Preseason Preview: Class 4A/Region 4

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Seeing how this region plays out should be fun as you have the defending 4A champs in Macon Co. residing here along with a potential champion this year in Upperman. Can't sleep on Stone Memorial either! This could be one of the more competitive regions we have from the 4A level this season. </h2>     4A-Region 4   DeKalb Co. Tigers    Location: Smithville, TN (DeKalb Co.)   Head Coach: Steve Trapp    2024 Finish: 6-4 Overall (2-4 Region)   Top Returning Players: (WR/S) [player_tooltip player_id='1316697' first='Jon' last='Hendrix'], (C/G) [player_tooltip player_id='1621935' first='Bryson' last='Arnold'], (TE/DE) Jerrett Hamilton, (LB) Aidan Turner, (WR/DB) Kaleb Gomez, ‘27 (RB/S) [player_tooltip player_id='1346530' first='Cecil' last='Ketchum'], ‘27 (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='1617382' first='Ryan' last='Lyons'], ‘27 (QB/S) Jesse Foutch, ‘27 (Ath) Tucker Webb, ‘27 (OL) Chase Sullivan, ‘27 (Ath) Aiden Lawrence, ‘27 (WR/DB) Brandon Cook, ‘27 (K) Adrian Prater   Team Overview: The Tigers have consistently made the playoffs and put together winning seasons over the past several years and while I think they can do it again this Fall, it may be a tougher road. This region is tough, especially with your defending state champion in Macon Co. and another potential champ this season in Upperman but the Tigers won't back down from competition. What helps their cause this season is having two of the best receivers in the region with.[player_tooltip player_id='1316697' first='Jon' last='Hendrix'] and junior [player_tooltip player_id='1617382' first='Ryan' last='Lyons'], who is a gamechanger and potential D1 guy. They need to find a new signal caller but whoever that should be will have some nice toys to work with. Blocking up front for those will be an O-line that is adding in new starters but have a senior to show them the ropes in [player_tooltip player_id='1621935' first='Bryson' last='Arnold']. Multiple positions have to be sorted out but the Tigers offense has potential to score a lot of points.    Holding things down on defense looks like a work in progress for the coaching staff. They return a few good pieces like Jerrett Hamilton on the D-line and Lyons and Hendrix in the secondary but there is a lot of unknown with the rest of the defense. Finding some beef up the middle is important as stopping the run is critical on the high school level. I think the Tigers will have enough on this side of the ball to contend versus the pass but stopping the run might turn out to be a tall task. Gaining confidence early for DeKalb Co. I see a being key towards a potential playoff caliber season. I can see the Tigers earning the fourth and final playoff spot but I can also see them missing postseason play as well.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/rlyons.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1741213" style="width:279px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -   Livingston Academy Wildcats    Location: Livingston, TN (Overton Co.)   Head Coach: Kaleb Qualls    2024 Finish: 4-6 Overall (1-5 Region)   Top Returning Players: (WR/S) Rocco Carwile, (OG/C) [player_tooltip player_id='1740592' first='Leo' last='Cardenas'], (RB) Jaxon Boles, (QB/Ath) Adrian Jenkins, (LB) Andrew Peyton-Goolsby, (LB) Derik Munoz, (LB) Ethan Westmoreland, (OL) Grayson Manthey, (OL) Matthew Slayton, ‘27 (DL/OL) Francisco Guerrero, ‘27 (RB/WR) Bryson Masters, ‘27 (Ath) Isaiah Honeycutt, ‘27 (Ath) Marius Birdsong   Team Overview: It's a new year for the Wildcats but the same challenge as they are coming off a 1-5 region finish but the competition remains tough around them. This season provides a new opportunity to turn things around but I just don't know if they have enough talent to get past Macon Co., Upperman and others. We shall see but as do our preseason preview on them, I see their offense showing some potential but work must be done. A good starting point is being good up front and the Cats should have a solid O-line with seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1740592' first='Leo' last='Cardenas'], Grayson Manthey and Matthew Slayton along with junior two-way talent Francisco Guerrero. Livingston needs to figure out the quarterback position but whoever is the guy will have few talented skill players to work with in Rocco Carwile and Jaxon Boles.    