Preseason Preview: Class 4A/Region 3

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Everything in this region points towards Red Bank being the clear cut favorite to take home the title. The Lions have a well balanced team that could chase down the 4A championship as well but it's one step at a time and that's conquering this region. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4A-Region 3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>East Ridge Pioneers&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Chattanooga, TN (Hamilton Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Chad Barger</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>1-9 Overall (1-5 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(Ath) <strong>DeMarcus Scruggs</strong>, (RB/LB) <strong>Harry Strickland IV</strong>, (WR/DB) <strong>Marshon Usher</strong>, ‘27 (TE/DE) <strong>Jackson Phillips</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>Down on the border of the state line, East Ridge has been a program itching to get themselves out of the cellar but it's been a struggle and I don't know if things will get any better for the Pioneers this coming season. There is a lot to learn about this squad headed into the 2025 football year and a lot of positions that need to be sorted out. Looking through this roster, the Pioneers are lacking top end talent, size and overall depth for either side of the ball. East Ridge also doesn't have a lot of information out there about them, so there are a lot of unknowns headed into the season. This program and community around them I'm sure are itching for a winner but it's been hard times for the Pioneers. Maybe in Fall camp, the East Ridge coaching staff can find enough capable starters and talent to scratch out some victories and somehow find their way to the fourth spot and a playoff appearance, however it will be a challenge.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hixson Wildcats</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Hixson, TN (Hamilton Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Nick Rivers&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>3-7 Overall (2-4 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(RB/LB) <strong>A'Dryoun Stewart</strong>, (S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1635017' first='Ryan' last='Burney']</strong>, (OL/DT) <strong>Malaki Hodges</strong>, (RB) <strong>Alfonso Rivezzo</strong>, (QB) <strong>Jake Pollack</strong>, (DT) <strong>Drue Schwartz</strong>, (OL/DT) <strong>Jemarion Moss</strong>, (OL) <strong>Elijah Heath</strong>, ‘28 (QB) <strong>Easton McIntyre</strong>, ‘28 (RB) <strong>Rikeyon Burney</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>Back in the spring months, I saw upside this season for the Wildcats but after some off-season substractions, I'm unsure as to who this Hixson team will be. I do see a little potential with a strong senior core returning but certain position groups must be figured out before I can say with certainty that Hixson is a playoff caliber team. One positive going into the season might be the Wildcats offensive line. Senior <strong>Malaki Hodges </strong>is a potential 1st team All-Region guy. He is joined by fellow seniors <strong>Jemarion Moss </strong>and <strong>Elijah Heath </strong>to give the Cats a nice trio to build around. The quarterback position looks to be handled by <strong>Jake Pollock</strong>, who has a few skill players to help in <strong>A'Dryoun Stewart </strong>and two-way talent <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1635017' first='Ryan' last='Burney']</strong>. For this offense to succeed, Pollock must be steady without turning the ball over while the offensive line holds up and gains a consistent push game in and game out.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The offense has potential but the defense shows me a lot of unknowns. Several players like Burney, Hodges and Stewart will be leaders, star players on this side of the ball but others around them must step forward and perform at a high level. I can foresee the defensive line becoming a strength for the Wildcats defense. Having Hodges and Moss working in the trenches, alongside senior <strong>Drue Schwartz </strong>could give Hixson a solid run stuffing defensive line. The linebackers and the secondary both need further development throughout Fall camp to form this side of the ball into a playoff caliber defense. It's a work in progress this season for Hixson but by the end of the year, the Wildcats could be in play for that fourth and final spot for the playoffs, which is a program boost in the right direction.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1738952,"width":"425px","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/rburney.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1738952" style="width:425px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Loudon Redskins</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Loudon, TN (Loudon Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Jeff Harig&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>11-1 Overall (6-0 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(RB) <strong>Dakota Russell</strong>, (LB) <strong>Garrison Vandenberg</strong>, (WR/S) <strong>Wiley Bingham</strong>, (OL/DT) <strong>Isaiah Pierce</strong>, (LB) <strong>Cayden Chaney</strong>, (S) <strong>Brycen Cosner</strong>, ‘27 (DL/OL) <strong>Zayvion McAlister</strong>, ‘28 (OL/DT) <strong>Jackson Curtis</strong>, (DL/OL) <strong>Kayden Collis</strong>, (WR/S) <strong>Caleb Hill&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>The 2024 season will always be one to remember as the Redskins produced eleven victories but it's a new year with a new team but the expectations remain high. One could say that Loudon is in rebuild mode but I'm sure you won't hear that from the coaching staff. While a few starters return from last year's team, it's almost by assumption that you will see a brand new cast of standout performers on both sides of the ball. The Redskins will have a new quarterback, a new group of receivers and the offensive line is lacking experience and overall size. It's hard to gauge this offense going into the year but knowing the coaching staff likes to run the ball, look for the Redskins to focus on ball control offense to keep their defense fresh.