TNHSFB Preview: Class 1A/Region 1

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">It's only the month of May but before you know it, the 2025 high school football season will be here, so why not crank up our pre-season previews! Here we begin in Class 1A w/ Region, providing you team previews, predictions &amp; more!! </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Class 1A-Region 1</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cloudland Highlanders</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Roan Mountain, TN (Carter Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Zachary Benfield</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>4-5 overall (3-2 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(OL/DT) <strong>Tristen Hoss</strong>, (WR/DB) <strong>Walker Gouge</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>The Highlanders put forth a solid effort last year, finishing top three within their region but they must replace their top overall player, so somebody new must step up into a playmaking role. This team prides itself on running the ball and competing hard on defense and that should be the same recipe to finish success during the 2025 season. Senior leaders <strong>Tristen Hoss </strong>up front and <strong>Walker Gouge </strong>at the skill positions will be needed to perform well for this team to succeed while others step forward. This looks like a young ball club that might have to go through some lumps before they find their footing.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1670046,"width":"237px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/05/thoss.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1670046" style="width:237px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cosby Eagles</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Cosby, TN (Cocke Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Levi Cooper&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>8-3 overall (5-0 - Region Champs)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(LB) <strong>Oliver Zeunik</strong>, (RB/LB) <strong>Mason Williams</strong>, (LB) <strong>Cooper Davis</strong>, ‘27 (OL) <strong>Aidan McGaha</strong>, ‘27 (QB) <strong>Matthew McMahan</strong>, ‘27 (WR/S) <strong>Braden Williamson</strong>, ‘27 (RB/LB) <strong>David Baker&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>The Eagles are your reigning, defending region champs but they are replacing a strong senior class, so this year's team could be different. I do think however that the Eagles could still be the team to beat, especially if their&nbsp; junior class steps forward and establishes themselves as playmakers and team leaders. One senior to know about is linebacker <strong>Oliver Zeunik</strong>. This 6'3 defender produced 109 tackles, 12 TFL and 8 sacks last year and is a prime contender for region defensive player of the year this Fall. The Eagles also have a quarterback in <strong>Matthew McMahan </strong>that was the team starter last year as a sophomore where he threw for a little more than 1,900 yards while leading his team to a region title.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hampton Bulldogs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Hampton, TN (Carter Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Tre Stewart&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>3-7 overall (2-3 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(QB) <strong>Connor McKinney</strong>, (OL) <strong>Jayden Kuhn</strong>, (OL/DT) <strong>Harlee Mann</strong>, (RB/DB) <strong>Peyton Townsend</strong>, ‘27 (OL) <strong>Dylan Campbell</strong>, ‘28 (WR/DB) <strong>Kaden Jones</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>There is a lot to learn about the Bulldogs for the coming Fall season. Their team strength appears to be in the trenches with guys like Kuhn, Mann and Campbell leading the way. When you are good in the line, you immediately help yourself in effort to win ball games. Finding skill guys and playmakers look to be the big challenge. Someone like rising sophomore <strong>Kaden Jones </strong>has a big opportunity to become the team's top go-to playmaker, doing so at both receiver and defensive back. Last season was a down year by the Bulldogs standards but maybe the 2025 campaign will be much better.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hancock Co. Indians&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Sneedville, TN (Hancock Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>A.J. Arnold</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>0-11 overall (0-5 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>N/A</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>There is very little information out there right now about Indians. This is one of a few programs across the state that don't have a presence on social media or update their team information year to year. They are coached by a former player, who is young and might have the knowledge to change things moving forward. The Indians didn't win a game last year, so the only way to go is up for this East Tennessee program. Their region is deeper this year, so it will remain a challenge to gain a playoff spot but you never know what can happen.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jellico Blue Devils</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Jellico, TN (Campbell Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Brent Peel&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>3-7 overall (2-3 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(WR/LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103453' first='Bryson' last='Ballard']</strong>, (WR/S) <strong>Trevor Gilbert</strong>, ‘27 (WR/S) <strong>Eli Mills</strong>, ‘27 (QB) <strong>Owen Morgan</strong>, ‘28 (QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1670028' first='Hunter' last='White']</strong>, ‘28 (OL) <strong>Derrick Douglas&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>The Blue Devils have a chance to return to the playoffs this Fall, especially if the O-line performs well and two key guys in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103453' first='Bryson' last='Ballard'] </strong>and sophomore quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1670028' first='Hunter' last='White'] </strong>become star players. Ballard is a multi-year starter that plays key roles on both sides of the ball at receiver and linebacker while White is an up and coming signal caller with good size and the passing tools to become one of the best at his position for 1A classification. White would need to beat out incumbent junior starter <strong>Owen Morgan </strong>but the talent is there to do so.There is still much to learn about the 2025 team moving forward. The Blue Devils have some pieces in place but must find other key contributors for both sides of the ball to contend at the top of this region.