Preseason Preview: Class 2A/Region 3

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">This appears to be a competitive region for the '25 season but can anyone knock Marion Co. off the top of the hill? I think a few teams have a shot to do so but it won't be easy as the Warriors return a solid core from last year's 2A title team. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2A-Region 3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bledsoe Co. Warriors</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Pikeville, TN (Bledsoe Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Dewayne Tabor&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>11-2 Overall (4-1 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(WR/DB) <strong>Zane Walker</strong>, (Ath) <strong>Dallas Bridges</strong>, (RB/S) <strong>Austyn Rains</strong>, (WR/DB) <strong>Stonewall Farmer</strong>, ‘27 (Ath) <strong>Justin Melton</strong>, ‘27 (OL) <strong>Chase Minshew</strong>, ‘28 (TE/DE) <strong>Frankie Riddle</strong>, ‘28 (RB) <strong>Cade Swafford</strong>, ‘28 (QB) <strong>Luke Morris&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>It may be hard for the Warriors to repeat last year's success as they must replace several key starters and high producing players. The coaching staff will be looking to new guys to step up and become high volume performers this Fall while also trying to solidify the trenches. The Warriors do have a few returning prospects in <strong>Zane Walker</strong>, <strong>Dallas Bridges</strong>, <strong>Austyn Rains </strong>and a few others that were key pieces last year but will be expected to raise their game further this season and become team leaders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>&nbsp;I do believe that this team should have enough skill to make plays on both sides of the ball but it's the line of scrimmage where I could see a drop-off in talent and performance. If the staff can find a nice combination up front on both the O-line and D-line, the Warriors could still be a formidable opponent. For several years now, the Bledsoe Co. football program has been very consistent, so you can't count them out this year to contend for a region title and a playoff spot but I do see it being a harder path for them due to several unknowns.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Grundy Co. Yellow Jackets&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Coalmont, TN (Grundy Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Nick Bryant&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>4-7 Overall (1-3 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(DL/OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1582359' first='Ian' last='Grizzell']</strong>, (LB) <strong>Kegan Kilgore</strong>, (DT/OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='812471' first='Trevor' last='Gilliam']</strong>, (WR/DB) <strong>A.J. Frisbee</strong>, ‘27 (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1668505' first='Vince' last='Bryant']</strong>, ‘27 (Ath) <strong>Jack Thomas</strong>, ‘27 (OL/DT) <strong>Jayven Land</strong>, ‘28 (LB) <strong>T.K. Brown&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1698752,"width":"249px","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/vbryant.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1698752" style="width:249px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>The Yellow Jackets are a hard team to gauge going into the 2025 season. They have two of the better players, prospects in this region in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1582359' first='Ian' last='Grizzell'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1668505' first='Vince' last='Bryant'] </strong>but may not have enough comparable talent around them. Finding playmakers and enough depth up front is critical towards the Yellow Jackets chances at competing for the region title this year while earning a possible postseason spot. Getting the O-line right should be the first thing the Grundy Co. staff does when we get to Fall camp because Bryant is a legit talent that could compete for Mr. Football this season. He is the team's top playmaker that can help put a lot of wins on the board, especially if the line does their job. I think the defense should be solid with Grizzell wrecking things up front and <strong>Kegan Kilgore </strong>making tackles all over the field. The secondary should be serviceable as well. I do believe the Yellow Jackets can compete for that region title this Fall but only if everybody does their job and stays healthy while the O-line comes together and consistently opens holes for Bryant and the Grundy Co. rushing attack.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Marion Co. Warriors&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Jasper, TN (Marion Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Tim Starkey&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>13-2 Overall (4-0 Region) - Reigning 2A Champs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1282609' first='Mason' last='Mays']</strong>, (LB) <strong>Ashton Martin</strong>, (WR/S) <strong>Brett Webb</strong>, (OL/DL) <strong>Zach Bass</strong>, ‘27 (Ath) <strong>Zaiden Humphrey</strong>, ‘27 (TE/LB) <strong>Brady Wathen</strong>, ‘27 (WR/S) <strong>Hayden Holloway</strong>, ‘27 (OL) <strong>Chris Graver</strong>, ‘28 (Ath) <strong>T.J. Starkey</strong>, ‘28 (OL) <strong>Austin McGowan</strong>, ‘28 (DT) <strong>David Blevins</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>New Additions: </strong>(DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1646196' first='Jayden' last='Frazier']</strong>, ‘28 (WR/DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1691522' first='Quincy' last='Mills']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>The Warriors had a banner 2024 season that saw them walk away as the 2A state champs and with what they have returning this Fall, I would put this East Tennessee program back in the mix to repeat. Now I don't think it will be easy as the Warriors are having to replace several key players, including a Mr. Football semifinalist but this is the most talented team within this region, so I think they will be just fine. The Warriors have two lead dogs on both sides of the ball in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1282609' first='Mason' last='Mays'] </strong>at running back and <strong>Ashton Martin </strong>at linebacker. These two are Mr. Football candidates that will be expected to produce at a high level and be leaders towards a talented group of underclassmen.