The Wildcats defense has some development to do in Fall camp but they may have a solid unit on their hands for the 2025 season that could help guide this team. The best trio of linebackers in this region may come from the Cats with seniors Andrew Peyton-Goolsby, Derik Munoz and Ethan Westmoreland. They will be helped by a D-line that will feature some two-way guys that could do well stopping the run. The secondary is the one area on defense that needs standout players to step forward. Some holes on both sides of the ball need to be filled but I think the Wildcats could be a better team compared to last year and could possibly fight for a postseason berth by season's end.    - - - - -    Macon Co. Tigers    Location: Lafayette, TN (Macon Co.)   Head Coach: Kyle Shoulders    2024 Finish: 13-2 Overall (4-2 Region - 4A Champions)   Top Returning Players: (Ath) Jayden Cook-Muniz, (OL/DT) Gavin Johnson, (RB/DB) Tre McClain, (LB) Matthew Wheeley, ‘27 (QB) Cooper Carlisle, ‘27 (Ath) Xavier Bentley, ‘27 (OG) Wyatt Walrond, ‘27 (CB/WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1642951' first='Anthony' last='Johnson'], ‘27 (FB/LB) Brennan Flowers, ‘27 (LB) Hunter Jones, ‘28 (OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1565684' first='Aedan' last='Hopson'], ‘28 (OL) Javier Rodriguez, ‘28 (RB/LB) Cooper East, ‘28 (RB) Hayden Hasse   Team Overview: The Tigers went on a magical ride during the 2024 playoffs to play for the 4A title versus Melrose and they would come out on top to bring home their first ever football state championship. It's a season that can never be replicated but the Tigers players and staff will certainly try, however this will be a different team with new names stepping towards the forefront. The Tigers offense is having to replace a lot but I actually think they will be fine. New quarterback Cooper Carlisle has a dual threat skill set but may be a better passer. It may be a by committee approach at running back to begin the season with Tre McClain, Xavier Bentley and others but someone should emerge as the lead guy by the end of the year. The offensive strength this season could be the line. The Tigers have a nice group within their O-line that is led by senior Gavin Johnson but the youthful guys in Wyatt Walrond, [player_tooltip player_id='1565684' first='Aedan' last='Hopson'] and Javier Rodriguez may have a college future.    I believe the Macon Co. offense will be a well oiled machine by mid-season but their defense I'm unsure about right now. This side of the ball is having to replace several key guys with new, fresh faces that will be taking over starting roles this year, so there is a lot to learn about the Tigers defense. Multiple linemen like Johnson and others will be going both ways up front, giving the Tigers beef in the trenches. The defensive backfield might be the strength on this side of the ball with guys McClain, Bentley, Jayden Cook-Muniz, [player_tooltip player_id='1642951' first='Anthony' last='Johnson'] and others forming an athletic secondary. Junior linebacker Matthew Wheeley might turn out to be the team's leading tackler. There is potential on this side of the ball but open roles need to be filled by productive players. The Tigers are your defending 4A champs and will remain the team to beat until someone knocks them off. This is a different team but still a capable one to earn the region title with a shot at repeating as state champs.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/kshoulders.jpg?w=683" alt="" class="wp-image-1618803" style="width:231px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Stone Memorial Panthers   Location: Crossville, TN (Cumberland Co.)   Head Coach: Derik Samber   2024 Finish: 5-6 Overall (3-3 Region)   Top Returning Players: (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='491549' first='Noah' last='Potter'], (OL) Cole Hinch, (WR/S) Hunter Haney, ‘27 (WR/S) [player_tooltip player_id='1608559' first='Kadyn' last='Page'], ‘27 (OL) Braden Thompson, ‘27 (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1740835' first='Carson' last='McCoy'], ‘27 (WR/S) Kyle Hinch, ‘27 (QB/S) Dylan Phillips, ‘27 (RB/LB) Lincoln Eldridge, ‘27 (DT/OL) Cooper Disney, ‘28 (WR/DB) T.J. McDowell ‘28 (OL/DT) Colt Hayes   Team Overview: Keep eyes out for the Panthers this season as they return a talented crop of players this Fall that I don't know if they can contend for the region title but they will certainly give Macon Co. and Upperman a run for their money. What helps that cause is the fact Stone Memorial returns a talented senior behind center in [player_tooltip player_id='491549' first='Noah' last='Potter']. The Panther signal caller heads into the 2025 season as the leading returning passer on the 4A level and he will have a solid group of receivers to work with, especially junior stud [player_tooltip player_id='1608559' first='Kadyn' last='Page']. The area of concern for me going into the season is the offensive line. The Panthers have a few good pieces up front with senior Braden Thompson and underclassmen Cooper Disney and Colt Hayes but the overall depth and size is lacking. If the staff can figure out their best front five, this offense has a chance to be high scoring and very explosive.    