Preseason Preview: Class 3A/Region 6

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">We don't have a clear cut favorite to take this region, so watching how everything plays out here will be fun! Camden looks like the most equipped right now but Fairview and Sycamore could be right there with them. </h2>     3A-Region 6   Camden Central Lions    Location: Camden, TN (Benton Co.)   Head Coach: John Ross Hudson   2024 Finish: 4-6 Overall (1-6 Region)   Top Returning Players: (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1651781' first='LaMarkus' last='Grigsby'], (LB/RB) Amaury Rogers, (WR/DB) Kyleec White, (OL/DL) Carter Maines, (S) Cavan Carroll, (DB) Tripp Hames, ‘27 (RB/LB) [player_tooltip player_id='932836' first='Alden' last='Haggard'], ‘28 (QB) Jack Dacus, ‘28 (RB/S) Antoine Banks, ‘28 (TE/DE) Calvin Brown   Team Overview: Out of all the teams here in this region, I might like the upside most of these Lions and their chances at coming away as champs. It won't be an easy path and there could be some ups and downs but I like the makeup of these Lions, especially on the defensive side of the ball. The best college prospect could reside here at Camden with senior D-Tackle [player_tooltip player_id='1651781' first='LaMarkus' last='Grigsby']. Standing 6'2 300 pounds, Grigsby is a load to handle up front that could go off for his best season yet. He will be helped on defense by senior linebacker Amaury Rogers and senior safety prospects Kyleec White and Cavan Carroll. Those four bring a lot of game experience to the field and high level game play that will be needed throughout the entire season.    Offensively is where I see development needed during Fall camp and into the season. This will be a run based offense, so the line has to come together early and perform at a consistent high level for this offense to succeed. If the line does their part, running backs Rogers and sophomore Antoine Banks should be able to shine and control the clock. The X-Factor on offense is the potential emergence of Jack Dacus at quarterback. The Lions may have someone behind center now that can provide some passing and give balance to the offense. This is still pre-season, so you never know what can happen but early on, I like what I'm seeing from Camden and their chances at competing for a region title and positioning themselves as a top seed in the playoffs.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/amrogers.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1719009" style="width:266px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Cheatham Co. Cubs    Location: Ashland City, TN (Cheatham Co.)   Head Coach: Gary Halstead    2024 Finish: 1-10 Overall (1-3 Region)   Top Returning Players: (WR/S) Brady Cason, (LB) Rolan Jones, (OL/DT) J.D. Morris, ‘27 (RB) Ave'ion Ellison, ‘27 (QB/LB) Luke Austin, ‘27 (Ath) Gage Proctor, ‘27 (Ath) Jamontez Stewart, ‘28 (RB/LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1909553' first='Walker' last='Hobbs'], ‘28 (OL/DL) Alex Gibbs, ‘28 (RB/S) Will Adcock   Team Overview: The 2024 season wasn't the most pleasant for the Cubs but hopefully they learned some things to improve and push this program forward. It's a new season with new opportunities for Cheatham Co. and I see a sleeper team here that could sneak up and find themselves playing playoff football. That's a big statement to make seeing that the Cubs are coming off a one win season but I see potential, I see some players on this roster that can take them to the playoffs and it all starts with the play of junior quarterback Luke Austin. His work behind center will be critical towards the team's success but so will the offensive line, which is the biggest area of concern on offense headed into the season.    I do think the Cubs offense is a work in progress, so their defense must be ready to go in Week Zero and maintain strong play throughout the football year. It's tough to call on how good or bad the Cubs defense will be this year as I see several key starting spots that need to be filled. Two seniors in Brady Cason and Rolan Jones will look to lead the way on defense with leadership and strong play. They will need help from others. The D-line and secondary both have holes going into the season but hopefully after Fall camp, the staff can get those positions settled. The Cubs should be better compared to their one win season last year but how much better will they be? I do see a scenario where they make postseason play but I can also see them missing out as well.    - - - - -    Fairview Yellow Jackets   Location: Fairview, TN (Williamson Co.)   Head Coach: Chris Hughes    2024 Finish: 4-7 Overall (2-2 Region)   Top Returning Players: (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1571427' first='Canyon' last='Porter'], (G/C) [player_tooltip player_id='1117926' first='Samuel' last='Rood'], (QB/Ath) Jax McCoy, (RB/LB) Will Frank, (Ath) Javontay Huitt, (WR/DB) Cayden Lee, (DT) Andrew Jackson, ‘27 (OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1635686' first='Blaze' last='Parker'], ‘27 (Ath) Kentrell Harrison, ‘27 (OL) Aiden Quinonez, ‘27 (LB) Wyatt Langford, ‘27 (QB) John Barrick, ‘28 (QB/Ath) Jackson Jones, ‘28 (FB/LB) Hunter Nolen   Team Overview: Consistency has been the name of the game for the Fairview football program but the Yellow Jackets are coming off a four win season, so you can bet the staff and this team will be looking to right some wrongs and get back on the right side of the win column. Gaining those victories will come with a better balanced team this year with both the offense and defense playing at a high level. The Yellow Jackets like to run the ball but right now, I don't know who that top back will be. That ball carrier could be senior two-way prospect Javontay Huitt. He should be joined by quarterback Jax McCoy to form a nice one-two punch in the backfield. Those two will be helped by a solid offensive line, led by [player_tooltip player_id='1117926' first='Samuel' last='Rood'] and up and coming junior [player_tooltip player_id='1635686' first='Blaze' last='Parker']. Finding explosive, quick striking plays I believe will be key for the Yellow Jackets this season.    