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Replacing a guy like Sam Pickett will be tough but the Warriors have some talented skill guys ready to step into big roles this Fall. Those guys would be <strong>Zaiden Humphrey</strong>, <strong>T.J. Starkey</strong> and two new additions this year in senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1646196' first='Jayden' last='Frazier'] </strong>and talented two-way sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1691522' first='Quincy' last='Mills']</strong>. Adding Frazier and Mils is absolutely huge for the Warriors secondary. The area that may need some work during Fall camp looks to be the line of scrimmage, though the Warriors have some serviceable parts up front that should be able to get the job done. I wouldn't be surprised to see a few struggles and close games early for Marion Co. but by the end of the season, the Warriors should be in the mix yet again for the 2A title with a deeper and more talented roster.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1698755,"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/3/2025/06/jayfrazier2.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1698755" style="width:277px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Monterey Wildcats&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Monterey, TN (Putnam Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Scott Hughes&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>9-4 Overall (3-2 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(OL/DT) <strong>Briley Reagan</strong>, (Ath) <strong>Eli Phillips</strong>, ‘27 (RB/S) <strong>Ethan Phillips</strong>, ‘27 (Ath) <strong>Ashton Jackson</strong>, ‘27 (OL/DT) <strong>Brayden Walker</strong>, ‘28 (Ath) <strong>Zack Leonard</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>The 2025 season will be a bit different for the Wildcats as they are not only a part of a new region but they will be leaning on a new cast of characters that are expected to compete at a high level and push them back into postseason contention. Last year was a strong showing from the Cats as they won nine games but this year might look quite different. As of right now, Monterey doesn't have many established starters that the masses may know about, meaning new players must step forward into starting roles and shine. Keep eyes on the Phillips brothers to become key offensive playmakers. Those two should have enough juice in their games to produce each week but the line of scrimmage must be shored up for that to happen. I see question marks on defense as well. The Wildcats are really a young team this year with a lot of unknowns going into the 2025 season. Watching how they perform early on will show a lot as to who they will be this year and if they will be able to compete for a shot at the playoffs.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>York Institute Dragons</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Jamestown, TN (Fentress Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Derwin Wright&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>11-3 Overall (5-0 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(RB/LB) <strong>Blake Voiles</strong>, (S/RB) <strong>Kole Brannon</strong>, (QB/LB) <strong>Nathaniel Tipton</strong>, (LB/TE) <strong>Joseph Linder</strong>, (WR/DB) <strong>Grayson Winningham</strong>, (OL) <strong>Braden LaRue</strong>, ‘27 (LB) <strong>Landen Robbins</strong>, ‘27 (OL) <strong>Petey Stephens</strong>, ‘27 (WR/DB) <strong>Wyatt Choate</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>A new season with new inner region competition is on deck for the Dragons and I think the move here could make a big difference in the long run. Looking at the 2025 Dragon team, I see a playoff squad that could become a nuisance for the opposition due to their technique sound game play that resides on both sides of the line and their ability to run the ball on a consistent basis. The Dragons return a strong core of seniors this Fall, especially in the backfield where <strong>Blake Voiles </strong>could become a dark horse Mr. Football contender. Voiles is also the leading returning tackler on the 2A level as well. He will be joined by fellow seniors <strong>Kole Brannon</strong> and <strong>Nathaniel Tipton </strong>to form one of the better rushing attacks within this classification and region.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Complimenting the Dragons offense should be a defense that will be active up front with two top notch tacklers returning in <strong>Joseph Linder </strong>and rising junior <strong>Landen Robbins</strong>. Both those guys are tackling machines that should provide good physicality as well as the ability to consistently slow down the opposition's run game. Senior <strong>Grayson Winningham </strong>is a solid piece on the back end that should be a major player this year as well. This appears to be a well balanced team this year for York and a squad that can certainly compete for the region title and potentially go on a deep run in the playoffs. All the key players must produce and stay healthy but I like the Dragons chances at being a formidable opponent yet again for the ‘25 season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1698757,"width":"253px","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/bvoiles.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1698757" style="width:253px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- 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. Marion Co.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2. York Institute</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3. Bledsoe Co.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4. Grundy Co.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5. Monterey&nbsp;</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>(RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1282609' first='Mason' last='Mays'] </strong>- Marion Co.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Offensive POY: </strong>(RB) <strong>Blake Voiles </strong>- York Institute</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defensive POY: </strong>(LB) <strong>Ashton Martin </strong>- Marion Co.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lineman POY: </strong>(DL/OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1582359' first='Ian' last='Grizzell'] </strong>- Grundy Co.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Coach of the Year: Tim Starkey </strong>- Marion Co.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mr. Football Contenders: </strong>(RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1282609' first='Mason' last='Mays'] </strong>- Marion Co., (LB) <strong>Ashton Martin </strong>- Marion Co., (RB/LB) <strong>Blake Voiles </strong>- York Institute, ‘27 (Ath) <strong>Zaiden Humphrey </strong>- Marion Co., ‘27 (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1668505' first='Vince' last='Bryant'] </strong>- Grundy Co.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1698753,"width":"264px","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/ashmartin.jpg?w=956" alt="" class="wp-image-1698753" style="width:264px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->