Preseason Preview: Class 3A/Region 5

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">White-House Heritage goes into the season as the favorite to take the title but could a young, upstart Whites Creek squad play spoiler and contend for the top spot? I like the Patriots but the Cobras are enticing! </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3A-Region 5</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Maplewood Panthers&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Nashville, TN (Davidson Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Chris Simpson&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>4-6 Overall (1-3 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(LB/DE) <strong>Demonte Carter</strong>, (RB/LB) <strong>Derrick Williams</strong>, (OL) <strong>Victor Rice</strong>, (WR/S) <strong>Javon Hall</strong>, (DB) <strong>Jaylan Strong</strong>, (DB) <strong>Kenneth Pullens-Ross</strong>, ‘27 (Ath) <strong>Antonio Batey</strong>, ‘27 (DL) <strong>Christian Sublette</strong>, ‘27 (RB/LB) <strong>Ton Cartwright</strong>, ‘27 (Ath) <strong>Jayon Washington</strong>, ‘28 (LB) <strong>Za'Corey Koon-Reed</strong>, (RB/LB) <strong>Jaden Steele</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>Coming off a four win season, the Panthers are looking to expand that and to do so, they will need their defense to lead the way as I see development needed on the offensive side of the ball. The Panthers have a leader, a physical competitor on defense to lean on in <strong>Demonte Carter</strong>. He's a multi-year starter that has a nose for finding the football. Carter should receive help from a skilled secondary, led by <strong>Jaylan Strong </strong>and <strong>Antonio Batey</strong>. Finding pieces up front in the defensive line will be key in camp to help push this defense forward into one of the best units within this region.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Looking at the roster, the offense will be a work in progress throughout Fall camp and into the 2025 season. The quarterback position doesn't look settled. Senior <strong>Derrick Williams </strong>could be the lead guy at running back but others may be in the mix as well. The O-line is lacking overall talent and depth. One guy to watch up front is senior <strong>Victor Rose</strong>. He has the size (6'4 285) to make a difference in the trenches but the staff must find others to put around him. I do see some skill talent on this roster that may step forward this year but a lot of work must be done. I do think the Panthers can contend for postseason play due to their defense but if their offense doesn't do their part, missing the playoffs are possible as well.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Stratford Spartans</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Nashville, TN (Davidson Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Anthony Law&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>3-8 Overall (1-2 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(WR/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1130964' first='Jaxyn' last='Law']</strong>, (DE/LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1227868' first='Keyioun' last='McAllister']</strong>, (Ath) <strong>Nashaun Holbert</strong>, (DT/OL) <strong>Michael Butler</strong>, ‘27 (QB/Ath) <strong>Anton Wilson</strong>, ‘27 (WR/DB) <strong>Jordan Stem</strong>, ‘27 (RB/LB) <strong>Azan Johnson</strong>, ‘27 (OL/DL) <strong>Trevon Hughes</strong>, ‘27 (S) <strong>Kobie Buford</strong>, ‘28 (WR/DB) <strong>Josh Campbell</strong>, ‘28 (QB/K) <strong>Patterson Thacker</strong>, ‘28 (WR/S) <strong>Dallas Watts</strong>, ‘28 (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1030627' first='Santana' last='Frost']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1718629,"width":"257px","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/jaxlaw2.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1718629" style="width:257px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>The Spartans are an interesting case for me going into the 2025 season as I see potential here but plenty of parts must be put together for success to happen. There is a lot of athleticism and skill throughout this team but not many established guys. The offense has upside with the ability to create big plays but they must get their quarterback situated for this to happen. Junior <strong>Anton Wilson </strong>looks like the frontrunner and if he gets the job, he will have some solid wideouts to throw to, including senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1130964' first='Jaxyn' last='Law']</strong>, who holds several college offers. The biggest area of concern on this side of the ball is the offensive line. If the Spartans have plenty of beef, it's unknown as of now but we shall see how unit fares early on this season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Over on defense, I see potential but like the offense, it has some holes that need filling. The Spartans could have one of the better defensive players in this region with pass rusher <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1227868' first='Keyioun' last='McAllister']</strong>. His ability to disrupt the edge will be a key starting force this season for the Spartans defense but he needs help. The secondary could be solid with underclassmen <strong>Jordan Stem</strong>, <strong>Kobie Buford </strong>and talented sophomore <strong>Josh Campbell</strong>. Finding some run stuffers in the middle would help this defense a ton and make them a better overall unit. Early on this season, I could see the Spartans taking some punches as the staff watches everything gel but as pieces come together, Stratford may become a tough out that finds its way into the playoffs.