#TNHSFB Preview: Class 1A/Region 6

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The power within this region has remained with McKenzie throughout the years and even though they have lost several college guys from last year's team, I still expect the Rebels to be the team to beat for the 2025 season. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1A - Region 6</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Collinwood Trojans&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Collinwood, TN (Wayne Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Boyce Dixon&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>2-7 (0-6 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(DE) <strong>Brody Holt</strong>, (Ath) <strong>Aiden Roberts</strong>, ‘27 (LB) <strong>Ace Moore</strong>, ‘27 (LB) <strong>Wesson Bromley</strong>, ‘27 (QB/LB) <strong>Luke Holt</strong>, ‘27 (FB) <strong>Ryan Karcher</strong>, ‘28 (RB/S) <strong>Peyton Gerber&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>Coming off a winless season within the region, the Trojans are looking to right some wrongs and bring their program back into playoff contention for the 2025 season. It won't be easy as there are a lot of unknowns headed into the Fall football year but maybe that's a good thing. The competition won't know what to expect from Collinwood this year, which gives the Trojans a chance to be a spoiler and a feisty ball club to deal with. Looking over the roster, I see the defense being the side of the ball that leads the way, spearheaded by Holt, Moore, Bromley and others. The offense will be run based but to find success, the O-line must be shored up and ready to compete at a high level. The only way is up for the Trojans. They won't have big expectations put on them, so Collinwood can fly under the radar to begin the year and possibly find enough wins to reach postseason play.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hollow Rock-Bruceton Central Tigers&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Bruceton, TN (Carroll Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Clay McMackins&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>1-9 overall (0-5 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(QB) <strong>Braxton Howard</strong>, (OL) <strong>Peyton Maness</strong>, (OL/DT) <strong>Zander Stepp</strong>, (WR/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1191982' first='Brady' last='Roberts']</strong>, (LB) <strong>Brenden Moudy</strong>, (WR/DB) <strong>Grayson Thompson</strong>, (WR/DB) <strong>Nic King</strong>, (DL) <strong>Brittan Moudy</strong>, ‘27 <strong>Daegan Collins</strong>, ‘27 (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='932928' first='Carter' last='Lowe']</strong>, ‘27 (LB) <strong>Johnny Tilley</strong>, ‘28 (RB/S) <strong>Korbin Brown&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>The Tigers are glad that we are headed into a new football year as they certainly want to forget last season where they finished with one victory and a winless region record. High expectations won't be attached to the Tigers headed into the Fall football year, so sitting under the radar as the underdog will be the road they must travel. There could be some hope for the 2025 campaign as the Tigers might have an offense that could put up some points and lead them to victory. <strong>Braxton Howard </strong>to <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1191982' first='Brady' last='Roberts'] </strong>could become a productive duo. There are a few pieces up front in <strong>Peyton Maness </strong>and <strong>Zander Stepp </strong>that could provide excellent game play in the trenches. It's on defense where I see question marks. Depth and overall talent seem to be missing with the Tigers defense right now but it can change over the Fall months. If this side of the ball can find some players, some key starters, Hollow-Rock might find itself in contention for a playoff spot.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1685640,"width":"250px","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/braxhoward.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1685640" style="width:250px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>McEwen Warriors&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>McEwen, TN (Humphreys Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Cecil Andrews&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>(OL/DT) <strong>Chase Mitchell</strong>, (OL) <strong>Drayden Williams</strong>, (WR/S) <strong>Truman Gill</strong>, (OL/DL) <strong>Cane Burdette</strong>, (Ath) <strong>Lucas Tummins</strong>, ‘27 (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1592842' first='Aiden' last='Kelsey']</strong>, ‘27 (DB) <strong>Anton Patten</strong>, ‘27 (S) <strong>Kainan Gill</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>It's a brand new year, which means new opportunities with new goals are set for this Warriors football program and a new mindset will be needed as McEwen is replacing several key players from last year's 8-4 team, so there are some unknowns headed into the 2025 season. I still think the Warriors will have enough talent to contend for a playoff spot but there are question marks headed into the Fall football year. The biggest question I foresee for this team will be, who is the lead guy, who is the top prospect? The Warriors have a few good pieces up front in <strong>Drayden Williams </strong>and <strong>Chase Mitchell </strong>but this run based program doesn't have that go-to guy that immediately jumps off the page right now. That guy could be junior back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1592842' first='Aiden' last='Kelsey']</strong>. Somebody else could emerge as well.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defense has some question marks in the trenches but I think the secondary should be solid with <strong>Truman Gill</strong>, <strong>Lucas Tummins</strong>, <strong>Anton Patten </strong>and <strong>Kainan Gill</strong>. Getting back to the playoffs this Fall will be deemed a success for Warriors but I'm sure the coaching staff and players are aiming for bigger goals. I don't know if the Warriors will be competing for a region title this year but they could be a sleeper team to follow throughout as they may surprise and find themselves among the top four teams, set for postseason play.