Preseason Preview: Class 3A/Region 4

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Your reigning region champs is Sequatchie Co. and while I still think they will be the team to beat, they some areas that need work, meaning the door is open for somebody else to potentially take the top spot. This region should be fun to follow as I could multiple teams taking the title. </h2>     3A-Region 4   Cascade Champions   Location: Wartrace, TN (Bedford Co.)   Head Coach: Jared Carkuff    2024 Finish: 1-9 Overall (0-4 Region)   Top Returning Players: (OL) Joe Bailey, (OL/DT) Will Benton, (Ath) Andrew Dowell, (RB/LB) Kaden Hill, (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='1691368' first='Corey' last='Gooch'], (DE) Rivers Sims, ‘27 (WR) Brett Huenink, ‘27 (WR/S) Delontae Clay, ‘27 (WR/DB) Braxtyn Burris, ‘28 (DT/OL) Dashawn Ferrell, ‘28 (LB) Blake White, ‘28 (WR/S) Garrett Caswell, ‘28 (DT) Slade Thompson, ‘28 (WR/S) Lendon Gordon   New Additions: ‘27 (RB/LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1635443' first='Nate' last='Zimmerman'] (Shelbyville), ‘27 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1142033' first='Sam' last='Bradley'] (Webb School)   Team Overview: Even though the Champions are coming off a 1-9 season, I expect a big jump in the win column and a possible shot at competing for the region title. Yes, I think the Champions will be that good this Fall and two big reasons for that are the backfield additions of quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1142033' first='Sam' last='Bradley'] and running back [player_tooltip player_id='1635443' first='Nate' last='Zimmerman']. These two juniors are potential college prospects that should make a major impact on the 2025 season. Joining those two on the Champions offense is a solid receiving corps, led by senior Andrew Dowell and a strong offensive line, spearheaded by seniors Joe Bailey and Will Benton. Scoring the ball was a struggle last season for Cascade but things might be different this year with a well balanced offense.    While the offense looks nearly set for the coming season, I see some areas of development for the defensive side of the ball. Multiple guys like Bailey, Benton, Dowell and Zimmerman will be going both ways but finding depth, others to step up and take the load off those four would be big for the team's overall success. A few young guys that should find roles on defense include Garrett Caswell, Slade Thompson and Lendon Gordon. Looking at the defensive roster, the secondary might turn out to be the unit's best position group. Depth is key this year for the Champions. If they can find other key starters, this team might contend for the top of this region and be a team to watch for come postseason play.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/sbradley.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1717137" style="width:251px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Community Vikings    Location: Unionville, TN (Bedford Co.)   Head Coach: Glenn Tidwell    2024 Finish: 1-9 Overall (0-4 Region)   Top Returning Players: (Ath) Luis Butler, (WR/S) Severen Garman, (DT/G) Blaine Bowling, (DB) Daevion High, (WR) Issac Jacobs, ‘27 (QB) Nyles Barnett, ‘27 (S) Bryce Blanton, ‘27 (OL) Andrew Stringer, ‘27 (WR/S) Charlie Haskins   Team Overview: Football success isn't something that has been a part of the Community program and I don't know if they will turn the corner this Fall but I do see some talent that could help guide them into the playoffs. Now it will be a tough road for the Vikings but if their top players play beyond their heads and everyone stays healthy, getting into that 3rd or 4th regional playoff spot is possible. A good starting point for this team and offense is the potential emergence at quarterback from junior Nyles Barnett. If he provides stability and steady play, the Vikings might be able to outscore some opponents. Helping Barnett is a solid group of receivers in Luis Butler, Severn Garman and Issac Jacobs. The O-line is a questionable area for me headed into the Fall season.    While I see some potential for the offense, the Vikings defense is another story. Several players like Butler and Garman will be going both ways but depth and new players have to step forward to put a good defensive product on the field. Senior Blaine Bowling will be an important piece on the D-line that needs to make an impact stopping the run. Fall camp will be critical towards forming this defense and finding the right pieces. Overall, the Vikings could be a dark horse to reach the playoffs. A lot of things must go right but I can see a scenario where postseason action can happen.    - - - - -    Forrest Rockets   Location: Chapel Hill, TN (Marshall Co.)   