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For the Redskins to contend in this region and maneuver their way through the playoffs, their defense has to be consistent every single week and perform at a high level. This side of the ball needs work too like the offense but I see a few pieces over here that can help keep the ship steady. The linebackers could be the defensive strength with seniors <strong>Garrison Vandenberg </strong>and <strong>Cayden Chaney</strong>. Those two have the makeup to produce a bunch of tackles. Helping the backers up will be senior <strong>Zayvion McAlister</strong>, who has a chance to be an All-Region player. The secondary looks like the weakest point of the defense right now but that can change as we get into the season. If the Redskins want to maintain their standards of winning this year, their defense must hold strong each week as the offense finds itself but if that happens, the playoffs again are certainly possible.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Red Bank Lions</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Chattanooga, TN (Hamilton Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Ted Gatewood&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>6-4 Overall (4-2 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(Edge) <strong>Eugene Robinson</strong>, (DE) <strong>DeSean Davidson</strong>, (WR/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1153830' first='Jawon' last='Cooper']</strong>, (OG/DT) <strong>Talib Malone</strong>, (C/G) <strong>Matthew Fowler</strong>, (WR) <strong>Nate Shropshire Jr.</strong>, (Ath) <strong>Jacolbi Salley</strong>, (DE) <strong>Kyre Starling</strong>, (LB) <strong>Austin Cate</strong>, (DT) <strong>Asher Bell</strong>, ‘27 (Ath) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1287488' first='Cayden' last='Loveless']</strong>, ‘27 (Ath) <strong>Chaise Tillman</strong>, ‘27 (C/G) <strong>Kamin Travis</strong>, ‘27 (Ath) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='474873' first='Josh' last='Jackson']</strong>, ‘27 (LB) <strong>Milton Evans III</strong>, ‘28 (RB/DB) <strong>Dominic Gordon</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>New Additions: </strong>(DB/WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1699919' first='Tramell' last='Davis, Jr'] </strong>(Hixson), (DT) <strong>Jaeden Espy </strong>(Chatt. Prep),<strong> </strong>‘27 (QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1590252' first='Austin' last='Jones'] </strong>(Chatt. Prep), ‘27 (Ath) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1654041' first='Marcus' last='Jones'] </strong>(Chatt. Prep), ‘27 (WR/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1654042' first='V.J.' last='Heard'] </strong>(Chatt. Prep)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>Going into the 2025 season, I already had Red Bank as the favorite in this region but after some off-season additions, there is no question now who's the team to beat. The Lions brought in some serious talent over the past few months to boost this roster in a significant way. Both sides of the ball saw an influx of talent but the offense got a big jolt in the arm by the addition of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1590252' first='Austin' last='Jones'] </strong>at quarterback. This junior signal caller has college upside with his dual threat skill set. He also has a chance to contend for Mr. Football but his team around must help. His has a deep receiving corps to throw to with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1153830' first='Jawon' last='Cooper']</strong>, <strong>Nate Shropshire Jr. </strong>and incoming two-way talent <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1654041' first='Marcus' last='Jones']</strong>. The Lions O-line has a few spots to work out but the overall group looks solid, led by seniors <strong>Matthew Fowler </strong>and <strong>Talib Malone</strong>. I see potential in this offense and how good they could possibly be by the end of the season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The other side of the ball looks equally strong with talented prospects sitting at all three levels. When you are good in the line of scrimmage, you have a shot to win a bunch of games and Lions look legit with their defensive front. Red Bank could have one of the best pass rushing attacks on the 4A level with <strong>Eugene Robinson </strong>and <strong>DeSean Davidson </strong>working on opposite ends. The addition of <strong>Jaeden Espy </strong>at defensive tackle helps balance the line and provides them a run stuffer up the middle. Cooper and Jones will be going both ways this Fall as both are expected to be high end performers in the secondary. The addition of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1654042' first='V.J.' last='Heard'] </strong>at safety and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1699919' first='Tramell' last='Davis, Jr'] </strong>could make the Lions defensive backfield elite. As you glance at both sides of the ball, the Lions may have the talent to not just win this region but go on a deep playoff run towards the 4A state championship but everyone must perform and stay healthy for that to happen.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1660410,"width":"259px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/austinjones.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1660410" style="width:259px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sequoyah Chiefs&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Madisonville, TN (</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Brett King&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>0-10 Overall (0-6 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(OG/C) <strong>Brody Hunt</strong>, (WR/S) <strong>Eli Ellis</strong>, (QB) <strong>Josh Phillips</strong>, (DE) <strong>Levi Jones</strong>, (RB/LB) <strong>Canaan Powell</strong>, ‘27 (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103034' first='Andrew' last='Smith']</strong>, ‘28 (OL) <strong>Caiden West</strong>, ‘28 (RB/S) <strong>Carter Tallent</strong>, ‘28 (K/P) <strong>Darrin Underwood</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>The Sequoyah coaching staff and players are glad to put the past behind them and move towards a new year, especially coming off a winless season. The crazy thing is I see potential with the Chiefs this year but a lot of parts must come together and the players have to perform consistently each week. Stable play needs at quarterback from senior <strong>Josh Phillips</strong>. His play will be critical towards the team's success. He will need help in the line and while I need to learn further about the front five, I see two good pieces up front in <strong>Brody Hunt </strong>(6'5 290) and rising sophomore <strong>Caiden West</strong>. The Chiefs have an underrated pass catcher in <strong>Eli Ells </strong>that could be a major playmaker this year. It was mentioned above, I see potential here but predicting success is different than producing it.