#TNHSFB Playoffs: Class 5A Preview

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">This classification could be one of the most entertaining playoff races to watch in the state as the 5A ranks provides multiple teams capable of winning state titles and several others with the capability of going on a deep run. </h2>     1st Rd Matchups   Knox. Central (4-6) at Sevier Co. (10-0)   Tenn. High (8-2) at Powell (8-2)   - - -   Knox. Halls (7-3) at Morristown-West (4-5)   David Crockett (4-5) at Knox. West (7-3)   - - -   Rhea Co. (5-4) at Oak Ridge (6-4)   Clinton (3-7) at McMinn Co. (5-5)   - - -    Walker Valley (6-3) at Lenoir City (6-4)   Karns (3-7) at East Hamilton (7-3)   - - -    Hillsboro (5-5) at Shelbyville (9-1)   Tullahoma (6-4) at Nolensville (6-4)   - - -    Centennial (6-4) at Lincoln Co. (7-3)   Columbia (6-4) at Page (10-0)   - - -    Brighton (4-5) at Beech (9-1)   Hendersonville (7-3) at Southwind (9-1)   - - -    Memp. Central (7-3) at Henry Co. (6-4)   Springfield (5-5) at Munford (9-1)   - - - - -   Key Players to Watch    The reigning Class 5A Mr. Football has his Jaguars team back in the mix for a possible state title and I feel Perkins has yet to play his best football of the season. That's a scary notion because this West TN quarterback has all the tools to put together several strong performances and lead his team to Chattanooga. A dual threat performer with a big arm, Perkins can beat defenders in a variety of ways with his first action in the pocket coming through the air. The Jags junior can push the ball down field and if that isn't available, he can tuck it and run. Opposing defenses will need to slow down Perkins if anybody plans to knock them off.    - - -    One of the better quarterbacks in the state for this 2024 season, Newman has done nothing but lead his Smoky Bears team to an undefeated record and put himself in contention for Mr. Football. Only a sophomore but already sporting college size and arm talent, Newman is a poised performer that can make all the throws, meaning opposing defenses must get pressure on him, if they don't want him to succeed. This is a big test for Newman as he is about to embark on the most important games of his career and if he does well, his recruiting stock will only soar higher.    - - -    A multi year starter that has battled against good competition, Wheeler is seasoned and primed for the coming playoffs and a player that could put his team on his back and lead them to the promiseland. Due to the fact that Wheeler missed the first couple games of his senior season, he still has some juice left in his game, ready to run through his opponents. The Panthers senior back is tough to deal with due to his balance, burst and speed along with his physical running style that defenders have a hard time bringing down. This a three down back that won't leave the field too often. His importance on this team is huge and their efforts on advancing through the playoffs.    - - -    After debuting with a 300 yard plus game in Week One, Bailey has maintained his position as the top Golden Eagles back throughout the year and played his way into possible Mr. Football contention. This junior ball carrier is a powerful runner with good speed once he reaches the open field. He has shown throughout the 2024 season that he can carry the team by carrying the load 30 plus times a game, so he is conditioned and durable. Their 1st round matchup in Hillsboro and others they may face will certainly be keying on Bailey to slow him down, so he will need to fight through that and be “the guy” the Golden Eagles need to advance.    - - -    Sharing the backfield with a true freshman, Turnage had handled his role nicely as this junior ball carrier is a team 1st guy that does all the small things right. The Cougars running back is a tough runner that won't go down on first contact while also having enough speed once in the open field to break loose. Turnage is also a solid receiver out of the backfield and a willing blocker. This guy is tough and willing to do whatever it takes to help his team win. He may be the flashiest but the Cougs ball carrier is solid and someone that will be important in their efforts on advancing in the 5A playoffs.    - - -    Over the last several weeks, Makuch has stepped his game up and started to become the player I figured he would for his senior season. His play along with his brother Hudson will be critical in the team's success throughout the playoffs and two guys that could potentially lead the Mustangs into title contention. Mukuch is a really good athlete that provides playmaking abilities on both sides of the ball but it may be his work on defense that will be much needed. Strong defensive play in the postseason is a pillar when it comes to winning ball games and the Mustangs will need Makuch to maintain his strong level of play, beginning here in Round One.    - - -    Everyone across the state knows this guy and his impact on the field. Since starting as a freshman, Hazzard has been the best pass rusher in the state and helped lead his Patriots team to three state title appearances but has yet to take home the “Gold Ball”. You can bet that Hazzard and his teammates are laser focused on finishing the job this year and his play will be critical towards doing so. Teams have purposely tried to work away from the Pats edge defender this year but Hazzard has still produced. It's possible his best work of the season comes in the playoffs and if it is, Page may finally bring home that elusive state championship.    - - -    There are several players across the Buccaneers roster that will be important in the postseason but I think Clary will be a key guy that must maintain leadership and strong play on the defensive side of the ball that helps lead Beech to the 5A state title. An active competitor with a nose for the ball, Clary is an athletic guy that can make plays against both the run and in space versus the pass. He could be an important piece that is needed in a big way as the Bucs face off against some looming athletic offenses down the road. Committed to SEMO for college, if Clary plays exceptional football and leads Beech to the championship, bigger schools may take a longer look at this athletic linebacker.    - - - - -   Top Title Contenders   Beech Buccaneers   - Going into the 2024 playoffs sitting at 9-1, the Bucs are a well balanced ball club that is playing excellent football at the right time of year with the kind of “dudes” you need to go all the way. What this season has provided for Beech is the opportunity to let multiple guys shine while playing with an unselfish attitude. They have a variety of options on offense to beat you from [player_tooltip player_id='866718' first='Kaden' last='Powell'] to [player_tooltip player_id='800803' first='Chelton' last='Swafford'] to [player_tooltip player_id='466263' first='KaJuan' last='Harris'] to [player_tooltip player_id='1369787' first='Tyler' last='Campbell'] to [player_tooltip player_id='1206523' first='D.K.' last='Williams'] and others. The skill positions are stacked for the Bucs, which is something many teams don't have. The one area that will need to put forth their best performance of the year will be the offensive line. They have been solid but will need to step up even more, if Beech wants to go on a deep run.    The defense should be a constant, a pillar for the Bucs in these playoffs as they have played at a high level all season long and I don't expect them to miss a beat moving forward. Like it was talked about above, I think the team success all hinges on the performance and play from the Buccaneers offense. This year's team is well equipped to win their way to Chattanooga and come home with the “Gold Ball” but competition will be tough, especially in a possible round two matchup with Southwind.    Knox. West Rebels   - It's hard not to put the back to back reigning 5A champs on this list, especially when they are playing their best football of the season. Coming off a region title win over Powell, the Rebels appear to be clicking at the right time with their offense becoming more explosive and their defense coming into their own as the staff allowed youthful talent to grow. Culture is also a big factor here as Knox. West and this coaching staff knows how to win and does so in big games, so you can not keep them out of the conversation to repeat yet again.    Now I do think it will be a tougher path this year for the Rebels. If they get past David Crockett in Round One, they potentially have matchups looming with Knox. Halls, Powell or Sevier Co. before reaching the semifinals. If this team does reach that point in the playoffs, watch out because I see a path where Knox. West does get to the 5A title game and defends their rein as the top program on this level. Look out for [player_tooltip player_id='1393973' first='Tavion' last='Ray'] at running back as he has been on a tear of late and could be someone to lean on in their advancement back to Chattanooga.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/tray.jpg?w=965" alt="" class="wp-image-1550171" style="width:416px;height:auto" /></figure>   Munford Cougars   - Many in the state didn't foresee the Cougars being 9-1, region champs and a #1 seed in the coming playoffs but they are and should be viewed as a formidable top contender for the 5A title. This is a physical, technique sound ball club that plays a line of scrimmage type of game, meaning they lean on their rushing attack while the defense competes hard, always flying to the football. Munford plays to their identity and it's worked very well this year. I expect much of the same from the Cougars, starting in Round One, this Friday versus Springfield.    That first matchup will be a challenge but I think Munford will get the job done, especially if the duo of [player_tooltip player_id='1281919' first='Bricen' last='Turnage'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1585458' first='Tay' last='Starks'] remains hot. Those two along with the play from the Cougars offensive line will be massive in the team's efforts on advancing and fighting for a spot in the 5A title game. The path to Chattanooga will not be easy for this West TN program but I see a good brand of football from Munford that can work in postseason play.    