Preseason Preview: Class 3A/Region 7

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Until someone knocks them off the top of the hill, Westview is your team to beat within this region. There is some tough competition however, so I'm expecting fun, high scoring football games throughout the year with the Chargers coming out on top in the end. </h2>     3A-Region 7   Bolivar Central Tigers    Location: Bolivar, TN (Hardeman Co.)   Head Coach: Rennard Woodmore   2024 Finish: 6-5 Overall (4-3 Region)   Top Returning Players: (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1542121' first='Kealan' last='Polk'], (RB/S) [player_tooltip player_id='1511211' first='Anthony' last='Jones'], (LB/DE) Corbyrian Brown, (DE/LB) Jamerion Smith, (S) Kaden Willis, ‘27 (LB/TE) [player_tooltip player_id='812471' first='Trevor' last='Gilliam'], ‘27 (RB/S) Chris Henderson, ‘27 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='932832' first='Colton' last='Mayfield'], ‘27 (RB) J.D. Morrow, ‘27 (G/C) Aamaree Gibbs, ‘28 (OL/DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1719209' first='Kayden' last='Mynatt'], ‘28 (RB) Andrekius Pirtle   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/bolivar.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1720556" style="width:436px;height:auto" /></figure>   Team Overview: Could the 2025 season become a breakout year for these Tigers and their opportunity to make a run at the region title? We shall see on that but I do think Bolivar Central might have their best team in some time and a team that could make a long run in the playoffs, especially if everyone stays healthy and the team forms together properly. The Tigers offense has a chance to be good but only with steady quarterback play, which the staff is hoping comes from junior [player_tooltip player_id='932832' first='Colton' last='Mayfield']. This 6 '2 junior has the tools to provide a good passing attack this year as he will have strong options to throw to in seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1542121' first='Kealan' last='Polk'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1511211' first='Anthony' last='Jones'], who should be the team's top ball carrier. The skill positions should be good but it's the offensive line that I see further work needed. Rising sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1719209' first='Kayden' last='Mynatt'] is one to watch up front for the Tigers.    Early on this season, it may be the Bolivar offense that leads the way as the staff waits to see how their defense will come together. This side of the ball I see questions, I see areas that need work during Fall camp, especially if the Tigers want to compete for the top half of this region. The secondary may be the defense's strength with Jones starring back here alongside fellow senior Kaden Willis and junior two-way talent Chris Henderson. Finding a consistent pass rush will be key here. The top guys to provide that should be Jamerion Smith and junior stud [player_tooltip player_id='812471' first='Trevor' last='Gilliam']. There is potential here on defense but roles must be established while depth is generated to make this defense championship caliber. I don't know if the Tigers will knock Westview off the top of the hill but I do think the Tigers will be legit and a team others might not want to face come playoff season.    - - - - -    Covington Chargers   Location: Covington, TN (Tipton Co.)   Head Coach: J.R. Kirby    2024 Finish: 11-2 Overall (6-1 Region)   Top Returning Players: (DB/WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1650784' first='Ty' last='Beard'], (G/C) [player_tooltip player_id='1621943' first='Jackson' last='Kirby'], (QB) Walker Davis, (RB/S) Shawn Macklin, (LB) Taylor Glover, (OL) Randall King, ‘27 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1659259' first='Jaheim' last='Smith'], ‘27 (RB/LB) Collen Winfrey, ‘27 (Ath) Makaviyon McKinnie, ‘27 (Ath) Tacavion Adams, ‘27 (DE) Elon Weathers, ‘27 (DT) Emery King, ‘27 (DL) Jalen Holland, ‘27 (DE) Jamarius King    Team Overview: All this program does is win football games and I expect that to remain the same for the upcoming 2025 season. The Chargers are coming off a stellar 2024 campaign but still fell short of their ultimate goals of winning a region and state title. They are equipped to chase after those goals again this year but must replace a few key starters to do so. The offense is built around the run game and the Chargers should be fine in that area with a potentially potent backfield between quarterback Walker Davis and up and coming star back [player_tooltip player_id='1659259' first='Jaheim' last='Smith']. They will be complimented by a solid offensive line that is led by senior college prospect [player_tooltip player_id='1621943' first='Jackson' last='Kirby']. Pieces are in place for Covington to have yet another high scoring offense but will the defense stay on pace and become championship quality?   