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1670048,"width":"251px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/05/bryballard.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1670048" style="width:251px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>North Greene Huskies</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Greeneville, TN (Greene Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Eric Tilson&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>6-4 overall (4-1 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(QB/S) <strong>Thomas Darnell</strong>, (WR/S) <strong>Brandon Weems</strong>, (WR/DB) <strong>Daimian Phillips</strong>, ‘27 (Ath) <strong>Kelson Eastep</strong>, ‘27 (WR/S) <strong>Matt Boyd</strong>, ‘27 (OL) <strong>Shawn Russell</strong>, ‘27 (OL/DT) <strong>Adam Bernard</strong>, ‘27 (RB) <strong>Leon Johnson</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>The Huskies were region contenders last year and I expect that to remain the same for the 2025 season. Several key players at skill positions return this year for North Greene along with a few solid pieces up front on the line of scrimmage. The trenches are key towards the Huskies success this year but so will the play of <strong>Thomas Darnell </strong>and his talented receiving corps in <strong>Brandon Weems</strong>, <strong>Daimian Phillips</strong>, <strong>Kelson Eastep </strong>and <strong>Matt Boyd</strong>. I foresee North Greene potentially having the best offense within this region but for them to win a championship, their defense must be stout. That is the side of the ball I'm most interested to learn about the Huskies as we get into the coming Fall season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sunbright Tigers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Sunbright, TN (Morgan Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Drake Miklas&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>0-10 overall (0-7 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(Ath) <strong>Josh Arguright</strong>, ‘27 (Ath) <strong>Riley Artechi&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>For several years now, it's been a struggle for the Sunbright program to win ball games and place themselves in the mix for postseason and as things sit right now, I expect that to remain the same for the coming 2025 season. Moving to region one may prove to be a good decision in the long run but for now, it's a deeper region that may present more current challenges to compete to be at the top. Finding playmakers and consistent play in the trenches will be critical for this team and their hopes at finding success this Fall. The only way to go for the Tigers is up, so going into the football year with positivity is the only way to go.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Unaka Rangers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Elizabethton,TN (Carter Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>O'Brien Bennett&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>1-9 overall (1-4 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(DL/OL) <strong>Nathan Bailey</strong>, ‘27 (Ath) <strong>Draedyn Freeman</strong>, ‘27 (OL/DT) <strong>Ayden Turner</strong>, ‘28 (Ath) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1670023' first='Ashton' last='Fuller'] </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>Could the Rangers be the sleeper team that competes for a top four region spot this season? It's possible but a lot of parts must come together to make that happen. Everything begins and ends with the play of senior quarterback and athlete <strong>Connor McKinney</strong>. He gained a lot of experience last season and should be even better this Fall. McKinney should have some solid playmakers around him, including stud sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1670023' first='Ashton' last='Fuller']</strong>. Neither one of those guys will be able to shine unless the O-line is strong and the defense plays well. There are a few pieces in place for Unaka to have a solid 2025 season but progress must be made throughout the entire roster.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1670059,"width":"229px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/05/cmckinney.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1670059" style="width:229px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#PRZTN Pre-season Predictions</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Predicted Order of Finish</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1. Cosby</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2. North Greene</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3. Jellico</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4. Hampton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5. Unaka</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6. Cloudland</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>7. Hancock Co.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>8. Sunbright</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Pre-season Regional Top Honors</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Region POY: </strong>‘27 (QB) <strong>Matthew McMahan </strong>- Cosby</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Offensive POY: </strong>(QB/Ath) <strong>Connor McKinney </strong>- Hampton</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defensive POY: </strong>(LB) <strong>Oliver Zeunik </strong>- Cosby</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lineman POY: </strong>‘27 (OL/DL) <strong>Aidan McGaha </strong>- Cosby&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Coach of the Year: Levi Cooper </strong>- Cosby&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mr. Football Contenders: </strong>(LB) <strong>Oliver Zeunik </strong>- Cosby, (QB/Ath) <strong>Connor McKinney </strong>- Hampton, ‘27 (QB) <strong>Matthew McMahan </strong>- Cosby</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1670040,"width":"331px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/05/cosby-crop-499x328-1746729647.webp?w=498" alt="" class="wp-image-1670040" style="width:331px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Jake Nichols The Newport Plain Talk (Facebook)</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->