Preseason Preview: Class 6A/Region 1

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">We only have five teams in this region but it should make things highly competitive. Science Hill is the early on favorite with a talented team that can not only go after the region title but could possibly go deep in the playoffs as well. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6A-Region 1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dobyns-Bennett Indians</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Kingsport, TN (Sullivan Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Joey Christian</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>8-4 Overall (4-1 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1621929' first='Baker' last='Correll']</strong>, (OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='853129' first='Tyler' last='Grizzle']</strong>, (OL) <strong>Zackhi Williams</strong>, (S/WR) <strong>Zayden Hayes</strong>, (OL/DL) <strong>Mitchell Newhouse</strong>, (WR/S) <strong>Tegan Begley</strong>, (Ath) <strong>Jaylen Thomas</strong>, ‘27 (TE/Edge) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1662939' first='Tyree' last='Thomas']</strong>, ‘27 (LB) <strong>Isaiah Bolden</strong>, ‘27 (QB) <strong>Levi Chappell</strong>, ‘27 (WR/DB) <strong>Jackson Sensabaugh</strong>, ‘27 (WR/S) <strong>Hudson Clabaugh</strong>, ‘28 (Ath) <strong>Julian Sensabaugh</strong>, ‘28 (OL) <strong>Zane Carpenter</strong>, ‘28 (OL/DT) <strong>Weston Grizzle</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1814500,"width":"325px","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/tygrizzle-crop-700x460-1755375990.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1814500" style="width:325px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jefferson Co. Patriots</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Dandridge, TN (Jefferson Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Spencer Riley</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>7-4 Overall (4-1 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(DB/WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1276432' first='Shawn' last='Jackson']</strong>, (OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1699361' first='Grant' last='Arnold']</strong>, (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1295080' first='Kaiden' last='Collins']</strong>, (WR/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1295086' first='Luke' last='Messer']</strong>, (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1657182' first='Sean' last='Young']</strong>, (TE/Edge) <strong>Cooper Jenkins</strong>, (QB/WR) <strong>Jackson Osborne</strong>, (QB) <strong>Mason Henderson</strong>, (LB/RB) <strong>Jackson Long</strong>, ‘27 (DL/OL) <strong>Logan Lawrence</strong>, ‘27 (S) <strong>Isaiah Holloway</strong>, ‘27 (LB) <strong>Jayden Smith</strong>, ‘28 (RB/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1177966' first='Donovan' last='Jackson']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Morristown-East Hurricanes&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Morristown, TN (Hamblen Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Dallas Kuykendall</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>3-7 Overall (0-5 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(G/C) <strong>Kingston Rhea</strong>,<strong> </strong>(LB/RB) <strong>Cameron Miller</strong>, (FB/LB) <strong>Nate Collier</strong>, (OL/DT) <strong>Chris Emery</strong>, (OL/DT) <strong>Connor Collins</strong>, ‘27 (Edge) <strong>Brent Lunceford</strong>, ‘27 (Ath) <strong>Conner Everhart</strong>, ‘27 (Ath) <strong>Tyliek Phipps</strong>, ‘27 (WR) <strong>Zhamir Collins</strong>, ‘27 (QB/LB) <strong>Jeremy Howerton</strong>, ‘27 (OL/DT) <strong>Rayden Seal</strong>, ‘27 (LB) <strong>Andrew Parsons</strong>, ‘27 (RB/LB) <strong>William Sloan</strong>, ‘27 (S) <strong>Jordan Collins</strong>, ‘28 (OL) <strong>Myles Wofford</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Science Hill Hilltoppers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Johnson City, TN (Washington Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Stacy Carter</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>8-3-1 Overall (4-1 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1577633' first='Lane' last='Clement']</strong>, (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='491463' first='Aiden' last='Perry']</strong>, (DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1633934' first='Haiden' last='Cox']</strong>, (WR/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1646511' first='Tyler' last='Holder']</strong>, (Edge) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1690176' first='Brayden' last='Austin']</strong>, (DT/OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1751827' first='J.B.' last='Gentry']</strong>, (G/C) <strong>Aidan Taylor</strong>, (RB) <strong>Ian Mathes</strong>, (TE/LB) <strong>Aedan McGann</strong>, (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1646479' first='Ahsan' last='Ewing']</strong>, (OL/DT) <strong>Trenton Hughes</strong>, (K/P) <strong>Carter Lockman</strong>, ‘27 (RB) <strong>Darren Hill, Jr</strong>, ‘27 (RB/LB) <strong>Nalique Anderson</strong>, ‘27 (WR/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1646491' first='Branson' last='Newberry']</strong>, ‘27 (DE/OL) <strong>Jacob Horne</strong>, ‘27 (G/C) <strong>Mason Whitehead</strong>, ‘27 (OL/DT) <strong>Sawyer Necessary</strong>, ‘27 (LB) <strong>Hayden Smith</strong>, ‘27 (S) <strong>Taylor May&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1814503,"width":"238px","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/lclement.