I do think the Chargers defense is a little behind their offense as we inch through Fall camp. Their secondary might be one of the best within the 3A ranks with Smith and senior [player_tooltip player_id='1650784' first='Ty' last='Beard'] competing on the back end but it's the front seven where I have questions. The defensive line and finding a pass rush is what needs to be worked on the most going into the season. I don't know if I see enough beef or talent up front to hold up throughout the year but we will see how that unit turns out. The linebackers could be solid with Taylor Glover and Collen Winfrey making tackles but if the Chargers can shore up the line, a good defense here may form. There is some work to do but knowing the coaching staff and how they go about their business, I expect another strong year from the Chargers that should put them in the mix to compete for a region title and go on another deep playoff run.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/jkirby.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1720557" style="width:241px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Dyersburg Trojans   Location: Dyersburg, TN (Dyer Co.)   Head Coach: Bart Stowe    2024 Finish: 7-5 Overall (4-3 Region)   Top Returning Players: (DE) Isaiah Thomas, (G/C) Jaxen Perkins, (DE/FB) [player_tooltip player_id='1275120' first='Jysen' last='Grant'], (CB/RB) Jaden Harris, (LB) Kendrick Gourley, (RB/LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1654093' first='Peyton' last='Hill'], (WR) Caleb DeBerry, (RB/S) Necari Hall, (WR/S) Seth Pounders, ‘27 (OL/DT) John Revell, ‘27 (RB) Quincy Terry, Jr, ‘27 (DB) Santavion Williams, ‘27 (WR/S) Ty Seaton, ‘27 (OL) Will Rogers, ‘27 (DE) Travin Robertson, ‘28  (K) Jackson Duggan   Team Overview: Even with sporting some of the best college talent in the region throughout the years, the Trojans have yet to really breakthrough into championship status but this Fall can potentially take them one step closer towards earning title status. One constant throughout the years about Dyersburg has been stellar defensive play and I expect that to continue this season. While they are having to replace a Kentucky signee, the Trojans still have a solid defensive front that will be led by pass rushers [player_tooltip player_id='1275120' first='Jysen' last='Grant'] and Isaiah Thomas. Look for Grant to have a breakout year that might get him onto the FCS radar. Behind the D-line is a solid crop of linebackers, led by senior Kendrick Gourley and the secondary looks good too, spearheaded by senior cover guy Jaden Harris. By season's end, the Trojans could have a championship caliber defense but will the offense be good enough?   Looking at this roster, the offense has a lot of question marks headed into the season, especially in the backfield where I see open roles at both quarterback and running back. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1654093' first='Peyton' last='Hill'] looks to be the full time starter this year at running back and I think that spot will be fine but quarterback is a different story. One saving grace on offense could be the line. The Trojans could be solid up front with All-State candidate Jaxen Perkins and up and coming young guys John Revell and Will Rogers. Having your O-line be good is a great starting point but the skill positions have to be settled. I believe the Dyersburg defense should keep them in most games and help win a few but the offense has to come along for the Trojans to contend for titles.    - - - - -    McNairy Central Tigers   Location: Selmer, TN (McNairy Co.)   Head Coach: Justin Truett    2024 Finish: 3-7 Overall (2-5 Region)   Top Returning Players: (RB/S) Bari Wooden, (QB/Ath) Case Stone, (RB/LB) Kendall Kiestler, (LB) Bryson Marshall, (WR/S) [player_tooltip player_id='1649219' first='Caleb' last='Reed'], (LB) Jaydon Cruse, (G/C) William James, (LB) Brody Pipkins, ‘27 (RB/S) Aiden Rakestraw, ‘27 (OL) [player_tooltip player_id='932987' first='Luke' last='Fowler'], ‘27 (Ath) Jacob Marsh, ‘28 (QB/DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1092653' first='Jackson' last='King'], (OL) Warren Moore   Team Overview: Going into the 2025 season, many won't look at McNairy Central as a region title contending team and while I agree with that, I do believe the Tigers have a shot at playing their way into postseason contention by season's end. All of that is contingent on the play up front on both sides of the ball as I do see enough skill within this team to earn a winning record. The backfield should be solid with Case Stone at quarterback and Bari Wooden running the ball but the offensive line worries me as I don't see enough beef, depth or talent up front headed into the season. If the coaching staff can find the right five inside the trenches, the Tigers offense may be good enough to keep on pace with the competition.    The defense might have to play above their heads early on this season while the offense finds its footing. It's hard to say right now how this defense will perform because I see holes on this side of the ball too. I currently don't see much of a pass rush nor do I see enough skill in the secondary. I do think the linebackers should be solid with seniors Kendall Kiestler and Jaydon Cruse leading the way but the D-line and defensive backfield must be developed in camp for this defense to be capable of competing each and every week. I do think we can see some struggles at times this year for the Tigers but there may be enough for them to compete for that 3rd or 4th spot within this region and find a way at competing in the playoffs.    - - - - -    Obion Co. Rebels    Location: Troy, TN (Obion Co.)   Head Coach: Clayton Morris    2024 Finish: 3-8 Overall (1-3 Region)   Top Returning Players: (S/WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1617370' first='Bryson' last='Underwood'], (TE/DE) [player_tooltip player_id='1584097' first='Morgan' last='Carpenter'], (RB/LB) Derek Argo, (WR/DB) Harrison Hooper, (RB/LB) Latonio Fair, Jr, (DE/P) Conner Reaves, (RB/LB) Tucker Moore, (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1646591' first='Aiden' last='Jackson'], (DB) Tae Stallings, (QB/S) Stone Ladden, ‘27 (DE) Joshua Davis, ‘27 (WR/S) [player_tooltip player_id='1370856' first='Landon' last='James'], ‘27 (TE/DE) [player_tooltip player_id='933021' first='Carter' last='Ayers'], ‘28 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1069163' first='Tucker' last='Phelon'], ‘28 (OL/DT) Drake Hayes, ‘28 (RB/DB) Jordyn Shaw, ‘28 (WR/DB) Chace Jenkins, ‘28 (OL/DT) Hunter Darnell   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/bunderwood2-crop-737x484-1753131673.jpg?w=736" alt="" class="wp-image-1720564" style="width:326px;height:auto" /></figure>   Team Overview: New to this region but ready for the challenge, the Rebels may have their most depth in years but can it translate to more wins and a berth in the playoffs. Taking a deeper look at their roster, Obion Co. could have a well balanced overall team but also show room for improvement throughout multiple position groups, including quarterback. It's hard to tell who the guy will be but I must assume it's between senior Stone Ladden and rising sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1069163' first='Tucker' last='Phelon']. Whoever wins the job will have good skill around them with Derek Argo and Latonio Fair, Jr at running back and [player_tooltip player_id='1617370' first='Bryson' last='Underwood'] catching passes out wide. Two-way prospect [player_tooltip player_id='1584097' first='Morgan' last='Carpenter'] will help as well at tight end. The offensive line looks like the biggest concern going into the season and will certainly need to be shored up sooner than later.    The side of the ball that I feel can lead the Rebels into postseason action is the defense. Several of the players mentioned above like Underwood, Carpenter and Argo will play starring roles on defense but they will have others around them to make this potentially a formidable unit. Along with Carpenter, the D-line has Conner Reaves and Joshua Davis alongside him. The secondary could be a strength with Underwood, Harrison Hooper and Tae Stallings. The linebackers aren't flashy but have solid depth. This is the kind of defense that could compliment their offense well and help win a lot of ball games. We shall see though but I do like the Rebels chances at having a good year and making the playoffs.    - - - - -    Ripley Tigers   Location: Ripley, TN (Lauderdale Co.)   Head Coach: Jordan Gardner    2024 Finish: 5-5 Overall (4-3 Region)   Top Returning Players: (DL) [player_tooltip player_id='1585716' first='Johnathan' last='Holcomb'], (OL/DT) C.J. Edwards, (WR) Calvin Holloway, (RB/DB) Vernon Thompson, (S) Ben Rose, (WR/DB) Justin Henning, ‘27 (OL/DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1645402' first='Landon' last='Williams'], ‘27 (LB) Keenan Reeves, ‘27 (OL/DL) Adrian Smith   Team Overview: The Tigers are a hard team to gauge going into the 2025 season. They have several individual pieces that could have a college future but I don't see enough overall talent and depth throughout the roster to compete for postseason play. Now that can definitely change as we get into the season and the Tigers staff will be looking to form their team in a way that will help them get there. We start on defense where Ripley has one of the best players in this region with D-lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1585716' first='Johnathan' last='Holcomb']. This sack artist is a game changer up front that opposing offenses have a hard time dealing with. Holcomb needs help however and I'm not sure where it's going to come from. The Tigers could have a solid D-line if C.J. Edwards and [player_tooltip player_id='1645402' first='Landon' last='Williams'] step forward into shining roles. Seniors Ben Rose and Justin Henning are two to watch on the back end.    I foresee the Ripley defense being ok and doing enough to keep their team in games but the offense is a work in progress that has plenty of holes to fill throughout camp and into the season. As it sits right now, I don't know who the starting quarterback or running back will be. Those are two critical positions that need to be sorted out before we start the season. I do know who the top wideout should be and that's senior Calvin Holloway. His 6'1 frame and length should provide a big target to throw at, if the Tigers can solve their quarterback problem. Being inside this region will be tough this year for Ripley. It's a stacked region and I don't know if the Tigers have enough talent throughout the team to compete for the top half but shall see as it's a new year with new opportunities, so you never know what could happen.    - - - - -    Westview Chargers   Location: Martin, TN (Weakley Co.)   