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>McKenzie Rebels&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>McKenzie, TN (Carroll Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Keith Hodge</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>13-1 overall (5-0 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(OL/DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1662846' first='Ryan' last='Toombs']</strong>, (LB) <strong>Mason Batten</strong>, (RB) <strong>Timmy Arline</strong>, ‘27 (QB/WR/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1603459' first='Cole' last='Brown']</strong>, ‘27 (APB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1694860' first='Jacobi' last='Melton']</strong>, ‘27 (LB) <strong>Lelan Gordon</strong>, ‘28 (Ath) <strong>Gakhari Thomas</strong>, ‘28 (LB) <strong>Cooper Davidson</strong>, ‘28 (OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1088653' first='Hunter' last='Winstead']</strong>, ‘28 (OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1088079' first='Maddox' last='Shiell']&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>It's a brand new era for the Rebels. This perennial 1A power is in rebuild mode after losing several guys to the college ranks after last season and will be looking for new players to step forward and take on bigger roles. I still think the Rebels could be the team to beat within this region based simply on tradition but it won't be an easy road this year, especially with a few unknowns. The top guy for McKenzie this year should be <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1603459' first='Cole' last='Brown']</strong>. Coming off a very productive year at receiver, Brown will be stepping into the starting quarterback role this Fall. I like Brown for receiver in college but his play under center will be critical this Fall and the Rebels hopes at winning another region title.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brown should have a solid group up front blocking for him in Toombs, Winstead and Shiell. He will also have a few backs to lean on in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1694860' first='Jacobi' last='Melton'] </strong>and <strong>Timmy Arline</strong>. I think the defense should be solid as well, spearheaded by linebackers <strong>Mason Batten </strong>and <strong>Cooper Davidson</strong>. I see some pieces with McKenzie that should help them have another successful year but there are still questions that need to be answered, so watching how this team forms together early will speak a lot towards how good or mediocre they will be.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1685642,"width":"340px","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/keithhodge-crop-560x368-1749134235.webp?w=560" alt="" class="wp-image-1685642" style="width:340px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: The Jackson Sun</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Perry Co. Vikings&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Linden, TN (Perry Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Calvin Zemer&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>4-6 overall (1-4 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(LB/RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1660210' first='Nate' last='Mathis']</strong>, (RB/DB) <strong>Ayden Flowers</strong>, ‘27 (QB/LB) <strong>Weston Martin</strong>, ‘27 (DE/TE) <strong>Casey Garner</strong>, ‘27 (FB/LB) <strong>Jay King&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>This program has been dormant for a long time now and I don't know if the 2025 season will help the Vikings push things forward as they are still lacking the overall depth and talent to make a difference this year. It's a new year, so you never know what can happen but I still see the Vikings playing an uphill battle to move into the top four of their region. If they are able to do that, star players need to emerge and maybe the two guys who have the best shot to do that are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1660210' first='Nate' last='Mathis'] </strong>and junior two-way prospect <strong>Weston Martin</strong>. Those two guys have the size and skill set to potentially become difference makers this Fall but they will need others to step up and help. If Mathis and Martin are able to shine, the trenches up front will need to perform at a high level or at least compete hard to give those two and their team a chance to contend for victories.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Wayne Co. Wildcats</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Waynesboro, TN (Wayne Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>6-5 overall (4-2 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(LB/RB) <strong>Dane Bryant</strong>, (OL) <strong>Hayden Horner</strong>, ‘27 (LB) <strong>Jayden Creasy</strong>, ‘27 (LB) <strong>Mason Moore</strong>, ‘28 (TE/LB) <strong>Barrett Gallian</strong>, ‘28 (Ath) <strong>Avery Vaughn</strong>, ‘28 (LB) <strong>Weston Todd&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>The Cats are coming off one of the more successful years in some time but can they repeat? Can they return back to postseason play after replacing some key seniors? It's possible but new players must step forward into starting roles and contribute at a high level if the Wildcats want to return back to postseason play. Looking over the roster, the Cats have a mix of veterans and youthful prospects returning but nobody that immediately stands out as the top guy. That person may turn out to be <strong>Dane Bryant</strong>. This 6'1 two-way backer has the size and skill set to develop into the team's top prospect but he will need help. Keep eyes on sophomore <strong>Barrett Gallian</strong>. Standing 6'4 220 plus pounds, Gallian has the makeup of possibly becoming the team's top player and prospect. I do think the Wildcats should have enough to contend for a playoff spot this Fall but there are a lot of questions that need to be answered on how good or bad this year's squad could be.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1685645,"width":"302px","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/wayneco.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1685645" style="width:302px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</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. McKenzie</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2. McEwen</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3. Hollow Rock-Bruceton Central</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4. Wayne Co.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5. Perry Co.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6. Collinwood&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: </strong>(QB/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1603459' first='Cole' last='Brown'] - </strong>McKenzie</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Offensive POY: </strong>(RB) <strong>Timmy Arline </strong>- McKenzie&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defensive POY: </strong>(LB) <strong>Mason Batten </strong>- McKenzie&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lineman POY: </strong>(OL/DT) <strong>Chase Mitchell </strong>- McEwen</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Coach of the Year: Keith Hodge </strong>- McKenzie&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mr. Football Contenders: </strong>(QB/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1603459' first='Cole' last='Brown'] </strong>- McKenzie, (RB) <strong>Timmy Arline </strong>- McKenzie, (OL/DT) <strong>Chase Mitchell </strong>- McEwen, (LB/RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1660210' first='Nate' last='Mathis'] </strong>- Perry Co., (QB/S) <strong>Braxton Howard </strong>- Hollow Rock</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1685647,"width":"311px","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/cbrown.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1685647" style="width:311px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->