#TNHSFB Playoffs: Class 4A Preview

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Pearl Cohn is your reigning 4A champs but are they the favorite headed into this year's playoffs? Find out below with our Prep Redzone Tennessee Class 4A playoff preview! </h2>     1st Rd Matchups   Carter (4-6) at Greeneville (7-2)   Cherokee (7-2) at Gibbs (9-1)   - - -   Fulton (6-4) at Elizabethton (6-3)   Northview Acad. (5-5) at Anderson Co. (9-1)   - - -   Stone Memorial (5-5) at Loudon (10-0)   Red Bank (6-3) at White Co. (8-2)   - - -    Macon Co. (8-2) at Soddy Daisy (9-1)   Signal Mountain (6-4) at Upperman (10-0)   - - -    Lexington (4-6) at Marshall Co. (10-0)   Station Camp (5-5) at Jackson North-Side (6-3)   - - -    South Gibson (4-6) at Pearl Cohn (7-3)   Creek Wood (7-3) at Chester Co. (7-3)   - - -    Ridgeway (1-8) at Dyer Co. (9-1)   Crockett Co. (7-3) at Kirby (6-4)   - - -    Millington (5-5) at Haywood (7-3)   Obion Co. (3-7) at Melrose (6-3)   - - - - -   Key Players to Watch    This Mid-Tennessee product is one guy that can put his team on his back and take them as deep as possible in the coming playoffs and I'm sure many coaches around the state would agree. Pinion has been a nuisance for opposing defenses over the past four years and with this being the last go-around for the Warriors quarterback, you can be sure he will lay it all out on the line. His big play abilities can be a difference maker against anybody the Warriors may face. White Co. has a good team this year that can go on a deep run but everything will rely on Pinion and his performance.    - - -    The Tigers head into the playoffs undefeated and region champs with Thompson being a big reason why. His emergence this season has pushed Marshall Co. into 4A title contention and his play this week and possibly moving forward will be critical towards the team's success. An athletic passer with the ability to push the ball down field, Thompson is a poised performer that shows a nice feel for the game. His command of the offense is strong and his athletic abilities allow him to make plays in and out of the pocket. It will be interesting to see how Thompson performs as this will be his first playoff experience.    - - -    Opposing defenses might have a problem dealing with this junior dual threat quarterback as Chaffin is “different” and somebody that can take over a ball game when it's needed. Sporting great size with a big arm, the Bees signal caller has been steady all year long but still has a lot of juice left in his body for some big postseason performances. It will be intriguing to see how defenses decide to game plan versus Chaffin as I could see several of them forcing him to throw the ball because if he runs, it's a dangerous game for the opposition.    - - -    The Mavs offense has been rock solid all year long and I think have gained good balance due to the emergence of LaRue at the running back position. Rushing for almost 1,500 yards this season, LaRue has proved to be a game changer that's in position to become a candidate for 4A Mr. Football. The Mavs would like to run the ball first before anything and with a guy like LaRue, they can rely on him and their offensive line throughout the coming playoffs. Running the ball and playing good defense is key in the postseason, so having a guy like LaRue is a major piece in the Mavs arsenal.    - - -    One of the more productive ball carriers in the state over the past several seasons has been this West Tennessee talent that is having yet another strong campaign. Miller shares the backfield with another top back but his burst and speed into the open field makes him a potential game changer during the coming playoffs. This is also a tough, hard nosed runner that usually doesn't go down by first contact. Seeing that we are in the home stretch, you can bet that the Tomcats will use Miller as much as possible and lean on him to run the ball a lot and do so at a high level.    - - -    One of the most electric playmakers headed into the 4A playoffs is this offensive weapon that the Firebirds use in a variety of ways. Kinnard is a dynamic ball player that can take over a game due to his natural athletic abilities and blazing speed. The Firebirds playmaker has a versatile skill set that allows him to make plays from the running back or receiver positions and you can bet he will be asked to do a lot, starting this Friday. Pearl Cohn will need big time performances out of this senior if the Firebirds plan to advance and chase after the state title.    - - -    The Green Devils like to run the ball and control the clock but on occasions, they will throw it and when they do, Anderson is their go-to guy. A fast rising college prospect with excellent potential, Anderson is a blazer with track like speed and the ability to take a short gain and turn it into a touchdown. Opposing defenses will have to keep track of this junior pass catcher because he has game changing abilities that can make a difference in the Green Devils winning and losing. Anderson could certainly be an X-Factor in the team's efforts on winning the 4A championship.    - - -    A two-way key contributor for his Choctaws team, Gaulden is an important piece during the coming playoffs that will be asked to produce big plays at receiver while also locking down pass catchers from the secondary. Others on this Dyer Co. team will be important to the cause too but Gaulden is a multi year starter that plays a consistent, tough brand of football that could go a long way towards helping his team advance. Gauldin is also a key piece on special teams that could make a game changing play with his speed and return skills.    - - - - -   Top Title Contenders   Anderson Co. Mavericks   - Maybe nobody over the past decade in the East Tennessee region has been as consistent as the Mavericks and here they are yet again in contention to bring a state title back to town. Headed into postseason play at 9-1 with a veteran squad, Anderson Co. definitely sits at the top of board when it comes to 4A title contenders. They have a high scoring, balanced offense, led by seniors [player_tooltip player_id='650014' first='Landen' last='Hensley'], [player_tooltip player_id='1276455' first='Waylon' last='LaRue'] and [player_tooltip player_id='467258' first='Eli' last='Dorton'] while the defense has been rock solid all year long. This year's team does a lot of the small things right while playing technique sound football and I think that along with some deceptive playmaking, has the Mavs in position to go on a deep run.    The biggest challenge the Mavs could deal with is a team that is athletic on the perimeter that could beat them over the top in the passing game. We could see this take place if the Mavs face off with Greeneville in the quarterfinals. I do think this senior laden team has the leadership, grit and toughness to get past most challenges. The culture is strong here too, so once we reach postseason play, you can't ever count out Anderson Co., so don't be surprised to see them competing for the title by season's end.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/edorton.jpg?w=683" alt="" class="wp-image-1475939" style="width:248px;height:auto" /></figure>   Greeneville Green Devils   - Quietly, the Green Devils are back in the mix when it comes to talking about winning a state title. Throughout the 2024 season, Greeneville has gone about their business and continued to win ball games while developing a young roster. After a few speed bumps early in the season, the Green Devils have been on a tear with their top guys beginning to come into form. Carson Quillen is the team leader, top offensive producer and a bonafide Mr. Football contender. Junior wideout [player_tooltip player_id='1181026' first='Zaydyn' last='Anderson'] is a home run hitter with big time speed. Those two along with a strong offensive line have the pieces to help the team go on a deep run but can the defense play as strong?   Led by senior linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='390715' first='Drew' last='Armbrister'], the Green Devils defense has been solid but I can see cracks that might prove to be vulnerable. If Greeneville wants to advance against good competition, finding a pass rush while not allowing passes over top will be key towards the team's success. If the defense can come together, I can see the Green Devils not only advancing but potentially play their way to Chattanooga and compete for the 4A title.    Marshall Co. Tigers   - Coming off the best regular season in school history, the Tigers are looking to continue their winning ways as they hunt for their first ever football state championship. Marshall Co. has been a consistent program over the past decade but hasn't tasted glory yet, however this year's team may be equipped to get the job done. The emergence of junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1422897' first='Tyler' last='Thompson'] has been a major factor on this team. His play along with a steadiness of their senior class, has the Tigers as a prime contender to play in Chattanooga and compete for the 4A title.    Thompson has some good pieces around on offense, especially senior wideouts [player_tooltip player_id='390641' first='Aja' last='Jones'], [player_tooltip player_id='1405103' first='Marcus' last='O'Neal'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1423245' first='Jamahl' last='Gentry']. The defense has been strong all year long with an athletic secondary and a solid defensive front, led by senior [player_tooltip player_id='1136613' first='Reid' last='Mitchell']. This is a cohesive, close knit ball club that has handled business each and every game and I expect that approach to continue as we start postseason play on Friday. The road to Chattanooga will be tough for these Tigers but I like how they play and how they can beat you in a variety of ways.    