Preseason Preview: Class 4A/Region 7

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">This may be the toughest region to gauge going into the 2025 season as I can see at least seven teams making a case for postseason play but only four can go. There is a lot of talent here as well as some of the best defenses coming out of the 4A classification. </h2>     4A-Region 7   Chester Co. Eagles    Location: Henderson, TN (Chester Co.)   Head Coach: Dewond Johnson   2024 Finish: 8-4 Overall (5-0 Region)   Top Players: (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1554216' first='Jayden' last='Williams'], (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1635121' first='Cayden' last='Talley'], (QB) Ethan Burks, (K) [player_tooltip player_id='1601162' first='Linkin' last='Phillips'], ‘27 (OL/DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1576815' first='Luke' last='Wilson'], ‘27 (WR/DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1580800' first='Jordan' last='Hunt'], ‘27 (QB/RB) Jaden Weaver, ‘28 (OL) Toby Simmons, ‘28 (RB) Jamarion Thomas, ‘28 (WR/S) Chase Daniel, ‘28 (OL) Garrett Blankenship   Team Overview: Coming off a region championship last year, the Eagles are looking to continue building the program in the right direction and they have enough talent returning to compete for the top of the region again, however it will be a new team. Several key starters must be replaced but the Eagles have some good talent back for the 2025 season that could help put themselves in position for another successful season. I believe the Chester Co. defense will be the unit that leads the way this year as the offense has some questionable areas going into the football year. Quarterback is settled with Ethan Burks and he has a go-to receiver out wide to target in junior [player_tooltip player_id='1580800' first='Jordan' last='Hunt'] but several areas around them must get figured out. The O-line has potential with [player_tooltip player_id='1635121' first='Cayden' last='Talley'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1576815' first='Luke' last='Wilson'] up front. The starting running back must get sorted out too. Maybe sophomore Jamarion Thomas takes over the lead role and becomes a trusted, every down back.    The offense has some work to do throughout Fall camp but the defense should be geared up and ready to go for Week One. This side of the ball needs development like the offense but you have some star players on defense that can become difference makers. The D-line will feature two guys in Talley and Wilson that will go both ways but their work on defense should make a bigger impact. Both those guys have a college future ahead of them. Playing behind them is senior linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1554216' first='Jayden' last='Williams'], who is a tall and rangy guy that can play in space or rush the quarterback. The Eagles secondary has to find a few pieces to fill things out on the back end but they have two good pieces to start with in Hunt and sophomore safety Chase Daniel. Looking at this roster, do I think they will be as good as last year? I'm not sure about that but I do think they will be in the mix to make postseason play again. Depending on how the depth is built this season will dictate how many wins and how strong the Eagles will be for the 2025 football year.    - - - - -    Crockett Co. Cavaliers    Location: Alamo, TN (Crockett Co.)   Head Coach: Kevin Ward    2024 Finish: 8-5 Overall (2-3 Region)   Top Returning Players: (TE/LB) [player_tooltip player_id='813499' first='Dre' last='Walker'], (DB) Demarrius Pickens, (LB) Jake Knox, (DB) Amarion Hobson, (OL/DT) Austin Carroll, (OL/DT) Zerafin Guardian, (WR/DB) Karsen Burgess, (DB) Gabe Dupree, ‘27 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1743787' first='Ben' last='Burgess'], ‘27 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1668510' first='D.K.' last='Woods'], ‘27 (OL) Carson Bridger, ‘27 (WR/S) Squirt Pickens, ‘27 (DT/OL) Joshua Simmons, ‘27 (DT/OL) Nolan Turner, ‘27 (DB/WR) Mason Dennis, ‘27 (WR/DB) Ian Greenberg   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/07/drewalker-crop-828x544-1690471856.jpeg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-925062" style="width:322px;height:auto" /></figure>   Team Overview: The Cavaliers are headed into the 2025 season with expectations of not just reaching postseason play but also contending for the top half of this region with an outside shot at fighting for the title. A big reason for the Cavs to compete for that top spot is the expected play of junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1743787' first='Ben' last='Burgess']. This 6 '2 passer is flying under the radar right now but if you look over his clips, you see a talented signal caller that brings arm strength to the field along with the ability to break things down with his legs. His play will be critical but so will the rest of the offense, especially the job done up front. There is potential with the O-line but a few parts must be sorted out. Seniors Austin Carroll and Zerafin Guardian are vets up front to lean on but they will have help from underclassmen Carson Bridger, Joshua Simmons and Nolan Turner. Two big pieces that will work alongside Burgess is Delaware committed tight end [player_tooltip player_id='813499' first='Dre' last='Walker'] and sleeper Mr. Football candidate [player_tooltip player_id='1668510' first='D.K.' last='Woods'] at running back. Both those guys are game changers that could be set for a big year.    