Preseason Preview: Class 3A/Region 1

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">This looks like a potential two team battle for the region title with Gatlinburg-Pittman and Johnson County. Now that isn't guaranteed as others are fighting alongside those two but the Highlanders and Longhorns look strong this year. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3A-Region 1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chuckey-Doak Black Knights</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Afton, TN (Greene Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Billy Kaylor&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>1-8 Overall (0-5 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(Ath) <strong>Danny Turberville</strong>, (OL) <strong>Austin Schwartz</strong>, (WR/S) <strong>Dom Hahnlen</strong>, ‘27 (OL) <strong>Sean Rayon</strong>, ‘27 (WR) <strong>Leland Inman</strong>, ‘27 (DL/OL) <strong>Chris Bible</strong>, ‘28 (G/C) <strong>Connor Hall</strong>, ‘28 (OL/DL) <strong>Christian Turberville</strong>, ‘28 (LB) <strong>Logan Goins</strong>, ‘28 (Ath) <strong>Jayden Britt</strong>, ‘28 (TE/DE) <strong>Parker McMurry</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>It wasn't a pleasant 2024 season for the Black Knights but maybe they can turn things around this year or at least get out of the cellar with some region wins. Looking through the Chuckey-Doak roster, you don't see too many playmakers but they may have enough girth up front to find some balance and stability. The O-line could be solid with Schwartz, Rayon, Bible and Hall leading the way. The Black Knights need to find a suitable backfield pairing at quarterback and running back to obtain some offensive success. The defense has a bunch of question marks as well. There are a few pieces within this unit that could break through with standout performances but it's lacking overall depth and talent along with open roles headed into Fall camp. It could very well be another struggle this year for Chuckey-Doak but opportunity is there to put a jolt into this program and get themselves out of the bottom of this region.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Claiborne Bulldogs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>New Tazewell, TN (Claiborne Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Dalton Lee&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>(RB/LB) <strong>Aden Roark</strong>, (OL/DT) <strong>Elijah Poore</strong>, (G/DT) <strong>Spencer Brewer</strong>, (LB/RB) <strong>Wyatt Hall</strong>, (TE/Edge) <strong>Colton Jones</strong>, (Ath) <strong>Kris Ford</strong>, ‘27 (OL/DT) <strong>Stanton McDaniel</strong>, ‘27 (WR/DB) <strong>Anthony Adams</strong>, ‘27 (RB) <strong>T.J. Crigger</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>Coming off a four win season, the Bulldogs are looking to expand that win column during the 2025 campaign, however it won't be easy as their region looks tough and I don't know if they have enough overall talent to compete for the top. There is much to learn about this East Tennessee program going into Fall camp. They showed improvement last season but still only came away with one region victory. Looking at this year's team, the Bulldogs have a few pieces up front on the O-line in <strong>Elijah Poore</strong>, <strong>Spencer Brewer</strong> and <strong>Stanton McDaniel </strong>that can help the offense find balance and physicality.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is a run first team that wants to play control offense while their defense plays physical and works at getting off the field early. If the Bulldogs plan to do that, the O-line must stay healthy, they must find a go-to ball carrier and have new guys step forward on defense to make all that happen. Finding a way into postseason action to me is a win for the Bulldogs and that's possible if everyone steps into their roles appropriately and performs at a consistent high level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Gatlinburg-Pittman Highlanders</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Gatlinburg, TN (Sevier Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Tyler Williams&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>9-4 Overall (4-1 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1432214' first='Craig' last='Huskey']</strong>, (RB) <strong>Cecilio Rodriguez</strong>, (S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1671044' first='Nathan' last='Allen']</strong>, (DB) <strong>Elijah Spence</strong>, (OL/DT) <strong>Hunter Mathews</strong>, (RB/LB) <strong>Leonard Pack</strong>, (LB) <strong>Luke Stuart</strong>, ‘27 (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1182191' first='Brayden' last='Maples']</strong>, ‘27 (QB/S) <strong>John Keohane</strong>, ‘27 (WR/S) <strong>Diego DeCoursey</strong>, ‘27 (LB) <strong>Jackson Younger</strong>, ‘27 (DE/LB) <strong>Elijah Valentine</strong>, ‘27 (WR/S) <strong>Jackson Savarese</strong>, ‘28 (WR/TE) <strong>Hayden Shultz&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1708044,"width":"255px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/braymaples.jpg?w=927" alt="" class="wp-image-1708044" style="width:255px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>Your defending region champs return a lot of talent from last year's team, which makes them the hunted headed into the 2025 season. The Highlanders are well equipped to repeat as region champs this year while also having enough talent to go on a potential deep playoff run. The defense should be solid with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1432214' first='Craig' last='Huskey'] </strong>and <strong>Jackson Younger </strong>making tons of tackles but it will be the Highlanders offense that could potentially lead them to a successful season. They have a powerful and talented duo at running back with <strong>Cecilio Rodriguez </strong>and junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1182191' first='Brayden' last='Maples']</strong>, who should go-off for a big season. He will need help up front from <strong>Hunter Mathews </strong>and the Pittman O-line but Maples is a guy that can put the Highlanders on his shoulders and take them deep into postseason play.