Preseason Preview: Class 4A/Region 1

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">This region has grown with new schools but the path towards earning a title still runs through Greeneville. The Green Devils are loaded yet again for a potential long run into the playoffs that might put them in the mix to contend for a 4A state championship. </h2>     4A-Region 1   Cherokee Chiefs    Location: Rogersville, TN (Hawkins Co.)   Head Coach: Josh Hensley    2024 Finish: 7-3 Overall (4-2 Region)   Top Returning Players: (RB) Tyler Wolfe, (QB) Landon Jeffers, (G/C) Cooper Bledsoe, (DT/OL) Damien Alvis, (RB/LB) Garrett Lawson, (LB) Haden Jones, (DT/OL) Bryson Calhoun, (WR/DB) Cole Davis, (WR) Lofton Hayes, (WR/DB) Rowe Fletcher, (OL) Collin Fugate, (WR/DB) Jaydan Gonzalez, ‘27 (RB/S) Jayden Weston, ‘27 (QB/LB) Eli Boyd, ‘27 (RB) Tye Roberts   Team Overview: Coming off a seven win season, the Chiefs program is on an up-tick but can they keep it going this Fall and place themselves among the top four of this region for a playoff spot? We shall see but I like what's returning for the Chiefs and the makeup of this year's team. They have a strong veteran core coming back this Fall that should lead to several wins while also teaching the underclassmen to grow. The Chiefs might have a solid duo in the backfield with quarterback Landon Jeffers and senior running back Tyler Wolfe. The O-line has a couple of pieces to build around as well in seniors Cooper Bledsoe and Bryson Calhoun. It's the skill positions that I see needed development with but they have solid options with Cole Davis, Lofton Hayes and Rowe Fletcher.    I foresee the Chiefs offense being the unit that remains consistent each week, so it's the defense I wonder about headed into the 2025 season. Several players on offense will be going both ways this season but I don't see an established name on defense to lean on right now. That person may arrive early this season to become a defensive leader. The best options I see currently are defensive linemen Damien Alvis and linebacker Haden Jones. Those two along with others just need to find ways to get off the field more often than not to get the Chiefs offense back out there to handle business. If all the key players stay healthy and the defense finds its identity, I think the Chiefs can make the playoffs and become a pesky team others may not wanna face during postseason action.    - - - - -    Elizabethton Cyclones   Location: Elizabethton, TN (Carter Co.)   Head Coach: Shawn Witten    2024 Finish: 7-5 Overall (5-1 Region)   Top Returning Players: (TE/DE) [player_tooltip player_id='1881536' first='Riley' last='Jones'], (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='966018' first='Justius' last='Wallin'], (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1102999' first='Rhett' last='Slagle'], (WR/S) Zack Wallin, (OL/DT) Braydon Rainwater, (WR/S) Tucker Taylor, ‘27 (QB) Jaxon Price, ‘27 (RB) C.J. Mathes, ‘27 (OL/DT) Tanier Peltier, ‘27 (WR/S) Braylon Britt   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/rslagle.webp?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1732783" style="width:334px;height:auto" /></figure>   Team Overview: Consistency is the name of the game here at Elizabethton as the Cyclones put a product on the field each and every year that can compete for region titles and make the playoffs and I expect this year to be no different. Now what I will say is that overall talent isn't there as years past but I still feel like the Cyclones have enough to compete for that top region spot. The most important position on the field is quarterback and the Cyclones have a senior in place to run the show in [player_tooltip player_id='1102999' first='Rhett' last='Slagle']. He may not be flashy but he is a steady leader that gets the job done. He should have some solid skill to throw to in seniors Zack Wallin, Tucker Taylor and tight end [player_tooltip player_id='1881536' first='Riley' last='Jones']. Two of those guys in Wallin and Jones will be important pieces on defense as well. The offensive line is the biggest area of concern for me going into the season but I trust this staff to find the right five guys to play consistent football.    Over the years at Elizabethton, the defensive side of the ball has been highly consistent but will things remain that way for the 2025 season? It's possible they do but I see a few holes within this defense that need to be filled in Fall camp and early on this coming football year. The Cyclones have three senior leaders and top performers at all three levels with Jones on the D-line and Wallin in the secondary but also top tackler [player_tooltip player_id='966018' first='Justius' last='Wallin'] making plays at linebacker. A positive about this unit is the fact they have three proven leaders on defense that have played a lot of snaps and produced. Others need to step forward to help those give and provide the Cyclones team a defense that can be trusted in big moments. While I see multiple positions that need forming, the Cyclones shall be good again and a team that competes for the top of the region while creating a spot for themselves in the postseason.    - - - - -    Grainger Grizzlies    Location: Rutledge, TN (Grainger Co.)   