Complimenting the offense should be a solid Cavaliers defense that returns multiple key starters from last year and some up and coming youthful talent that should be stepping into bigger roles. The one area that I have some questions about right now would be the defensive line. Several guys that compete on the offensive front will be going both ways, so I worry about the depth here. Beyond the front, the Cavaliers should have a solid back seven, led by senior linebacker Jake Knox and senior defensive backs Amarion Hobson, Demarrius Pickens and Gabe Dupree. I don't know if this is a championship caliber defense or not but I do believe they will be good enough to get off the field on a consistent basis. Competing for a top four spot and a playoff this year is possible for the Cavaliers. Several prospects must step forward into starting roles and contribute but I like the overall talent base here with Crockett Co. and their upside throughout the 2025 season.    - - - - -    Dyer Co. Choctaws    Location: Newbern, TN (Dyer Co.)   Head Coach: Justin Dubruiel    2024 Finish: 11-2 Overall (5-0 Region)   Top Returning Players: (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1142027' first='Landon' last='Daniels'], (DB/WR) Antonio Franklin, (WR/S) [player_tooltip player_id='1744721' first='Devin' last='Hayward'], (DL) Eric Cowen,  (DT) Jonathan Byrd, (DB/WR) Tayshun Bowers, (S) Ty Johnson, ‘27 (DE) Kelvin Redden, ‘27 (DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1617060' first='Ke'Anthony' last='Barbee'], ‘27 (RB) Kory Taylor, ‘27 (Ath) Pereon Isom, ‘27 (DT) Marquise Jones   ‘27 (WR) Grant West, ‘27 (DT/OL) Victor Shelton, ‘27 (DB) Landon Kuykendoll, ‘28  (WR/DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1183231' first='Jaiden' last='Sebourn'], ‘28 (WR/DB) Ja'Khi Parr, ‘28 (QB/S) Landen White, ‘28 (TE/DE) Maddox Moore, ‘28 (WR/DB) Damon Boyd, ‘28 (DT/OL) Lane Doss, ‘28 (RB/LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1187365' first='Dawson' last='Harris']   Team Overview: Can the Choctaws develop into a state title contending caliber team by season's end? I think it's possible, especially when you look over their roster and see all the talent returning for the 2025 season. Coming off an eleven win season and a region title, Dyer Co. is a program on the rise that could equal their wins from last year but potentially go on a deep playoff run as well. Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1142027' first='Landon' last='Daniels'] leads the way under center and he will have a talented crop of skill guys to work with, including senior wideout [player_tooltip player_id='1744721' first='Devin' last='Hayward'], who I see sporting college upside. Junior back Kory Taylor returns as the lead ball carrier and a shot at bursting through this year with a 1,000 plus yard season. The lone area of concern right now for the Choctaws is their O-line. There is some size on the roster but not a lot of experience sitting inside the offensive front. If the coaching staff can work out the front five, Dyer Co. could have an explosive, high scoring offense that travels well into postseason action.    Over on defense, the Choctaws might have themselves a championship caliber unit but only if certain guys push their games to another level while everyone remains healthy. Being good in the defensive line is a major plus and the Choctaws should be strong here with seniors Eric Cowen and Jonathan Byrd and junior Kelvin Redden, who is dripping with potential. The linebackers are a work in progress but there are some guys on the roster that should step up and contribute. The back end of the defense may be the strength of this unit as the secondary is deep and talented. This is a veteran core, led by seniors Hayward, Antonio Franklin, Tayshun Bowers and Ty Johnson as well as junior studs [player_tooltip player_id='1617060' first='Ke'Anthony' last='Barbee'] and Pereon Isom. This defense has big potential and I expect them to be the side of the ball that pushes the Choctaws towards a possible region title and a deep run into the playoffs. Also have to keep eyes on Dyer Co. as a potential sleeper team to make it all the way to Chattanooga and compete for a 4A state title.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/ldaniels.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1539401" style="width:278px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Hardin Co. Tigers    Location: Savannah, TN (Hardin Co.)   