Page Patriots   - Possibly the favorite to win the 5A title this year are these Patriots, who sport a veteran team with tons of players that have won a lot of ball games and been to the championship game over the past three years. This could be the time this Williamson Co. program finally gets the job done and brings a state title back to campus. One constant throughout this 2024 season has been the Page defense. This unit has been possibly the best defense in the state as they have allowed less than 40 points on the year, led by senior standouts [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']. Defense is elite this year for Page and a side of the ball that can lead the team all the way to the title.    What makes the Pats chances better at bringing home a “Gold Ball” is the emergence of Mitchell Grandjean at quarterback and the depth of skill players at running back and receiver. Freshman back [player_tooltip player_id='1571091' first='Isaac' last='Otey'] has become a difference maker for this team as he has become the top back on offense. I truly believe this is the year Page finally breaks through as all the pieces are in place to do it but they must focus on one game at a time and handle business like they have all season long.    Sevier Co. Smoky Bears   - Could the SmokyBears be the best overall team coming out of the East Tennessee region this year? It's very possible, especially if they end the 2024 campaign as 5A state champs. From start to finish, Sevier Co. has been an impressive team to watch as they bring a high scoring, talented offense to the field along with a defense that has been strong up front and consistent all year long. Sophomore quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1142902' first='Cooper' last='Newman'] is becoming a star and he has help. [player_tooltip player_id='219342' first='Tegan' last='Avera'] has been a great addition to the backfield and the Smoky Bears offensive line is one of the best in the state, led by MTSU commit [player_tooltip player_id='616543' first='Otto' last='VanRensburg'].   The defense is legit too. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1543020' first='Joey' last='Galazin'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1102513' first='Jude' last='Costner'], along with sophomore stud [player_tooltip player_id='1103040' first='Jaxson' last='Perry'], lead the way up front while their secondary is very opportunistic. Bryson Headrick and [player_tooltip player_id='1648091' first='Wyatt' last='Maples'] are two guys on the back end that have a nose for the ball. Overall, this Smoky Bears team is young and still growing, so it will be interesting to see how they perform this Friday and beyond. They are definitely a contender this year that have a lot of pieces that can take them all the way to Chattanooga.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/jperry.jpg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-1417702" style="width:265px;height:auto" /></figure>   Southwind Jaguars   - Quietly, the Jaguars sit at 9-1 headed into the playoffs and playing their best football of the season. That's a scary notion for the opposition as Southwind sports the reigning Mr. Football winner in [player_tooltip player_id='480742' first='Kelvin' last='Perkins'] and a defense that has multiple future college players, especially within the front seven. The defense itself has been a consistent force throughout the season, led by [player_tooltip player_id='841166' first='Cornelius' last='Thompson'], [player_tooltip player_id='854363' first='Charles' last='Sullins'] and others while the offense has been solid but has really surged over the past few weeks.    If the Jags offense can continue their hot streak, this program has a good shot at going on a deep run but the challenge to get to Chattanooga will be tough. They must get through a tough first round matchup versus Hendersonville then contend with another top title contender in Beech. Looming in the quarterfinals could be Munford, the team that defeated Southwind for the region title. The Jaguars will certainly be tested and if they can play their way into the 5A title game, it will be earned and might give them the confidence to bring a championship back to campus.    - - - - -    Sleeper Title Teams    Knox. Halls Red Devils   - Going through the regular season at 7-3 overall with a high scoring offense, the Red Devils are a team many must keep an eye on as we head into postseason play and a squad that could sneak their way into the title game. Now if Knox. Halls is to do that, they will have to defeat several high caliber football teams but I think they have enough talent to potentially get there. Everything starts with [player_tooltip player_id='1102989' first='Amari' last='Lethgo'] and the Red Devils offense. This unit has the capability of putting up a lot of points due to their balanced attack. Lethgo has [player_tooltip player_id='219379' first='Drew' last='Ross'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1326260' first='Brody' last='Rogers'] to throw to and senior back [player_tooltip player_id='1557059' first='Marcus' last='Moore'] handling his business rushing the ball. It's a strong unit that can do a lot of damage.    