#TNHSFB Preview: Class 1A/Region 3

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Coming off a 1A title game appearance, South Pitt is geared to return to Chattanooga this Fall and compete for a state championship. They have to get through their region first but the Pirates are the clear cut favorite here. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1A-Region 3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Copper Basin Cougars&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Copperhill, TN (Polk Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Brett Graves&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>2-8 overall (1-4 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(G/C) <strong>Cooper Floyd</strong>, (WR) <strong>Tucker Rhodes</strong>, (WR/S) <strong>Logan Cochran</strong>, (WR/S) <strong>Nate Spencer</strong>, (WR/S) <strong>Drew Crowder</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>Every time you step onto the field for the start of a new football season, you have an opportunity for success and that's exactly what the Cougars are hoping for during the 2025 campaign. Coming off a rough 2024 season, Copper Basin is looking to change things around for the better, however it will be a tough road as the Cougars are lacking the overall depth and size up front to compete for a top four region spot. There does appear to be a few skill guys like Rhodes, Cochran, Spencer and Crowder that can make a difference out wide and in the secondary but they need a quarterback to get them the ball. If this team can find a few guys in the trenches that can play consistently, opportunity is there to fight for a playoff spot but I can also see where the Cougars struggle yet again and miss out on postseason action.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lookout Valley Yellow Jackets</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Chattanooga, TN (Hamilton Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Joshua Payne&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>0-10 overall (0-5 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(OL/NG) <strong>Thaxton Fowler</strong>, (Ath) <strong>Diego Ibach</strong>, (OL/NG) <strong>Gabe Laymon</strong>, ‘27 (RB) <strong>Trey Moore</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>For several years now, the Yellow Jackets have been playing in the basement of their region and I expect that to remain the same for the upcoming 2025 season. While I do think Lookout Valley will be at the bottom of this region, they have an opportunity to turn things around and change their destiny. The only way to go is up for this program and this Fall provides a chance for the Yellow Jackets to flip things into a positive direction. The roster headed into the 2025 campaign doesn't look deep nor does it show too many playmakers. The trenches need help as well and maybe <strong>Thaxton Fowler </strong>and <strong>Gabe Laymon </strong>can make a difference up front. Junior ball carrier <strong>Trey Moore </strong>has a chance to become the team's go-to offensive threat. There is a lot to learn about the Yellow Jackets for the coming football year and hopefully they can improve upon a winless season in 2024.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1675382,"width":"255px","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/lookoutvalley.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1675382" style="width:255px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: chattanoogahighschoolfootball.com</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sale Creek Panthers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Sale Creek, TN (Hamilton Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Jason Fitzgerald&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>4-7 overall (2-3 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(WR) <strong>Corbin Jolly</strong>, (RB/LB) <strong>Hunter Fowler</strong>, (OL) <strong>Grayson Bailey</strong>, (Ath) <strong>Khalil Escobar</strong>, (WR) <strong>J.D. Skiles</strong>, ‘27 (OL/DT) <strong>Makai Weber</strong>, ‘27 (OL/DT) <strong>Camden Hogue</strong>, ‘28 (RB) <strong>Hudson Ewald</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>This could be the sleeper team from 1A-Region 3 that not only competes for a top four spot but could also contend for the title. A lot has to go right for the Panthers but several pieces are in place to not only become a postseason level squad but also a team many others may not want to face. The Panthers have a solid senior class returning, led by skill guys <strong>Corbin Jolly </strong>and <strong>Hunter Fowler </strong>but also sport a solid O-line, spearheaded by senior <strong>Grayson Bailey </strong>with juniors <strong>Makai Baker </strong>and <strong>Camden Hogue </strong>being the most talented in the trenches. Having those three in the line immediately puts Sale Creek in the mix for having one of the better fronts within this region.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I believe the offense will be fine but how will the defense perform? I think that's the biggest question mark going into the 2025 season is how the defense will form together and compete week in and week out. If everybody remains healthy and newcomers step into starting roles while the expected starters perform at a high level, Sale Creek will not only be a postseason team but they could be a sleeper that competes for a top two region spot.