Head Coach: Alex Seaton   2024 Finish: 2-8 Overall (1-4 Region)   Top Returning Players: (OL/DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1882091' first='Caleb' last='Murphy'], (WR/DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1719145' first='Lamarion' last='Wyke'], (DE/RB) Carter Pigg, (DE) Chris Rodriguez, (WR/DB) Nate Austin, ‘27 (DT/OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1750201' first='Jaidden' last='Green'], ‘27 (QB/LB) Aidan Coleman, ‘28 (OL/DT) Daniel McCarty, (QB/Ath) Ajay Ruddle   Team Overview: It's a new era for the Tigers with a new head coach at the helm but still the same expectations of winning at a high level, however this roster isn't as stacked as year's past, so competing for the top half of the region will be tough. This is an overall young team for the Tigers coaching staff that has a lot of work ahead of him at figuring out who the top guys could be. Starting with the offense, Hardin Co. appears to be in transition on this side of the ball as there appears to be plenty of open and available starting roles to be had. All the skill positions on offense have a bunch of unknowns around them headed into the season. Junior Aidan Coleman looks like he will be the guy behind center and will need help from an offensive line that is lacking depth and size. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='1750201' first='Jaidden' last='Green'], who will be going both ways up front, is a guy to watch this season as a potential breakout guy.    The Tigers offense has a lot of work to do to become a dependable unit week in week out but much of the same can be said for their defense as well. This side of the ball appears to have a little more hope at the moment as key guys like [player_tooltip player_id='1882091' first='Caleb' last='Murphy'] and Chris Rodriguez return on the line as well as [player_tooltip player_id='1719145' first='Lamarion' last='Wyke'] in the secondary. Those three will be senior leaders but others around them must step up and provide strong play for this defense to be good enough to contend each and every week. The Tigers defense is lacking in several areas right now but that could change as they go through Fall camp and into the 2025 season. I do foresee some struggles this year for Hardin Co. as I don't see the talent and overall depth to compete with the rest of this region but you never know what can happen, so we will watch and see how these Tigers perform early and maintain throughout the year.    - - - - -    Jackson North-Side Indians   Location: Jackson, TN (Madison Co.)   Head Coach: Woodrow Lowe    2024 Finish: 6-5 Overall (4-1 Region)   Top Returning Players: (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='1103009' first='Javonte' last='Smith'], (WR/DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1664123' first='Davien' last='Caruthers'], (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1604398' first='Demingo' last='Maupins'], (WR/DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1668086' first='Kymani' last='White'], (OL/DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1748019' first='Donta' last='Sawyer'], (LB) Georgie Starr, (DB) Jordan Harris, (QB) Quinn Jenkins, (LB) KJ Hector, (DL) Chance Simmons, (WR/DB) Leonard Tucker, (S/WR) Caden Barlow, ‘27 (WR/DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1707742' first='Isaiah' last='Burton'], ‘27 (LB) Derion James, ‘27 (OL/DT) [player_tooltip player_id='932938' first='Chandler' last='Nesbitt'], ‘27 (RB/LB) Kariyah Fulgern   Team Overview: Could the Indians be the team beat out of this region? When you look through their roster, you see a team with potential to do some special things this year but a few position groups must be sorted out while their top guys take their games to a whole new level. The Indians should be solid at quarterback with the return of senior Quinn Jenkins. Running the ball may be a committee approach this year but that will be all up to the O-line and their play this Fall. The front five have a few holes that need filling but potential is there for a solid run blocking group, led by senior two-way lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1748019' first='Donta' last='Sawyer']. The receivers don't have an immediate standout but this position should have enough depth to get by. A lot of parts must come together this Fall but the Indians might have a solid offense that can score enough points to win.    If the offense has some struggles, their defense should pick them up as the Indians may have the best defensive unit in this region for the 2025 season. That statement to me all depends on the play from their defensive line. Sawyer is a strong piece up the middle while fellow senior Chance Simmons should be a constant at end but others need to step forward to help. The linebackers and secondary is full of talent. Recent Tennessee commit [player_tooltip player_id='1103009' first='Javonte' last='Smith'] is a shut down cover guy that will be joined by fellow senior [player_tooltip player_id='1664123' first='Davien' last='Caruthers'] on the other side to form the best corner duo in the region. Seniors Georgie Starr and K.J. Hector along with junior edge [player_tooltip player_id='1707742' first='Isaiah' last='Burton'] are one of the best trio of linebackers you will find in the West Tennessee region. Starr is a tackling machine, Hector does good work against the run while Burton is an athletic guy that can play in space or rush the passer. This is a championship quality defense that can take this Indians team a long way this season but if their offense finds a different level, Jackson North-Side could maybe become a sleeper team that makes it to Chattanooga.