#TNHSFB Preview: Class 1A/Region 2

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">We have some new additions to this classification and region that should make things more interesting when it comes to winning the region title. Oliver Springs had a banner 2024 season and this Fall could be the same for the Bobcats but they definitely have competition!</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1A-Region2 (Team Previews)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Coalfield Yellow Jackets&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Coalfield, TN (Morgan Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Benson Napier&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>13-2 overall (7-0 Region Champs)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(RB/LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1222053' first='Jaiden' last='Bunch']</strong>, (OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1599114' first='Kaleb' last='Langley']</strong>, (QB/LB) <strong>Lucas Adcock</strong>, (WR/S) <strong>Waylon Burgess</strong>, ‘27 (WR/S) <strong>Lane Adcock</strong>, ‘27 (LB) <strong>Eli Ritter</strong>, ‘27 (G/C) <strong>Eli Burress</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>Even though the Yellow Jackets are having to replace several key players from last year's region championship team, I expect Coalfield to remain at the top of the region, competing for yet another title. There are multiple starters returning for the Fall season, especially on offense where the Yellow Jackets should have a nice core of seniors in Bunch, Langley, Adcock and Burgess to lean on. It's over on defense where there could be a few questions that need answered. This is a program that is used to winning and I expect that culture to remain strong for the 2025 season, where Coalfield could place themselves in position to go on a deep playoff run with hopes of making it to Chattanooga.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Greenback Cherokees</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Greenback, TN (Loudon Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Richie Wilhite&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>2-8 overall (2-5 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(OL) <strong>Dawson Crouse</strong>, ‘27 (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1641257' first='Elliott' last='Lindsey']</strong>, ‘27 (RB) <strong>Mason Costoulas</strong>, ‘27 (OL/DT) <strong>Tate Anderson</strong>, ‘28 (WR/S) <strong>Connor Shoupe</strong>, ‘29 (Ath) <strong>Cale Stinnett</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>There is a new staff in charge of the Cherokees and hopefully a new direction that leads this East Tennessee program back into playoff contention. It's been a few years of struggle for this program but maybe a new approach and identity changes things around and it all starts up front with the play in the trenches. The Cherokees have a few guys like Crouse and Anderson to build around but others need to step up because the backfield looks to be the team's strength.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Running the football will once again be the formula to success for Greenback. They have good depth in the backfield, spearheaded by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1641257' first='Elliott' last='Lindsey']</strong>, <strong>Mason Costoulas </strong>and freshman stud <strong>Cale Stinnett</strong>. Much of the talente resides with the underclassmen, so the Cherokees may take some lumps early but could round into formation late and be an underdog squad that many don't wanna see early in the playoffs.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1672971,"width":"223px","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/elindsey.jpg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-1672971" style="width:223px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Harriman Blue Devils</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Harriman, TN (Roane Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Kwayu Graham&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>8-5 overall (5-2 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(QB/Ath) <strong>Cam Anderson</strong>, ‘27 (OL/DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1111031' first='Landon' last='Hart']</strong>, ‘27 (DT/OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1595507' first='Spencer' last='Johnson']</strong>, ‘27 (LB) <strong>Devin Bertram</strong>, ‘27 (RB) <strong>Keaton Williams</strong>, ‘27 (Ath) <strong>Xavier Hall</strong>, ‘27 (Ath) <strong>R.J. Jones</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>The Blue Devils had a successful 2024 season where they finished at the top half of their region and they have a chance to do it again due to a strong junior class. I don't know if Harriman will contend for the region title but they return enough talent to fight for a top four spot. They have a key senior piece coming back in <strong>Cam Anderson</strong>, who should handle quarterback duties. The Blue Devils could be solid up front, led by juniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1111031' first='Landon' last='Hart'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1595507' first='Spencer' last='Johnson']</strong>. They also have a solid group of skill players in Williams, Hall, Jones and others that should play big roles on both sides of the ball this Fall. The overall depth may not be there right now but I see plenty of growth this season for Harriman. Like I said above, I don't know if the region title will be in play this year but the Blue Devils could play spoiler while also contending for a playoff spot.