Preseason Preview: Class 2A/Region 5

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">This region could turn out to be one of the more competitive within the 2A ranks this year as I see several teams capable of fighting for the title or placing themselves as top seeds in the playoffs that could go on a deep run towards Chattanooga. </h2>     2A-Region 5   Adamsville Cardinals    Location: Adamsville, TN (McNairy Co.)   Head Coach: Harold Settlemires    2024 Finish: 5-5 Overall (2-5 Region)   Top Returning Players: (QB) Ben Hill, (RB/S) Avery Burks, (DT/OL) Matt Dooley, ‘27 (OL/DT) [player_tooltip player_id='932828' first='Brayden' last='Jones'], ‘27 (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='932830' first='Asah' last='Story'], ‘27 (DE) Christian Murrell, ‘28 (DE/OL) Bear Engel, ‘28 (RB) DeAndre Xavier, ‘28 (S) Anderson Dickey    Team Overview: For many years now, the Cardinals have been a dormant program but with the move to a new region with new opponents, better days could be ahead for this West Tennessee team. I do think it will take some time for Adamsville to gain its footing in this new region but the progression must start this season where the Cardinals have a shot to make the top four and earn a spot in postseason play. Adamsville could have a solid backfield this Fall with senior Ben Hill, Avery Burks and rising sophomore running back DeAndre Xavier. Those three could be the force to lead the Cards to a successful season, especially if the O-line can find enough good pieces to consistently open up running lanes.    Over on defense, there are a few questionable areas but three guys that should be stand out players are Matt Dooley, Christian Murrell and potential All-State linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='932830' first='Asah' last='Story']. Those three must perform at a high level while others step forward and produce if the Cardinals want a shot at the playoffs. This new region will be tough as you have several high quality programs added. Adamsville might be seen as a team at the bottom but you never know what can happen on any given Friday night, so it will be interesting to see how this team forms together and performs early on this season.    - - - - -    Lewis Co. Panthers   Location: Hohenwald, TN (Lewis Co.)   Head Coach: Ronnie Yesier   2024 Finish: 6-5 Overall (4-3 Region)   Top Returning Players: (TE/DE) [player_tooltip player_id='491438' first='Kade' last='Carroll'], (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1103499' first='Drew' last='Ray'], (OL/DT) Jaylyn Edwards, (LB) Braylon Bean, ‘27 (DE) [player_tooltip player_id='1584096' first='Colby' last='Cates'], ‘27 (WR/DB) Cord'e Pope, ‘27 (WR/TE) Dakota Hull, ‘27 (WR/DB) Kobe Feichtinger, ‘27 (DT/OL) Levi Graham, ‘27 (DB) Cameron Altman   Team Overview: A proud program that is used to winning, Lewis Co. must now take on a new path within a new region with new competition. This upcoming Fall season should be interesting for the Panthers as they return some of the best players in this region but still have question marks when it comes to certain areas within this team. Defensively, the Panthers could be strong with [player_tooltip player_id='491438' first='Kade' last='Carroll'], [player_tooltip player_id='1103499' first='Drew' last='Ray'], Jaylyn Edwards, [player_tooltip player_id='1584096' first='Colby' last='Cates'] and Braylon Bean handling business within the front seven. Carroll and Cates could fight each other to lead this region in sacks by season's end. The Panthers might turn out to have the best defense inside this region but its offense is a different story.    Lewis Co. must replace one of their best quarterbacks in program history and right now, I don't know who that guy will be. The skill positions or the offensive line is settled as well. The Fall camp will go a long way towards determining who steps forward into starting roles and who ascends as top players. If the Panthers coaching staff can find the right guys to perform on offense, they could put themselves in contention to contend for a region title because the defense is that good. We shall see how things play out but I at least like Lewis Co. to be a playoff team that sports a good enough defense that could take them on a deep run.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/kcarroll.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1399608" style="width:257px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Loretto Mustangs   Location: Loretto, TN (Lawrence Co.)   Head Coach: Bryce Glass    2024 Finish: 6-5 Overall (5-2 Region)   Top Returning Players: (QB) Mason Tidwell, (OL) Colby Brown, (OL) Axton Cummins, (DT) Blaze Thomason, (WR) Dillon Thompson, (RB) Andrew Riley, ‘27 (DT/OL) Brock Littrell, ‘27 (OL/DL) Isaiah Workman, ‘27 (OL) Noah Burke, ‘27 (QB/S) Vinny Veloz, ‘28 (OL/DT) Elijah McLin, ‘28 (OL) Phillip Davenport, ‘28 (Ath) Jaden Lashley   Team Overview: Everything with the 2025 Mustangs starts with health and availability of quarterback Mason Tidwell. He is coming off a torn UCL but is also missing from the Mustangs current roster, so there are questions surrounding him and his chances at playing this season. If he doesn't, it looks like the job will go to Vinny Veloz. If this junior must take over, he will have help up front by possibly the best offensive line within this region, spearheaded by Colby Brown, Axton Cummins, Brock Littrell and Isaiah Workman. One big loss that the Mustangs staff must replace is [player_tooltip player_id='1103005' first='Corben' last='Reynolds'] as he transferred this off-season to Riverdale. If the quarterback position remains unsettled headed into the season, look for the Mustangs to lean on their offensive line and rushing attack.    