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1814503" style="width:238px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>West Ridge Wolves</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Blountville, TN (Sullivan Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Justin Hilton</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>5-5 Overall (1-4 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(TE/LB) <strong>Nathan Arnold</strong>, (RB/LB) <strong>Ethan Amyx</strong>, (WR/S) <strong>Kaleb Mabb</strong>, (OL/DT) <strong>Morgan Thorton</strong>, (DE) <strong>Ronnie Smith</strong>, (LB) <strong>Samuel Perry</strong>, ‘27 (OG/C) <strong>Cal Tatum</strong>, ‘27 (S) <strong>Braelyn Vance</strong>, ‘27 (TE/DE) <strong>Hayden Musick</strong>, ‘27 (WR/DB) <strong>Jackson Price</strong>, ‘27 (Ath) <strong>Dayton Brown</strong>, ‘28 (WR/S) <strong>Orlando Mack</strong>, ‘28 (DT/OL) <strong>Rylin Williams</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Region Overview: </strong>A smaller region with only five teams, it will be a battle for the top spot but right now, all signs point towards Science Hill being the team to beat. The Hilltoppers return a veteran core and deep roster overall that can not only lead them to a region title but potentially go on a deep playoff run as well. What could make Science Hill a formidable team this Fall could be the play of transfer quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1577633' first='Lane' last='Clement']</strong>. Coming in from Wyoming, Clement has spent the entire off-season here in Tennessee developing and getting better with his teammates and I believe this 6 '4 passer could end up leading the 6A ranks in passing by the end of the year. Joining Clement in the backfield will be senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='491463' first='Aiden' last='Perry']</strong>, who is one of the more underrated offensive prospects we have from the #TN2026 class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Hilltoppers offense has a chance to be explosive and high scoring but it will be their defense that leads them to victories and potential championships. They have two studs in the front seven with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1633934' first='Haiden' last='Cox'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1690176' first='Brayden' last='Austin'] </strong>that should produce a lot of action and a secondary that is young but talented. Competing with Science Hill for the top spot should be Dobyns-Bennett and Jefferson County. As things sit right now, I like the Indians for second place. They might have the best offensive line in this region, led by a senior core of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1621929' first='Baker' last='Correll']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='853129' first='Tyler' last='Grizzle']</strong>, <strong>Mitchell Newhouse </strong>and <strong>Zackhi Williams</strong>. When you are good up front, you have a chance to win a lot of games. Dobyns-Bennett won't be anything flashy this year but their physicality and grit can go a long way towards on the field success this year for the Indians.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jefferson Co. is an interesting team to follow this Fall as they lost some key players in the off-season but still return enough talent for a top three region finish this season. The strength of the Patriots team this year could be their defense. They return some talented seniors on this side of the ball in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1276432' first='Shawn' last='Jackson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1295086' first='Luke' last='Messer']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1657182' first='Sean' last='Young']</strong>, <strong>Cooper Jenkins </strong>and others that could help Jefferson Co. towards earning plenty of victories. It's the offense that I have questions about but they will have a beast in the line helping block with senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1699361' first='Grant' last='Arnold']</strong>. If the Patriots staff can sort out their offense, a seven plus win season is possible while remaining in arm's length of competing for a region title.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1814506,"width":"246px","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/garnold.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1814506" style="width:246px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The final playoff spot within this five team region should come down to Morristown-East and West Ridge. Both of these teams are lacking athletic, explosive game play on either side of the ball but have potential to grow it as the season goes on. We like Mo-East to take the fourth spot in the region due to better depth and upside with several players like juniors <strong>Brent Lunceford</strong>, <strong>Tyliek Phipps </strong>and receiver <strong>Zhamir Collins</strong>. The Canes must figure out the quarterback position while shoring up other position groups but see potential with them and a playoff caliber team. It might be a tough season for West Ridge as they are needing to replace a do-it-all quarterback that was the face of the program over the past few years. The Wolves staff will be leaning on a cast of new characters this year while leaning on the vets they have returning. One guy to watch for West Ridge with a breakout senior year could be linebacker <strong>Nathan Arnold</strong>. West Ridge has a shot at reaching the playoffs but they must defeat Morristown-East or find a way to pull out two region victories for postseason play to happen.&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. Science Hill</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2. Dobyns-Bennett</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3. Jefferson Co.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4. Morristown-East</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5. West Ridge</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>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1577633' first='Lane' last='Clement'] </strong>- Science Hill</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Off. POTY: </strong>(RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='491463' first='Aiden' last='Perry'] </strong>- Science Hill&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Def. POTY: </strong>(LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1690176' first='Brayden' last='Austin'] </strong>- Science Hill&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lineman MVP: </strong>(OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1621929' first='Baker' last='Correll'] </strong>- Dobyns-Bennett&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Coach of the Year: Stacy Carter </strong>- Science Hill&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mr. Football Candidates: </strong>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1577633' first='Lane' last='Clement'] </strong>- Science Hill, (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='491463' first='Aiden' last='Perry'] </strong>- Science Hill</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1814507,"width":"235px","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/brayaustin.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1814507" style="width:235px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->