Preseason Preview: Class 2A/Region 2

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Knowing that everybody here will earn a playoff spot, it will be interesting to see which team takes advantage of their schedule to harden themselves for a region title and a top seed come postseason play. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2A-Region2&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Eagleton Academy Royals&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Maryville, TN (Blount Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Stephen Childs&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>6-5 Overall (3-2 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(RB/LB) <strong>Connor Cox</strong>, (WR/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1611591' first='Lane' last='Cope']</strong>, (DE) <strong>Tyson Click</strong>, (OL) <strong>Trevor Bright</strong>, ‘27 (QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='904975' first='Mason' last='Mitchell']</strong>, ‘27 (WR/S) <strong>Rylan Lowe&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>This program is still new and growing but they are certainly moving in the right direction, especially after coming off a winning season. The Royals are looking to expand on last year's success with hopefully another winning campaign that sees them competing for a region title. To do that, Eagleton must find some hogs and depth up front along with a new signal caller behind center. That guy appears to be rising junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='904975' first='Mason' last='Mitchell']</strong>. He should be complimented nicely by <strong>Connor Cox </strong>at running back and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1611591' first='Lane' last='Cope'] </strong>catching passes out of the slot.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The offense should be solid, especially if the O-line is shored up but defensively there are questions. Looking over the roster, I don't see enough beef for the D-line nor do I see enough skill for the secondary. Now that can certainly change over the coming months as we get into the 2025 season but for preseason purposes, players are needed to step up into starting roles and give the Royals a comparable defensive unit. <strong>Tyson Click </strong>is someone that can be a difference maker for the Royals defense this year. I do see a scenario where Eagleton can win this region. If they are able to pull that off, it would be a major feather in the cap for this young program that is looking to build itself into a formidable team to deal with for years to come.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Oneida Indians</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Oneida, TN (Scott Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Jimmy May&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>5-5 Overall (1-4 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103010' first='Brady' last='Burke']</strong>, (LB) <strong>Ben Gilbert</strong>, (RB) <strong>Maddox Hutcherson</strong>, (OL) <strong>Jaxson Cross</strong>, (QB/S) <strong>Brock Ryon</strong>, (OL/DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1307597' first='Evan' last='Cotton']</strong>, ‘27 (LB) <strong>Brayden Lewallen</strong>, ‘28 (Ath) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1240999' first='Amauren' last='Kidd']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>If I had written this preview about the Indians two weeks ago, things would look different as they had one of the better pass rushers from our senior class but that edge guy recently transferred to Anderson County. That guy missing off the Indians defense makes a difference but even with his loss, I still see a possibility for Onedia to compete for a region title this year. The only way that happens is as if the offense brings balance and physicality to the field while the defense does a good job at stopping the run and getting off the field on third downs.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Indians should have a solid O-line, led by senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103010' first='Brady' last='Burke']</strong> that can be a linchpin up front that helps pave the path for senior back <strong>Maddox Hutcherson. </strong>If senior quarterback <strong>Brock Ryon </strong>can bring passing balance to the offense, the Indians may have a solid unit that is able to score enough points to consistently win games. Linebacker <strong>Ben Gilbert </strong>is the team's top defensive prospect and leader that should pace the team in tackles for the second straight year. He will need help however. The Indians don't appear to have a lot of production returning from their defense nor a lot of star power. I think finding defensive stops will be key this Fall towards the Indians having a successful year and competing for the region title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1696041,"width":"263px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/06/bgilbert.