Preseason Preview: Class 3A/Region 3

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">It's a small region where all four teams will make postseason play but can anybody overcome Tyner Academy and knock them off the top of the hill? We shall see but it will be tough as the Rams are loaded for what could be a special season for them. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3A-Region 3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brainerd Panthers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Chattanooga, TN (Hamilton Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Sammy Seamster&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>(WR) <strong>Emery Foster</strong>, (RB) <strong>Demalakhi Harden</strong>, ‘27 (OL/DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='905195' first='Jaylen' last='Chambers']</strong>, ‘27 (LB) <strong>Ahmi Mosley</strong>, ‘27 (DE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1898598' first='Cameron' last='Wilson']</strong>, ‘27 (S) <strong>Brandon Sutton, Jr</strong>, ‘27 (WR/S) <strong>Zavion Adams</strong>, (Ath) <strong>Hayden White</strong>, ‘27 (DB) <strong>Rashad Styles</strong>, ‘27 (Ath) <strong>Trevon Patterson</strong>, ‘27 (QB) <strong>Jaeshaun Duke</strong>, ‘27 (OL) <strong>David Gladden</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>It's been an uphill battle over the past several years for this Brainerd program. Multiple factors play into those struggles but it's a new season, so opportunity is upon the Panthers to hopefully move things into the right direction. Much will be formed together in Fall camp but early on, we will find out who this Brainerd is and what they can do throughout the season. One thing I do see with the Panthers this year is potentially better depth. It's a young squad this season but I can see some up and coming playmakers that will be given every chance to establish themselves this year.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A couple of standout performers to keep tabs on are juniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='905195' first='Jaylen' last='Chambers'] </strong>and <strong>Ahmi Mosley</strong>. Those two along with several others will be asked to step up this Fall and provide some kind of building blocks to grow around. There is a lot of development here for the Panthers but maybe they can find some hope this year and use it to push this program back to some stability.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chatt. Central Pounders</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Harrison, TN (Hamilton Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Glen Carter&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>7-5 Overall (4-1 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(WR) <strong>Gregory Smith</strong>, (Ath) <strong>Sharrod Faust</strong>, ‘27 (Edge/TE) <strong>M.J. Bell</strong>, ‘27 (WR/S) <strong>Joel Crawford</strong>, ‘27 (Ath) <strong>Nickarrus Cheaton</strong>, ‘28 (TE/DE) <strong>Javarien Page</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1715235,"width":"203px","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/chattcentral.jpg?w=683" alt="" class="wp-image-1715235" style="width:203px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: City Scope</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>Scouting the Pounders for the upcoming 2025 season, it's tough to see who this team will be because there looks to be a lot of question marks headed into the football year. You would think things would look much more appealing for the Pounders coming off a 7-5 season but looking through the roster, I don't see many established names or playmakers that immediately jump off the page. Finding stability on the offensive line is a good way to start. The Pounders also need a replacement at quarterback as last season's starter has transferred to South Pitt. Defensively, there appears to be several open roles for the taking. The Pounders will still make the playoffs but a lot of work must be done in Fall camp for the staff to find themselves a competitive team. It looks like a rebuild in progress at Chatt. Central, so it will be very interesting to see how this team gels together early and performs throughout the season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chatt. Prep Sentinels&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Chattanooga, TN (Hamilton Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Joe Banks&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>8-4 Overall (3-2 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1600242' first='Marquis' last='Gardner']</strong>, (DE) <strong>Nathan Strickland</strong>, (DT) <strong>Jaeden Espy</strong>, (K/P) <strong>Adrick Hall</strong>, ‘27 (WR/DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1643691' first='Taevon' last='Boykin']</strong>, ‘27 (Ath) <strong>Kentrell Watkins, Jr</strong>, ‘27 (LB) <strong>Tre'Veion Tucker</strong>, ‘27 (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='906648' first='Chevy' last='Armour']</strong>, ‘27 (LB) <strong>Taderrius Brown</strong>, ‘28 (DL) <strong>Braydon Collins</strong>, ‘28 (DL) <strong>Micah Daniel&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>The story here with the Sentinels is what could have been. Over the off-season months, several top players decided to leave Chatt. Prep and look for greener pastures and while the Sentinels do return multiple key guys, it still hurts to lose college level talent. Life goes on however and we have to gauge who the Sentinels are now and how they will look throughout the 2025 season. What they do have is one of the best running backs on the 3A level in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1600242' first='Marquis' last='Gardner']</strong>. This potential college back has a chance to compete for Mr. Football this season but only if his team is successful.