Head Coach: Justin Palmer    2024 Finish: 6-6 Overall (3-1 Region)   Top Returning Players: (OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1302528' first='Mitch' last='Todd'], (LB) Griffin Stott, (DE/OL) Wyatt Holmes, (RB/LB) Branham Haynes, ‘27 (WR/DB) Isaac Cruse, ‘27 (WR/S) Shawn David, ‘27 (OL/DT) Delman Hall, ‘28 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1589943' first='Quincy' last='Mitchell']   Team Overview: What could have been will be the question on my mind throughout the 2025 season for the Rockets. They lost their two best players and future college guys to transfers but the staff and the rest of the team have moved on and focused on the task at hand. Their job is to lean on who they do have and work towards earning a top four spot. Leaning on their rushing attack is a good start. The Rockets have a sleeper Mr. Football candidate in [player_tooltip player_id='1589943' first='Quincy' last='Mitchell'] and a mauler up front in [player_tooltip player_id='1302528' first='Mitch' last='Todd'] to pave the way. Forming that offensive line alongside Todd will be critical towards the team's success. Two junior receivers in Isaac Cruse and Shawn David have a chance to be breakout players this Fall. I can see a solid offense here that could get better as the season goes on.    The defense is still coming together as well. Multiple players like Cruse, David and others will be playing both ways but new starters and depth will need to be found throughout Fall camp. Senior linebacker Griffin Stott is one guy on my radar to watch for a potential breakout year. All three areas within the Rockets defense have question marks. Watching to see how this side of the ball comes together will be interesting. There is a lot to learn about the Rockets this season as I can see them both reaching postseason action but also missing it as well.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/qmitchell.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1595937" style="width:287px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Giles Co. Bobcats   Location: Pulaski, TN (Giles Co.)   Head Coach: David O'Connor    2024 Finish: 6-6 Overall (3-1 Region)   Top Returning Players: (DB) Jakarious Reese, (DL) Dallas Buckner, (WR/DB) Pierson Collier, (DE/LB) C.J. Mayzck, (DB) Cooper White, ‘27 (DL) Devon Wilburn, ‘27 (DT) Braylon Davis, ‘27 (OL) T.J. Cross, ‘27 (LB) Tate Bedford, ‘27 (QB) Xavier Randolph, ‘27 (OL) Bryce Rivers, ‘28 (WR/S) [player_tooltip player_id='1662941' first='Damari' last='Allen'], ‘28 (G/C) [player_tooltip player_id='1193539' first='Carter' last='Garrett'], ‘28 (Ath) Jaz Bentley, ‘28 (OL) Kaden Luffman, ‘28 (OL) Jackson Burton   Team Overview: Under the teaching of Coach O'Connor, the Bobcats have been one of the more consistent programs from the Mid-Tennessee region and I expect their winning ways to continue this Fall. The offense will still remain run based but with the emergence of quarterback Xavier Randolph, the Bobcats should have balance and a competent passing attack. Finding receivers for him to throw to will be key. Watch out for sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1662941' first='Damari' last='Allen'] to emerge at the top guy out wide. The O-line will have some new starters but they should be physical and technique sound as they've always been.    I like some pieces on offense but it's the Bobcats defense that I see pushing them into region title consideration. It's a well balanced defensive unit with all three areas having stars or highly productive players. Juniors Devon Wilburn and Braylon Davis could be standout guys up front. Linebacker Tate Bedford returns as the 3A leader in tackles. The secondary might be the strength with seniors Jakarious Reese and Pierson Collier leading the way. It looks like a championship caliber defense for Giles Co. this year. If the offense can shore up the offense line while finding that next stud running back, winning a region title is possible as well as a deep playoff run.    - - - - -    Sequatchie Co. Indians    Location: Dunlap, TN (Sequatchie Co.)   Head Coach: Rusty McIntyre    2024 Finish: 12-2 Overall (4-0 Region)   Top Returning Players: (DE) [player_tooltip player_id='1547372' first='Harrison' last='Smith'], (APB) [player_tooltip player_id='1142005' first='Austin' last='Griffith'], (WR/S) Lucas Eisenhardt, (LB) Britt Chadwick, ‘27 (TE/DE) [player_tooltip player_id='454466' first='Jack' last='Evitts'], ‘27 (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='904934' first='Kason' last='Hicks'], ‘27 (DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1144213' first='Gowan' last='Brown'], ‘27 (DE/TE) Charlie Davis, ‘27 (QB/Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='1136154' first='Hunter' last='Minton'], ‘28 (WR/S) Brooks McIntyre, ‘28 (OL/DL) Alex Gaddis, ‘28 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1202327' first='Joshua' last='Perry'], ‘28 (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1293172' first='Max' last='Newsome']   New Addition: (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='567225' first='Luke' last='Finch']    Team Overview: Can the Indians repeat as region champs this year? It's very possible but some key starters from last season must be replaced while others take their games to another level. The offense has some good pieces returning in all-purpose back [player_tooltip player_id='1142005' first='Austin' last='Griffith'] and junior tight end [player_tooltip player_id='454466' first='Jack' last='Evitts'] but they must replace their starting quarterback and top receiver. Two guys who should fill into those roles are junior [player_tooltip player_id='1136154' first='Hunter' last='Minton'] behind center and transfer [player_tooltip player_id='567225' first='Luke' last='Finch'] at receiver. I could see Finch playing quarterback at some point as well. The O-line could be a work in progress as the season goes on but hopefully things can gel up front sooner than later.    