#TNHSFB Preview: Class 1A/Region 5

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">This region is new, well somewhat as you have teams here that are familiar with each other with one new squad added. That new team is Fayetteville and the Tigers may turn out to be the team to beat when it's all said and done. </h2>     1A - Region 5   Cornersville Bulldogs    Location: Cornersville, TN (Marshall Co.)   Head Coach: Eliot Cook   2024 Finish: 2-8 overall (1-5 Region)   Top Returning Players: (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1133241' first='Hunter' last='Uland'], (RB/LB) Brandon Hargrave, (DL/OL) Caden Ostermann, ‘27 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1595020' first='Jackson' last='Smith'], ‘27 (Ath) Ayden Fuller, ‘27 (Ath) Cameron Fitzpatrick, ‘27 (OL) Blake Lee   Team Overview: This is a tough team to gauge for the coming Fall season as the Bulldogs lack the overall talent, depth and size but sport potentially two of the better offensive talents in the 1A region with senior back [player_tooltip player_id='1133241' first='Hunter' last='Uland'] and junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1595020' first='Jackson' last='Smith']. The problem I see is that Uland and Smith may not have enough space or time to produce due to what the Bulldogs are lacking and missing up front. The line of scrimmage was a problem last year and it could remain the same this Fall. Max effort and attention to detail will go a long way to changing things this season in the trenches.    If the Bulldogs can find suitable pieces in the line while having others step up into lead roles while producing, Cornersville could turn into a surprise team in this region. Having a guy like Uland, who is a sleeper Mr. Football candidate, helps the cause. Smith behind center is big too, especially after some strong development this off-season. While I'm not big time high on this squad, I do see a scenario where the Bulldogs are competing for a top four spot and maybe higher if this team forms together the way it needs to.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/23-Hunter-Uland-rotated-e1736533680204.jpg?w=880" alt="" class="wp-image-1598693" style="width:224px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Eagleville Eagles    Location: Eagleville, TN (Rutherford Co.)   Head Coach: Floyd Walker    2024 Finish: 9-4 overall (4-2 Region)   Top Returning Players: (G/C) Dylan Herrington, (RB/LB) Jonathan Jordan, (Ath) Marshall Fields, (RB/LB) Thomas Solomon, (DT/OL) Jed Fann, (OL/DT) Mason Cyr, ‘27 (OL) Connor Laupp   Top Newcomers: ‘29 (OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1218739' first='Barrett' last='Hudson']   Team Overview: The Eagles are coming off a successful 2024 season that saw them win nine games and place at the top of their region but can they repeat it for the coming Fall football year? It will be tough as the Eagles are replacing some key players but may return enough talent to still compete for a top four region spot. The biggest reason for possible success is their line of scrimmage. The Eagles return a solid core up front in Herrington, Fann, Cyr, Laupp and the possible addition of freshman [player_tooltip player_id='1218739' first='Barrett' last='Hudson']. Playing on the 1A level, any team that has size up front, immediately becomes a contender in their region and possibly beyond.    The skill positions look solid as well with the return of Jordan, Fields and Solomon. I expect those three along with a few others to push their games forward and produce at a higher level this year. Staying healthy for this team is key as well. I do see some pieces in place for Eagleville to potentially contend for the region title but the line must perform well while the skill guys produce.    - - - - -    Fayetteville Tigers   Location: Fayetteville, TN (Lincoln Co.)   Head Coach: Chris Cagle    2024 Finish: 3-8 overall (2-2 Region)   Top Returning Players: (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='1679513' first='Quasean' last='Black'], (G/C) [player_tooltip player_id='1675660' first='Will' last='Riddle'], (G/C) Brayden Serrano, (LB/RB) Zyon Nnaji, ‘27 (DE/LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1715643' first='Jericho' last='Wilson'], ‘27 (Ath) Trez Brown, ‘27 (Ath) Fernando Leslie   Top Newcomers: ‘27 (QB/Ath) Nyles Barnett   Team Overview: New to region five and the Class 1A level, Fayetteville is looking to make a big first impression this Fall and they may have the guys to do it. The Tigers bring back a solid veteran core and some young talent that could put this team in contention for a region title. It all starts up front with [player_tooltip player_id='1675660' first='Will' last='Riddle'] and Brayden Serrano. Those guys are two of the better O-linemen we have in this region and on the 1A level. Riddle and Serrano are maulers that can be even better with others around them helping out and forming the O-line into a formidable starting five.    If the O-line does their part, the Tigers should have a productive season running the ball with [player_tooltip player_id='1679513' first='Quasean' last='Black'] and Zyon Nnaji spearheading things at running back. The addition of Nyles Burnett from Community could stabilize things at quarterback and provide Fayetteville a potent backfield for the ‘25 season. Defensively, I think the Tigers should be solid there as well with [player_tooltip player_id='1715643' first='Jericho' last='Wilson'] becoming their standout guy. Depth does need to be built throughout the roster but I like the Tigers this Fall as a team that could contend for the region title and maybe become a sleeper in the postseason.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/05/wriddle.jpg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-1679519" style="width:244px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Huntland Hornets   Location: Huntland, TN (Franklin Co.)   