Preseason Preview: Class 2A/Region 8

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Class 1A champs join this region and classification starting this season but won't have an easy road as I see plenty of competition. I like MASE as the team to beat but others definitely have a shot to knock them off the top of the hill. </h2>     2A-Region 8   Bluff City Gray Wolves   Location: Memphis, TN (Shelby Co.)   Head Coach: Cameron Moore    2024 Finish: 2-7 Overall (1-3 Region)   Top Returning Players: (WR/DB) Kamron Mitchell, (LB/S) Justin Robinson, (WR/S) Merrell Moore, (OL/DT) Lonnie Burnett, (WR/TE) Nydell Wells, ‘27 (RB/DB) Alex Hudson, ‘27 (Ath) Keldrain Payne   Team Overview: Still new on the scene and trying to find their footing within the greater Memphis high school football arena, the Gray Wolves might have their best team yet, however it still looks like an uphill battle for them. When you look throughout this region, you see some tough competition ahead but maybe the Gray Wolves senior class can step forward and present a challenge. The biggest area of concern I see with this team headed into the Fall season is the offensive and defensive line. I don't know if the Gray Wolves have enough beef or overall talent to hold up against their regional foes. I do see some solid skill guys but lacking the power and size up front could be too big to overcome. Finding a way to play ball control offense while the defense searches for ways to get off the field looks to be the recipe needed to gain victories this season.    - - - - -    Fairley Bulldogs   Location: Memphis, TN (Shelby Co.)   Head Coach: Frederick Copeland    2024 Finish: 11-1 Overall (4-0 Region)   Top Returning Players: (QB) Andrew Johnson, (WR/DB) Mike Parker, (DE/Edge) Trenton Alexander, (RB) Elijah Davis, (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='853126' first='Kevonta' last='Rodgers'], (DB) Corey Armstrong, (WR/DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1287062' first='Eric' last='Johnson'], (DL) Jacob Bailey, ‘27 (OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1704480' first='Zachari' last='Davis'], ‘27 (DE) Canaan Woodley, ‘27 (RB) Carlos Knight, ‘28 (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='1704465' first='Deshun' last='Newson'], ‘28 (WR/S) [player_tooltip player_id='1704464' first='Jeremiah' last='Cheirs']   Team Overview: Your reigning region champs bring back a solid core from last year's 11 win team but now must fight to keep the top spot as better competition arrives onto the Bulldogs schedule. I think Fairley will be equipped to take on all challengers, especially with Mr. Football candidate Andrew Johnson returning at quarterback. The offense should be fine with Johnson at the helm but the Bulldogs must find replacements at running back to make everything more balanced. It could be a committee approach between [player_tooltip player_id='853126' first='Kevonta' last='Rodgers'], Elijah Davis and rising junior Carlos Knight. The skill positions should be fine but one area of concern might be the offensive line, which does have one stud in [player_tooltip player_id='1704480' first='Zachari' last='Davis'] but others must step forward to fortify the trenches.    Looking at the defense, the Bulldogs should be solid on this side of the ball but still have areas that need to be solidified to become the kind of unit to compete for championships. Keep an eye on senior edge rusher Trenton Alexander to have a breakout senior year. He will be joined by an athletic secondary, led by seniors Corey Armstrong and [player_tooltip player_id='1287062' first='Eric' last='Johnson']. Finding beef in the middle and serviceable linebackers are two areas that need further work throughout Fall camp. Even though several key players are needing to be replaced this Fall, I still expect Fairley to be quite formidable and a squad that can not only win this region but also go on a deep playoff run, competing for a 2A state title.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/fairley.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1705141" style="width:493px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Hillcrest Vikings   Location: Memphis, TN (Shelby Co.)   Head Coach: Jermaine Jordan   2024 Finish: 4-8 Overall (2-2 Region)   Top Returning Players: (WR/Edge) Jerrell Miller, (OL/DL) Major Hodges, ‘27 (Ath) Corterion Davison, ‘27 (LB) Frederick Robinson, ‘27 (LB) Markevious Foster   Team Overview: Over the last decade, Hillcrest hasn't done a lot of winning, so picking up four victories last season was certainly a move in the right direction but can they keep it up within this newly formed region. We will see and we will find out what the Vikings will look like early on this Fall as they appear to be young and looking to underclassmen for major production. One senior I have my eye on is two-way prospect Jerrell Miller. He appears to have the athleticism and size to become a difference maker on both sides of the ball this year. Where the Vikings are lacking is in the line of scrimmage and that's an area that must be shored up if they want to find football success. Finding a path to four wins or more will be hard for the Vikings but you never know what can happen on any given Friday night.    - - - - -    MASE Phoenix   Location: Memphis, TN (Shelby Co.)   