If these Red Devils want to make a play at reaching Chattanooga, their defense must step it up and perform above their head. There have been some struggles on this side of the ball throughout the year but have shown flashes of good play. Right now is the time for their best to show up and it must remain consistent through each round they advance. They must go on the road in round one versus Mo-West and could have a rematch with Knox. West in round two. If they can get past those two opponents, the chances of Knox. Halls making it to Chattanooga become much higher.    - - -    Powell Panthers    - Even though these Panthers are coming off their 2nd loss of the season, they have pieces on this team that can push them through the playoffs and into title contention by the end of the year. As we enter the cold months, the Panthers provide a recipe that could win a bunch of ball games and that's running the ball. One of the better backfields in the state resides at Powell with senior [player_tooltip player_id='937072' first='Connor' last='Wheeler'] leading the way and his junior signal caller in [player_tooltip player_id='1111032' first='Deuce' last='Rodgers'] handling things behind center. Those two can be a deadly combination for opposing defenses and both have the capabilities to break the big one or churn tough yards.    Another key recipe to winning is having a strong defense and the Panthers have one of those too. There have been some up and down results but overall, Powell has a solid defensive unit that is strong up front with guys like Cardell Thomas and [player_tooltip player_id='1154536' first='Iverson' last='Garcia'] causing havoc in the trenches. The combination of a ball control offense and a physical defense can lead to a bunch of victories and help the Panthers advance throughout the playoffs. The path won't be easy but Powell is used to strong competition, so it will be interesting to see how these Panthers perform.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/igarcia.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1366229" style="width:313px;height:auto" /></figure>   Shelbyville Golden Eagles   - It's been a banner season for the Golden Eagles but can the success continue in the playoffs? It's possible but challenging as Shelbyville would have to run through multiple high powered teams to get there, however I think with a potent rushing attack, the Golden Eagles have a shot. From the beginning of the season, junior back [player_tooltip player_id='834613' first='Robert' last='Bailey'] established himself as one of the better running back prospects in the greater Mid-TN area as he has produced big performance after big performance. His play will be critical in the team's hopes at advancing through the playoffs.    The Golden Eagles will also need stellar play from their defense. The defensive unit has been solid all season long but their best play yet needs to happen beginning this Friday. I think if the run game remains and the Shelbyville defense plays above their head, moving past the first round and beyond can happen. While I think many others are ahead of the Golden Eagles when it comes to a state title, you can't sleep on these guys as a potential title game sleeper.    - - - - -    Projected Final Four   Sevier Co. vs. Walker Valley   Page vs. Beech   - - -    Projected Title Game   Sevier Co. vs. Page   - The 5A playoffs should be one of the more entertaining sets of games to follow throughout postseason play with us seeing the Smoky Bears taking on the Patriots for the state championship. Both these teams will have tough paths to Chattanooga but I feel these are the two best squads within the 5A ranks that have what it takes to bring the “Gold Ball” back to campus. This could be a fun match to watch as Sevier Co. has one of the better offenses on this level while Page sports one of the better defenses in the entire state. Watching [player_tooltip player_id='219439' first='Eric' last='Hazzard'], [player_tooltip player_id='390716' first='Brenden' last='Anes'] and others go after, trying to stop [player_tooltip player_id='1142902' first='Cooper' last='Newman'] should be quite entertaining.    The fact that a lot of players on this year's roster for Page has been to the 5A title game and felt defeat, tells me they are ready for this moment and ready to take down whoever comes in their way. The Smoky Bears will give Page a game due to their strength up front on the offensive line and a defense that has been opportunistic all year but in the end, I don't think it will be enough. Failing to win the title the past three years was just all part of the journey for Page that culminates this season with a state championship.    Projected 5A Champs: Page Patriots   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/page2.webp?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1550173" style="width:481px;height:auto" /></figure>