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>South Pittsburg Pirates</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>South Pittsburg, TN (Marion Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Wes Stone</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>12-4 overall - 1A title runner-up (5-0 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(DE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1134337' first='J.R.' last='Hardrick']</strong>, (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1134336' first='JaMychal' last='Buckner']</strong>, (OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1604399' first='Logan' last='Sisk']</strong>, (WR/S) <strong>Anthony Dickerson</strong>, (RB) <strong>Zech Green</strong>, (OL/DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1679802' first='Xavier' last='Reviere']</strong>, ‘27 (Ath) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1577095' first='Dayon' last='Cooper']</strong>, ‘27 (RB/LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1205814' first='Kemijah' last='Harris']</strong>, ‘27 (WR/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1675594' first='Brandon' last='Goldsmith']</strong>, ‘27 (LB/RB) <strong>Anthony Gibbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>New Additions: </strong>(OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='480895' first='C.J.' last='Francis'] </strong>(Franklin Co.), (QB) <strong>Caden Jones </strong>(Chatt. Central)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>Until this program takes a nosedive into irrelevance, the Pirates will remain the team to beat in this region and a prime contender for the Class 1A title. Just last year, this Chattanooga area team competed for the 1A championship but fell short, however that experience could bode well for this year's squad. The Pirates return a strong senior class, led by college prospects Hardrick and Buckner. They also have some key starters in Sisk, Dickerson, Reviere and others that will make an impact this Fall. The additions of Francis and Jones are big for this team. I expect the offense to have nice balance now with Jones at the helm, spinning it to his receivers while having Buckner doing his thing at running back.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defense should be solid as well. The Pirates have possibly the best secondary within the 1A ranks. Having Hardrick harass the backfield at defensive end is big too. There are a lot of pieces in place for South Pitt this year to roll through their regular season undefeated and be at the top of the list as state title contenders. Everyone must stay healthy and play up to standards but I really like the makeup of this team, especially with the new additions that make the Pirates balanced, deeper and more talented.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1675377,"width":"265px","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/southpitt2.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1675377" style="width:265px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Whitwell Tigers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Whitwell, TN (Marion Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Owen Kilgore&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>8-4 overall (4-1 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(LB) <strong>Garrett Miller</strong>, (WR/DB) <strong>Xander Morgan</strong>, (WR/DB) <strong>Adam McDougal</strong>, (OL/DT) <strong>Connor Staley</strong>, ‘27 (WR/DB) <strong>Tim Yates</strong>, ‘28 (WR/S) <strong>Bennett Goforth</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>The 2024 campaign for Whitwell was successful but that is now in the past and this year's team will look different. The Tigers are replacing some all time greats and will be looking for new guys to step forward into starting roles this Fall and be expected to contribute and excel. It's tough to judge what will come from this year's Tigers team due to a lot of unknown factors. There isn't one guy that stands out right now as being their top prospect or go-to player on either side of the ball. The depth and size in the trenches isn't there either. There should be a lot of “new” within this squad for the Fall season, so Whitwell will be a team to keep tabs on week by week to see how they progress. Seeing that only one team from this region will miss postseason, Whitwell has a shot to make it back to the playoffs and with how this year's roster is constructed, it will be a success if they make it.&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. South Pittsburg</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2. Sale Creek</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3. Whitwell</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4. Copper Basin</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5. Lookout Valley&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: (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1134336' first='JaMychal' last='Buckner'] - South Pittsburg</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Offensive POY: ‘27 (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='1577095' first='Dayon' last='Cooper'] - South Pittsburg</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defensive POY: (DE) [player_tooltip player_id='1134337' first='J.R.' last='Hardrick'] - South Pittsburg</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lineman POY: (OL) [player_tooltip player_id='480895' first='C.J.' last='Francis'] - South Pittsburg</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Coach of the Year: Wes Stone - South Pittsburg</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mr. Football Contenders: </strong>(RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1134336' first='JaMychal' last='Buckner']</strong> - South Pitt, (DE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1134337' first='J.R.' last='Hardrick'] </strong>- South Pitt, ‘27 (Ath) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1577095' first='Dayon' last='Cooper'] </strong>- South Pitt</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1675383,"width":"248px","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/jrjardrick.jpg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-1675383" style="width:248px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->