Pearl Cohn Firebirds   - The reigning and defending state champs have to be on this list and even though the 2024 season hasn't gone exactly the way Coach Brunetti and his staff wanted, the Firebirds are still highly talented and equipped to bring another state title to campus. What makes this team dangerous is the athleticism and speed on both sides of the ball, especially on offense where [player_tooltip player_id='811032' first='Javion' last='Kinnard'], [player_tooltip player_id='865611' first='Donovan' last='Higgins'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1587357' first='Omarion' last='Starnes'] can be difference makers. The Firebirds are also pretty good in the trenches with [player_tooltip player_id='855556' first='Kyler' last='Garcia'], Maurice Holt and others. Being strong at the skill positions and line of scrimmage are recipes towards winning ball games and those are two strengths for this Pearl Cohn team.    The question I have about this 2024 team is can they be consistent on offense and remain focused till the final whistle. The kind of talent that resides on offense would say the Firebirds would be more high scoring than they are but it hasn't shown up every game. I think that could change as it's a new season with the playoffs and an opportunity for this program to continue building its lore. The target will be big to knock these guys out but the culture is strong, so don't be surprised to see Pearl back in Chattanooga, defending their title.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/kygarcua.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1375081" style="width:285px;height:auto" /></figure>   Upperman Bees   - Many of the teams above will be talked about and put on a higher pedestal when it comes to winning the 4A championship but I think Upperman is right there with them and maybe the team to watch for. The Bees go into postseason play undefeated with a well balanced team and a core of players that was moments away from winning last year's state title. That group is led by star [player_tooltip player_id='1254853' first='Bronzden' last='Chaffin'], who has been dialed back over the last month to preserve his abilities for the playoffs. He is joined by a solid offensive duo in [player_tooltip player_id='533747' first='Ethan' last='Palk'] and [player_tooltip player_id='492559' first='Carmine' last='Phillips'] that bring consistent play each and every game.    The offense will be fine but can the defense hold up and win multiple games in a row? We shall see but after watching the Bees in person earlier this year, they play a physical, technique sound brand of football that should do well in postseason action. The Bees have a difference maker in Chaffin that opposing defenses should have a problem handling. The culture is strong with the Bees program too, so they won't be phased by what's in their path. I like this team and their chances at returning to Chattanooga and competing for the 4A championship.    - - - - -    Sleeper Title Teams    Dyer Co. Choctaws   - Winning the region title this year is a major accomplishment for the Choctaws but I bet they want the bigger prize of competing for the 4A championship. Their style of football could work in the postseason as Dyer Co. likes to run the ball and control the clock while the defense plays physical and doesn't give up too many big plays. This team may not be the flashiest but the Choctaws play to their identity and their style of play could present problems for the opposition.    Dyer Co. has a chance to do something special this year but their senior stars must play at a high level. Two guys who need to have big performances, beginning in Round One are running back Ja'Bari Livingston and two-way senior [player_tooltip player_id='1269114' first='Jamin' last='Gaulden']. Those two guys are important to the team's success but so will be the line of scrimmage. If the Choctaws are able to impose their will, maintain the trenches and run the ball with succession, this West TN program could be a team to watch as a possible sleeper that plays their way to Chattanooga.    Haywood Tomcats   - Here we are in postseason play and Haywood is yet again at the forefront of teams considered as potential title contenders but the Tomcats must refocus after losing out on the region title last week to Dyer County. This is a talented Haywood team that has multiple guys destined for the college ranks but the roster overall is young and still developing. Maybe over the next few weeks, the Tomcats finally hit their groove and if they do, this West TN team could find their way to Chattanooga, competing for that elusive 4A title.    