young'] at quarterback and Caleb McNeil and Caden Brooks taking care of things at running back. They are helped by an offensive line that has gotten better as the season has gone along. The area I think that could push the Indians back to Chattanooga is their defense.    Led by stud junior [player_tooltip player_id='820950' first='Zach' last='Groves'], the Indians have been strong defensively from start to finish as they get after you up front with a secondary that has shown opportunistic traits. Winning games with your defense in the postseason is key to success and the Indians have a unit that can take them on a deep run. Offense will be important as times this year they have struggled to score points but seem to be clicking at the right time, so East Robertson is definitely a top tier team that can return to the 2A title game and repeat as champions.    Fairley Bulldogs   - These Bulldogs have quietly gone about their business and dominated their opponents towards a 9-0 record and a #1 seed in the coming playoffs. Looking at things from a distance, the Bulldogs have a nice path towards the 2A title game but their level play must remain high as this is a new season with one slip up ending their year. What travels in the postseason is a strong rushing attack, led by [player_tooltip player_id='1552183' first='Julian' last='Porter'] and a physical defense. Those are two things Fairley brings to the table, so it's without question this Memphis area program is certainly in the mix this year for a state championship.    It will be interesting to see how the Bulldogs perform in the power position they are. They will host all the way through as long as they win but could have some tough competition to maneuver past. That run game and defensive physicality must be on full display and remain that way throughout. Some may not see it but a path is there for Fairley to make it to Chattanooga and fight for that 2A title.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/jporter.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1551743" style="width:304px;height:auto" /></figure>   Huntingdon Mustangs   - Battling within one of the toughest regions in the state, Huntingdon found themselves 8-2 with one of the better rushing attacks within the West Tennessee region that could take them all the way to Chattanooga. The Mustangs have a great one-two punch in the backfield with [player_tooltip player_id='222306' first='Gray' last='Eubanks'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1557044' first='Brady' last='Warbritton'] that has carved through defenses all season long. Both guys will be used early and often as well as be tasked to maintain a high level of play as running the ball is a great recipe towards advancing in the playoffs. Both Eubanks and Warbritton are key players on defense as well, so they are important pieces.    Huntingdon has a strong culture within their program as they consistently put a winning product on the field each and every season. The Mustangs hold one state championship in hand with three other appearances but haven't been there since 2012. They have a great opportunity at returning this season with a path that will be tough but one I believe this 2024 team can handle. They must run the ball with succession while remaining salty on defense and if those two areas stay strong, Huntingdon could find themselves competing for the 2A title.    Marion Co. Warriors    - Through the first half of the season, nobody looked as good as the Warriors but a few stumbles allowed this team to lay under the radar until this moment in the playoffs where I think this East TN football team can make a serious run after the 2A title. Big reasons for the potential title run is the athleticism and big play abilities the Warriors have on offense and a defense that have some studs, especially within their front seven. Senior playmaker [player_tooltip player_id='390722' first='Sam' last='Pickett III'] can be a game changer and he has a senior quarterback to get the ball to him in [player_tooltip player_id='1422888' first='Tilton' last='Pickett']. The offense can put up a lot of points but can the defense hold up without losing their grip?   At times this year, the Warriors defense has been stellar but on occasions, they have given up some big plays and not played up to standard. This is the time to crank things up and with talent up front in [player_tooltip player_id='1282603' first='Myles' last='Mays'], [player_tooltip player_id='219406' first='Braydon' last='Coffelt'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1423635' first='Taylor' last='Scharber'], they have the physicality in the trenches to cause issues for the opposition. Getting to Chattanooga won't be easy but I feel this Warrior team has the pieces, the senior leadership and overall talent to make some waves and potentially compete for a state championship.    Milan Bulldogs    - Coming off winning a region title, maybe nobody is hotter right now on the 2A level than these Bulldogs, who have a football recipe that works well in the playoffs and that's running the ball. Milan found their go-to guy in the backfield this season in junior [player_tooltip player_id='1562203' first='Jaydon' last='Peete'] and he has done nothing but perform at a high level while bringing stability to the running back position. He is complimented by a strong offensive line that has a nice mix of veterans and youthful talent. Controlling the clock while playing a physical brand of football is the identity of Milan and one that can resonate throughout the playoffs.    Another strong area for these Bulldogs is their defense. This side of the ball has been consistent all year long with a strong group up front that gets after the quarterback and a secondary that is athletic with ball hawk flashes. I feel the Milan defense could be the difference in the Bulldogs going on a deep run and competing for a spot in the 2A title game. We shall see how things play out but right now, I like this Milan team and their chances of making it to Chattanooga and competing for the “Gold Ball.”   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/jaypeete.