Preseason Preview: Class 5A/Region 8

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">This is a five team region with all signs pointing towards Munford being the team to beat but Memphis Central isn't far behind. The Cougars are coming off a nine win season and I think they can repeat that while potentially going deep in the playoffs. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5A-Region 8</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brighton Cardinals</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Brighton, TN (Tipton Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Keith Setler</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>4-7 Overall (2-3 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(DE) <strong>Jamarius Goodwin</strong>, (Ath) <strong>Zyan Richmond</strong>, (WR/S) <strong>Eli Salazar</strong>, (K/P) <strong>Alex Mitchell</strong>, ‘27 (OL/DL) <strong>Christian Hines</strong>, ‘27 (OL) <strong>Jonathan Stanley</strong>, ‘27 (S) <strong>Keshun Whitmore</strong>, ‘27 (WR/LB) <strong>Andre Wynn</strong>, ‘28 (S) <strong>Jonathan Matthews</strong>, ‘28 (WR/DB) <strong>Cylon Jackson</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kingsbury Falcons</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Memphis, TN (Shelby Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Terrence Turner</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>1-9 Overall (1-4 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>N/a&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Memphis Central Warriors</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Memphis, TN (Shelby Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Major Wright</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>9-4 Overall (3-2 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(WR/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1598138' first='Andrus' last='Farmer']</strong>, (RB) <strong>Kavieon Rucker</strong>, (TE/LB) <strong>Jayden Cole</strong>, (Ath) <strong>Chris Cunningham</strong>, (WR/DB) <strong>Kobe Jackson</strong>, ‘27 (OL/DL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1576763' first='Joshua' last='Lane']</strong>, ‘27 (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1370856' first='Landon' last='James']</strong>, ‘27 (OL/DL) <strong>Taevon Cummings</strong>, ‘27 (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1662943' first='Arkavion' last='Hawkins']</strong>, ‘27 (DB/WR) <strong>Joshua Haley</strong>, ‘27 (WR) <strong>Robbie Patton</strong>, ‘27 (DB) <strong>Orlandus Graham</strong>, ‘28 (QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1094224' first='Brooks' last='Wright']</strong>, ‘28 (WR/DB) <strong>Bobby Calvin III</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1804483,"width":"247px","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/bwright.webp?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1804483" style="width:247px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Memphis Overton Wolverines</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Memphis, TN (Shelby Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Preston Harris&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>1-9 Overall (0-5 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(RB) <strong>Traylan Turner</strong>, (OL) <strong>Tyland Washington</strong>, (DE/LB) <strong>Rashad Rankin</strong>, (QB) <strong>Elijah Massie</strong>, (WR/DB) <strong>Troy James</strong>, (DB/WR) <strong>Deante Smith</strong>, (RB/LB) <strong>Demetrius Moore</strong>, ‘28 (WR) <strong>Jahmere Perry</strong>, ‘28 (QB) <strong>Otis Morris</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Munford Cougars</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Munford, TN (Tipton Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Slade Calhoun</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>9-2 Overall (5-2 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1281919' first='Bricen' last='Turnage']</strong>, (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1185005' first='Kailer' last='Dortch']</strong>, (DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1671226' first='Kylan' last='Sharp']</strong>, (G/C) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1185017' first='Deacon' last='Hobbs']</strong>, (DL/OL) <strong>Josh Rodgers</strong>, (S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1602190' first='Dylan' last='Dorn']</strong>, (WR/S) <strong>Kaiden Hatch</strong>, (C/NG) <strong>Brandon Cobb</strong>, (DB) <strong>Antarrius Tarver</strong>, ‘27 (OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1597028' first='Jaydien' last='Mullins']</strong>, ‘27 (DB/RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1104284' first='Dequavion' last='Bell']</strong>, ‘27 (RB/DB) <strong>Treshuwn Jones</strong>, ‘27 (DL) <strong>Nathan Messer</strong>, ‘27 (RB/FB) <strong>Braxton Grant</strong>, ‘27 (K/P) <strong>Lucas Crowell</strong>, ‘28 (OL/DL) <strong>Brody Materna</strong>, ‘28 (RB/LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1585458' first='Tay' last='Starks']</strong>, ‘28 (RB/S) <strong>D.K. Burton</strong>, ‘28 (DE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1662515' first='Dakota' last='Lumm']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1420977,"width":"268px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/bturnage.