Head Coach: Cedric Miller    2024 Finish: 14-1 Overall (6-0 Region - 1A State Champs)   Top Returning Players: (DT/OL) Kaleb Guinn, (G/C) [player_tooltip player_id='910996' first='Matthias' last='Hudson'], (G/C) Corey Markham, (DT) Jacob Brodnax, ‘27 (DT/OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1527497' first='Jamarkus' last='Pittman'], ‘27 (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1666967' first='Akeem' last='Hunt'], ‘27 (DT/OL) Hurrie Gillam Jr., ‘27 (DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1158912' first='Kadience' last='Nelson'], ‘27 (DE/LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1588871' first='Marcellus' last='Miller'], ‘27 (RB/DB) Leandrew Branch, ‘27 (QB) Katron Walker, Jr, ‘27 (RB/LB) Emmanuel Gatewood   Team Overview: A new journey is upon the Phoenix for the 2025 season as they have moved up a level to the 2A ranks but the goal remains the same and that's competing for a state championship. Most of the college talent within this region resides here with MASE but everything still must come together for the Phoenix to once again compete for titles. What helps this Memphis area squad stand out among it's peers is the beef and depth within the trenches. The Phoenix could have the best O-line and D-line in this region, spearheaded by seniors Kaleb Guinn, [player_tooltip player_id='910996' first='Matthias' last='Hudson'] and Corey Markham as well as current Ole Miss commit, [player_tooltip player_id='1527497' first='Jamarkus' last='Pittman']. Being strong in the line of scrimmage, immediately puts you ahead of the competition and MASE has the guys to dominate up front.    I do see the Phoenix offense being a unit under development as we go into the 2025 season but I do expect the defense to be stout. Headlined by Pittman up front, the Phoenix should be strong on all three levels with [player_tooltip player_id='1666967' first='Akeem' last='Hunt'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1588871' first='Marcellus' last='Miller'] creating havoc at linebacker along with [player_tooltip player_id='1158912' first='Kadience' last='Nelson'] and Leandrew Branch making plays from the secondary. The coaching staff will be leaning on the defense early and throughout the season to put them in position to chase down the 2A title while the offense learns on the job and forms into a solid unit. The schedule is tougher this year for MASE but I still expect them to be at the top of their class with a shot at repeating as state champs with this one coming on the 2A level.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/Darrius-Baldwin1.jpg?w=683" alt="" class="wp-image-1599339" style="width:246px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Memp. Business Academy Execs    Location: Memphis, TN (Shelby Co.)   Head Coach: Torio Wiseman    2024 Finish: 9-3 Overall (2-0 Region)   Top Returning Players: (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='1565670' first='Marcus' last='Person'], (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1597256' first='Lorenz' last='Wright'], (RB/LB) De'Quavious Jordan, (RB/LB) Brian Jefferson, (DT/OL) Amir Davis, (DE/LB) Larry Mays, (WR/DB) Michael Smith, ‘27 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='905235' first='Khamoni' last='Williams'], ‘27 (RB/DB) Derreon Martin, ‘27 (Ath) Christopher Wright, ‘28 (Ath) Angelo McKenzie, (DB) Anthony Smith   Team Overview: This fast rising Memphis area program is working in a new terrain this season with some foes added to their schedule that will certainly make them battle and potentially make them better. The question is are the Execs equipped to take on some tough competition this year and reach postseason play? It's possible, especially if their potent run game with [player_tooltip player_id='905235' first='Khamoni' last='Williams'] and senior transfer [player_tooltip player_id='1597256' first='Lorenz' last='Wright'] are allowed to do their thing. There appears to be plenty of skill guys like Williams, Wright and senior [player_tooltip player_id='1565670' first='Marcus' last='Person'] but do the Execs have enough beef up front to get the job done? That's the main question I need answered as we get into the 2025 season.    The Execs could have a solid defense for the coming season, especially if they can find some capable pieces on the defensive line. I believe the linebackers should be solid, led by seniors De'Quavious Jordan and Brian Jefferson. The secondary could be a strength for the Execs with Person, Michael Smith, Derreon Martin and others starring on the back end. Everyone must stay healthy but the defense could be the underlying factor that results in wins this year.  If the line of scrimmage can be tightened up on both sides of the ball, I like the overall look of the Execs this year and their chances at competing for the top of the region.    - - - - -    Mitchell Tigers   Location: Memphis, TN (Shelby Co.)   Head Coach: Larry Fitzgerald    2024 Finish: 8-4 Overall (3-1 Region)   Top Returning Players: (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1634136' first='Martavion' last='Pratcher'], (WR/DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1662348' first='Julius' last='Drain'], ‘27 (DE/LB) De'Anthony Gales, ‘27 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1535803' first='Raoul' last='Jones'], ‘27 (Ath) Derriyon Savage, ‘27 (DT/OL) Erriyoung Brown   Team Overview: The Tigers go into the 2025 season banking on their underclassmen to keep this program steady after a strong senior class led this Memphis area team to an 8-4 finish last year. Now it's time for new guys to step up and take the reins. It may take some time before the Tigers gel together and play at a high level but they have a talented quarterback to lean on this year in junior [player_tooltip player_id='1535803' first='Raoul' last='Jones']. This 6'4 passer has the size and arm talent to put forth a big year but he must receive help and right now, I don't know who those playmakers will be. The O-line has some questions too, so there is a lot to find out about the Tigers offense as we get into the season.    