Preseason Preview: Class 5A/Region 5

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Four years running, Page has found themselves in the 5A title game but finished runner up each time. They have a chance to return again this Fall due to another stacked that will sit at the top of this region by season's end. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5A-Region 5</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Centennial Cougars</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Franklin, TN (Williamson Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Jay Graham&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>7-5 Overall (3-3 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1640649' first='Malachi' last='Steele']</strong>, (OG) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1315680' first='Kaleo' last='Keur']</strong>, (QB) <strong>Mitchell Grandjean</strong>, (K) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='853130' first='Wells' last='Stanley']</strong>, (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1415491' first='Azavier' last='Tefteller']</strong>, (G/C) <strong>Dylan Sonnenberg</strong>, (DB) <strong>Bryce Newman</strong>, (WR/S) <strong>Saxon Larring</strong>, ‘27 (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1570549' first='Moses' last='Miller']</strong>, ‘27 (G/C) <strong>Aiden Quinonez</strong>, (RB) <strong>Demarcus Helm</strong>, (WR/DB) <strong>Gavin Johnson</strong>, ‘27 (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1708624' first='Micah' last='Sally']</strong>, ‘27 (OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1556834' first='Tucker' last='Mize']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hillsboro Burros&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Nashville, TN (Davidson Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Anthony Brown&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>5-6 Overall (2-3 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(LB/RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1636973' first='Brayden' last='Hightower']</strong>, (S) <strong>Tracy Carter</strong>, (LB) <strong>Josiah Stewart</strong>, (DL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1673617' first='Jayden' last='York']</strong>, (LB) <strong>William Drake III</strong>, (Ath) <strong>Jarvarion Bradford</strong>, (DE/Edge) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1645914' first='Don' last='Turner'], Jr</strong>, (OL/DT) <strong>Jermarious Meneese</strong>, (OL/DL) <strong>Tylor Jones</strong>, (WR) <strong>Levi Edwards</strong>, (WR/TE) <strong>Xander Stephens</strong>, (K) <strong>John Farag</strong>, ‘27 (DB/WR) <strong>Malik Price</strong>, ‘27 (QB/S) <strong>Jonathan Fredricks</strong>, ‘27 (RB/S) <strong>Gabe Arnell</strong>, ‘27 (WR/S) <strong>Logan Hatley</strong>, ‘27 (RB) <strong>Xavion Lockett</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1794567,"width":"239px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/08/bhightower2.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1794567" style="width:239px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>James Lawson Lightning</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Nashville, TN (Davidson Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Brian Lilly&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>3-7 Overall (1-4 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(Ath) <strong>D'Arens Guerrier</strong>, (OL/DT) <strong>Tyden Batey</strong>, (RB/S) <strong>Jaylan Hill</strong>, ‘27 (DE) <strong>Lawrence Patterson, Jr</strong>, ‘27 (S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1566251' first='Kajuan' last='Taylor']</strong>, ‘27 (DT/OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1584112' first='Ramon' last='Brooks-James']</strong>, ‘27 (DB) <strong>Duran Head, Jr</strong>, ‘27 (DT/OL) <strong>Demetrice Foster</strong>, ‘27 (DB/WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1658995' first='Kaiden' last='Davis']</strong>, ‘27 (LB) <strong>Vondrick Ware</strong>, ‘27 (WR/S) <strong>Kayden Crain</strong>, ‘27 (WR/DB) <strong>Jamon Boyce</strong>, ‘28 (RB/LB) <strong>Lasean Bonds, Jr</strong>,<strong> </strong>‘28 (TE/DE) <strong>Charlie Cannon</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nolensville Knights</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Nolensville, TN (Williamson Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Scott Stidham&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>7-5 Overall (4-1 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players:&nbsp; </strong>(WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='540040' first='Oliver' last='Bender']</strong>, (RB/S) <strong>Joshua Hicks</strong>, (WR/S) <strong>Trey Walker</strong>, (DL) <strong>Zack Little</strong>, (LB) <strong>Alex Randolph</strong>, ‘27 (DE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1607186' first='Jake' last='Sentell']</strong>, ‘27 (WR/S) <strong>Noah Cowden</strong>, ‘27 (TE/DE) <strong>Andrew Harrison</strong>, ‘27 (OL) <strong>Brayden Holland</strong>, ‘27 (S) <strong>Brennan Bialek</strong>, ‘27 (DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1137650' first='Caden' last='Woodard']</strong>, ‘27 (QB/S) <strong>Ryan Newell</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1687311,"width":"218px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/06/56-Oliver-Bender-rotated.jpg?w=684" alt="" class="wp-image-1687311" style="width:218px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Page Patriots</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Franklin, TN (Williamson Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Charles Rathbone&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>14-1 Overall (6-0 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='540028' first='Knight' last='Wilson']</strong>, (G/C) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='853121' first='Jacob' last='Rathbone']</strong>, (OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402552' first='Jordan' last='Curll']</strong>, (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='853120' first='Cayden' last='Aukerman']</strong>, (DT/OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1571450' first='Calvin' last='Johnson']</strong>, (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1717949' first='Sean' last='Cunningham']</strong>, (RB/LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1472458' first='Colt' last='Brown']</strong>, ‘27 (OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='905242' first='Caleb' last='Coffman']</strong>, ‘27 (QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='693877' first='Cameron' last='Kruse']</strong>, ‘27 (RB/S) <strong>Eli Pimentel</strong>, ‘27 (QB/Ath) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1646108' first='Drew' last='Rempel']</strong>, ‘27 (DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1646054' first='Quincy' last='Finley']</strong>, ‘27 (S) <strong>Colin Mulick</strong>&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>‘27 (FB/LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='905241' first='Grant' last='White']</strong>, ‘27 (OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1570544' first='Preston' last='Ashmore']</strong>, ‘27 (WR/S) <strong>Ryder Casillas</strong>, (WR/S) <strong>Cal Wiebush</strong>, ‘27 (WR) <strong>Mack Lee</strong>, ‘27 (G/C) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1580776' first='Daniel' last='Callahan']</strong>, ‘28 (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1571091' first='Isaac' last='Otey']</strong>, ‘28 (LB) <strong>Taylen Cisneros</strong>, ‘28 (LB) <strong>Connor Sullivan</strong>, ‘28 (WR/DB) <strong>Everett Humphrey</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>New Additions: </strong>(RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1532741' first='James' last='Pierre'] </strong>(Webb Sch.), (Edge) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1178947' first='Cohen' last='Grissom'] </strong>(Forrest), (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='244591' first='Eli' last='Bell'] </strong>(Forrest), (G/C) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1695364' first='Sloan' last='Bass'] </strong>(Lipscomb Acad.), ‘27 (LB) <strong>Joven Hacker </strong>(Lipscomb Acad.