Head Coach: Michael Manis    2024 Finish: 5-5 Overall (2-4 Region)   Top Returning Players: (QB) Luke Davis, (DE/OL) Caleb Arnwine, (OL/DT) Preston Brooks, (WR/DB) Carter Williams, (OL) Lucas Lincoln, (RB) Aidan Dalton, (LB) Blake Bishop, ‘27 (OL/DT) Jackson Walker, ‘27 (LB) Kamryn Klepper, ‘27 (WR/S) Jackson Richey, ‘27 (Ath) Cayson Setsor, ‘27 (OL/DT) Greyson Wagner, ‘28 (OL/DT) Brandon Rosser, (OL/DT) Rylan Turner   Team Overview: Looking through all the teams in this region, you have some top contenders but also some under the radar squads as well. Grainger is a sleeper team for me that no I don't think they will contend for the region title but I do like them for the playoffs and a competitive team week in and week out. The Grizzlies return a senior behind center in Luke Davis that should stabilize the offense but also the run game as well, spearheaded by Aidan Dalton. The backfield of Davis and Dalton will be critical towards the teams success but so too will be the offensive line. Grainger may have one of the better O-line's in this region for the 2025 season. They look to have a solid core up front with Caleb Arnwine, Preston Brooks, Lucas Lincoln and junior Jackson Walker. The line play will go a long way with keeping Davis clean and opening holes for Dalton.    The defensive side of the ball is something I need to see in action at the beginning of the year to gain a better gauge on how this unit will perform. A few players from the O-line, like Arnwine, will be in action on both sides of the line, so more depth is needed up front. The linebackers could be the saving grace but only if Blake Bishop and Kamryn Klepper perform at a high level. The secondary looks like a work in progress with no initial standouts to me headed into the season. The Grizzlies may be a sleeper in my eyes but I see where both sides of the ball need work. Fall camp will be big in forming this team together, so they can put a productive product on the field that may land them in the playoffs by season's end.    - - - - -    Greeneville Green Devils   Location: Greeneville, TN (Greene Co.)   Head Coach: Eddie Spradlen   2024 Finish: 12-2 Overall (5-0 Region)   Top Returning Players: (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1181026' first='Zaydyn' last='Anderson'], (OL) [player_tooltip player_id='851948' first='Zorian' last='Harris'], (OL/DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1136470' first='Bishop' last='Merriweather'], (QB/S) Caden Baugh, (TE/DE) [player_tooltip player_id='1612750' first='Colton' last='Smith'], (OL) Caden Cox, (OL/DT) Maddox Smith, (RB/S) Dion Phipps, (LB) Kayden Burbank, (WR/S) Lucrease Parkey, ‘27 (WR/S) [player_tooltip player_id='1634457' first='Cole' last='Smith'], ‘27 (G/C) Caedon Hirschy, ‘27 (WR/DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1427702' first='Taren' last='Claridy'], ‘27 (QB) Eli Good, ‘28 (OL/DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1727798' first='Dillon' last='Hartman']    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/zayanderson.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1375092" style="width:260px;height:auto" /></figure>   Team Overview: This region runs through the Green Devils and they are the favorites to take the title again headed into the 2025 season. I do think this year's team will be a bit different due to losing some key players but Greeneville will still be tough to beat and a team built to chase down the Class 4A state championship. The offense will yet again be built around its quarterback and their run game. Senior Caden Baugh runs things behind center and he fits their style of offense perfectly. Finding that backfield teammate at running back will be something the staff looks for in Fall camp. Baugh will be throwing to one of the top receivers in the state with [player_tooltip player_id='1181026' first='Zaydyn' last='Anderson']. He will also have a solid O-line blocking for him, led by seniors [player_tooltip player_id='851948' first='Zorian' last='Harris'], [player_tooltip player_id='1136470' first='Bishop' last='Merriweather'], Caden Cox and Maddox Smith. The offense has a chance to be explosive but will need stellar play from their defense to compete for a state title.    A few players from the offensive side of the ball like Baugh, Anderson, Harris and Merriweather will be key players on defense as well but they must receive help around them for the Green Devils to put a championship caliber unit on the field. Two guys with the last name in Smith with tight end/defensive end [player_tooltip player_id='1612750' first='Colton' last='Smith'] and rising junior receiver/safety [player_tooltip player_id='1634457' first='Cole' last='Smith'] I feel will become standout guys on defense this season. That defensive front in particular looks to be strong with Smith joining Harris and Merriweather in the trenches. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='1427702' first='Taren' last='Claridy'] is another to keep tabs on as possibly one of the better cover corner guys in this region. I do believe the pieces are in place for Greeneville to compete for titles this season but more depth needs to be grown throughout this team to make that happen. The Green Devils are the team to beat in this region however, so others must find a solution to knock them off the top of the hill before they relinquish top status.    - - - - -    Northview Academy Cougars   Location: Kodak, TN (Sevier Co.)   Head Coach: Justin Anderson    2024 Finish: 5-6 Overall (3-3 Region)   Top Returning Players: (TE/DE) [player_tooltip player_id='1319000' first='Jaylen' last='Stolz'], (WR/S) [player_tooltip player_id='1106235' first='Parker' last='Dowd'], (RB/LB) Aiden Metcalf, (CB/S) Lake Phillips, ‘27 (LB) Dylan Collier, ‘27 (C/G) Charles Cates, ‘27 (LB) Alijah Sutton, ‘27 (WR/S) Brogan Gibson, ‘28 (OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1193204' first='Aiden' last='Cooper'], ‘28 (RB/LB) Wade Watkins   Team Overview: A new team to this region, the Cougars are looking to make a good first impression on their competition but I'm unsure how this year's team will look as I see several positional groups that need work headed into the Fall season. The offense has a few good senior pieces to build around in tight end [player_tooltip player_id='1319000' first='Jaylen' last='Stolz'], receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1106235' first='Parker' last='Dowd'] and running back Aiden Metcalf but I don't know who is going to get them the ball. The quarterback position appears to be open right now at Northview but I'm sure the staff will get that settled or at least a starter by the start of the season. The O-line needs work too but I do see a few good, young pieces to build around in junior Charles Cates and rising sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1193204' first='Aiden' last='Cooper'], who stands 6'4 300 pounds. If the staff can figure out the guy behind center, this offense has potential to produce more than enough points to win ball games.    Several players mentioned above will be going both ways this Fall season but depth around them must be developed. They do have a veteran core to build around with Stolz up front, Metcalf at safety and Dowd with fellow senior Lake Phillips in the secondary. Those are four solid players but I don't know if that will be enough to become an elite defensive unit. Junior linebacker Dylan Collier is one to watch as a potential impact guy that should do good work stuffing the run. Finding more beef in the trenches would do wonders for this defense. The goal for every team is to reach postseason play and while I think the Cougars could find some struggles this year, I do believe they have enough to reach the playoffs. Finding their quarterback and shoring up the defense will be two areas that could make a difference on how far this team can go.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/pdowd.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1732786" style="width:273px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Seymour Eagles   Location: Seymour, TN (Sevier Co.)   Head Coach: Caleb Olive    2024 Finish: 2-8 Overall (1-4 Region)   Top Returning Players: (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='214189' first='Madden' last='Guffey'], (RB/S) Josh Gilbert, (DT/OL) Lucas Small, (WR/S) Alec Brown, (WR/DB) Connor Ogle, ‘27 (WR/S) Broedy Ferree, ‘28 (TE/DE) Abraham Prado   Team Overview: We have a new era on our hands at Seymour with a new coaching staff coming in, led by first year head coach Caleb Olive and he certainly has a rebuilding project on his hands. One good thing about this season for Coach Olive is senior leadership at its most important position in quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='214189' first='Madden' last='Guffey']. Having this lefty to run things is a major plus for the Eagles offense this season but he must have help around him and right now, I don't see a lot of depth or talent. The offensive line in particular looks like a major work in progress. Their best prospect transferred in the off-season and the rest of the roster doesn't show much size. How the O-line comes together will dictate a lot this season for the Eagles offense. A few skill guys to know that should get the ball a lot are Josh Gilbert, Connor Ogle and junior Broedy Ferree.    Over on the defense, the Eagles are in need of a lot of guys to step up and take on bigger roles this year. When you look at their team going into the 2025 season, Seymour doesn't show a lot of proven guys for defense, so to me, there are a lot of unknowns on this side of the ball. Finding some kind of identity on defense will be big, whether that's stopping the run or slowing up the pass, the Eagles need to find something that can work. It could be a long first year for Coach Olive but knowing him, I'm sure he has the right approach and game plan to turn this program around, it just may take some time before it starts to go into the right direction.    - - - - -    Sullivan East Patriots    Location: Bluff City, TN (Sullivan Co.)   