The defense could be the side of the ball that leads the way for the Indians this season. College talent resides on this side of the ball with all three areas having star players. The D-line should be solid with Evitts at one end and senior [player_tooltip player_id='1547372' first='Harrison' last='Smith'] wrecking havoc on the other side. The linebackers look good too with [player_tooltip player_id='904934' first='Kason' last='Hicks'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1293172' first='Max' last='Newsome']. The Indians secondary could be a strength with Griffith and Brooks McIntyre holding down at safety and ball hawk pick artist [player_tooltip player_id='1144213' first='Gowan' last='Brown'] locking things up at cornerback. This defense has the makings of being championship caliber but will need its offense to find its footing. I definitely like the Indians to return to the playoffs but repeating as region champs will be tough.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/jevitts.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1717142" style="width:273px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Watertown Purple Tigers   Location: Watertown, TN (Wilson Co.)   Head Coach: Gavin Webster   2024 Finish: 3-8 Overall (2-2 Region)   Top Returning Players: (WR/S) [player_tooltip player_id='1611490' first='Jesse' last='Bratcher'], (WR/S) Charles Farley, (OL) Wesley Hamlet, (WR/S) Dacio Carter, (WR) Hunner Blair, (DT) Andrew Bowers, ‘27 (WR/S) Garrett Davis, ‘28 (DT) Braden McNabb, ‘28 (RB/LB) Colt McConnell    Team Overview: The Purple Tigers are headed for new terrain this coming season as they are in a new region, set to face new competition, so there is a lot to learn about this Mid-TN program over the next five months. One thing I do know is they have to find a new quarterback to run the show after an off-season transfer from their multi-year starter. Whoever takes the reins behind center will have a solid receiving corps to throw to with seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1611490' first='Jesse' last='Bratcher'], Charles Farley and Dacio Carter. The O-line has to replace some key starters from last year but return Wesley Hamlet to lead things up front. This side of the ball is a work in progress as the staff figures out the quarterback position and forms the offensive line.    Defensively doesn't look much different either. There appears to be a lot of open, starting roles this Fall for the Purple Tigers defense, meaning there are plenty of chances for new names to step up and show out. Bratcher could be the best player for Watertown on both sides of the ball with his work at receiver and safety. Two young guys to keep tabs on this season should be junior Garrett Davis and sophomore back Colt McConnell. It's tough to gauge this team as I see some good veteran pieces but lacking experience at many other positions. Fall camp will be important towards the growth of this team. I could see the 2025 season going multiple ways for the Purple Tigers but as long as they make the playoffs, I deem that a success.    - - - - -    #PRZTN Preseason Predictions   Predicted Order of Finish   1. Sequatchie Co.   2. Giles Co.   3. Cascade   4. Forrest   5. Community   6. Watertown    - - - - -    Preseason Regional Top Honors   Region POY: (RB/S) [player_tooltip player_id='1142005' first='Austin' last='Griffith'] - Sequatchie Co.    Offensive POY: ‘28 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1589943' first='Quincy' last='Mitchell'] - Forrest    Defensive POY: (DE) [player_tooltip player_id='1547372' first='Harrison' last='Smith'] - Sequatchie Co.    Lineman POY: (OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1302528' first='Mitch' last='Todd'] - Forrest   Coach of the Year: Rusty McIntyre - Sequatchie Co.    Mr. Football Contenders: (RB/S) [player_tooltip player_id='1142005' first='Austin' last='Griffith'] - Sequatchie Co., ‘27 (QB) Xavier Randolph - Giles Co., ‘27 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1635443' first='Nate' last='Zimmerman'] - Cascade, ‘28 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1589943' first='Quincy' last='Mitchell'] - Forrest   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/Harrison-Smith-crop-2996x1967-1715103588.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1269590" style="width:366px;height:auto" /></figure>