Preseason Preview: Class 4A/Region 8

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">We have some new programs added to Region 8 for the 2025 season with one of them being Haywood, who I view as the team to beat. The Tomcats have college talent and size up front that can help push them towards a region title and potentially beyond that and into Chattanooga. </h2>     4A-Region 8   Craigmont Chiefs    Location: Memphis, TN (Shelby Co.)   Head Coach: Reggie Neloms Sr.    2024 Finish: 1-9 Overall (0-4 Region)   Top Players: (OL/DT) Derrion Bean, (RB) Donnell Phillips, (G/C) Jacquez Crawford, (LB) Marcellous Campbell, (LB) Edward Sumlin II, (DL) Ja'Darius Hayslett, (WR) Keylin Farmer, (DT/G) Fred Brooks, ‘27 (LB) Jeshurun Israel, ‘27 (QB) Marcus Jeffries Jr., ‘27 (RB) Landen Harris, ‘27 (Ath) Dylin Ivey    Team Overview: For many years now, the Chiefs haven't tasted football success but a new year and a new season presents an opportunity to turn things around and push this program into a new direction. One good thing going for Craigmont this year is they have a solid senior core returning for the 2025 season and a group of guys the staff can lean on to play well and show their youthful talent how to perform. Looking at the Chiefs offense, the quarterback position doesn't appear settled going into the football year but whoever takes over under center should have a solid group of skill guys to work with in running backs Donnell Phillips and Landen Harris as well as senior wideout Keylin Farmer. The athleticism on offense can shine brighter if the offensive line does their part. The Chiefs have two senior pieces in Derrion Bean and Jacquez Crawford to build around but need others to step forward, especially at offensive tackle.    I see upside with the Chiefs offense but with their defense, I have a lot of questions regarding this side of the ball, especially when it comes to established starters or overall depth. The front seven does have a few pieces up front that can help the cause. I assume a few guys will be going both ways on the line but the Chiefs coaching staff needs guys like Ja'Darius Hayslett and Fred Brooks to wreck havoc in the trenches while linebackers Marcellous Campbell and Jeshurun Israel clean up the action to stop the run. The secondary needs some work during Fall camp to shore things up as I don't see top tier options at the moment. If this defense can find some playmakers and an identity, it will help tremendously when it comes to the overall aspect of winning football games and placing themselves in the mix to reach postseason play.    - - - - -    Fayette-Ware Wildcats   Location: Somerville, TN (Fayette Co.)   Head Coach: Howard Bush    2024 Finish: 1-9 Overall (0-4 Region)   Top Returning Players: (WR) M'Khylan Harris, (C/G) Tristan Mendez, (OL/DL) Isaiah Malone, (OL) Nathan Osborne, ‘27 (OL/DT) Kaden Rogers, ‘27 (RB) Braylon Walker, ‘27 (DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1651553' first='Layquan' last='Armour'], ‘27 (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1669631' first='Tarhye' last='Taylor'], ‘27 (DB) Kadarius Bond, ‘27 (QB) Justin Price, ‘27 (WR) DeAngelo Kee, ‘27 (LB) Chris Jennings, ‘28 (DB) Cadarius Luellen, ‘28 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1661137' first='Reynaldeus' last='Raimey']   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/08/larmour.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1752687" style="width:253px;height:auto" /></figure>   Team Overview: The Wildcats are coming off a season I'm sure everyone involved wants to forget about as they achieved one victory last year but it could be motivation for this staff and players to right some wrongs and get back on the right track. I see potential this season with the Wildcats as they return several key players, especially on the defensive side of the ball where some college talent may reside. The defensive line needs to be developed over the next few weeks and into the season but I like the Cats linebackers and the upside in the secondary. Keep eyes out for junior linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1669631' first='Tarhye' last='Taylor'] to have a breakout year and possibly establish himself as one of the better prospects at his position from the greater Memphis area. The Wildcats secondary will be young but it's talented with juniors [player_tooltip player_id='1651553' first='Layquan' last='Armour'] and Kadarius Bond along with rising sophomore and potential college prospect Cadarius Luellen.    The Cats defense has to be good this Fall for Fayette Ware to reach the playoffs as the offense appears to be a work in progress. Having senior Justin Price back behind center helps the cause a lot. He has starting experience and an understanding of what needs to be done. The running back position has potential with a nice duo in Braylon Walker and rising sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1661137' first='Reynaldeus' last='Raimey']. Looking at the big men in the trenches, the Wildcats O-line needs development but could have enough size to make things work. Even though a lot of these players were a part of a one win team last year, I see potential with the Wildcats for the 2025 season. If the returning players can take a step up while newcomers fall into place and perform, I can see Fayette-Ware finishing inside the top four and making their way to postseason play.    - - - - -    Haywood Tomcats   Location: Brownsville, TN (Haywood Co.)   Head Coach: Josh Puckett    2024 Finish: 8-4 Overall (3-1 Region)   Top Returning Players: (DB) [player_tooltip player_id='811046' first='Caden' last='Harris'], (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1617369' first='Darius' last='Brooks'], (DT/OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1639461' first='Brelan' last='Holloway'], (LB) Brandon Evans, (QB/Ath) Carlos Hines, Jr, (WR/DB) Jayden Reid, (OL/DT) Antravion Taylor, ‘27 (S/WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1162582' first='Jaden' last='Butler'], ‘27 (DL/OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1335662' first='Kemarion' last='Douglas'], ‘27 (Ath) Caleb Walker, ‘27 (LB) Caydan Sanders, ‘27 (OL) Mekhi Sanderlin, ‘27 (OL/DT) Eric Bullock   Team Overview: Going into the 2025 season, all eyes will be on these Tomcats to be at the top of this region and place themselves as a team to watch for going all the way to Chattanooga but can they live up to expectations. This is the most talented team in the region with multiple college prospects but taking a look at the Tomcats offense, the one position that is important but doesn't have an established guy is quarterback. It may be a by committee approach behind center this year but whoever takes that lead role will have some strong skill around them. The offensive line should develop into the offensive strength by the end of the year. The trenches still need work but the Tomcats have good athleticism and size with Antravion Taylor, Mekhi Sanderlin, Eric Bullock and others to work with this season.    While the offense figures things out early on in the year, I foresee the Tomcats defense being the unit that sets the tone for the season and leads the way towards potential championships. Everything starts in the line of scrimmage and Haywood has two studs up front in [player_tooltip player_id='1639461' first='Brelan' last='Holloway'] and rising junior [player_tooltip player_id='1335662' first='Kemarion' last='Douglas'] that can wreak havoc in the backfield. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1617369' first='Darius' last='Brooks'] and Brandon Evans are the best duo of linebackers in this region, who both have college upside. The secondary is star studded with two future Power Four players in cornerback [player_tooltip player_id='811046' first='Caden' last='Harris'] and junior safety [player_tooltip player_id='1162582' first='Jaden' last='Butler']. This defense is loaded and could be even better as the season goes on if some newcomers step forward and standout. Winning football games is something this program has done consistently throughout the years but have fallen short chasing after the “Gold Ball”. This season could be different but the offense must perform at a high level while the Tomcats defense remains healthy.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/08/kdouglas.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1752689" style="width:250px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Kirby Cougars   Location: Memphis, TN (Shelby Co.)   Head Coach: C.J. Jones    2024 Finish: 6-5 Overall (3-1 Region)   Top Returning Players: (DE/LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1268388' first='Jarvis' last='Glenn'], (DT/OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1634775' first='Terzaion' last='Cook'], (RB) Everette Walker, (DL) Kingston Whitley, (OL) Willie Price, (OL/DL) Rashard Jones, (FB/LB) Montrell Harding, (LB) Kendall Hill, (LB) Tyler Glover, ‘27 (QB) Malcolm Jack, ‘27 (LB) James Morton, Jr, ‘27 (RB) Chris Garvins, ‘27 (DB) Jayden Coleman, ‘27 (Ath) Chris Torry, ‘28 (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1678515' first='Nasir' last='Hammond']    Team Overview: This Memphis area program is a perennial playoff team that has shown over the years potential to become a championship caliber team. While I don't feel like the Cougars are in play for state titles this year, I do think they can compete for the top of their region and be a sleeper team to watch come postseason play. The biggest thing going for the Cougars this year is their line of scrimmage and beef inside the trenches. Multiple guys like [player_tooltip player_id='1634775' first='Terzaion' last='Cook'], Kingston Whitley, Willie Price and Rashard Jones will be going both ways this Fall and are expected to perform at a high level. If Kirby can receive strong play up front, they hold an advantage over their opponents as it's hard to be good on the high school level within the line of scrimmage but the Cougars could be legit in this area. The defensive line in particular could be a team strength with Cook, Whitley and edge rusher [player_tooltip player_id='1268388' first='Jarvis' last='Glenn'] causing havoc in the backfield.    