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While I like what I'm seeing from the Sequoyah offense, their defense has question marks headed into the season. Each position group is lacking top end talent or overall depth. I am sure new names will step forward to become starters but I don't know if the Chiefs have enough juice on this side of the ball to keep most opponents off the scoreboard. Defensive end <strong>Levi Jones </strong>is one to watch as a high end producer this Fall and a definite defensive leader. I do see the Chiefs gaining several victories and not putting back to back winless seasons together. Now do I think it will produce a postseason berth, I don't know. Anything is possible but I just don't know if the Chiefs have enough depth or talent to do so but we shall see.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Signal Mountain Hawks</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Signal Mountain, TN (Hamilton Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Mark Mariakis</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>6-5 Overall (3-3 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(LB) <strong>Colton Selzer</strong>, (S) <strong>J.B. Zimmerman</strong>, (RB/LB) <strong>Sam Edmondson</strong>, (WR/DB) <strong>Bo Cooper</strong>, (WR/S) <strong>Ian Gomez</strong>, ‘27 (QB/Ath) <strong>Colton Johnston</strong>, ‘27 (DL) <strong>Mason Tate</strong>, ‘27 (LB/DE) <strong>Tank Reason</strong>, ‘28 (OL/DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1734274' first='Andrew' last='Carlin']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1738953,"width":"260px","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/cselzer.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1738953" style="width:260px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>Could the Hawks become the sleeper team to compete for the top of this region and go on to have a very successful 2025 season? I think it's very possible, especially after looking over their roster and seeing potential with several returning players. While I am kinda bullish on the Hawks this season, I also see some areas throughout the team that need further development, especially in the line of scrimmage. The O-line needs to get better if the Hawks offense wants to sustain consistency. They have a potential future stud in sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1734274' first='Andrew' last='Carlin'] </strong>that could anchor this line for the next three years. The remainder of the offense needs tweaking as well. Signs point towards junior <strong>Colton Johnston </strong>taking over duties at quarterback. He should receive help from seniors <strong>Sam Edmondson </strong>at running back and <strong>Bo Cooper </strong>at receiver.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both sides of the ball for Signal Mountain need further development but I think their defense could be ahead of their offense headed into the season. Several guys will be going both ways this year and be key leaders. Cooper and Edmondson look to play big roles in the secondary and at linebacker but the best performer on defense this Fall could be senior <strong>Colton Selzer</strong>. I see a potential college future with Selzer but a big senior year must happen for this linebacker to reach the next level. The defense line appears to me to be the weakest part of this defense. That statement could turn around as we follow the Hawks work early on this season. I don't think Signal Mountain has enough overall talent or depth to contend for a region title this year but I do see them competing for a playoff spot but only if everyone stays healthy and their top players perform at a high level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -</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. Red Bank</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2. Loudon</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3. Signal Mountain</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4. Hixson</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5. Sequoyah</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6. East Ridge</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>Reg. MVP: </strong>‘27 (QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1590252' first='Austin' last='Jones'] </strong>- Red Bank</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Off. POTY: </strong>‘27 (WR/DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1654041' first='Marcus' last='Jones'] </strong>- Red Bank</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Def. POTY: </strong>(Edge) <strong>Eugene Robinson </strong>- Red Bank</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lineman POTY: </strong>(DL/OL) <strong>Zayvion McAlister </strong>- Loudon</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Coach of the Year: Ted Gatewood </strong>- Red Bank</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mr. Football Contenders: </strong>‘27 (QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1590252' first='Austin' last='Jones'] </strong>- Red Bank, ‘27 (WR/DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1654041' first='Marcus' last='Jones'] </strong>- Red Bank</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1647263,"width":"274px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/03/erobinson.webp?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1647263" style="width:274px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->