Preseason Preview: Class 4A/Region 6

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">It looks like this region could be a two team battle between Pearl Cohn and Springfield with both teams having aspirations at making it to the 4A title game. White House could be sneaky a third team in this region with Liberty Creek and Greenbrier fighting for a postseason berth. </h2>     4A-Region 6   Greenbrier Bobcats   Location: Greenbrier, TN (Robertson Co.)   Head Coach: John Elmore    2024 Finish: 0-10 Overall (0-7 Region)   Top Players: (WR/DB) DeAndre Thomas, (G/C) Logan Hardway, (WR/S) Kaden Howell, (TE/DE) Kris Thompson, (DB) Jamauri Harvey, (LB) Ryan Moles, (WR/DB) Brayden McDonald, ‘27 (OL/DT) Connor All, ‘27 (Ath) Zion Knight, ‘27 (RB) Trent Cantrell, ‘27 (Ath) Vincent Ward, ‘27 (LB) Alex Claiborne, ‘28 (Ath) Demetrius Williams, ‘28 (OL) Braylin Salisbury   Team Overview: When you glance over the Bobcats roster, you don't see a team coming off an 0-10 season but that's the case, however I think this Mid-TN program can bounce back this year and put themselves in the mix for a postseason berth. It will be a tough road as this region has gotten better but if the Bobcats coaching staff can put their guys in the right position, finding the playoffs is possible. Figuring out the quarterback position is step number one. I don't know who the guy behind center will be but whoever it is will have some decent skill around them. Seniors DeAndre Thomas and Kaden Howell provide athleticism out wide at receiver. Junior Zion Knight is a name to watch to potentially take over starting duties at running back. The O-line is a little iffy going into the season. Right now, it looks like the front five is lacking depth and overall talent. There are pieces here on offense to work with but the quarterback position and the O-line must be figured out.    While I see potential with the offense, the Bobcats defense has question marks going into the season. The defensive line has a senior in Kris Thompson to build around but the rest of his linemates right now are unknown. The linebackers need to grow some depth themselves. Senior Ryan Moles is a solid piece in the middle but others have to step forward to help him. The Bobcats secondary might be their defensive strength. Thomas and Howell should star on the back end while playing receiver. They should be joined by Jamauri Harvey, Vincent Ward and others to form an athletic secondary. Hope should be up at Greenbrier with a decent roster but the desire and want to must be there. I certainly think the Bobcats can win a few games this season and contend for a playoff spot but position groups need to be settled and confidence must be found for that to happen.    - - - - -    Liberty Creek Wolves   Location: Gallatin, TN (Sumner Co.)   Head Coach: Bill Alexander   2024 Finish: 5-7 Overall (2-1 Region)   Top Returning Players: (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='1648100' first='Seth' last='Taylor'], (OL/DT) Hayden Zimmerlee, (DB/WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1666679' first='Jeremiah' last='Warren'], (LB) Kingston Rios, (TE/LB) Worth Roberts, ‘27 (QB/S) Jackson Collier, ‘27 (WR/S) Hudson Flatt, ‘28 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1190424' first='Marsia' last='Hale'], ‘28 (OL/DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1732144' first='Z'Mari' last='Tucker'], ‘28 (DT/OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1675152' first='Zach' last='Carr'], ‘28 (NG) [player_tooltip player_id='1038547' first='Zhmyrion' last='Pirtle'], ‘28 (Ath) Ty Porter, ‘28 (RB/S) Evan Reuscher, ‘28 (WR/DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1190214' first='Brody' last='Keeton'], ‘28 (FB/LB) Parker Henderson   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/sethtaylor.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1743484" style="width:268px;height:auto" /></figure>   Team Overview: This is still a young program that's building and growing but the Wolves have made some good strides down the right path thus far and I expect winning to continue this Fall. This is a young roster overall but the Wolves still have some veterans to lean on, especially two-way skill guys [player_tooltip player_id='1648100' first='Seth' last='Taylor'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1666679' first='Jeremiah' last='Warren'], who have a shot to make it into the college game. Getting those guys the ball should be junior dual threat quarterback Jackson Collier. He will be joined in the backfield by multiple guys but keep an eye out for rising sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1190424' first='Marsia' last='Hale'] to step up as the big play back. The O-line is the one area where there could be some concerns. Senior Hayden Zimmerlee looks like the best guy up front but the other spots don't appear settled going into the 2025 season.    Staying on the line of scrimmage, the Wolves defensive front will consist of several guys who will be going both ways in the trenches. This unit will be young but beefy with a trio of sophomores in [player_tooltip player_id='1732144' first='Z'Mari' last='Tucker'], [player_tooltip player_id='1675152' first='Zach' last='Carr'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1038547' first='Zhmyrion' last='Pirtle']. If those three can mature quickly, the Wolves might have a solid unit up the middle against the run game. Helping the defensive line versus the run is one of the leading returning tacklers in the state with senior Kingston Rios. Sitting behind the front seven is a secondary that shows potential and the ability to become the strongest unit on this side of the ball. I see upside with this defense but there are a lot of young players that have to mature early to form the Wolves defense into a formidable unit. I do see postseason play this season for Liberty Creek but I'm not sure how good they will be, so while I like what I see here, there is a lot of development to go for the Wolves.    - - - - -    Pearl Cohn Firebirds   Location: Nashville, TN (Davidson Co.)   Head Coach: Tony Brunetti    2024 Finish: 10-4 Overall (5-1 Region)   Top Returning Players: (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1432204' first='Karmelo' last='League'], (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1587357' first='Omarion' last='Starnes'], (C/G) Isaiah Anthony, (DE) Maurice Holt, Jr, (S) Jeremiah Brownlee, (LB) Robert Williams II, (WR) LaDamion Hunter, (DL) Emmanuel Moses, (OL/DT) Donaven Marshall, ‘27 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1286233' first='L.J.' last='Funk'], ‘27 (DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1571417' first='Anthony' last='Carnahan'], ‘27 (DE) [player_tooltip player_id='1552175' first='Henry' last='Begley'], ‘27 (RB/S) [player_tooltip player_id='1674227' first='Lance' last='Donaldson']   ‘27 (WR/S) [player_tooltip player_id='1608413' first='Stephen' last='Saulter'], ‘27 (WR) Zion Brown, ‘27 (OL) Kenny Jones, (LB) William Nelson, Jr, ‘27 (LB) Jaylen Parker, ‘27 (DT) Anthony Thompson, ‘28 (OL/DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1030665' first='Cheyenne' last='Harris'], ‘28 (Ath) Kendall Hoskins Jr., ‘28 (OL/DT) Jacob Robinson, ‘28 (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1704627' first='Reese' last='Foster']   New Additions: (OL/DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1554209' first='Chester' last='Burgess'] (Hunters Lane)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/03/kleague.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1647258" style="width:263px;height:auto" /></figure>   Team Overview: Everything in this region runs through the Firebirds and they are well equipped yet again to chase after titles, including remaining in the mix to contend for a 4A state championship. This is a different Pearl Cohn team, meaning they have some college level prospects but not as many as year's past, however I still think they will be legit and tough to deal with on a weekly basis. What the Firebirds have is one of the top quarterback prospects from the #TN2027 class in [player_tooltip player_id='1286233' first='L.J.' last='Funk'], who will be complimented by some talented skill players. The running back room is strong with senior [player_tooltip player_id='1587357' first='Omarion' last='Starnes'] and junior back [player_tooltip player_id='1674227' first='Lance' last='Donaldson']. The receivers aren't as deep as years past but still talented with LaDamion Hunter, [player_tooltip player_id='1608413' first='Stephen' last='Saulter'] and Zion Brown. The team strength on offense could be the O-line. I don't see a college level guy sticking out to me right now but the Firebirds have depth up front and a good enough unit to keep Funk clean in the pocket.    The staple of the Firebirds program for years has been the defense. I expect the Firebirds to be strong yet again on this side of the ball with a nice core of veterans returning as well as some youthful talent that may develop into college level players. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1432204' first='Karmelo' last='League'] is the star on this side of the ball that is a versatile piece, who provides a pass rush. He will be joined in the front seven by fellow seniors Maurice Holt, Jr, new addition [player_tooltip player_id='1554209' first='Chester' last='Burgess'], Emmanuel Moses, Robert Williams II and talented junior defensive end [player_tooltip player_id='1552175' first='Henry' last='Begley']. The secondary looks good too. An expected star on the back end went to college early but the Firebirds still have some juice on the back end with Donaldson, Saulter, senior Jeremiah Brownlee and college bound junior [player_tooltip player_id='1571417' first='Anthony' last='Carnahan']. This is a championship quality defense that can help their team win games as the offense finds itself. Pearl Cohn has the kind of quarterback in Funk that can take them on a long run but it's their defense that I feel will put them in contention for a 4A state title.    - - - - -    Springfield Yellow Jackets   Location: Springfield, TN (Robertson Co.)   Head Coach: Dustin Wilson    2024 Finish: 8-6 Overall (4-3 Region)   Top Returning Players: (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1134310' first='Jaidon' last='Hurst'], (OL/DL) Kooper Dossett, (RB) Lamarious Dowlen, (OL) Cooper Rawls, (WR/DB) Isaiah Williams, (Ath) Elijah Barbee, (WR) Jeremiah Beard, (K/P) Keith O'Neal, ‘27 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1588080' first='Kason' last='Woodson'], ‘27 (QB/LB) Bryce Baldwin, ‘27 (G/C) [player_tooltip player_id='1598546' first='Dakota' last='Bedwell'], ‘27 (RB/LB) Cameron Wilson, ‘28 (DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1193376' first='Jermaine' last='Cobbins']   New Additions: ‘27 (WR/DB) J.J. Adams (Greenbrier)   Team Overview: A tough regular season turned into a magical postseason run last year for Springfield and a good chunk of performers are back for the 2025 season, so expectations are high. There is a strong culture with the Yellow Jackets with a long tenured coaching staff that should have the team ready to go by Week One. Their offense is built around the run game and they have a stud in [player_tooltip player_id='1134310' first='Jaidon' last='Hurst'], who returns after a 1,000 plus yard season. He will be joined in the backfield by Lamarious Dowlen and junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1588080' first='Kason' last='Woodson']. That trio should be the cornerstone of not just the offense but the entire team. The O-line here at Springfield tends to always be strong and it looks to be that way again with Kooper Dossett, Cooper Rawls and junior [player_tooltip player_id='1598546' first='Dakota' last='Bedwell'] leading the way. This could be a high scoring offense that yes will run the ball a lot but with Woodson and his arm talent, look for the Yellow Jackets to toss it around a little bit too.    