The Cougars offense looks like a work in progress throughout Fall camp and into the season as a new quarterback is being developed in Malcolm Jack. Transferring over from Bartlett, this will be the first time being the starter behind center from Jack, so there is a lot to learn. While their new quarterback learns on the job, the Kirby coaching staff may need to lean on Everette Walker and their rushing attack to lead the way. Walker is a talented ball carrier that I could see running for 1,000 yards this year and being the offensive catalyst that pushes the Cougars into postseason play. Keep ears out for sophomore wideout [player_tooltip player_id='1678515' first='Nasir' last='Hammond'] as a breakout star. His athleticism and speed can be a game changer. I see several areas throughout this team that need further development but I like the makeup of Kirby this year and their chances at winning more than six games and potentially fighting for that top region spot.    - - - - -    Lakeland Prep Lions    Location: Lakeland, TN (Shelby Co.)   Head Coach: Tyler White   2024 Finish: 3-6 Overall (2-5 Region)   Top Returning Players: (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1674918' first='Conner' last='Sebastian'], (OL/DL) Aiden Helton. (WR/DB) Anden Quinn, (RB) Colten Kirby, (WR/DB) Carson Daily, (DT) Darren Hargrow, (K) Caleb Fournier, ‘27 (QB/RB) Brett Godwin, ‘27 (OL/DL) Kash Hardin, ‘28 (LB/RB) Whitten Wolfe, ‘28 (DL) Asher Owens, ‘28 (OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1037592' first='Drake' last='Guy']   Team Overview: This program is still young and growing but last year, the Lions made some good strides in the right direction and are looking to continue doing so during the 2025 season. It will be a tough road as this region has grown and gotten deeper but with a solid senior class returning, Lakeland Prep has a shot to finish in the top four and compete in postseason play. Senior offensive athlete Anden Quinn is a versatile playmaker that the staff will be using a ton this season to jump start their offense. The Lions will be looking to lean on their run game a lot, so Quinn and fellow senior Colten Kirby will be getting the ball early and often this coming year. Being able to run the ball can only happen if the O-line is up to par and that's one area about the Lions on offense that I have question marks about headed into the year. That unit must be figured out if Lakeland Prep wants to compete for postseason action.    The Lions defense has to be the side of the ball that plays well early and performs on a consistent basis throughout the season for them to taste the playoffs. The defensive front is lacking overall depth and talent but have a few guys to work with in Aiden Helton, Darren Hargrow and rising sophomore Asher Owens. If those guys and others can do decent work at stopping the run, the Lions linebackers can roam free, making tackles sideline to sideline. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1674918' first='Conner' last='Sebastian'] has college upside with his 6'3 215 pound frame. He is joined by two-way backer Whitten Wolfe, who could establish himself as a top ball carrier on offense. The one area that needs work in camp is the secondary. There are a lot of unknowns on the back end right now but opportunity is available for guys to step up and take on starting roles. I do see a scenario where the Lions make the playoffs but I can also see them missing out as well. A lot depends on the development up front in the trenches and the progression of their top players.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/08/anquinn.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1752690" style="width:254px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Millington Central Trojans   Location: Millington, TN (Shelby Co.)   Head Coach: Chris Micheal    2024 Finish: 6-5 Overall (2-2 Region)   Top Returning Players: (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1588863' first='Trea' last='Wampler'], (DT/OL) Jaylen Mack, (LB) Damion King, (OL/DT) Jamall Newsome, (S) Kendrick Simmons, ‘27 (DE/LB) [player_tooltip player_id='904972' first='Jakobian' last='Allen'], ‘27 (WR/S) Trayvon Evans, ‘27 (DB) Ayden Folson, ‘27 (QB) Seth Ervin, ‘27 (WR/S) Chris Duckworth, ‘28  (WR/DB) J'Dynn Simpson, ‘28 (RB) Jaxson Washington, ‘28 (OL) Najee Bolton   Team Overview: Throughout the past decade, the Trojans have consistently sat in the middle of the pack, winning enough games to reach postseason play but usually flaming out early. That was the case last year and while it's a new season ahead, I expect the Trojans to remain in the middle, unless new talent is found and depth is developed. Looking at the roster, this is a young team that will be relying on several juniors and sophomores to play key starting roles. The offense looks to be led by junior quarterback Seth Ervin. It's unknown right now as to who Ervin will be handing the ball off to but sophomore Jaxson Washington is one to watch here. The offensive line needs to be rebuilt after losing top performers from last year. Senior Jamall Newsome looks to be the leader up front with sophomore Najee Bolton looking like a big man to watch for the future.    