Race to the Top: Who Will Claim the 2A Crown in Tennessee?

As the 2025 Tennessee high school football season approaches, the Class 2A landscape is packed with both perennial contenders and hungry sleeper teams ready to make a statement. Programs like Marion County, Riverside, East Nashville, East Robertson, Milan, Fairley, and MASE enter the year with high expectations, boasting recent playoff success and rosters loaded with talent and experience. Yet beneath the surface, sleeper teams such as York Institute, Gordonsville, Cannon County, Mt. Pleasant, Union City, and Jackson Central-Merry are quietly building momentum, eager to disrupt the established order. With a mix of storied traditions, emerging programs, and a fiercely competitive field, this 2A season promises no shortage of drama, upsets, and unforgettable Friday nights across the state.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Contenders</h2>   Marion County Marion County is one of Tennessee's storied football programs, boasting five state championships, including their most recent title in 2024. The Warriors are known for their physical style, consistency in reaching the playoffs, and a tradition that spans decades, making them a perennial contender in Class 2A. Their strong community support and deep-rooted rivalries fuel a winning culture in Jasper. They look to defend their title hopes again this year. RB [player_tooltip player_id='1282609' first='Mason' last='Mays'] will lead the way for his team here.   Riverside Riverside High School has steadily risen as a 2A powerhouse, earning respect for their explosive offense and disciplined defense. The Panthers have made several deep playoff runs in recent years, establishing themselves as a team that can compete with the best in the state. Their program is built on player development and a commitment to excellence on and off the field. Don't be surprised if Shawn Cupples earns 2A earns some awards this year and leads his team to a title.   East Nashville East Nashville has become a force in Middle Tennessee football, recognized for its athleticism and dynamic playmakers. The Eagles have made multiple state appearances in recent seasons, reflecting a program on the rise with a reputation for speed and versatility. Their success is driven by a strong coaching staff and a pipeline of talented athletes. [player_tooltip player_id='971296' first='Keith' last='Johnson'] is the name to know on this years squad.   East Robertson East Robertson has emerged as a contender in recent years, thanks to a rugged defense and a balanced offensive approach. The Indians are known for their physicality and ability to control the line of scrimmage, making them a tough matchup in the postseason. Their steady improvement has turned them into a team that can challenge the traditional powers in 2A. QB [player_tooltip player_id='1422904' first='Kason' last='Young'] will lead his team on offense and will go as far as he can take them.   Milan Milan High School is a West Tennessee football mainstay with a tradition of playoff success and a passionate fan base. The Bulldogs are recognized for their hard-nosed style and have a history of producing tough, disciplined teams that excel in big games. Their consistent presence in the postseason makes them a fixture among 2A title contenders. RB [player_tooltip player_id='1562203' first='Jaydon' last='Peete'] could make big noise in 2A this year. Watch out for him and the bulldogs.   Fairley Fairley High School, located in Memphis, is known for its athletic teams and aggressive style of play. The Bulldogs have made significant strides in recent years, becoming a dangerous opponent with a defense that flies to the football. Their program emphasizes speed and playmaking, helping them compete with top teams across the state. They fell just five points shy of reaching the state championship game last year, but expect them to come back hungry.   MASE MASE has quickly built a reputation as a rising program in Memphis, combining academic excellence with athletic achievement. The Phoenix are recognized for their high-powered offense and a defense that creates turnovers, making them a threat in every game. Their rapid ascent is a testament to strong coaching and a growing football culture. They were the 1A Champions last year and look to build off of that momentum for their chase for a 2A Title this year.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sleepers</h2>   York Institute York Institute, based in Jamestown, is known for its disciplined approach and blue-collar mentality. The Dragons consistently field competitive teams that rely on fundamentals and teamwork, often outperforming expectations. Their tradition of toughness makes them a classic sleeper in postseason play. They made it to the semifinals last year, but look to add to that this time around.   Gordonsville Gordonsville is a small-school program with a big tradition, regularly making noise in the playoffs. The Tigers are celebrated for their physicality and community support, creating a challenging environment for opponents. Their ability to develop homegrown talent keeps them competitive year after year. ATH Jermario Williams will be the standout for his team this year.   Cannon County Cannon County is a program on the rise, focusing on building a strong foundation through youth development and coaching stability. The Lions have shown steady improvement in recent seasons, gaining confidence and experience. Their commitment to growth makes them a team to watch as a potential breakout candidate.   Mt. Pleasant Mt. Pleasant features a fast-paced offense and a roster full of athletic playmakers, giving them the ability to score quickly and compete with anyone. The Tigers have embraced an aggressive style on both sides of the ball, making them a dangerous out in the postseason. Their recent progress signals a program moving in the right direction.   Union City Union City is renowned for its physical brand of football and a long history of playoff success. The Tornadoes are a tough, battle-tested team that thrives in high-pressure situations, often peaking at the right time. Their tradition and experience make them a perennial dark horse in any bracket.   Jackson Central-Merry Jackson Central-Merry has seen a resurgence in recent years, blending young talent with experienced leadership to revitalize the program. The Cougars are known for their athleticism and improving defense, positioning themselves as a potential spoiler. Their renewed energy and commitment have made them a team to watch in the coming season. Jayland Eckford will be a name to watch for this team. If he breaks out this year, they can control the line of scrimmage.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Wrap Up</h2>   The chase for the Class 2A state title in Tennessee is wide open and promises to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. With established contenders hungry to reclaim or defend their place at the top, and a compelling group of sleeper teams eager to disrupt the hierarchy, every week will matter in the march toward December. The journey will be defined by upsets, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of gold, as programs battle through a challenging bracket and unpredictable matchups. In a classification where tradition meets rising ambition, only the most consistent and determined team will survive the gauntlet and hoist the trophy when the dust settles.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/02/PRZStockGraphic-crop-645x424-1691629863-crop-591x388-1692826957-crop-590x387-1699472175-crop-561x369-1700424805-crop-560x368-1711426591-crop-558x367-1720489181-crop-555x364-1720489205-crop-526x345-1729547096.jpg?w=525" alt="" class="wp-image-1537650" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Prep Redzone</figcaption></figure>

As the 2025 Tennessee high school football season approaches, the Class 2A landscape is packed with both perennial contenders and hungry sleeper teams ready to make a statement. Programs like Marion County, Riverside, East Nashville, East Robertson, Milan, Fairley, and MASE enter the year with high expectations, boasting recent playoff success and rosters loaded with talent and experience. Yet beneath the surface, sleeper teams such as York Institute, Gordonsville, Cannon County, Mt. Pleasant, Union City, and Jackson Central-Merry are quietly building momentum, eager to disrupt the established order. With a mix of storied traditions, emerging programs, and a fiercely competitive field, this 2A season promises no shortage of drama, upsets, and unforgettable Friday nights across the state.