Head Coach: Matt McConnell    2024 Finish: 14-1 Overall (7-0 Region)   Top Returning Players: (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='964719' first='Donteze' last='Joy'], (WR/S) Christopher Damron, (OL/DT) Harry Freeman, (LB) Jaxon Cupples, (LB) Mixon McDaniel, ‘27 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1103496' first='Asa' last='Barnes'], ‘27 (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='1422977' first='Miles' last='Brown'], ‘27 (OL/DL) [player_tooltip player_id='1773095' first='Jaylen' last='Tisdale'], ‘27 (G/C) [player_tooltip player_id='1719298' first='Aidan' last='Hill'], ‘27 (C/G) [player_tooltip player_id='1629118' first='Josh' last='Frensley'], ‘27 (WR) Caleb Campbell, ‘27 (LB) Finn Snider, ‘27 (OL/DE) Alex Evans, ‘28 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='424594' first='Graham' last='Simpson'], ‘28 (DT/OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1032139' first='Drake' last='Hickman'], ‘28 (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='1092637' first='Messiah' last='Ward'], ‘28 (RB) Ke'Shun Frame   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/milesbrown.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1720565" style="width:275px;height:auto" /></figure>   Team Overview: Everything in this region runs through the Chargers. Coming off a runner up finish in the Class 3A state title game, Westview returns a large chunk of last year's team, so they are not only the favorite in this region but possibly the favorite to win a state championship. The best quarterback in the state, regardless of classification, is sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='424594' first='Graham' last='Simpson']. This kid is mature beyond his years with a great understanding for the passing game along with college poise already running through his veins. He will have a deep and talented skill group to work with, headlined by senior [player_tooltip player_id='964719' first='Donteze' last='Joy'] and juniors [player_tooltip player_id='1103496' first='Asa' last='Barnes'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1422977' first='Miles' last='Brown']. The offensive line should be solid as well. They have a nice mixture of vets and youthful talent, led by senior Harry Freeman and complimented by juniors [player_tooltip player_id='1719298' first='Aidan' last='Hill'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1629118' first='Josh' last='Frensley']. This is an explosive offense that should put up a ton of points this year and potentially be one of the best units in the state.    The defense could be subpar this year and the Chargers would still contend for a state title. That's how good the offense is but I still feel that the Westview defense will be strong with playmakers residing at all three levels. Several players mentioned above, like Joy and Brown will be going both ways but those two will be helped by a cast of others, including an up and coming star on the D-line with sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1032139' first='Drake' last='Hickman']. Another defensive standout to know about is senior Christopher Damron. He goes both ways but it's his work at safety I like best. I'm quite bullish on this Chargers team and their chances at winning a state title this year. I think they have all the pieces needed for a very successful season that I'm sure would be a bust by the players and staff if they don't make it to Chattanooga.    - - - - -    #PRZTN Preseason Predictions   Predicted Order of Finish   1. Westview   2. Covington   3. Dyersburg   4. Bolivar Central   5. Obion Co.   6. McNairy Central   7. Ripley    - - - - -    Preseason Regional Top Honors   Region POY: ‘28 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='424594' first='Graham' last='Simpson'] - Westview   Offensive POY: ‘27 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1103496' first='Asa' last='Barnes'] - Westview   Defensive POY: (DE) [player_tooltip player_id='1275120' first='Jysen' last='Grant'] - Dyersburg   Lineman POY: (OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1621943' first='Jackson' last='Kirby'] - Covington   Coach of the Year: Matt McConnell - Westview   Mr. Football Contenders: (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1654093' first='Peyton' last='Hill'] - Dyersburg, (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='964719' first='Donteze' last='Joy'] - Westview, (DE) [player_tooltip player_id='1275120' first='Jysen' last='Grant'] - Dyersburg, (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='1511211' first='Anthony' last='Jones'] - Bolivar Cent., ‘27 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1103496' first='Asa' last='Barnes'] - Westview, ‘27 (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='1422977' first='Miles' last='Brown'] - Westview, ‘27 (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='1659259' first='Jaheim' last='Smith'] - Covington, ‘28 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='424594' first='Graham' last='Simpson'] - Westview   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/asabarnes-crop-700x460-1725420335.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1419940" style="width:320px;height:auto" /></figure>