Preseason Preview: Class 2A/Region 4

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The collection of teams in this new region should make things quite competitive for year's to come, including this season where I could see Gordonsville, Cannon Co. and Smith Co. all competing for the region title. </h2>     2A-Region 4   Cannon Co. Lions    Location: Woodbury, TN (Cannon Co.)   Head Coach: Andy Bartsch    2024 Finish: 6-5 Overall (1-3 Region)   Top Returning Players: (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='819521' first='Eli' last='Garrett'], (WR/DB) Jaxsen Miles, (RB/S) Bryaden Smithson, (OL/DT) Chandler Hale, (DB) Keelan Evans, ‘27 (Edge) [player_tooltip player_id='1591156' first='Zeke' last='Walkup'], ‘27 (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1570553' first='Jayden' last='Shannon'], ‘27 (WR/S) Camden Pruitt, ‘27 (Ath) Tyler Houser, ‘28 (LB) Eli Barrett, ‘28 (RB) Kale Sellars   Team Overview: Could the 2025 season finally be the breakthrough year the Lions coaching staff and community has been waiting for? It's very possible, especially if their top guys perform at a high level, depth is created and the entire team as a whole gels as one. What helps those efforts is the fact that Cannon Co. has a couple of legit college prospects in [player_tooltip player_id='819521' first='Eli' last='Garrett'], [player_tooltip player_id='1591156' first='Zeke' last='Walkup'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1570553' first='Jayden' last='Shannon']. The Lions offense could be solid with Garrett at the helm and solid receivers out wide in Jaxsen Miles and up and coming junior Camden Pruitt. The offensive question mark going into the season however is the offensive line. As of now, I don't see enough depth, size or talent here in this area. There could be challenges ahead due to the O-line but if they can find a suitable starting five that performs consistently, the Lions have enough skill to score.    The defense is another story as I expect this side of the ball to lead the way. Walkup is one of the better pass rushers in the entire state that has a chance to lead the 2A ranks in sacks. Shannon is a hard nose tackler while the secondary has some solid pieces in Miles, Pruitt and senior Keelan Evans. More playmakers are needed on this side but I like the Lions defense and their chances to be strong for the 2025 season. I do see a scenario where Cannon Co. is in contention for a region title this Fall but everyone must perform the way I and their coaching staff expects them to while the main players remain healthy.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/06/egarrett.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1700902" style="width:258px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Gordonsville Tigers   Location: Gordonsville, TN (Smith Co.)   Head Coach: Stephen Jackson    2024 Finish: 6-5 Overall (2-1 Region - 1A)    Top Returning Players: (QB) J Foster, (RB/DB) Jemario Williams, (OL/DT) Bobby Cripps, (OL) Tommy Hill, (WR/DB) Anthony Fuller, (LB) Lee Scurlock, (LB) J.P. Harris, (K) Gavin Kemp, ‘27 (OL) Bryson Smith, ‘27 (DB/WR) Maddox Randolph, ‘27 (S) Waylon Kennedy, ‘28 (RB/DB) Brooks Stafford, ‘28 (OL/DT) J.T. Clemons   Team Overview: The Tigers are entering a new domain for the 2025 season and that's competing on the 2A level. I think it will be a seamless transition for the Tigers and a potential banner year as pieces are in place to not only win the region but also go on a deep run in the playoffs. A big reason for that to happen is because of the backfield with J Foster at quarterback and Jemario Williams running the ball, who I think could become a Mr. Football candidate by season's end. Those two should be complimented by a solid offensive line, lead by seniors Tommy Hill and Bobby Cripps, who will pull double duty as the team's top defensive lineman.    Speaking of defense, I think the Tigers should be quite formidable on this side of the ball with Cripps up front, Lee Scurlock and J.P. Harris producing sideline to sideline tackles and Williams along with Anthony Fuller, Waylon Kennedy and Maddox Randolph making plays on the back end. This appears to be a well balanced team for the Tigers this year that sits in a region they can take. Now their main players and strong senior core must perform and stay healthy but I like the makeup here and their chances at having a successful 2025 season that could lead them in contention for a 2A title.    - - - - -    Jackson Co. Blue Devils   Location: Gainesboro, TN (Jackson Co.)   Head Coach: Sean Loftis   2024 Finish: 5-5 Overall (1-4 Region)   Top Returning Players: (WR/S) Isaiah Thomas, (RB) Zavion Mitchell, (OL/DT) James Matheney, ‘27 (G/C) Asher Morris, ‘28 (QB) Colt Loftis, ‘28 (RB/LB) Bryson Bowman, ‘28 (WR/DB) JaCaiden Smith   Team Overview: Moving to a new region starting this Fall football year, the Blue Devils have a chance to build off their 5 win season in 2024 and continue building their program in the right direction. It won't be easy as this region presents some tough challenges but if sophomore quarterback Colt Loftis can develop at the rate I and the coaching staff thinks he can, the Blue Devils could be in contention for a playoff spot. Now Loftis will need help and that should come from seniors Isaiah Thomas and Zavion Mitchell. The biggest area of concern for both sides of the ball will be the line of scrimmage. If the coaching staff can find some pieces in the line that can consistently do their job, finding more than 5 wins is possible but if it becomes a concern, it might be a long season for the Blue Devils. Overall depth and talent may turn out to be an issue as well but Coach Loftis knows what he's doing and I feel he will find enough players to make things work this Fall.    - - - - -    Smith Co. Owls   Location: Carthage, TN (Smith Co.)   Head Coach: Matt Dyer    2024 Finish: 2-10 Overall (2-4 Region - 3A)   Top Returning Players: (OL) Bryson Haliburton, (OL/DT) Ethan Montgomery, ‘27 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1103037' first='Riley' last='Martin'], ‘27 (WR/S) [player_tooltip player_id='1676949' first='Gage' last='Gibbs'], ‘27 (LB) Ben Howell, ‘27 (S) Cole Hackett, ‘27 (OL) Eric Shaw, ‘27 (TE/LB) Luke Howell, ‘27 (OL) Konnor Davis, ‘28 (TE/DE) [player_tooltip player_id='1068717' first='Lucas' last='Cornwell'], ‘28 (OL) Reece Wilkerson, ‘28 (QB/S) Stephen Martin   Team Overview: Moving down to the 2A level may prove to be a great move for the Owls program as I see a path now where they could eventually compete for a state title. That path begins this year where I see the Owls chasing after the region title and placing themselves as a top seed once we reach postseason play. Reasons for that is a young but talented core of prospects returning, led by junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1103037' first='Riley' last='Martin']. The Owls had some struggles last year, only winning two games but I feel it was a good experience for Martin and his junior class as they should be more prepared moving forward. Having a quarterback is key on this level but also having a solid O-line is too and the Owls should have one, spearheaded by seniors Bryson Haliburton and Ethan Montgomery as well as underclassmen Eric Shaw, Konnor Davis and Reece Wilkerson.    While the offense looks solid but still with some question marks, I do feel like the Owls defense will be good, especially if sophomore stud [player_tooltip player_id='1068717' first='Lucas' last='Cornwell'] wreaks havoc at defensive end. This 6 '6 two-way talent who will be a strong piece at tight end as well, could be a game changer that pushes the Owls program forward. Junior backers Ben Howell and Luke Howell should be key guys as well. Everyone remaining healthy is certainly key towards a successful season. I also think the Owls weren't happy about their two win season last year and will be looking to right some wrongs and move back to the top of region. It's a new path and a new set of opponents for Smith Co. this Fall that should benefit them this year but also into the future as well.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/06/bryhaliburton.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1700897" style="width:254px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Trousdale Co. Yellow Jackets   Location: Hartsville, TN (Trousdale Co.)   Head Coach: Kyle Gregory    2024 Finish: 1-11 Overall (0-7 Region)   Top Returning Players: (OL/DT) Noah Peace, (WR/S) Jayden Hale, ‘27 (RB/S) Decaden Garrett, ‘27 (LB) Triton Montoya, ‘27 (QB) Aiden Link, ‘28 (OL) Wyatt Stark, ‘28 (Ath) Caden Bush, ‘28 (TE/DE) Grayson Perkins   Team Overview: It's a new year with a new opportunity for these Yellow Jackets to jumpstart this traditional program back into some winning ways. I do foresee a challenge for them as they are lacking the overall talent and depth to compete for the region title but maybe they can find enough wins to sneak their way into postseason play. Being able to do this will happen if the line of scrimmage plays well, their rushing attack excels and the defensive side of the ball does a good job of getting off the field. The offense does have a talented back to build around in junior Decaden Garrett. If the line can open holes for Garrett, the Yellow Jackets may be able to score enough points to remain in games.    The defense also needs to do their job as well. I like the linebackers for Trousdale Co., especially Triton Montoya but the trenches may have some question marks. Being able to stop the run is key for all teams but especially for the Yellow Jackets, who may not have the guys up front to get the job done. As we get into the 2025 season, it will be interesting to see how this Trousdale Co. program has progressed since last year and if they may show something different. Even though they are a part of a new region, I still think the Yellow Jackets aren't there just yet to contend for region titles but reaching the playoffs will be a move in the right direction.    - - - - -    #PRZTN Preseason Predictions   Predicted Order of Finish   1. Gordonsville   2. Cannon Co.   3. Smith Co.    4. Jackson Co.    5. Trousdale Co.    - - - - -    Preseason Regional Top Honors   Region POY: (RB/DB) Jermario Williams - Gordonsville   Offensive POY: (QB) J Foster - Gordonsville   Defensive POY: ‘27 (Edge) [player_tooltip player_id='1591156' first='Zeke' last='Walkup'] - Cannon Co.    Lineman POY: (OL/DT) Bobby Cripps - Gordonsville    Coach of the Year: Stephen Jackson - Gordonsville   Mr. Football Contenders: (RB/DB) Jermario Williams - Gordonsville, (QB) J Foster - Gordonsville, (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='819521' first='Eli' last='Garrett'] - Cannon Co., ‘27 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1103037' first='Riley' last='Martin'] - Smith Co. ‘27 (Edge) [player_tooltip player_id='1591156' first='Zeke' last='Walkup'] - Cannon Co.   <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:257px;height:auto" /></figure>