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Midway Green Wave</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Kingston, TN (Roane Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Justin O'Toole&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>6-4 overall (3-4 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(RB/LB) <strong>Tate Mason</strong>, (LB) <strong>Bryson Human</strong>, (FB/DE) <strong>Kage Edwards</strong>, ‘27 (WR/S) <strong>Dawson Buckner</strong>, ‘27 (WR/S) <strong>Keegan Myers&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>A certain philosophy remains true with the Green Wave as they focus on running the ball and stopping it on defense. The 2025 season looks to have the same recipe as Midway returns a solid backfield of <strong>Tate Mason </strong>and <strong>Kage Edwards </strong>that should be the focal point this Fall and a defense that may not have the depth but should have enough pieces to be serviceable. I however don't know if the 2025 season will be as successful as last year due to the Green Wave replacing several key starters while looking for new guys to step into bigger roles. There is a lot to learn about Midway for the coming football year. I do think they have a few guys to lean on and help put the Green Wave back into the playoffs but I could also see a scenario where they miss postseason play as well, so it will be interesting to see how things play out.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1672976,"width":"240px","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/tmason.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1672976" style="width:240px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Oakdale Eagles</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Oakdale, TN (Morgan Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>J.R. Voyles&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>3-7 overall (1-6 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(Ath) <strong>Isaac Collins</strong>, ‘27 (RB/LB) <strong>Waylon Turner</strong>, ‘27 (QB) <strong>Bryson King</strong>, ‘27 (DB) <strong>Ethan Sanders&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>Coming off a 1-6 region finish for the 2024 season, there is nowhere to go but up for the Eagles. The overall depth and needed size in the line won't be there but Oakdale may have enough skill guys to find several wins and be in contention for a playoff spot. Finding consistent play at quarterback with <strong>Bryson King </strong>will be key but so will the performance of <strong>Waylon Turner </strong>running behind the Eagles offensive line. The Oakdale backfield of King and Turner will go a long way towards the team's overall success. The defense will need to play at a high level and that's one side of the ball for Oakdale that sits with a lot of unknowns. Looking at the rest of the region, it may be tough for the Eagles to contend for a top four spot but opportunity is there for that to change and put themselves in the conversation for postseason play.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Oliver Springs Bobcats</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Oliver Springs, TN (Roane Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Tyler Harper</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>10-3 (6-1 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1432186' first='Liam' last='Boeke']</strong>, (RB/LB) <strong>Dalton Reynolds</strong>, (OL/DT) <strong>Jonah Robbins</strong>, (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1672075' first='Cooper' last='Jones']</strong>, (WR/S) <strong>Ja'Quan Benton</strong>, (WR/S) <strong>Jaxon Jett</strong>, ‘28 (DT/OL) <strong>Wesley Cambron</strong>, ‘28 (RB/LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1268164' first='Ian' last='Hammock']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>Could the Bobcats be a team to watch for when it comes to competing for a Class 1A state championship? It's possible, especially with a deep senior class returning off a 10 win season that will be led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1432186' first='Liam' last='Boeke']</strong>. The Bobcats quarterback could be a contender for Mr. Football, if he performs well and puts up a lot of big numbers. He is complemented nicely by some talented skill guys like Reynolds, Benton, Jett and Hammock. One guy who could be a difference maker is <strong>Ja'Quan Benton</strong>. This 6'2 playmaker has the athleticism and size to become an unstoppable force on the Class 1A level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensively, this team was strong last year but will be replacing several key starters, however two guys in <strong>Jonah Robbins </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1672075' first='Cooper' last='Jones'] </strong>return to lead this side of the ball and be two of the best at their positions within this region and classification. Several pieces are in place for the Bobcats to have another successful football season with the possibility of making a deep run in the playoffs and potentially playing their way to Chattanooga.