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Westmoreland Eagles</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Westmoreland, TN (Sumner Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Ryan Harris&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>13-3 Overall (8-0 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(RB/S) <strong>Jason Sterlinski</strong>, (LB) <strong>Grant Lilly</strong>, (TE/DE) <strong>Rylan Staats</strong>, (OL) <strong>Ian Simmons</strong>, (OL/DT) <strong>Carson Borders</strong>, (OL) <strong>Wyatt Biggers</strong>, (OL/DT) <strong>Easton Morris</strong>, ‘28 (RB/DB) <strong>Isaiah Escandon</strong>, ‘28 (DT/OL) <strong>Jase Schaffhouser</strong>, ‘28 (OL/DL) <strong>Bentley Payton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>The Eagles have been a very successful program over the past several years but the 2025 season presents new challenges and I don't know if this year's team is fully prepared for it. The coaching staff is having to replace several key starters from last year's 13-3 team but they might have enough talent returning to earn a playoff spot. What the Eagles do have is possibly one of the best offensive talents in this region with running back <strong>Jason Sterlinski</strong>. He is a sleeper Mr. Football candidate, if his team has a successful season. There appears to be enough depth in the line to help Sterlinski gain yards but do they have enough size to withstand the physicality all season long? We will see but the potential is there for the Eagles to have a solid run based offense this year.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Looking at the Eagles defense, I see some solid pieces within the front seven with <strong>Rylan Staats </strong>on the defensive line and <strong>Grant Lilly </strong>back at linebacker but some holes in other areas must be filled. Others besides Staats need to step forward on the line while the secondary looks like it may be young but a lot of unknowns. One guy to watch for on this side of the ball is rising sophomore <strong>Isaiah Escandon</strong>. He may take some snaps in the Eagles backfield as well. Westmoreland is a tough team to gauge going into the season but I know their culture and this program competes hard and plays physical, so I expect them to be in the mix for a potential playoff spot by the end of the year.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>White House-Heritage Patriots&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>White House, TN (Robertson Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Scott Murray&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>9-4 Overall (4-0 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(DT/OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1557426' first='Jacob' last='Mahoney']</strong>, (RB/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1630084' first='Cale' last='Hunt']</strong>, (Ath) <strong>Myles Oden</strong>, (G/C) <strong>Titus Struble</strong>, (OL/DT) <strong>Justin McClendon</strong>, (LB) <strong>Mason Eckhart</strong>, (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1718700' first='Tyler' last='Sweat']</strong>, ‘27 (QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='317160' first='Xavier' last='Murray']</strong>, ‘27 (DL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1726932' first='Bradley' last='Butler']</strong>, ‘27 (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1588275' first='Dricus' last='Williams']</strong>, ‘27 (WR/DB) <strong>Mar'shaun Fletcher</strong>, ‘27 (DT) <strong>Maxson Bland</strong>, ‘28 (DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1608556' first='Davis' last='Coleman']</strong>, ‘28 (QB/S) <strong>Brodie White</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>The Patriots could be primed for back to back region titles but only if the team continues to progress in the right direction and everybody stays healthy. Speaking about health, all signs point towards star quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='317160' first='Xavier' last='Murray'] </strong>being under center this Fall after tearing his ACL late last season. If he is back to 100%, the Patriots immediately place themselves as the team to beat with Murray eyeing down region MVP honors. He will have help though with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1630084' first='Cale' last='Hunt'] </strong>taking carries in the backfield and <strong>Myles Oden</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1718700' first='Tyler' last='Sweat']</strong>, <strong>Mar'shaun Fletcher </strong>and others catching passes out wide. The O-line lost a key guy in the off-season but they should be fine with a few vets and up and comers holding things down. This offense can be explosive but that all depends on the health of Murray.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Moving over to the Patriots defense, this unit has a chance to lead this team to a region title even if the offense struggles at times. While several holes must be filled, I see potential in this defense as they provide playmakers at all three levels. Senior D-lineman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1557426' first='Jacob' last='Mahoney'] </strong>is a max effort, all motor guy that sets the tone up front. Linebacker <strong>Mason Eckhart </strong>is a tackling machine and junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1588275' first='Dricus' last='Williams'] </strong>is an up and coming talent that can get into the backfield. The secondary should be solid with Oden and Hunt going both ways along with Fletcher becoming a possible standout at cornerback. I like the makeup of this team and their chances of having a big year that ends with a possible region title and a potential long run in the playoffs.