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1696041" style="width:263px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Polk Co. Wildcats</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Benton, TN (Polk Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Derrick Davis&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>5-7 Overall (3-2 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(RB/LB) <strong>Gabe Adams</strong>, (WR/DB) <strong>Matthew Maxwell</strong>, (OL/DT) <strong>Danny Hicks</strong>, (RB/LB) <strong>Cecil Burns</strong>, ‘27 (RB/LB) <strong>Jesse Holden</strong>, ‘27 (WR/DB) <strong>Kaden Qualls</strong>, ‘27 (OL/DT) <strong>Jacob Mayberry</strong>, ‘27 (OL/DT) <strong>Cooper Wilcox</strong>, ‘27 (OL/DT) <strong>Braddon Flowers</strong>, ‘28 (OL/DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1212199' first='Gaige' last='Posey']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>The Wildcats are having to replace several key seniors, key producers from last year's squad but they may return enough talent and depth to potentially contend for a region title. If that's to happen, new stars need to emerge with those guys possibly being <strong>Gabe Adams</strong>, <strong>Danny Hicks </strong>and <strong>Jesse Holden</strong>. Those guys can shine if others around them contribute as well and what could help them is depth within the offensive line. Polk Co. may not have a star but for 2A standards, they have the numbers and depth up front to win a bunch of games this season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hicks is the main guy up front that will go both ways but he will be joined in the trenches by others like <strong>Jacob Mayberry</strong>, <strong>Cooper Wilcox</strong>, <strong>Braddon Flowers </strong>and rising sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1212199' first='Gaige' last='Posey']</strong>. Having a strong O-line goes a long way towards offensive success and the Wildcats appear to have that for the 2025 season. If the big men do their job, guys like Adams, Holden, <strong>Matthew Maxwell</strong>, <strong>Kaden Qualls </strong>and others should have a chance to excel and produce at a high level. The Wildcats will make the playoffs but they could fight for the region title, if top players stand out and everyone remains healthy.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1696044,"width":"235px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/06/gabeadams.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1696044" style="width:235px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tellico Plains Bears</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Tellico Plains, TN (Monroe Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Bobby White</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>7-5 Overall (2-3 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(Edge) <strong>Bryson Collette</strong>, (RB/LB) <strong>Nathaniel Bivens</strong>, (OL/DT) <strong>Jaden Driver</strong>, (Ath) <strong>Ike Hollinghead</strong>, (OL/DT) <strong>Hayden Phillips</strong>, ‘27 (WR/S) <strong>Trevor Kibler</strong>, ‘27 (OL/DT) <strong>Caden Kirkland</strong>, ‘27 (WR) <strong>Ethyn Miller</strong>, ‘28 (RB) <strong>Gio Miller</strong>, ‘28 (OL/DT) <strong>Kobe Bradley</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>The 2025 season could be a bit of a reset for the Bears as they are having to replace several key seniors and top performers from last year's 7-5 team. Opportunity is there for new guys to step up and take on bigger roles this Fall and from what I see, several roles are up for grabs. The top two producers returning this year for Tellico Plains are edge backer <strong>Bryson Collette </strong>and offensive athlete <strong>Ike Hollinghead</strong>. Those two will be expected to lead the way but they will need help. Backer <strong>Nathaniel Bivens </strong>could be in-store for a big senior year. The line of scrimmage is untested but has solid size with <strong>Jaden Driver</strong>, <strong>Hayden Phillips</strong>, <strong>Caden Kirkland </strong>and rising sophomore <strong>Kobe Bradley</strong>. There are several pieces here that should help the Bears contend each and every week but I am unsure about the depth.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defense is something I'm interested to follow this Fall as I see that unit being the weak spot headed into the 2025 season. There may be enough beef up front to do well versus the run but the back seven has a bunch of uncertainty. Both sides of the ball have a lot of work to do during Fall camp to solidify starters and find the needed depth to place at the top of the region. Tellico Plains will reach postseason play due to the four team region but they could contend for a top three spot if their leaders produce at a high level, the trenches stay strong and new guys step forward to become high volume players.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#PRZTN Preseason Predictions</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Predicted Order of Finish</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1. Eagleton Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2. Oneida</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3. Polk Co.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4. Tellico Plains</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Regional Top Honors</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Region POY: </strong>(DE) <strong>Tyson Click </strong>- Eagleton Academy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Offensive POY: </strong>(RB) <strong>Connor Cox </strong>- Eagleton Academy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defensive POY: </strong>(LB) <strong>Ben Gilbert </strong>- Oneida&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lineman POY: </strong>(OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103010' first='Brady' last='Burke'] </strong>- Oneida&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Coach of the Year: Stephen Childs </strong>- Eagleton Academy&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mr. Football Contenders: </strong>(RB) <strong>Connor Cox </strong>- Eagleton, (RB) <strong>Maddox Hutcherson </strong>- Oneida, (DE) <strong>Tyson Click </strong>- Eagleton, ‘27 (QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='904975' first='Mason' last='Mitchell'] </strong>- Eagleton</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1690578,"width":"231px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/06/prztn.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1690578" style="width:231px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->