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Rockwood Tigers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Rockwood, TN (Roane Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>John Webb&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>5-8 overall (4-3 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(G/C) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1182697' first='Collin' last='Abston']</strong>, (OL/DT) <strong>Skyler Layne</strong>, (QB/S) <strong>Jeremiah Hicks</strong>, (LB) <strong>Brady Harvey</strong>, ‘27 (RB) <strong>A.J. Darby</strong>, ‘27 (DB/WR) <strong>Jayden Sexton</strong>, ‘28 (QB/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1094289' first='Aiden' last='Amonett']</strong>, ‘28 (TE/LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1094311' first='Michael' last='Gibson']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>Moving down to the Class 1A level may prove to be the right decision for the Tigers football program. Their addition to this region immediately makes the landscape stronger but also provides Rockwood an opportunity to compete for a region title as well as go deep into the playoffs, especially because of the talent returning for the 2025 season. Currently committed to UT-Martin, interior O-lineman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1182697' first='Collin' last='Abston'] </strong>sets the tone in the trenches where he is complimented by senior <strong>Skyler Layne</strong> and they block for one of the top backs on the 1A level in <strong>A.J. Darby</strong>.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Taking on the quarterback role should be sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1094289' first='Aiden' last='Amonett']</strong>. His play will go a long way toward the Tigers having a potent, high scoring offense. The defense is led by senior backer <strong>Brady Harvey </strong>but there is room for others to step forward and take on big roles. There is a good mix of veteran leadership here along with youthful talent that should help Rockwood compete for a region title and be a team many should watch for as a 1A championship sleeper.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1672977,"width":"277px","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/cabston.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1672977" style="width:277px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Wartburg Central Bulldogs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Wartburg, TN (Morgan Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>James Gibson</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>2-8 overall (0-5 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(LB) <strong>Trevin Hooks</strong>, (Ath) <strong>Wayne Potter</strong>, ‘27 (QB/S) <strong>Jeremiah Duncan</strong>, ‘27 (DT) <strong>Malachi Beard</strong>, ‘28 (OL/DT) <strong>Joaun Perez</strong>, ‘28 (RB) <strong>Jalyn Thomas</strong>, ‘28 (Ath) <strong>Malik Jones</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>In the long run, moving to the 1A ranks will be a good decision for this program but the 2025 season may continue to be a struggle for the Bulldogs. This is a young team that will be looking for new players to step into starting roles and excel. One guy to know about and watch this Fall is junior two-way talent and quarterback <strong>Jeremiah Duncan</strong>. His size and natural athletic abilities could become a problem for opposing defenses. Junior lineman <strong>Malachi Beard </strong>and sophomore big man <strong>Joaun Perez </strong>are two guys that will be needed in a big way when it comes to winning this season. The Bulldogs could sneak up and pull a few upset wins but I don't know if they have enough to compete in the top four of the region.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- 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. Oliver Springs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2. Rockwood</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3. Coalfield</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4. Harriman</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5. Greenback</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6. Wartburg Central</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>7. Midway</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>8. Oakdale&nbsp;</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>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1432186' first='Liam' last='Boeke'] </strong>- Oliver Springs&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Offensive POY: </strong>‘27 (RB) <strong>A.J. Darby </strong>- Rockwood</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defensive POY: </strong>(LB) <strong>Lucas Adcock </strong>- Coalfield&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lineman POY: </strong>(G/C) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1182697' first='Collin' last='Abston'] </strong>- Rockwood&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Coach of the Year: Tyler Harper </strong>- Oliver Springs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mr. Football Contenders: </strong>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1432186' first='Liam' last='Boeke']</strong> - Oliver Springs, ‘27 (RB) <strong>A.J. Darby </strong>- Rockwood, (QB/LB) <strong>Lucas Adcock - </strong>Coalfield</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1672952,"width":"266px","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/ladcock.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1672952" style="width:266px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->