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1718623,"width":"251px","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/jmahoney.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1718623" style="width:251px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Whites Creek Cobras</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Whites Creek, TN (Davidson Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Jamonte Graham&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>4-7 Overall (1-6 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(OL/DL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1717940' first='Taiveon' last='Reed']</strong>, (DB/WR) <strong>KeMarion Hill</strong>, (DB) <strong>Ke'Anthony DeMoss</strong>, ‘27 (OL/DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='906620' first='Daniel' last='Jarquin']</strong>, ‘27 (WR/LB) <strong>Marcus Ford</strong>, ‘28 (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1687542' first='De'Aries' last='Holland']</strong>, ‘28 (QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1580784' first='Deon' last='Barnes']</strong>, ‘28 (Ath) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1409373' first='Brandon' last='Powell']</strong>, ‘28 (OL) <strong>Romario Cathey</strong>, ‘28 (DL) <strong>Travis Davidson, Jr</strong>, ‘28 (WR/DB) <strong>Andru Pritchett</strong>, ‘28 (DB) <strong>Terry Lewis</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>We may be a year away from the Cobras being the class of this region but with their young but talented sophomore class taking over in starring roles this Fall, I could see this Mid-Tennessee program being a team others don't wanna face. There remains a lot of development to go with this roster and areas within the team that need more depth and players but I like this Cobras team and their chances at competing for a region title this season. Everything starts with quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1580784' first='Deon' last='Barnes'] </strong>and his continued progression. Barnes is a talented passer with clean mechanics and college upside. He will be throwing the ball a lot this season with an athletic receiving corps in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1687542' first='De'Aries' last='Holland']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1409373' first='Brandon' last='Powell'] </strong>and <strong>Andru Pritchett </strong>that will help him shine. The O-line could be solid too with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1717940' first='Taiveon' last='Reed'] </strong>blocking the blindside and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='906620' first='Daniel' last='Jarquin'] </strong>mauling over opponents.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's the defense that I have question marks with headed into the 2025 season. Some of the guys mentioned above will be going both ways, which speaks to the talent and overall depth on the defensive side of the ball. I think the secondary will be solid but it's the front seven that needs work throughout Fall camp. If the coaching staff can find the right players on defense and grow its depth, I see the Cobras having a successful season because I believe the offense will be potent. I don't know if Whites Creek will win this region but I do think they will be in the mix with something to say about it.&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. White House-Heritage</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2. Whites Creek</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3. Westmoreland</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4. Stratford</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5. Maplewood&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>‘27 (QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='317160' first='Xavier' last='Murray'] </strong>- White House-Heritage</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Offensive POY: </strong>(RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1630084' first='Cale' last='Hunt'] </strong>- White House-Heritage</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defensive POY: </strong>(LB) <strong>Mason Eckhart </strong>- White House-Heritage</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lineman POY: </strong>(DT/OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1557426' first='Jacob' last='Mahoney'] </strong>- White House-Heritage</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Coach of the Year: Scott Murray </strong>- White House-Heritage&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mr. Football Contenders: </strong>(RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1630084' first='Cale' last='Hunt'] </strong>- WH-Heritage, (RB) <strong>Jason Sterlinski </strong>- Westmoreland, ‘27 (QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='317160' first='Xavier' last='Murray'] </strong>- WH-Heritage, ‘28 (QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1580784' first='Deon' last='Barnes'] </strong>- Whites Creek</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1690578,"width":"267px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/06/prztn.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1690578" style="width:267px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->