Head Coach: Kermit Reed    2024 Finish: 7-4 overall (4-2 Region)   Top Returning Players: (QB/S) Grant Jernigan, (RB) Jed Ashley, (LB) Wesley Plemons, ‘27 (OL) [player_tooltip player_id='817904' first='Carson' last='Moore'], ‘27 (RB/LB) Caden Smith, ‘27 (DB) Jadarius Reynolds, ‘27 (LB) Caleb Maxwell, ‘27 (Ath) Ellis Stewart   Team Overview: Chasing that region title is something these Hornets could be in play for this year, especially if their stars shine bright and others step forward to produce at a high level. The Hornets could have the best backfield within this region with Grant Jernigan, Jed Ashley and Caden Smith. Jernigan is a sleeper Mr. Football candidate while Ashley and Smith are power backs that will lower their shoulders. I see the defense being a strength this Fall with some budding stars in Reynolds, Maxwell and Stewart. It's the line of scrimmage where I see potential issues.    At this time of writing this, [player_tooltip player_id='817904' first='Carson' last='Moore'] was not listed on the roster but if he is back, his size alone is a difference maker. Beyond him, I'm not sure what the Hornets have in the trenches. Finding suitable big men that can do their job up front will be critical towards the team's overall success. I do think the Hornets have enough pieces in place to reach postseason play and possibly win a couple of games but if their line comes together, a region title could be in play as well.    - - - - -    Moore Co. Raiders   Location: Lynchburg, TN (Moore Co.)   Head Coach: Kris White    2024 Finish: 6-4 overall (3-3 Region)   Top Returning Players: (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1595499' first='Gavin' last='Wise'], (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='1707981' first='Isaac' last='Petty'], (WR/DB) Cole Taylor, (RB) Chris Merical, (DT) Buddy Qualls, (DB) Tristyn Gray, ‘27 (Ath) Tucker Brown    Team Overview: The Raiders are an interesting team going into the 2025 season as they return several pieces that speak towards another postseason appearance but I could also see them falling back a little bit due to losing some key players in the line of scrimmage. Finding beef and talent up front is the big challenge ahead for Coach White and his staff as other pieces are in place to win a bunch of ball games.    The Raiders run based offense is headed up by seniors Petty and Merical but the leader in the backfield is [player_tooltip player_id='1595499' first='Gavin' last='Wise']. This 6'2 quarterback has a shot to contend for top honors in the region and classification with a standout senior year. I expect Moore Co. to have a high scoring offense yet again but could be potent with strong play in the line. There is much to learn about the defense but having guys like [player_tooltip player_id='1707981' first='Isaac' last='Petty'], Qualls and Brown returning give the Raiders a decent core to build around. I do think in the end, Moore Co. should reach postseason action but there are several questions in place that need to be answered.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/64-Gavin-Wise-rotated-e1736532877699.jpg?w=821" alt="" class="wp-image-1598730" style="width:276px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Richland Raiders   Location: Lynnville, TN (Giles Co.)   Head Coach: Nick Patterson    2024 Finish: 9-4 overall (5-1 Region)   Top Returning Players: (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1611570' first='Jake' last='Sands'], (DE/LB) Shooter Foster, (DT) John Garrett, (LB) Tucker Mayo, ‘27 (DB) Hudsen Griggs, ‘27 (Ath) Kam Drake, ‘27 (WR/S) [player_tooltip player_id='1687112' first='Aylin' last='Kennedy'], ‘27 (S) Landon Harbison, ‘28 (S) Peyton Willis   Top Newcomers: ‘29 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1532507' first='Gavin' last='Shrader'], ‘29 (OL/DL) [player_tooltip player_id='1305219' first='Coell' last='Doggett']    Team Overview: Coming off a nine win season and a region title, the Raiders are looking to make a statement this year among new competition but it won't be easy. Richland is having to replace some key players from last year but do return several top playmakers, especially [player_tooltip player_id='1611570' first='Jake' last='Sands'], who has a chance to put up some big numbers this Fall. He should be complimented by a solid defense, led in the trenches by seniors Shooter Foster and John Garrett.    Where question marks may arise is within the offensive line. As of now, I don't see the depth or talent up front but that can certainly change as we head into the season. Finding playmakers alongside Sands will be important as well. I'm also curious to see how the quarterback position plays out because it may be tough to not give the ball to incoming freshman [player_tooltip player_id='1532507' first='Gavin' last='Shrader'] as he is that talented. I do like the chances here of the Raiders contending for a top four spot with an outside shot at competing for the region title. I could also see a down year for Richland too, so it will be interesting to see how this squad forms together.    - - - - -    #PRZTN Pre-season Predictions   Predicted Order of Finish   1. Fayetteville   2. Richland   3. Huntland   4. Moore Co.   5. Eagleville    6. Cornersville   - - - - -    Pre-season Regional Top Honors   Region POY: (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='1679513' first='Quasean' last='Black'] - Fayetteville   Co-Offensive POY: (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1611570' first='Jake' last='Sands'] - Richland / (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1133241' first='Hunter' last='Uland'] - Cornersville    Defensive POY: (DE/LB) Shooter Foster - Richland   Lineman POY: (OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1675660' first='Will' last='Riddle'] - Fayetteville    Coach of the Year: Chris Cagle - Fayetteville    Mr. Football Contenders: (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='1679513' first='Quasean' last='Black'] - Fayetteville, (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1611570' first='Jake' last='Sands'] - Richland, (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1595499' first='Gavin' last='Wise'] - Moore Co., (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='1707981' first='Isaac' last='Petty'] - Moore Co., (QB/S) Grant Jernigan - Huntland, (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1133241' first='Hunter' last='Uland'] - Cornersville   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/05/jsands.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1679521" style="width:279px;height:auto" /></figure>