I do think it will take some time for the Fairview offense to form together, so while they do, the Yellow Jackets coaching staff will need their defense to keep things in-check. Two of the top leading tacklers from last year in [player_tooltip player_id='1571427' first='Canyon' last='Porter'] and Will Frank return for their senior year and they will be complimented by a solid defensive line, spearheaded by Parker and senior Andrew Jackson. It's the secondary where I see development needed. Huitt should be back there but who will join him. I see several good pieces here on defense for Fairview but I also see several starting roles that need to be filled. I believe the Yellow Jackets will be better than last year but how much better will they be? Will they be good enough to compete for a region title? It's possible but a lot of things must come together for that to happen.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/jhuitt.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1719010" style="width:253px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Harpeth Indians    Location: Kingston Springs, TN (Cheatham Co.)   Head Coach: Charles Morehead    2024 Finish: 5-5 Overall (3-4 Region)   Top Returning Players: (QB/LB) Jayden Stromatt, (OL/DT) Joshua Meilo, (OL/DL) Cade Harper, (RB/S) Gage Scott, (WR/S) Mason Webb, (WR/S) Preston Merritt, ‘27 (RB/S) John Neely, ‘27 (FB/LB) Hudson Ealy, ‘27 (DL) Ziyon Cook, ‘28 (WR) Lamario Owens, (WR/S) Connor Duncan   Team Overview: The Indians could prove to be the sleeper team out of this region by season's end but certain position groups must be developed and their top guys have to stay healthy and perform at a high level. The offensive backfield has a chance to be really good with senior quarterback Jayden Stromatt and junior running back John Neely. Those two appear to be the guys who will lead this Indians offense in production but the staff must shore up the offensive line for everyone to succeed. The receivers are in developmental mode as well. Seniors Mason Webb and Preston Merritt appear to be the top two guys out wide. If the offensive line keeps their backfield pairing clean, the Indians might have a solid offense that can score enough points to win.    Stopping the opposition is something I must see early on in the season to see how good the Harpeth defense will or won't be. I see several areas across the defense that need work in Fall camp. The D-line could have two solid pieces in nose tackle Joshua Meilo and senior Cade Harper. Going both ways in the secondary will be Neely but I don't know how much help he has around him. I don't see that every down tackling machine at linebacker either. It looks like the coaching staff has a lot of work to do over the next month, leading into the first game. I do see potential for the Indians to reach postseason action but a lot of things have to form together on both sides of the ball to make that happen.    - - - - -    Stewart Co. Rebels    Location: Dover, TN (Stewart Co.)   Head Coach: Jimmy Dean   2024 Finish: 0-10 Overall (0-4 Region)   Top Returning Players: (TE/DE) Thomas Raymond, (Ath) Xavier Keyser, ‘27 (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='933030' first='Jeremiah' last='Tolbert'], ‘27 (OL/DT) Nash Rector, ‘27 (Ath) Michael West, ‘27 (WR/S) Benn Hendricks, ‘27 (WR/S) Ethan Taylor   Team Overview: Scouting the Rebels for the 2025 season, it's hard not to see them continuing to struggle as they are lacking the overall talent and depth to make waves within this region. They are coming off a winless season, so the only way to go is up but I don't know how far up they will actually go. Anytime you are lacking size and talent in the offensive line, you are already sitting behind the eight ball. If the coaching staff can somehow find five guys that can work together and open enough holes, maybe the Rebels offense can score enough points to keep themselves in games. Senior Xavier Keyser and juniors Benn Hendricks and Ethan Taylor are three skill guys to watch for the coming season.    Much like the offense, the defensive side of the ball is lacking what it needs to be considered a top tier unit, at least right now headed into the season. The Rebels weren't too good on defense last year, so I'm sure the coaching staff are looking to modify some things this Fall, looking to put a better product on the field. This region expanding doesn't help the Rebels' cause either. Making postseason play has become even harder and as of now, I don't see Stewart Co. having enough talent to make the playoffs but maybe they can end their winless streak.    - - - - -    Sycamore War Eagles   Location: Pleasant View, TN (Cheatham Co.)   