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The O-line has to be physical and on point almost every game. The quarterback position needs to be settled as well. If the coaching staff can find some steady pieces around Gardner, the Sentinels could still have a winning season that ends in postseason play. A few skill guys to keep tabs on, who will be going both ways this Fall are juniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1643691' first='Taevon' last='Boykin'] </strong>and <strong>Kentrell Watkins, Jr</strong>. Those two along with several must step forward to establish themselves as productive starters to compliment Gardner and his dynamic running. I still think the Sentinels will be solid. They will be a team that could provide issues for the opposition, especially if the O-line is formed right and allows Gardner to run free.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1715245,"width":"256px","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/mgardner.webp?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1715245" style="width:256px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tyner Academy Rams</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Chattanooga, TN (Hamilton Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Christian Mainor</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>6-5 Overall (4-1 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1417724' first='Martez' last='Mitchell']</strong>, (OL/DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='491556' first='Jamarcus' last='Varnell']</strong>, (S) <strong>Javion Loving</strong>, (OL/DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1640169' first='Jaqraun' last='Little']</strong>, (QB/S) <strong>Tyler Anderson</strong>, (DT/OL) <strong>Chase Thompson</strong>, (DT/OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1606268' first='Christian' last='Keel']</strong>, (WR) <strong>Avery Ford</strong>, (WR/LB) <strong>Nashawn Keel</strong>, (DB) <strong>Jumocka Willis, Jr</strong>, (RB) <strong>LeCarrus Moten</strong>, (Ath) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='834632' first='Joseph' last='Jefferson']</strong>, ‘27 (OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1592127' first='Carmello' last='Peoples']</strong>, ‘27 (DE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1332906' first='Jamarien' last='Crawl']</strong>, ‘28 (DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1565851' first='Antonio' last='Edwards']</strong>,<strong> </strong>‘28 (RB) <strong>D'Aerion McNealy</strong>, ‘28 (RB) <strong>Karontae Cunningham</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>The team to beat within this region are these Rams, who may have enough talent to play their way into 3A title contention by the end of the year. It all starts in the line of scrimmage for Tyner and they look to be well equipped in this area with returning seniors in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='491556' first='Jamarcus' last='Varnell']</strong>, <strong>Jaqruan Little</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1606268' first='Christian' last='Keel'] </strong>and others. Establishing yourself up front is always a key ingredient when it comes to competing for championships. Having a good front will allow the Rams to run the ball and they have young “dudes” in <strong>D'Aerion McNeely </strong>and <strong>Karontae Cunningham </strong>to get the job done. They also have a dual threat, two way guy in <strong>Tyler Anderson </strong>that can provide big play abilities from his quarterback position.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The offense has a chance to be quite potent but the Rams defense looks like it could be strong as well. The D-line has beef with Varnell, Little and Keel. The linebackers are still developing but should be able to excel due to the defensive line. The secondary is young but talented with a star in the making with sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1565851' first='Antonio' last='Edwards']</strong>. The Rams defense has been a consistent unit for several years now and I expect that to remain the same this Fall. Both sides of the ball balance each other out well. There are playmakers, there are a good mix of veterans and youthful talent. I like the makeup of this Rams team and their chances at winning this region and positioning themselves for a potential deep run in the playoffs that might land them in the 3A title game.&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. Tyner Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2. Chatt. Prep</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3. Chatt. Central</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4. Brainerd&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>(QB/S) <strong>Tyler Anderson </strong>- Tyner Academy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Offensive POY: </strong>(RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1600242' first='Marquis' last='Gardner'] </strong>- Chatt. Prep&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defensive POY: </strong>(DT) <strong>Jaqruan Little </strong>- Tyner Academy&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lineman POY: </strong>(OL/DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='491556' first='Jamarcus' last='Varnell'] </strong>- Tyner Academy&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Coach of the Year: Christian Mainor </strong>- Tyner Academy&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mr. Football Contenders: </strong>(QB/S) <strong>Tyler Anderson </strong>- Tyner Acad., (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1600242' first='Marquis' last='Gardner'] </strong>- Chatt. Prep, ‘28 (RB) <strong>D'Aerion McNeely </strong>- Tyner Acad.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1715246,"width":"285px","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/tyanderson.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1715246" style="width:285px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->