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/08/iburton.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1748653" style="width:281px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Jackson South-Side Hawks    Location: Jackson, TN (Madison Co.)   Head Coach: Lester Narcisse    2024 Finish: 4-6 Overall (1-4 Region)   Top Returning Players: (TE/LB) [player_tooltip player_id='284148' first='Simeon' last='Graham'], (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1584100' first='Chris' last='Newbold'], (WR/S) Von Hill, (QB) Gavin Stewart, (LB) Greg Green, (C/G) Spencer Ammons, (OL) Brady Markham, (DT/OL) Keylan Gardner, ‘27 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1576799' first='Braydon' last='Weldon'], ‘27 (Ath) Gavan Thomas, ‘27 (LB) Landon Grandberry, ‘27 (QB/S) Jamarrion Grimes, ‘27 (RB/DB) Kaden Currie, ‘28 (DB) Jermicah Doss, ‘28 (OL) Garrett Blankenship   Team Overview: The 2024 season wasn't the best for the Hawks but it provided growing pains towards a team here in 2025 that could be in-store for a breakthrough year but a lot of things must go right for that to happen. The biggest thing is settling the quarterback position as the rest of the offense looks strong. Everything seems to be in place for Gavin Stewart to be the guy behind center. If Stewart can provide steady play back there, the offense could flourish with [player_tooltip player_id='1584100' first='Chris' last='Newbold'] starring at running back and [player_tooltip player_id='284148' first='Simeon' last='Graham'] becoming the safety blanket in the pass game. The offensive line has some work to do but the Hawks have a few senior pieces to build around in Spencer Ammons and Brady Markham. Potential is there for South-Side to have a high scoring offense as long as Stewart delivers and the offensive line comes together.    Moving to the Hawks defense, this side of the ball needs further development through Fall camp and into the early part of the season but I see upside over here with a few college potential guys that could have breakout years. Graham is the team's top prospect that will be going both ways at tight end and edge linebacker but he has help around him. Senior backer Greg Green is an intriguing guy to me that stands 6'3 210 pounds, sporting the physical frame and size that translates well to the college game. Staying at linebacker, junior Landon Grandberry could be in-store for a big season as I could see him leading the defense in tackles. Defensive back Von Hill is someone that could play his way into a college opportunity with a strong senior year. The Hawks won four games last year but I think this team will be better, however they play in a tough region, so fighting for a playoff spot will be hard. I do see potential for South-Side to breakthrough into the top four this Fall but I could also see them just missing out.    - - - - -    Lexington Tigers   Location: Lexington, TN (Henderson Co.)   Head Coach: Derek Carr    2024 Finish: 4-7 Overall (2-3 Region)   Top Returning Players: (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1748382' first='Amarion' last='Arnold'], (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='540046' first='Ross' last='McDaniel'], (DT/OL) Trace Swearingen (RB/S) Jayden Fry, ‘27 (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='932982' first='Aiden' last='Seaton'], ‘27 (WR/DB) Cameren Gorden, ‘27 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='932980' first='Elye' last='Pearson'], ‘27 (RB/LB) [player_tooltip player_id='932978' first='Brady' last='McEarl'], ‘27 (OL/DT) Noah McCrury, ‘27 (WR/DB) [player_tooltip player_id='932983' first='Cameron' last='Smith'], ‘28 (WR/S) [player_tooltip player_id='1085958' first='Aviance' last='Huddleston'], (OL/DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1080583' first='Trevyn' last='Fowler']   Team Overview: Looking at this roster returning for the 2025 season, I can see the Tigers putting forth a successful season as well as finishing outside the top four and missing postseason play. That's how tough this region is but also Lexington is lacking established talent in a few position groups, so it will be interesting to see how the Tigers progress throughout the coming season. A good starting point for the offense comes in the backfield with seniors [player_tooltip player_id='540046' first='Ross' last='McDaniel'] at quarterback and [player_tooltip player_id='1748382' first='Amarion' last='Arnold'] carrying the football. Those two have played a lot of ball with the Tigers and are important towards the team's overall success this season. Beyond those two, Lexington is a young football team that will be implementing a lot of new starters this year, especially on the offensive line.    