Over on defense, the line should be the strength with several guys going both ways but help will be needed at both linebacker and in the secondary. Looking through the roster and what's returning, there is opportunity out there for guys to step up and become high producers on defense as I see plenty of open roles up for the taking. Regardless of some of the questionable areas within this game, I still see a playoff squad here that could compete for the top of the region, especially if the quarterback position is solved and pieces on defense are put in place.    - - - - -    Mt. Pleasant Tigers   Location: Mt. Pleasant, TN (Maury Co.)   Head Coach: Kit Hartsfield    2024 Finish: 6-4 Overall (4-3 Region)   Top Returning Players: (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='611995' first='Jayden' last='McClure'], (DB) [player_tooltip player_id='480892' first='Jalen' last='Smith'], (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1588972' first='Carter' last='Dunn'], ‘27 (DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1610501' first='Jaylen' last='Easterling'], ‘27 (DE/LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1580780' first='Nahzire' last='Carter'], ‘27 (OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1664157' first='Colston' last='Anderson'], ‘27 (DB) Hunter Holt, ‘28 (DE) [player_tooltip player_id='1664612' first='Easton' last='Plunkett'], ‘28 (OL) Sean Robeson    New Additions: (WR/S) [player_tooltip player_id='1554199' first='Payton' last='Niehaus'], ‘27 (QB) Kale Scott   Team Overview: For many years now, the Tigers have been on the cusp of doing some special things but have yet to break through. Maybe the 2025 season could finally be the year where Mt. Pleasant not only competes for a region title but could also go on a deep run during the 2A playoffs. The Tigers could have the best defense within this region as they have multiple college level guys like [player_tooltip player_id='611995' first='Jayden' last='McClure'], [player_tooltip player_id='480892' first='Jalen' last='Smith'], [player_tooltip player_id='1610501' first='Jaylen' last='Easterling'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1580780' first='Nahzire' last='Carter'] starring on this side of the ball. Having a strong defense is always a good recipe towards football success and I foresee the Tigers coaching staff leaning on this unit early on and throughout the season. Their offense could be a different story as it's lacking depth and talent up front but maybe by the end of the year, this could be a solid unit, especially if the new additions added this off-season become standout players.    New transfers Kale Scott at quarterback and [player_tooltip player_id='1554199' first='Payton' last='Niehaus'] at receiver and at safety on defense, are two big additions to the Tigers team that could be difference makers this Fall. Adding Scott could boost the passing game. Niehaus is a ball hawk that led the 2A ranks last year in interceptions but also provides steady play at receiver. I do see areas within this team that need development in Fall camp to help put the Tigers in contention for a region title. Shoring up the line of scrimmage is huge. If the coaching staff can get the trenches in shape, I like how the Tigers are put together this year and their chances at having a very successful 2025 season.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/jmcclure.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1321064" style="width:251px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Riverside Panthers   Location: Decaturville, TN (Decatur Co.)   Head Coach: Johnnie Frost    2024 Finish: 7-5 Overall (4-3 Region)   Top Returning Players: (WR/P) [player_tooltip player_id='1576548' first='Cody' last='Brasher'], (OL/DT) Aiden Morgan, (DT/OL) Bryson Johnson, (RB) Kody Coleman, (LB) Thatcher Crews, ‘27 (QB/Ath) Shawn Cupples, ‘27 (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='933024' first='Jack' last='Cupples'], ‘27 (OL/DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1719940' first='Christopher' last='Pitmon'], ‘27 (OL/DL) [player_tooltip player_id='933025' first='Jon' last='Parker Graves'], ‘27 (OL/DL) Luke Jones, ‘27 (OL/DT) Lincoln Jones, ‘28 (WR/S) Charles Evans, ‘28 (WR/LB) Kingston Jennings, ‘28 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1082150' first='Merrel' last='Perez'], ‘28 (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1086216' first='Mason' last='Tucker']    Team Overview: This new region formed between Middle and West Tennessee programs looks strong for years to come, especially with the addition of Riverside, a proud program that is used to winning a lot of games. I expect the winning ways to continue throughout the 2025 season for the Panthers with a lot of upperclassmen returning, including a strong junior class that is led by two-way athlete Shawn Cupples. Handling the quarterback position, Cupples will be complemented by leading returning receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1576548' first='Cody' last='Brasher'] and a committee by approach in the backfield with Kody Coleman and [player_tooltip player_id='1082150' first='Merrel' last='Perez']. The Panthers should also have a solid O-line with guys like Aiden Morgan, [player_tooltip player_id='933025' first='Jon' last='Parker Graves'], Luke Jones and others. Now it's not the most talented offense the Panthers will have but it should still be solid enough to win a bunch of games and have them in contention for a region title.    