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1420977" style="width:268px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Region Overview: </strong>Looking into this region, all signs point towards a two-team battle for the title between Munford and Memphis Central. Both those teams are playoff caliber squads that have college talent within their rosters. We choose Munford as the team to beat this year but Memphis Central isn't too far behind. The Cougars should have one of the best rushing attacks coming out of the West Tennessee region this Fall with senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1281919' first='Bricen' last='Turnage'] </strong>and rising star <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1585458' first='Tay' last='Starks']</strong>. Helping the cause with the run game should be a solid offensive line, led by seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1185017' first='Deacon' last='Hobbs']</strong>, <strong>Josh Rodgers</strong>, <strong>Brandon Cobb </strong>and junior stud <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1597028' first='Jaydien' last='Mullins']</strong>. The Munford defense is replacing a few key starters but should be good on this side of the ball, especially in the secondary with standout junior <strong>Qua Bell </strong>and others.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I like what I see from Munford and their potential into the playoffs but I also like Memphis Central and their team upside as well. The Warriors can be a threat to Munford for that top spot, especially if sophomore quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1094224' first='Brooks' last='Wright'] </strong>puts forth a big season. Central has a legit signal caller with Wright, who is a current Top 65 ranked prospect by Prep Redzone Tennessee. Wright will have a go-to guy to throw at in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1598138' first='Andrus' last='Farmer'] </strong>and a young crop of athletic pass catchers that provide nice offensive depth. The Warriors defense has some work to do on the back end but up front, they have a few strong pieces with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1576763' first='Joshua' last='Lane'] </strong>on the line and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1370856' first='Landon' last='James'] </strong>making plays at linebacker.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I see a big separation between the top two teams and the rest of the region. Brighton is next closest behind Memphis Central but they are still a ways back with a lot of development needed going into the season. The Cardinals are missing overall size and depth in the trenches to contend long term as well as roles needed to be filled at key positions like quarterback. It might be the Cardinals defense that leads the way this year with guys like <strong>Jamarius Goodwin </strong>and <strong>Keshun Whitmore </strong>becoming standout players. It still may be a struggle this year for Brighton but I do like their chances of making the playoffs.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both Memphis Overton and Kingsbury are two teams with tons of unknowns going into the 2025 season. The Wolverines have a few good senior pieces like running back <strong>Traylan Turner </strong>and <strong>Tyland Washington </strong>but they are lacking immediate depth for the time being but maybe it can grow as we go through the football year. There is very little info out there about Kingsbury. It's hard to gain a proper idea on who the Falcons will be this coming season with nothing about their roster. They won one game last year and it's tough to not believe the same will happen this year.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></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. Munford</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2. Memp. Central</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3. Brighton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4. Memp. Overton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5. Kingsbury&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>‘28 (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1585458' first='Tay' last='Starks'] </strong>- Munford&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Off. POTY: </strong>(RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1281919' first='Bricen' last='Turnage'] </strong>- Munford&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Def. POTY: </strong>‘27 (DE/LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1370856' first='Landon' last='James'] </strong>- Memp. Central&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lineman MVP: </strong>(DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1671226' first='Kylan' last='Sharp'] </strong>- Munford&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Coach of the Year: Slade Calhoun </strong>- Munford&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mr. Football Candidates: </strong>(RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1281919' first='Bricen' last='Turnage'] </strong>- Munford, ‘28 (QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1094224' first='Brooks' last='Wright'] </strong>- Memp. Central, ‘28 (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1585458' first='Tay' last='Starks'] </strong>- Munford</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1804490,"width":"294px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/12/tstarks_d32652-crop-1170x769-1755205852.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1804490" style="width:294px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Amy Smith Amy Smith </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->