The Tigers defense will need to stay on track with its offense and I believe they should be solid on this side of the ball, however they will be young and looking towards new guys to contribute. The leader on this side of the ball should be junior linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='932982' first='Aiden' last='Seaton']. Look for Seaton to lead this team in tackles and be their main run stuffer. Senior defensive tackle Trace Swearingen is another key player that should be a standout performer in the middle. The secondary has potential. It's young on the back end but there is talent with Arnold, Cameren Gorden, [player_tooltip player_id='1085958' first='Aviance' last='Huddleston'] and others. If the staff can find pieces around Swearingen while continuing to develop its young talent, the Tigers might have a formidable defense. Watching how Lexington performs early this season will go a long way towards knowing if they are a playoff caliber team or not. This is a good team but are they good enough to make postseason play? We will find out!    - - - - -    South Gibson Hornets   Location: Medina, TN (Gibson Co.)   Head Coach: Ben Johnson   2024 Finish: 4-7 Overall (2-3 Region)   Top Returning Players: (DE) [player_tooltip player_id='889227' first='Yahya' last='Gaad'], (RB/DB) Jaydon Reed, (OL/DT) [player_tooltip player_id='854396' first='Jack' last='Smith'], (RB/LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1188598' first='Cade' last='Beaver'], (TE/DE) Cayden Foust, (WR) Tate Kee, (RB) Matthew Austin, ‘27 (DT/OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1570539' first='Cayden' last='Allen'], ‘27 (OT/G) [player_tooltip player_id='866736' first='Max' last='Paschall'], ‘27 (G/C) [player_tooltip player_id='1094311' first='Michael' last='Gibson'], ‘27 (RB/S) Tyshaun Jeter, ‘27 (OL/DT) Daniel McCollum, ‘27 (C/DT) Dylan Cuthbertson, ‘27 (K/P) Max McGowan, ‘28 (DB/WR) Drey Scott, ‘28 (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1718018' first='Jaxon' last='Young'], ‘28 (WR/DB) Brayden Key   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/ygaad3.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1664912" style="width:451px;height:auto" /></figure>   Team Overview: It's hard not to look at the Hornets team this year and think they have a great shot at coming out as region champ this year but they did go 4-7, so while expectations may be high, proving they are worthy to be champion needs to be seen. The first positive about the Hornets this year is that they are big! They have the best overall size in this region and their big men are talented. Future UCLA Bruin [player_tooltip player_id='889227' first='Yahya' last='Gaad'] is the main name on the line who has all the potential to produce double digit sacks this year. He will be joined on the D-line by senior nose guard [player_tooltip player_id='854396' first='Jack' last='Smith'], rush end Cayden Foust and college level prospect [player_tooltip player_id='1570539' first='Cayden' last='Allen'] at defensive tackle. The South Gibson defensive front has the chance to be special. That D-line should be complimented well by a skilled defensive backfield that has some ball hawks like Drey Scott and Jaydon Reed, who will double up at running back on offense.    The Hornets offense is centered around their run game where they have Reed returning as a 1,000 yard back and an offensive line that is big and talented. A few guys from the D-line in Smith and Allen will compete on offense but they will be joined by 6 '7 junior [player_tooltip player_id='866736' first='Max' last='Paschall'], [player_tooltip player_id='1094311' first='Michael' last='Gibson'] and a few other young up and coming big men. The lone concern about the Hornets offense, which is a big one, is the quarterback position. That area definitely has to be settled for the offense to compete at a high level. The Hornets coaching staff will certainly lean on the run game this year but finding a passing attack will definitely help with balance. If the line of scrimmage performs like I think it can and the run game is on point, the Hornets have a great shot at winning this region and hit postseason play as a team with the formula that can go on a deep run.    - - - - -    #PRZTN Preseason Predictions   Predicted Order of Finish   1. Jackson North-Side   2. Dyer Co.   3. South Gibson   4. Crockett Co.   5. Lexington   6. Jackson South-Side   7. Chester Co.   8. Hardin Co.    - - - - -    Preseason Regional Top Honors   Reg. MVP: (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='1103009' first='Javonte' last='Smith'] - Jackson North-Side   Off. POTY: (RB) Jaydon Reed - South Gibson   Def. POTY: (LB) Georgie Starr - Jackson North-Side   Lineman POTY: (DE) [player_tooltip player_id='889227' first='Yahya' last='Gaad'] - South Gibson    Coach of the Year: Justin Dubruiel - Dyer Co.    Mr. Football Contenders: (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1142027' first='Landon' last='Daniels'] - Dyer Co., (RB) Jaydon Reed - South Gibson, (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1748382' first='Amarion' last='Arnold'] - Lexington, (WR/DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1103009' first='Javonte' last='Smith'] - Jackson North-Side, (DE) [player_tooltip player_id='889227' first='Yahya' last='Gaad'] - South Gibson, (LB) Georgie Starr - Jackson North-Side, ‘27 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1743787' first='Ben' last='Burgess'] - Crockett Co., ‘27 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1668510' first='D.K.' last='Woods'] - Crockett Co.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/05/javsmith2.jpg?w=771" alt="" class="wp-image-1670621" style="width:247px;height:auto" /></figure>