The Panthers defense is a unit I need to learn more about as we get into the 2025 season. Several players like Cupples, Morgan, Parker Graves and others will be going both ways, so there isn't a lot of depth but questions remain as I see multiple open areas that need to be filled. Knowing the Panthers coaching staff and how consistent they have been over the years, I expect them to find enough guys to plug into starting roles and help form their defense into a solid unit by season's end. There may not be a lot of big time talent residing throughout this roster but the culture here is strong, so I expect Riverside to not only place at the top of this region but potentially win it as well.    - - - - -    Scotts Hill Lions    Location: Reagan, TN (Henderson Co.)   Head Coach: Harold Hooper    2024 Finish: 1-9 Overall (1-6 Region)   Top Returning Players: (OL) Luke Burton, ‘27 (LB) Kaden Henderson, ‘27 (OL/DT) Koleton Clark, ‘27 (WR/LB) Zach Grissom, ‘28 (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1086330' first='Bentley' last='Parker']    Team Overview: Joining a new region brings new hope for the Lions but I don't know if they have enough talent to make a dent and contend for postseason play. Last year was a struggle as Scotts Hill finished the 2024 campaign with one win and I don't know if they will be able to gain more victories this Fall as their new region looks tough and talent is lacking in several key areas, including quarterback and the line of scrimmage. When you're not as talented or deep as some other teams may be, you have to find ways to succeed and I foresee the best course of action for Scotts Hill being strong defensive play and establishing a ground game that can bleed the clock and keep the chains moving. Me and others also have no idea how this team will form together in Fall camp, so the Lions, for all we know, could be much improved this year but as now, it looks like another tough season ahead for this West Tennessee program.    - - - - -    Summertown Eagles   Location: Summertown, TN (Lawrence Co.)   Head Coach: Dan Winfree   2024 Finish: 8-3 Overall (5-2 Region)   Top Returning Players: (DL) Cainaan Klinghard, (DT) Blaine Moore, (DE) Heath Benefield, ‘27 (QB/S) Max Dillard, ‘27 (LB) Eli Shaffer, ‘27 (LB) Austin Reed, ‘27 (WR/S) Jake Pettus, ‘27 (RB/S) Colton Pugh, ‘27 (RB/S) McKaleb Powell, ‘28 (OL/DT) Hunter Fishwild    Team Overview: Last season turned out to be a highly successful year for the Eagles but the 2025 football year might be different as several key players have either graduated or transferred out. It's also a new region for this Mid-TN program to battle through and even though key players are gone, others must step up to keep the winning ways going. Look for juniors Max Dillard, Austin Reed and Colton Pugh to push themselves into lead roles this Fall and be three important players the Eagles need to win ball games. The biggest area of concern I see headed into the season is the Eagles line of scrimmage. While they have a few guys like Klinghard, Moore and Benefield, I don't know if there is enough depth to contend for victories throughout the entire schedule. Overall talent is lacking as well but we have yet to see what exactly the Eagles coaching staff will put together and put out on the field this year, so we shall see what happens.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/maxdillard.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1702924" style="width:264px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    #PRZTN Preseason Predictions   Predicted Order of Finish   1. Riverside   2. Mt. Pleasant    3. Lewis Co.   4. Loretto   5. Adamsville    6. Summertown   7. Scotts Hill   - - - - -    Preseason Regional Top Honors   Region POY: (QB/Ath) Shawn Cupples - Riverside   Offensive POY: (QB) Kale Scott - Mt. Pleasant    Defensive POY: (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1103499' first='Drew' last='Ray'] - Lewis Co.    Lineman POY: (TE/DE) [player_tooltip player_id='491438' first='Kade' last='Carroll'] - Lewis Co.    Coach of the Year: Johnnie Frost - Riverside    Mr. Football Contenders: (TE/DE) [player_tooltip player_id='491438' first='Kade' last='Carroll'] - Lewis Co., (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1103499' first='Drew' last='Ray'] - Lewis Co., (QB) Mason Tidwell - Loretto, (RB/LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1588972' first='Carter' last='Dunn'] - Mt. Pleasant, ‘27 (QB) Shawn Cupples - Riverside, ‘27 (QB) Kale Scott - Mt. Pleasant   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/dray.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1702926" style="width:304px;height:auto" /></figure>