#TNHSFB Preview: Class 1A/Region 8

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">All signs point towards Middle College being the team to beat in this region but nothing is given. There is an opportunity for others to step forward and take the top spot. This region isn't completely wide open but it's open enough to provide good competition this season. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1A-Region 8</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Booker T. Washington Warriors</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Memphis, TN (Shelby Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Aubrey Phillips&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>0-8 Overall (0-5 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(DB) <strong>Daylon Ball&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>It's been a struggle throughout the years for this Memphis program that is coming off a winless 2024 season and I don't expect to see things change that much for the coming Fall football year. A big reason for it is that there isn't a lot of information out there about the Warriors. I could not find an updated roster or find any info in general online about this team. That immediately tells me that the people in charge of B.T. Washington doesn't take things too seriously, so high expectations should not be a part of this program until things change. The Warriors have nowhere to go but up, so whatever they put on the field this year that shows any hope of change is a win in my book.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>KIPP Collegiate Phoenix&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Memphis, TN (Shelby Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Katarii Donald&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>3-7 Overall (1-2 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(WR/S) <strong>Chris Farris</strong>, (RB/LB) <strong>Quarderrion Luckett</strong>, (Ath) <strong>Kylaun Taylor</strong>, (S) <strong>Unique Cantrell</strong>, (QB/Ath) <strong>Kai O'Neal</strong>, ‘27 (LB) <strong>Jaden Boler</strong>, ‘27 (RB) <strong>Landon Horton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>Looking over the Phoenix and their chances throughout the 2025 season, I see a few athletic pieces within this team that should help but the overall depth isn't there, especially in the trenches. It looks like a lot of success will be on the shoulders of senior offensive playmakers in <strong>Chris Farris </strong>and ball carrier <strong>Quarderrion Luckett</strong>. Those two will carry a big load this year but nothing is guaranteed as there are a lot of unknowns with their offensive line. The Phoenix coaching staff will need to find some suitable guys up front to form their line and give their offense a chance at finding positive success. The defense may be solid. There are questions going into the year about the KIPP defense but they may have enough talent to keep their team in ball games and allow the offense to excel. This region is deep, so competing for a top four spot will be tough for KIPP but maybe they can find enough wins this year and sneak into the postseason.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Manassas Tigers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Memphis, TN (Shelby Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Kelvin Lane&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>1-9 Overall (1-6 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(OL/DT) <strong>Allen Breakfield</strong>, (OL/DL) <strong>Lazarrius Parker</strong>, (DT/OL) <strong>Kenneth Anthony</strong>, (Ath) <strong>Ty'Rone Eubanks</strong>, ‘28 (QB/LB) <strong>Davion Grey&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>This is another Shelby Co. based football program that isn't active on social media nor updates information about their team on a consistent basis. There is much to learn about the Tigers going into the 2025 season but it's a new year and a new opportunity for this program to turn things into a positive direction, so we will see how things turn out by the end of the year. The one thing I immediately see when looking over their roster is that the Tigers have a few big men in the trenches to provide big and potential power moving guys off the line. When you have a good offensive and defensive line on the 1A level, you immediately have a shot to do some good things. Manassas only won one game last year, so there won't be a lot of expectations put on them, so we shall see what happens here and if the Tigers can start to turn their program around.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Middle College Bulldogs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Memphis, TN (Shelby Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Lenorris Staples</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>11-3 Overall (4-1 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1654391' first='Dillon' last='Dickerson']</strong>, (S/RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1667366' first='Caleb' last='Odom']</strong>, (RB/S) <strong>Alex Bennett</strong>, (DT/OL) <strong>Dalandis Neely</strong>, (LB) <strong>Andra Crawley</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>The Bulldogs fell one game short of winning a region title in 2024 but I think the upcoming season could be different where this Memphis area program breaks through and takes the top prize. The region is a bit different this year with MASE moving up, which opens things for Middle College to step in and be that top program. The Bulldogs return a solid senior core, led by college prospects <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1654391' first='Dillon' last='Dickerson'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1667366' first='Caleb' last='Odom']</strong> but will need others, especially some underclassmen to step into starting roles and contribute. Where I think Middle College will have the advantage over their regional competition is the coaching staff. Year in and year out, the Bulldogs are a well coached team that understands how to win games. I don't think it will be easy this Fall but in the end, I like this Middle College team to not only win the region but place themselves well for postseason action.