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Balance to the offense is needed. The Highlanders are looking to junior <strong>John Keohane </strong>to run things at quarterback but heading into the season, there is a lot to learn about this two-way prospect. If Keohane can provide a passing attack, Pittman becomes more potent as opposing defenses won't be able to strictly key on Maples. Much has to come together during fall camp for the Highlanders but I like the pieces within this team to continue putting championships in their title case. Everyone must perform at a high level and stay healthy but the 2025 season could be special for Gatlinburg-Pittman.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Johnson Co. Longhorns</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Mountain City, TN (Johnson Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Tyler Trusler&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>8-3 Overall (4-1 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1422921' first='Juan' last='Mejia']</strong>, (LB) <strong>Avery Jones</strong>, (LB) <strong>Jack Csillag</strong>, (RB) <strong>Colton Grindstaff</strong>, (DT/OL) <strong>Isaac Johnson</strong>, (FB/DE) <strong>Ben Reece</strong>, (DT) <strong>Kenneth Roark</strong>, (OL/DT) <strong>Kevin Kucher, </strong>(WR/DB) <strong>Chris Wilson</strong>, (DE/LB) <strong>Haiden Cobb</strong>, (WR/S) <strong>Matthew Forrester</strong>, ‘27 (RB/S) <strong>Eli Tester</strong>, ‘28 (RB/S) <strong>Joe Carson</strong>,<strong> </strong>‘28 (QB) <strong>A.J. Johnson</strong>, ‘28 (K/P) <strong>Cole Stevens</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>The biggest competition to taking Pittman off the top of hill this season looks to be these Longhorns and their run heavy offense. They return one of the more productive backs in the state with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1422921' first='Juan' last='Mejia']</strong>, who has a shot at competing for Mr. Football this year but he and the coaching staff must receive strong play from the offensive line for that to happen. Finding balance is also key, meaning it would be nice to establish a passing attack to go with their potent run game. I expect the Longhorns to score a lot of points but if they can find some passing, their offense could go to a whole new level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Looking at the defense, this unit should be good with several playmakers throughout, especially within the front seven. Senior linebacker <strong>Jack Csillag </strong>is a tackling machine that should increase his production this Fall. Seniors <strong>Isaac Johnson</strong>, <strong>Ben Reece</strong>, <strong>Kenneth Roark </strong>and <strong>Haiden Cobb </strong>provide leadership and solid play in the trenches. The Longhorns could be young in the secondary but have potential ballers in <strong>Eli Tester </strong>and <strong>Joe Carson</strong>. This team may not look flashy or have a ton of raw athleticism but the Longhorns are a disciplined, well coached team that plays consistent football. I definitely like their chances of competing for a top three spot this year and potentially contend for the region championship.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Pigeon Forge Tigers&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Pigeon Forge, TN (Sevier Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Heath Woods&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>6-5 Overall (2-3 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(RB/S) <strong>Ayden Hood</strong>, (TE/DE) <strong>Bryson Dingus</strong>, (OL) <strong>Gustavo Sanchez</strong>, ‘27 (WR/S) <strong>Felipe Carr</strong>, (WR/S) <strong>Tate Brackins</strong>, (RB/LB) <strong>Andrew Lewis</strong>, (LB) <strong>Matt Vela</strong>, ‘28 (DE/LB) <strong>Jacob Dansby</strong>, (FB/LB) <strong>Bryson Stockwell</strong>, (Ath) <strong>Dakarai Lawson</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>There is a lot to learn about the Tigers going into the 2025 season but early signs show me a potential playoff squad that could be hard to beat by the end of the year. That is all dependent on the play up front from the O-line as the Tigers should have a solid rushing attack, led by senior <strong>Ayden Hood. </strong>The Tigers tend to play well up front but it will be finding a stable quarterback and playmakers out wide to provide questions going into Fall camp. I do see upside at receiver with juniors <strong>Felipe Carr </strong>and <strong>Tate Brackins</strong>. Solidifying that quarterback position and finding the right five up front will be critical towards the team's overall success.