Head Coach: J.C. Simmons    2024 Finish: 1-9 Overall (1-5 Region)   Top Returning Players: (WR/DB) Gabe Johnson, (WR/S) [player_tooltip player_id='1611581' first='Blue' last='Proffitt'], (LB/S) Andrew McDuffie, ‘27 (OL/DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1727807' first='Luke' last='Tomlinson'], ‘27 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1659346' first='Peyton' last='Lingerfelt'], ‘27 (WR/S) Austin Warren, ‘27 (Ath) Haden Jones, ‘27 (RB/LB) Andrew Davison, ‘28 (DE) D'Shawn Bowling, (WR/DB) Caden Hughes   Team Overview: The last couple of years have been tough for the Patriots program but a new year brings them opportunity, a chance to turn things around and start forming themselves back into a perennial playoff caliber team. I think it will be a tough road, especially with the expansion of this region and the competition not being easy to get past. I see some potential with the Pats offense but plenty of parts must come together for things to work, especially the offensive line where I see the biggest question marks. Passing the ball could become a strength for the Patriots offense with senior wideout Blue Profitt catching passes from junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1659346' first='Peyton' last='Lingerfelt']. His development will be critical towards the team's overall success this year but so will that offensive line.    Over on defense, I see a lot of holes that need to be filled but there is upside in several areas. By the end of the season, the Patriots secondary may prove to be a defensive strength, especially if juniors Haden Jones and Austin Warren develop well at safety. Rising sophomore D'Shawn Bowling is a name to watch on the line as someone that could provide a consistent pass rush. Shoring up the linebackers is the position I see needing work. Finding that sure tackler against the run is key towards this defense becoming a solid down in and down out cohesive unit. I still see an uphill battle for the Patriots this year as I don't know if they have enough overall depth and talent to compete for the top half of the region but you never know, so it will be interesting to see how the season plays out for Sullivan East.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/plingerfelt.jpg?w=587" alt="" class="wp-image-1732788" style="width:305px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Volunteer Falcons   Location: Church Hill, TN (Hawkins Co.)   Head Coach: Jeremy Wagner    2024 Finish: 0-9 Overall (0-5 Region)   Top Returning Players: (DL/OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1258053' first='Christian' last='Wilson'], (DT/OL) Jaylynn Livesay, (DE/LB) Isaiah Ward, (LB) Brayden Cheek, (OL/DT) Davis Murphy, (APB) Nathan Simpson, ‘27 (QB/S) [player_tooltip player_id='905250' first='Jameson' last='Mowell'], ‘27 (OG/C) Jacoby Hyatt, ‘27 (RB) Owen Fleenor, ‘28 (QB/S) Lincoln Wilson, ‘28 (Ath) Amarion Graves, ‘28 (WR/S) Bryton Landry   Team Overview: The 2024 season wasn't pleasant for the Falcons as they didn't win a game but maybe with development of their younger players and some new off-season additions, this East Tennessee program may be able to get out of the cellar. Looking into the Falcons offense, it will be a young unit but potential is there, especially with the development of senior running back Nathan Simpson and the emergence of junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='905250' first='Jameson' last='Mowell']. If those two play at a high level, the Falcons may be able to score a lot of points but some receivers need to be found while the offensive line forms into place. I could see this offense developing well but I could also see where they continue to struggle as well.    It's on the defensive side of the ball where I see hope for the Falcons this season. They made a huge off-season addition with one of the better D-linemen coming out of the East Tennessee region in senior [player_tooltip player_id='1258053' first='Christian' last='Wilson']. He has a chance to lead this region in sacks and be one of the best at getting after the quarterback in the entire state. Wilson should have help as well in seniors Jaylynn Livesay and edge rusher Isaiah Ward. The one area I see needing work in Fall camp is the secondary. I don't see a lot of athleticism or skill throughout this team but opportunity is there for prospects to step forward into starting roles then shine. Keep an eye on sophomore Amarion Graves as a potential breakout guy for both sides of the ball. Making the playoffs is very possible for the Falcons but a lot of things must go right and form together for that to happen. I do like them for the 3rd or 4th spot in this region but I could also see where they miss out yet again as well.    - - - - -    #PRZTN Preseason Predictions   Predicted Order of Finish   1. Greeneville   2. Elizabethton   3. Cherokee   4. Northview Academy   5. Volunteer   6. Grainger   7. Sullivan East   8. Seymour    - - - - -    Preseason Regional Top Honors   Region POY: (QB/S) Caden Baugh - Greeneville   Offensive POY: (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1181026' first='Zaydyn' last='Anderson'] - Greeneville    Defensive POY: (DL) [player_tooltip player_id='1258053' first='Christian' last='Wilson'] - Volunteer    Lineman POY: (OL/DT) [player_tooltip player_id='851948' first='Zorian' last='Harris'] - Greeneville    Coach of the Year: Eddie Spradlen - Greeneville    Mr. Football Contenders: (QB/S) Caden Baugh - Greeneville, (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1102999' first='Rhett' last='Slagle'] - Elizabethton, (QB) Landon Jeffers - Cherokee, (RB) Tyler Wolfe - Cherokee, (WR/DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1181026' first='Zaydyn' last='Anderson'] - Greeneville   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/cbaugh.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1732775" style="width:286px;height:auto" /></figure>