The advantage Haywood could have against their competition is at the skill positions where they have some “dudes” like [player_tooltip player_id='466233' first='Camarion' last='Miller'], [player_tooltip player_id='1102345' first='Kemonte' last='Williams'], [player_tooltip player_id='811046' first='Caden' last='Harris'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1162582' first='Jaden' last='Butler'] making plays on both sides of the ball. I expect the offense to be fine, especially if the O-line can shore things up but it's on defense where the Tomcats have to figure it out and get right. They have allowed some big points at times this year and that can't happen in the playoffs or they will be eliminated. The culture at Haywood helps the cause as you can't sleep on these guys as a potential team that plays their way into 4A title contention.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/cadharris.jpg?w=683" alt="" class="wp-image-1371831" style="width:250px;height:auto" /></figure>   Loudon Redskins   - It's been a dream season to this point for the Redskins as they head into postseason play undefeated and looking to keep their magical year alive. Now why would an undefeated ball club be considered a sleeper team and not a top title contender? Well the competition Loudon has faced this year has been solid but I don't think has challenged them enough to be considered championship caliber but I'm more than willing to be wrong. They have done everything asked of them by beating the teams in their path but the Redskins must find another level as we head into the playoff season.    I still think playing to the Loudon identity is key to winning. Leaning on senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1263171' first='Bronson' last='Scrivner'] and their physical play up front will be critical to the team's success but so will their play on defense. The Redskins could face some strong offensive teams along the way, so the defense must play above their head and remain consistent and physical each step of the way. I think if all that happens that is said above, the Redskins could become formidable and a squad that makes their way to Chattanooga.    White Co. Warriors   - Watch out for these Warriors as a potential sleeper team in the coming playoffs as they play their identity well and sport one of the better underrated playmakers in the state with senior [player_tooltip player_id='1102967' first='Tripp' last='Pinion']. The Warriors quarterback is Mr. Everything was his team and he has been sensational this year, which has him in-line for a potential Mr. Football selection. His dynamic running and occasional passing could pose problems for opposing teams, especially if they are not used to seeing the style of offense White Co. brings to the playing field. They also play a physical brand of ball that travels everywhere and works well in postseason play.    The biggest key to advancement for White Co. will be the play of their defense. They have been solid throughout the year with a few guys like Darvon Richmond, [player_tooltip player_id='1405051' first='Hunter' last='Broyles'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1617402' first='Lex' last='Winfree'] standing out but on occasions, the lack of overall athleticism and speed has hurt them. They won't be able to shore that up this season but good defensive game plans could go a long way to helping the cause. Pinion should do his thing but if the defense can stand on their head and play consistent ball, the Warriors might make a move on Chattanooga and compete for the 4A title.    - - - - -    Projected Final Four   Anderson Co. vs. Upperman   Pearl Cohn vs. Haywood    - - -    Projected Title Game   Upperman vs. Pearl Cohn   -  This was a tough call to make for the 4A participants but after several strong battles, I feel the Bees and Firebirds will make a return trip back to Chattanooga and go at each other for the second year in row, chasing after the “Gold Ball.” The Firebirds won Round One in last year's title game but can the Bees take Round Two? It's very possible as I think Upperman is well equipped with a strong identity on offense and a physical defense that could take down the Firebirds. What Pearl Cohn may have as an advantage will be with their overall athleticism and speed. They got some dudes in Kinnard, Higgins and others that can be difference makers and single handedly push the Firebirds towards another state title.    What does benefit the Bees is the fact that a lot of players on this year's roster competed against that athleticism and speed last year and nearly won. I believe this time around will be different, especially with the emergence of Chaffin and his playmaking ability. It will be a battle, especially in the trenches, so the Bees must maintain their physicality throughout but I like this Upperman team and their chances at coming home with the 4A state championship.    Projected 4A Champs: Upperman Bees   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/bchaffin.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1409152" style="width:311px;height:auto" /></figure>