The defense is a work in progress too but may be closer to top self compared to the offense. One of the top sack artists on the 2A level in [player_tooltip player_id='1634136' first='Martavion' last='Pratcher'] resides with the Tigers and his play up front is massive towards Mitchell putting a formidable defense onto the field. He should receive help from up and coming junior backer De'Anthony Gales, who has the size and talent to eventually gain interest from college coaches. Those two can't do it alone, so others must step up into starting roles and help contribute to what could be a solid Tigers defense. I see talent on this roster that will help the cause but there are still a lot of questions that need answered about the Tigers this year to see if they are postseason caliber.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/dgales.jpg?w=480" alt="" class="wp-image-1705143" style="width:255px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Sheffield Knights   Location: Memphis, TN (Shelby Co.)   Head Coach: N/a    2024 Finish: 8-2 Overall (7-0 Region)   Top Returning Players: (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='861518' first='Artez' last='Grayer'], (DL) DeAngelo Franklin, (DB/WR) Jaylen Flood, (WR/S) Karlos Payton, (LB) Markell Perrier, ‘27 (LB) Travion Rogers, ‘28 (RB/DB) Jaqunn Welch   Team Overview: After several years of success on the football field, things appear to be changing for this Memphis area program that has consistently been at the top of their class. There are a lot of unknowns about the Knights going into the 2025 campaign, especially with a new staff in charge and several key players graduating or off to the college ranks. The offense is a work in progress but maybe the Knights defense could be solid with seniors [player_tooltip player_id='861518' first='Artez' last='Grayer'], DeAngelo Franklin and Jaylen Flood leading the way. I see the defense being critical towards any success this season for Sheffield as the offense is lacking known size up front or any standout performers.    It's a new year, so new names could certainly step out of the shadows and become go-to offensive prospects but until they do, leaning on the defense will be key. Finding suitable guys up front is important as well. The O-line in particular will have some fresh faces in the trenches this year that will have to play early and grow up on the fly. There is a lot to learn about the Knights for the 2025 season, so paying attention to how they perform early will tell us a good bit about how they will throughout the entire year.    - - - - -    Trezevant Bears   Location: Memphis, TN (Shelby Co.)   Head Coach: Andre Green    2024 Finish: 1-9 Overall (0-2 Region)    Top Returning Players: (DT) Jajuan Reynolds, (WR) Joshua Allen, (OL) Brayden Gary, ‘27 (WR/DB) Terry Tucker, ‘27 (RB/LB) Keelan Fisher, ‘27 (OL) Dakari Brownlee, ‘27 (FB/LB) Mario Hemphill    Team Overview: It has been an uphill battle for many years now but with a new season upon us, opportunity is there for Trezevant to push their program forward, however it must be done within an expanded, tough region. As things stand going into the 2025 season, no immediate player jumps out to me as the team's top prospect, which tells me there is a big opportunity for someone to step forward and take ownership of this team. Most times than not, the key to football success is running the ball, having solid play in the line of scrimmage and playing strong defense. If the Bears can establish those three areas, they might have a shot at getting into the top four and earning a playoff spot. The road will be hard though because the region has gotten much better with some championship caliber teams. Trezevant may be at the bottom of this region but that doesn't mean they can't play their way out of the cellar.    - - - - -    #PRZTN Preseason Predictions   Predicted Order of Finish   1. MASE   2. Fairley   3. Memp. Biz. Academy   4. Sheffield   5. Mitchell   6. Hillcrest   7. Trezevant   8. Bluff City    - - - - -    Preseason Regional Top Honors   Region POY: ‘27 (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1666967' first='Akeem' last='Hunt'] - MASE   Offensive POY: (QB) Andrew Johnson - Fairley   Defensive POY: ‘27 (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1527497' first='Jamarkus' last='Pittman'] - MASE   Lineman POY: (DT/OL) Kaleb Guinn - MASE    Coach of the Year: Cedric Miller - MASE    Mr. Football Contenders: (QB) Andrew Johnson - Fairley, (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='1565670' first='Marcus' last='Person'] - MBA, ‘27 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='905235' first='Khamoni' last='Williams'] - MBA, ‘27 (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1527497' first='Jamarkus' last='Pittman'] - MASE, ‘27 (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1666967' first='Akeem' last='Hunt'] - MASE   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/djohnson.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1705145" style="width:273px;height:auto" /></figure>