Head Coach: Darryn Chenault    2024 Finish: 6-6 Overall (3-1 Region)   Top Returning Players: (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1004582' first='Silvio' last='Rizzo'], (RB/S) [player_tooltip player_id='1199149' first='Hicks' last='Hunter'], (WR/LB) Landen Arndt, (RB) Alterion Frazier, (LB) Landon Hindman, (FB/LB) Noah Ivey, (WR/S) Carson Hayes, (OL/DT) Jacob Green, (RB/DB) Gabe Lassek, ‘27 (QB) Cody Scalf, ‘27 (LB) Altavion Frazier    Team Overview: The competition around the War Eagles has gotten deeper for the 2025 season but looking at what they have returning, I'm still expecting a postseason run with an outside shot at competing for the region title. There are several areas throughout the team, both offensively and defensively that need work but pieces are there for the War Eagles to have a winning season. Everything starts with Mr. Football candidate [player_tooltip player_id='1199149' first='Hicks' last='Hunter']. This senior back has been nothing but productive ever since he stepped onto the field. Opening lanes for him while maintaining his health is critical towards the team's overall success. The area I need to see development with is the offensive line. That is one offensive unit to keep eyes on as the year plays out.    The War Eagles defense is having to replace a few key pieces but return some solid starters. Hunter will handle duties at safety while tackling machine [player_tooltip player_id='1004582' first='Silvio' last='Rizzo'] is back at linebacker. Senior Landen Arndt and Landon Hindman join Rizzo to provide a solid trio at linebacker that should become the core of the War Eagles defense. I see potential with the secondary but both that unit and the defensive line need players to step forward in Fall camp and become impactful starters. The War Eagles may have to outscore some opponents to find victories but if Hunter is allowed to do his thing and the defense does good enough work, getting back into the playoffs is very possible.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/hhunter.webp?w=576" alt="" class="wp-image-1610920" style="width:192px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Waverly Central Tigers   Location: Waverly, TN (Humphreys Co.)   Head Coach: Randall Boldin    2024 Finish: 0-10 Overall (0-7 Region)   Top Returning Players: (OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1588825' first='Austin' last='Morrow'], (RB/LB) Tylen Vaughn, (DB) Jeremy Crichton, (Ath) Aiden Ralston, (TE/LB) Brodie Davis, ‘27 (Ath) Zechariah Evans, ‘27 (RB/LB) [player_tooltip player_id='933043' first='Logan' last='Harbison'], ‘27 (DE/LB) [player_tooltip player_id='933038' first='Tuffy' last='Hannah'], ‘28 (RB/S) Dominick Williams, ‘28 (QB/LB) Josh Harris, ‘28 (OL/DT) Nick Oakley   Team Overview: Last season was a bit of an anomaly for the Tigers as they went winless last year and that's something this program isn't used to. You can bet the coaching staff and the team itself are looking to bounce back and get themselves back in the win column and back in contention for postseason play. Glancing over the Tigers roster, there appears to be a lot of unknowns going into the season but one thing could be true, they have the best college prospect in this region with O-lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1588825' first='Austin' last='Morrow']. He is legit and would look even better if the line around him can develop. The Tigers offense will need the line to perform as the skill positions, including quarterback aren't settled as we enter Fall camp. Keep eyes open for the emergence of two sophomores in Dominic Williams and Josh Harris to step forward as key offensive threats.    It's not just the offense that has question marks but the defense does as well. You can expect several guys to be going both ways this Fall but the Tigers staff need a few players to establish themselves as top performers to help solidify the defense. One area that may be a strength are the linebackers with Tylen Vaughn and juniors [player_tooltip player_id='933043' first='Logan' last='Harbison'] and [player_tooltip player_id='933038' first='Tuffy' last='Hannah']. The main area of concern for me is the defensive line, where I don't see many options right now but that could certainly change as we head into Week Zero. I don't think the Tigers will win a bunch of games but they should at least get a few victories and potentially be in the mix for a playoff spot by the end of the year.    - - - - -    #PRZTN Preseason Predictions   Predicted Order of Finish   1. Camden Central   2. Fairview   3. Sycamore   4. Harpeth   5. Waverly Central   6. Cheatham Co.    7. Stewart Co.    - - - - -    Preseason Regional Top Honors   Region POY: (DT/OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1651781' first='LaMarkus' last='Grigsby'] - Camden Cent.    Offensive POY: (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1199149' first='Hicks' last='Hunter'] - Sycamore    Defensive POY: (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1571427' first='Canyon' last='Porter'] - Fairview    Lineman POY: (OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1117926' first='Samuel' last='Rood'] - Fairview    Coach of the Year: John Ross Hudson - Camden Cent.    Mr. Football Contenders: (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1199149' first='Hicks' last='Hunter'] - Sycamore, (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1651781' first='LaMarkus' last='Grigsby'] - Camden Cent., (Ath) Javontay Huitt - Fairview, ‘27 (RB) John Neely - Harpeth   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/kywhite.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1719014" style="width:246px;height:auto" /></figure>