The Yellow Jackets defense has a few more question marks compared to the offense going into the season but I'm sure the staff will find the right guys to provide balance to the team. Multiple players will be going both ways for Springfield. The D-line is one unit that needs new names to step forward as several key performers from last year must be replaced. Potential resides in the secondary where you have a Power Four level prospect in [player_tooltip player_id='1193376' first='Jermaine' last='Cobbins'] staring all over the back end. Under this coaching staff, the defensive side of the ball consistently brings a physical mindset to the field and I expect that to remain the same this Fall. Depending on the development of new starters and the main players staying healthy, I expect the Yellow Jackets to contend for the region title but also be a team that could go on a deep playoff run towards Chattanooga.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/kwoodson.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1743486" style="width:263px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    White House Blue Devils   Location: White House, TN (Robertson Co.)   Head Coach: Atlee Pond    2024 Finish: 4-6 Overall (3-4 Region)   Top Returning Players: (QB) Easton Biggs, (WR/S) Jake Soporowski, (DE/TE) Miles Engelhardt, (Ath) Rucker Sample, (RB/LB) Ben Stanley, (C/G) [player_tooltip player_id='1570550' first='Timothy' last='Gurley'], (WR/DB) Trenton McCormick, (DL) Braden Brown, ‘27 (Ath) Carson Lane, ‘27 (C/DT) Rafael Sanchez, ‘27 (OL/DL) Jackson Gill, ‘28 (QB) Cash Sanders, ‘28 (RB/S) Ike Hampton, ‘28 (WR/DB) Jett Jeffiers, ‘28 (WR/S) Jude Curtin   Team Overview: Moving down from 5A to 4A this season, the Blue Devils are tasked with maneuvering through a new terrain that presents new challenges. This team has enough pieces to make postseason play but how formidable will the Blue Devils be this season? We shall find out but I know good play in the line of scrimmage will go a long way towards a successful football year and the Blue Devils might be working with a solid offensive line. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1570550' first='Timothy' last='Gurley'] is a powerful blocker that will be joined up front by rising juniors Rafael Sanchez and Jackson Gill, who should both be working on the D-line as well. The quarterback room looks good for White House as they have a senior at the helm with Easton Biggs and their future intact with sophomore Cash Sanders. I see upside with the skill positions as well. Senior two-way prospect Jake Soporowski should be the go-to guy out wide with Ben Stanley and sophomore Ike Hampton sharing carries at running back.    I think by mid-season, the Blue Devils offense should be on point but I'm not sure about their defense and the overall potential throughout the football year. A few key starters from last season must be replaced, so new guys must step up and take on bigger roles. White House does return multiple guys who could become game changers, if they have progressed in the right ways. Soporowski is a key leader on this field from his safety position. Sanchez and Gill should do work on the D-line. Senior Miles Engelhardt is one to watch as a potential breakout senior that could provide a pass rush. The secondary looks like it may be young this year, so the back end could go through some growing pains. It could be a learning experience overall for both sides of the ball but by the end of the year, I feel the Blue Devils will be good enough to finish within the top three of this region and return back to the playoffs.    - - - - -    #PRZTN Preseason Predictions   Predicted Order of Finish   1. Pearl Cohn   2. Springfield   3. White House   4. Liberty Creek   5. Greenbrier    - - - - -    Preseason Regional Top Honors   Reg. MVP: ‘27 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1286233' first='L.J.' last='Funk'] - Pearl Cohn   Off. POTY: (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1134310' first='Jaidon' last='Hurst'] - Springfield   Def. POTY: (Edge) [player_tooltip player_id='1432204' first='Karmelo' last='League'] - Pearl Cohn   Lineman POTY: (DE) Maurice Holt, Jr - Pearl Cohn    Coach of the Year: Tony Brunetti - Pearl Cohn   Mr. Football Contenders: (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1134310' first='Jaidon' last='Hurst'] - Springfield, (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1587357' first='Omarion' last='Starnes'] - Pearl Cohn, ‘27 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1286233' first='L.J.' last='Funk'] - Pearl Cohn, ‘27 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1588080' first='Kason' last='Woodson'] - Springfield   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/ljfunk.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1537564" style="width:281px;height:auto" /></figure>