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1687282,"width":"219px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/06/4-Caleb-Odom-rotated.jpg?w=684" alt="" class="wp-image-1687282" style="width:219px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Middleton Tigers&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Middleton, TN (Hardeman Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>James Davis II&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>5-7 Overall (3-3 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(DE/TE) <strong>Ryan Townsend</strong>, (RB) <strong>Justin Salto</strong>, ‘27 (QB) <strong>Brandon Lyon</strong>, ‘27 (S) <strong>Brody Cornelius</strong>, ‘27 (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='932988' first='Milo' last='Bolden']</strong>, ‘27 (RB) <strong>Montreal Taylor</strong>, ‘27 (OL) <strong>Rylan Orman</strong>, ‘27 (OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='932990' first='Annyn' last='Cardwell']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>The Tigers could be the sleeper team out of this region but that all depends on their junior class and their rise and play throughout the season. Last season, the Tigers saw some success as they reached postseason play but it's a new year and a new team. There are a lot of unknowns about Middleton headed into the year but looking at their junior class, I can see where the Tigers still fight for a top four spot this Fall and find themselves back in the playoffs. Much of the team's success this year will depend on the line of scrimmage and skill players like Salto, Lyon, Bolden and Taylor. If the Tigers coaching staff can find a recipe that works for both sides of the ball, I can see Middleton having another solid year but I can also see a scenario where they finish at the bottom half of the region as well.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Oakhaven Hawks</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Memphis, TN (Shelby Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Michael Mosby&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>2-8 Overall (0-4 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(DB) <strong>Anthony Seay</strong>, (QB/Ath) <strong>Darius Caver</strong>, ‘28 (RB/LB) <strong>Elijah Matthews</strong>, ‘28 (WR/DB) <strong>Jayden Robertson</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>The Hawks are another program in this region that doesn't provide enough information about their team, so headed into the 2025 season, there are a lot of unknowns about Oakhaven and their expectations for the Fall football year. Competing in the 1A ranks does provide the Hawks a chance to find success, especially in this region where Oakhaven will face teams almost on the same talent level. If the Hawks can find a few playmakers along with some stable big men in the trenches, they may be able to find enough wins to place themselves in contention to reach postseason play. Watching how this team performs early on this season will show me and everybody else a lot at who the 2025 football Hawks will be.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Westwood Longhorns</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Memphis, TN (Shelby Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Jarvis Jones&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>5-6 Overall (3-2 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1277547' first='Woodrow' last='Biggs']</strong>, (OL/DT) <strong>Deshun Stewart</strong>, ‘27 (WR/DB) <strong>Tyler Matthews</strong>, ‘27 (RB/DB) <strong>Dekacian Waters</strong>, ‘27 (WR) <strong>Kenterrion Townsend</strong>, ‘28 (RB) <strong>Kamrien Holmes</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>The Longhorns produced a playoff season last year but can they repeat it this Fall? I think it's possible, especially with having one of the better college prospects on their team coming out of this region. Receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1277547' first='Woodrow' last='Biggs'] </strong>is a true hidden gem that provides big play abilities for his offense and a game changer that many opposing defenses won't be able to slow down. The question is will the Longhorns have others around him that will produce at a high level. A few guys in <strong>Tyler Matthews</strong>, <strong>Dekacian Waters</strong> and <strong>Kamrien Holmes </strong>could be those guys but there is a lot to learn about them and the rest of the Westwood team once we start the 2025 season. The offensive and defensive line also appear to be areas that need players to step into the spotlight and stand out. I could see where the Longhorns could reach postseason play but also miss it. All depends on the development from their possible key starters and building enough depth to become a playoff caliber squad.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1690576,"width":"270px","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/woodbiggs2.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1690576" style="width:270px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></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. Middle College</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2. Westwood</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3. KIPP Collegiate</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4. Middleton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5. Manassas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6. Oakhaven&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>7. B.T. Washington</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>(RB/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1667366' first='Caleb' last='Odom'] </strong>- Middle College</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Offensive POY: </strong>(WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1277547' first='Woodrow' last='Biggs'] </strong>- Westwood</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defensive POY: </strong>(DT) <strong>Dalandis Neely </strong>- Middle College&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lineman POY: </strong>(OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1654391' first='Dillon' last='Dickerson'] </strong>- Middle College</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Coach of the Year: Lenorris Staples </strong>- Middle College&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mr. Football Contenders: </strong>(RB/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1667366' first='Caleb' last='Odom'] </strong>- Middle College, (OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1654391' first='Dillon' last='Dickerson'] </strong>- Middle College, (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1277547' first='Woodrow' last='Biggs'] </strong>- Westwood, ‘27 (RB/DB) <strong>Dekacian Waters </strong>- Westwood, (RB/S) <strong>Alex Bennett </strong>- Middle College</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1690578,"width":"293px","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:293px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->