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Region Overview: </strong>It's hard not to look at this region and automatically assume that Page is the clear favorite and by a wide margin. The Patriots have been to four straight Class 5A title games and the 2025 season could turn out to be the same with possibly Page finally coming home with that “Gold Ball”. They have another loaded roster with multiple college level players and a well balanced team. Senior safety and future Air Force Falcon <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='540028' first='Knight' last='Wilson'] </strong>is the team leader and a key player but the Patriots offensive line and their defense as a whole could be the two units that lead them to possible titles. The O-line is very strong, led by seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402552' first='Jordan' last='Curll'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='853121' first='Jacob' last='Rathbone']</strong>. The Patriots defensive front seven is active and physical, especially with the off-season addition of edge rusher <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1178947' first='Cohen' last='Grissom']</strong>. It also looks like the Pats have improved their cornerbacks, which is an area that's haunted them over the past several years.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":946681,"width":"256px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/jrathbone.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-946681" style="width:256px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Page will be the team to beat in this region throughout the year but who will present the biggest challenge? I think that's up in the air as everyone else within this region has some questions about themselves going into the 2025 season. I can see a scenario where Centennial, Hillsboro, James Lawson or Nolensville finishes second in this region or all the way into last place. Looking beyond Page, it will be a battle for everyone else, which should make things fun to watch in this region.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As things sit right now, I like Hillsboro to come in second. The Burros are still developing and lacking in a few areas but have enough talent to put forth a successful season. If Hillsboro is to have a winning record and finish high in this region, their defense will need to lead the way. The Burros have a solid senior core on defense, led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1636973' first='Brayden' last='Hightower']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1673617' first='Jayden' last='York'] </strong>and safety <strong>Tracy Carter</strong>. Centennial is somewhat in rebuild mode under a new coaching staff but could still contend for the top half of this region if their seniors step forward into starring roles. Two-way prospect <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1640649' first='Malachi' last='Steele'] </strong>is a speedy, potential game changer on both sides of the ball for the Cougars. Senior O-lineman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1315680' first='Kaleo' last='Keur'] </strong>is a tone setter up front but the rest of the line around him must be figured out. Former Page quarterback <strong>Mitchell Grandjean </strong>will now be behind center for Centennial this Fall to provide a steady, veteran presence that is much needed.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>James Lawson is the squad in Class 5A, Region 5 that could be the surprise team that might finish the year within the top three. If the Lightning had a serviceable quarterback and a better offensive line, I would have picked them second. They got some up and coming studs from their junior class with defensive end <strong>Lawrence Patterson, Jr </strong>and safety <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1566251' first='Kajuan' last='Taylor']</strong> to build around this season. I actually think the Lightning might have one of the better D-line's on the 5A level with Patterson and tackle prospects <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1584112' first='Ramon' last='Brooks-James'] </strong>and <strong>Demetrice Foster</strong>.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nolensville has been a perennial playoff team and winning program for many years now but the 2025 season looks like the Knights are in rebuilding mode. Looking through their roster, Nolensville is lacking overall talent and depth in several areas throughout the team. They do have a top talent senior in receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='540040' first='Oliver' last='Bender'] </strong>and a talented edge rusher in junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1607186' first='Jake' last='Sentell'] </strong>but the rest of the roster looks bare right now, needing further development. Everybody in this region is looking up at Page, so I expect the Patriots to be there in the top spot by the end of the year but how will everything else play out? That's the fun part as it looks like it will be a battle for the other three playoff spots until the final game of the regular season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#PRZTN Preseason Predictions</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Predicted Order of Finish</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1. Page</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2. Hillsboro</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3. Centennial</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4. James Lawson</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5. Nolensville&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Regional Top Honors</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Reg. MVP: </strong>(WR/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='540028' first='Knight' last='Wilson'] </strong>- Page</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Off. POTY: </strong>(RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1532741' first='James' last='Pierre'] </strong>- Page</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Def. POTY: </strong>(Edge) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1178947' first='Cohen' last='Grissom'] </strong>- Page</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lineman POTY: </strong>(OT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402552' first='Jordan' last='Curll'] </strong>- Page&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Coach of the Year: Charles Rathbone </strong>- Page</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mr. Football Contenders: </strong>(RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1532741' first='James' last='Pierre'] </strong>- Page, (WR/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='540028' first='Knight' last='Wilson'] </strong>- Page, (OT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402552' first='Jordan' last='Curll'] </strong>- Page, (Edge) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1178947' first='Cohen' last='Grissom'] </strong>- Page, ‘27 (QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='693877' first='Cameron' last='Kruse'] </strong>- Page</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1639402,"width":"250px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/03/kwilson.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1639402" style="width:250px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->