For the offense to succeed like I think they can, the Panthers staff will need strong play on the defensive side of the ball. Getting the offense back on the field consistently is key for this defense, which does have some questionable position groups headed into the season. The defensive front has some holes right now but that could definitely be worked throughout Fall camp. Several big men like Thompson, Disney and Hayes should be going both ways but finding others to contribute would help a ton. Pay attention towards a potential breakout season at linebacker from junior [player_tooltip player_id='1740835' first='Carson' last='McCoy']. He has the size (6'3 200) and athleticism to possibly make his way into the college game. The secondary should be the strength for the Panthers defense, spearheaded by Page and joined by Hunter Haney, Kyle Hinch and Dylan Phillips. This is a definite playoff caliber team that could sneak up on the top two and knock one of them off if they aren't ready. I like this Panthers team as a possible sleeper come postseason play as someone that could upset a top seed and go on a deep playoff run.    - - - - -    Upperman Bees   Location: Baxter, TN (Putnam Co.)   Head Coach: Adam Caine   2024 Finish: 11-1 Overall (6-0 Region)   Top Returning Players: (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1254853' first='Bronzden' last='Chaffin'], (RB/S) [player_tooltip player_id='492559' first='Carmine' last='Phillips'], (WR/DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1648112' first='Elijah' last='Fitts'], (WR/S) Andrew Hughes, (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1554229' first='Walter' last='Caine'], (WR) Deven Brewington, (DE) Andrew Bohon, (CB/RB) Marcus Williams, ‘27 (TE/LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1679806' first='Colton' last='Johnson'], ‘27 (OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1566197' first='Parker' last='Cox'], ‘27 (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1583146' first='Jude' last='Fitzpatrick'], ‘27 (DT/OL) Jakobe Beasley, ‘27 (DL/OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1694975' first='Noah' last='Tarver'], ‘27 (WR) Gunner Block   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/bchaffin.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1409152" style="width:274px;height:auto" /></figure>   Team Overview: A stellar season in 2024 ended abruptly in the 2nd round of the playoffs to a fellow region foe that many people didn't see coming. It was an early exit for the Bees on what could have been a state title season but that didn't happen, however most of that team from last year returned with their eyes on the prize. The Bees have the best player in this region with quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1254853' first='Bronzden' last='Chaffin'], who is currently committed to Georgia State. This dual threat signal caller is a game changer, a difference maker and someone that can lead the Bees all the way to the promised land. Chaffin will be complimented nicely by some good skill players like [player_tooltip player_id='492559' first='Carmine' last='Phillips'] at running back and [player_tooltip player_id='1648112' first='Elijah' last='Fitts'] at receiver. Those two seniors are college level talents that can push their stocks forward with strong senior campaigns. The O-line needs to figure out a few spots but that unit should be good, led by junior stud [player_tooltip player_id='1566197' first='Parker' last='Cox']. This offense was good last year but has a chance to be even better in the Fall.    Several players that play offense will be going both ways on defense. Phillips and Fitts will be key performers in the Bees secondary. The front seven has some veterans to set the tone with Andrew Bohon on the D-line and [player_tooltip player_id='1554229' first='Walter' last='Caine'] at linebacker. Joining Caine with the linebackers is talented juniors [player_tooltip player_id='1583146' first='Jude' last='Fitzpatrick'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1679806' first='Colton' last='Johnson'], who will be starring on offense as well at tight end. This defensive unit does need further development in camp as the coaching staff must figure out a few key spots but overall, the Bees defense should be good enough to help earn a lot of victories. Several pieces are in place for Upperman this season to not only win this region again but chase after that 4A state championship. Chaffin is key and he must stay healthy but the rest of the team has to perform at a high level for their goals of winning a state title comes true.   - - - - -    White Co. Warriors   Location: Sparta, TN (White Co.)   Head Coach: David Foster    2024 Finish: 10-3 Overall (5-1 Region)   Top Returning Players: (DE) [player_tooltip player_id='1405051' first='Hunter' last='Broyles'], (WR/LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1647168' first='Carter' last='Rich'], (OL/DL) Dayman Conley, (G/C/DT) Sean Gomez, (WR/DB) Noah Skeith,  ‘27 (QB/Ath) Tucker Pinion, ‘27 (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1617402' first='Lex' last='Winfree'], ‘27 (WR/S) Bryson Hogg, ‘27 (LB) Eli Sparkman, ‘27 (RB/WR) Cole Sims, ‘27 (WR/DB) Eli Smith, ‘27 (RB/DB) JoJo Dowell, ‘28 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1668404' first='Max' last='Warner'], (WR/DB) Bryson Burchett, (OL/DT) Kaiden Clemons   Team Overview: A familiar name takes over the reins at White Co. in Coach Foster but he's the head coach now, meaning we are in a different era with the Warriors football program. We are also going into a football season without Tripp Pinion for the first time in four years, meaning a new name needs to step up to be the face of this team. Looking at this year's roster, the offense looks to be in a bit of a transition with a new quarterback stepping into the lead role. Fall camp will dictate who takes over as it will be either junior Tucker Pinion or rising sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1668404' first='Max' last='Warner']. Whoever earns the starting role should have a solid group of skill guys around them in [player_tooltip player_id='1647168' first='Carter' last='Rich'], Noah Skeith, Bryson Hogg, Cole Sims and JoJo Dowell. The O-line is the one area on offense that I see question marks with headed into the 2025 season. That's definitely a unit that must perform at a high level for the Warriors offense to ultimately succeed.    The side of the ball that can put the Warriors back into the playoffs this year will be their defense. Several skill guys mentioned above like Rich and Hogg will be key players on defense but they will be joined by standout players from all three levels. The Warriors D-line may be their strength as you have two potential All-State guys with [player_tooltip player_id='1405051' first='Hunter' last='Broyles'] and junior [player_tooltip player_id='1617402' first='Lex' last='Winfree']. The linebackers need a little work but will certainly be led by Eli Sparkman, who has the upside to be a breakout player this year. The secondary is deep but needs new guys to step forward on the outside and upgrade the corner positions. I like the look right now for the Warriors defense and their chances at leading this team to a lot of victories. Much is to be learned about Warriors in camp and early on this season as they are replacing several high end players but there is enough talent here to return back to postseason play.    - - - - -    #PRZTN Preseason Predictions   Predicted Order of Finish   1. Upperman   2. Macon Co.   3. Stone Memorial   4. White Co.   5. DeKalb Co.   6. Livingston Academy    - - - - -    Preseason Regional Top Honors   Reg. MVP: (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1254853' first='Bronzden' last='Chaffin'] - Upperman   Off. POTY: (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='491549' first='Noah' last='Potter'] - Stone Memorial   Def. POTY: (S) [player_tooltip player_id='492559' first='Carmine' last='Phillips'] - Upperman    Lineman POTY: (OL/DE) [player_tooltip player_id='1405051' first='Hunter' last='Broyles'] - White Co.    Coach of the Year: Adam Caine - Upperman   Mr. Football Contenders: (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1254853' first='Bronzden' last='Chaffin'] - Upperman, (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='491549' first='Noah' last='Potter'] - Stone Memorial,  (RB/S) [player_tooltip player_id='492559' first='Carmine' last='Phillips'] - Upperman, ‘27 (QB) Cooper Carlisle - Macon Co., ‘27 (WR/DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1608559' first='Kadyn' last='Page'] - Stone Memorial   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/cphillips.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1741215" style="width:317px;height:auto" /></figure>