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Moving over to the defense, this is a unit that I foresee needing a lot of time in camp to develop into the kind of force needed for region title contention. One guy to watch for this Fall is linebacker <strong>Andrew Lewis</strong>. He has All-State written all over him but must be ready to step forward this season as a key defensive leader. Hood and Brackins will be top figures within the secondary but finding some D-lineman and a pass rush up front is where I see potential weaknesses. Tons of development is needed for the Tigers prior to the Fall season but enough talent may be here to scratch into the top four and earn a playoff spot.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Unicoi Co. Blue Devils</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Erwin, TN (Unicoi Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Drew Rice&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>10-2 Overall (4-1 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1115203' first='Kolby' last='Jones']</strong>, (LB/RB) <strong>Brady Simmons</strong>, (DT/OL) <strong>Karson Buchanan</strong>, (DT) <strong>Dillon Sifford</strong>, ‘27 (DT/OL) <strong>Brian Sullivan</strong>, ‘27 (WR/S) <strong>Avery Hatcher</strong>, ‘27 (RB/LB) <strong>Blaze Rice</strong>, ‘27 (RB/LB) <strong>Nehemiah Campbell</strong>, ‘28 (QB/WR) <strong>Jack Swinehart</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1708048,"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/3/2025/07/koljones.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1708048" style="width:302px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>The Blue Devils became one of the toughest to judge headed into the 2025 season. They potentially have the top player inside this region with senior quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1115203' first='Kolby' last='Jones'] </strong>but could be lacking overall talent around him for this team to compete for a title. We shall see as we still have games to play but it could be rough early as the Blue Devils learn about each other. One area that could help the cause and Jones at quarterback is some beef in the offensive line. The Blue Devils have a solid senior core returning up front in <strong>Karson Buchanan</strong>, <strong>Dillon Sifford</strong> and <strong>Brian Sullivan</strong>. If those three along with others can gel and become formidable in the trenches, Unicoi Co. may be able to score a lot of points and be better than I and others think they might be.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defense appears to have some question marks as well going into the Fall season. Those three linemen above will play key roles along the defensive line but it's the back end that needs further development. Two juniors to see a big jump in production are linebacker <strong>Blaze Rice</strong> and safety <strong>Avery Hatcher</strong>. Those two along with others have to mature quickly in camp and provide consistent, strong play week after week for the Blue Devils to fight for a top four regional spot. Each game will be a learning experience but I think in the end, Unicoi Co. will find their way back in the playoffs with a quarterback that could take them on a deep run.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#PRZTN Preseason Predictions</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Predicted Order of Finish</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1. Gatlinburg-Pittman</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2. Johnson Co.&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3. Unicoi Co.&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4. Pigeon Forge</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5. Claiborne</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6. Chuckey-Doak&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Regional Top Honors</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Region POY: </strong>(RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1182191' first='Brayden' last='Maples'] </strong>- Gatlinburg-Pittman ‘27&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Offensive POY: </strong>(RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1422921' first='Juan' last='Mejia'] </strong>- Johnson Co.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defensive POY: </strong>(LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1432214' first='Craig' last='Huskey'] </strong>- Gatlinburg-Pittman&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lineman POY: </strong>(OL/DT) <strong>Hunter Mathews </strong>- Gatlinburg-Pittman&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Coach of the Year: Tyler Williams </strong>- Gatlinburg-Pittman&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mr. Football Contenders: </strong>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1115203' first='Kolby' last='Jones'] </strong>- Unicoi Co., (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1422921' first='Juan' last='Mejia'] </strong>- Johnson Co., (RB) <strong>Cecilio Rodriguez </strong>- Gatlinburg-Pittman, (RB/S) <strong>Ayden Hood </strong>- Pigeon Forge, ‘27 (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1182191' first='Brayden' last='Maples'] </strong>- Gatlinburg-Pittman</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1708045,"width":"308px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/jmejia.jpg?w=639" alt="" class="wp-image-1708045" style="width:308px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: The Tomahawk</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->