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1551744" style="width:302px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Sleeper Title Teams    Bledsoe Co. Warriors    - Even though these Warriors head into postseason play at 9-1, they are viewed as a sleeper team for the state title and not a top tier contender with that mainly being due to the level of competition they have faced. Now I don't want to downplay the success Bledsoe Co. has had this year as they have picked up several good wins and been impressive in those wins but will it continue in the playoffs when they face good teams each round they advance. We shall see but one thing that can help the cause is their backfield and play of senior ball carrier Caymen Siever. His play will be important in the team's success but so will be the action from the Warriors defense.    From game one until now, the Bledsoe Co. defense has been consistent and steady and been that constant force throughout the year that have the Warriors in the position they are. It will be a unit that is expected to perform at a high level, beginning in Round One and remain constant as long as the Warriors advance. The path they have too is manageable, so I could see a scenario where Bledsoe Co. handles their business and plays their way into the 2A championship game.    East Hickman Eagles    - Coming into the playoffs at 8-2 overall, the Eagles play a consistent, physical brand of football that travels well into postseason play, so this Mid-Tennessee program is certainly on the radar as a team that could make their way to Chattanooga. Making the deep run will depend on both lines of scrimmage playing physical, senior back Matthew Sloan continuing his strong play and the Eagles defense staying active like they've been all season. Those are also three areas of play that work well in the playoffs, so East Hickman has a lot going for them headed into postseason action.    What could be tough for the Eagles is the path they must take to compete for that 2A title. They have one of the hardest first round matchups against Riverside and if they win, the Eagles will more than likely face Huntington. It will not be easy for East Hickman but this is a well coached team that is tough minded and gritty, so they won't back down and should be ready to go, starting this Friday at home. If the Eagles make it to Chattanooga, you can bet their placement will definitely be earned!    Summertown Eagles   - One of the biggest surprises from the 2A level this season has been these Eagles, who fell one game short of winning a region title but did upend the team who did win it in East Hickman. The Eagles are hot right now and feeling good about themselves headed into the playoffs and bring one of the better defenses on this level to the field that could take Summertown a long way. Along with an active and physical defensive front, senior linebacker Quint Smith has been an absolute force this year. His game play and production must remain high going into Round One but so does the action from the Eagles run game.    Summertown relies on the ground game to find success. They use a multitude of guys in the backfield to get the job done from Smith to [player_tooltip player_id='1106194' first='Kaden' last='McCrory'] and others. The play on the O-line and the success of their run game are key pieces towards the Eagles advancing but if it's halted, it could be an early exit. The playoffs provide a new opportunity to everybody to continue their season, so Summertown must be ready to compete and if they are, they could go on a deep run that lands them in Chattanooga.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/kmccrory.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1551745" style="width:318px;height:auto" /></figure>   York Institute Dragons   - After taking some early defeats, the Dragons have reeled off eight wins in a row and are playing good football at the right time of year. Their emergence has made them a sleeper team to watch when it comes to winning the Class 2A state championship and a team others may not want to face right now. This program has won a lot of football games over the last decade, so the culture is strong and may play well in the coming playoffs. This is one team on the 2A level that doesn't fully rely on their run game for success as the Dragons will throw it and they have a “dude” to work with in junior [player_tooltip player_id='978257' first='Will' last='Beaty'].    Beaty has emerged as one of the better playmakers on this level and will be a guy that others focus on but will be needed to produce in a big way. The Dragons have a solid defense as well. They have shown some leaks throughout the year but do enough good work to help the team win. It will be interesting to see if York continues their strong play into playoff season because I see pieces in place that can cause issues for the opposition and work their way in contention for a state championship.    - - - - -    Projected Final Four   York Institute vs. Marion Co.   Milan vs. Fairley   - - -    Projected Title Game   Marion Co. vs. Milan   - It will be a tough road for both teams but in the end, I feel that it will be Marion Co. versus Milan in the Class 2A title game in what could be a fun matchup to follow. Both the Warriors and Bulldogs bring athleticism and playmaking abilities to the field along with two physical defenses that don't give up too many points. It is a bit of a contrast between the two offensively. Both do like to run the ball but Marion Co. will throw it more often due to having a guy like [player_tooltip player_id='390722' first='Sam' last='Pickett III'] out wide. He will be someone the Bulldogs must key on and slow down if they want to come out on top.    On the other side, the Warriors defense would have to find answers for running back [player_tooltip player_id='1562203' first='Jaydon' last='Peete']. The Bulldogs junior running back has put forth a breakout campaign this year that has him in the mix for 2A Mr. Football. Milan runs the ball early and often, using their O-line and run game to wear teams down and I expect that to be the approach against an explosive Marion Co. offense. If the Warriors are able to move the ball at will, it could become a long night for Milan but if the Bulldogs are able to establish the line of scrimmage and control the clock, they might be able to find themselves on top at the end.    This is a tough call because I could honestly see either team winning but I think Marion Co. would be too explosive and the defense will make enough plays to get by. Milan will keep it close till late in the game but I feel the team from out East will walk away as Class 2A champs.    Projected 2A Champs: Marion Co. Warriors   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/mmays.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1420961" style="width:345px;height:auto" /></figure>