Much like the offense, the Trojans defense needs some spots filled but potential is here for this side of the ball to be the force that keeps Millington in the playoff mix. The front seven is where the Trojans should be strong. They return 6'3 290 pound defensive tackle Jaylen Mack in the middle with junior [player_tooltip player_id='904972' first='Jakobian' last='Allen'] rushing the passer off the edge. Seniors Damion King and [player_tooltip player_id='1588863' first='Trea' last='Wampler'] are tackling machines that do good work stopping the run. Those four prospects will be important on this defense and their overall success. The secondary is mainly young but it has talent. Senior safety Kendrick Simmons is the vet on the back end but will be helped by juniors Trayvon Evans, Ayden Folson and Chris Duckworth. The Trojans defense looks well equipped to play strong football this year and they will need to as their offense is still under development. I do see enough talent here with Millington to make postseason play but it won't be easy as the region is tough and the offense doesn't appear too explosive right now.    - - - - -    Ridgeway Roadrunners   Location: Memphis, TN (Shelby Co.)   Head Coach: Duron Sutton   2024 Finish: 1-10 Overall (1-4 Region)   Top Returning Players: (OL/DT) Cameron Redmond, (RB/LB) Lamarrius Summers, (C/DT) Trevaughn Martin, (LB) Jeffrey Taylor, ‘27 (OL/DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1590259' first='Jamari' last='Goines'], ‘27 (OL/DL) Jeremiah Thompson, ‘27 (WR/S) Carson Lesueur, ‘27 (S) [player_tooltip player_id='1398036' first='Danterrio' last='Carodine'], ‘27 (DB) Michael Kimbrew, ‘28 (RB/S) Jeremiah Jackson   Team Overview: As we head into a new football year, the Roadrunners are looking for hope, a direction to take for this program to get out of the cellar and begin competing with the top teams of their region and classification. Looking at their roster for the 2025 football year, Ridgeway is lacking overall talent and depth but I do see potential with a few players and position groups that could help expand their win total. The team strength overall may actually be the line of scrimmage. The Roadrunners have some beef to work on both sides of the ball in Cameron Redmond and junior prospects [player_tooltip player_id='1590259' first='Jamari' last='Goines'] and Jeremiah Thompson. The remainder of the Roadrunners offense needs work, it needs players to step forward into starring roles and shine. One guy to keep track of this Fall is junior two-way prospect Carson Lesueur as he brings good athleticism and size to the field that could make him a playmaker on both sides of the ball.    Much like their offense, the Ridgeway defense has a lot of unknowns headed into the 2025 season. Several big men from the O-line should be working both ways on defense but for the trenches to hold up throughout the football year, depth needs to be developed. That statement can be said about the linebackers and secondary as well but I see upside with the defensive backfield. Lesueur should be starring at safety alongside junior [player_tooltip player_id='1398036' first='Danterrio' last='Carodine'] with Michael Kimbrew competing at corner or nickelback. This entire team needs a lot of work throughout Fall camp and into the season to compete with the top half of this region but earning more than one victory is possible. If the defense can do a good job of getting off the field early on a consistent basis and put their offense into winning positions, the Roadrunners could have a better season and push their program forward.    - - - - -    #PRZTN Preseason Predictions   Predicted Order of Finish   1. Haywood   2. Kirby   3. Millington Central   4. Fayette-Ware   5. Lakeland Prep   6. Craigmont   7. Ridgeway   - - - - -    Preseason Regional Top Honors   Reg. MVP: (DB/WR) [player_tooltip player_id='811046' first='Caden' last='Harris'] - Haywood   Off. POTY: (RB) Everette Walker - Kirby   Def. POTY: (Edge) [player_tooltip player_id='1268388' first='Jarvis' last='Glenn'] - Kirby   Lineman POTY: ‘27 (DE) [player_tooltip player_id='1335662' first='Kemarion' last='Douglas'] - Haywood   Coach of the Year: Josh Puckett - Haywood   Mr. Football Contenders: (RB) Everette Walker - Kirby, (DB/WR) [player_tooltip player_id='811046' first='Caden' last='Harris'] - Haywood, ‘27 (QB) Malcolm Jack - Kirby   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/cadharris.jpg?w=683" alt="" class="wp-image-1371831" style="width:262px;height:auto" /></figure>