Preseason Preview: Class 6A/Region 3

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Talent galore resides in this deep region with Oakland being your team to beat. The Patriots are your reigning 6A champs that should receive stiff competition for region foes like Riverdale, Blackman and others but I still like Oakland at your potential region champ and a program that has a chance to repeat as state champions this year. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6A-Region 3</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Blackman Blaze&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Murfreesboro, TN (Rutherford Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Matthew Kriesky&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>6-6 Overall (2-3 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(OL/DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1100917' first='Kennedy' last='Jackson']</strong>, (DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='480824' first='Taylor' last='Whitney']</strong>, (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='834598' first='Kaleb' last='Gray']</strong>, (Ath) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='783176' first='Kari' last='Dixon']</strong>, (OG) <strong>Terre Baskin</strong>, (DE) <strong>Tremel Johnson</strong>, (RB) <strong>Jabari Kemp</strong>, (DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1691495' first='Emory' last='Harris']</strong>, (LB) <strong>Makari Abernathy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>&nbsp;‘27 (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103038' first='Brylan' last='Oduor']</strong>, ‘27 (DL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1648682' first='James' last='Stewart'], </strong>‘27 (DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1648722' first='Felix' last='Mitchell']</strong>, ‘27 (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1207776' first='Jayden' last='Gowin']</strong>, ‘27 (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1663673' first='Isaiah' last='Boles']</strong>, ‘27 (DL) <strong>Blake Zirkle</strong>, ‘27 (G/C) <strong>Shepherd Flowers</strong>, ‘28 (S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1580781' first='Jayden' last='Sanders']</strong>,<strong> </strong>‘28 (TE/LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1078776' first='Derrick' last='Dragoo']</strong>, ‘28 (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1030583' first='Brycen' last='Mitchell']</strong>, ‘28 (OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1181753' first='Makhi' last='Rodriguez']</strong>, ‘28 (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1029916' first='Micah' last='Nance']</strong>, ‘28 (QB/Ath) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1090807' first='Myles' last='Teague']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>New Additions: </strong>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1699904' first='Jaevion' last='Elliott'] </strong>(Rockvale), (WR) <strong>James Stevenson </strong>(Rockvale), (DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1589509' first='A'Darien' last='Davis'] </strong>(Stewarts Creek), ‘28 (S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1580781' first='Jayden' last='Sanders'] </strong>(MTCS)&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1637664,"width":"249px","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/kenjackson2.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1637664" style="width:249px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>LaVergne Wolverines</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>LaVergne, TN (Rutherford Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Christopher Johnson&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>0-10 Overall (0-5 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(RB/S) <strong>Isaiah Welch</strong>, (OL) <strong>Caden Vandervort</strong>, (OL) <strong>Dominic Bath</strong>, (QB/Ath) <strong>Drayden DeMoss</strong>, (WR/DB) <strong>Micah Payne</strong>, (DE) <strong>Kevin Ruiz</strong>, (WR/DB) <strong>Elijah Phillips</strong>, ‘27 (OL) <strong>Jaymes Smith</strong>, ‘27 (DT) <strong>Auston Dixon</strong>, ‘27 (WR/DB) <strong>Davion Banks</strong>, ‘27 (DL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1684050' first='Jacolby' last='Green']</strong>, ‘28 (TE/DE) <strong>Dylan Latimer</strong>, ‘28 (DT/OL) <strong>Kemori White</strong>, ‘28 (S) <strong>Dearrion Hall</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Oakland Patriots</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Murfreesboro, TN (Rutherford Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Kevin Creasy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>14-1 Overall (5-0 Region - Defending 6A Champions)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='856867' first='Craig' last='Tutt']</strong>, (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='856866' first='Mykeal' last='Brown']</strong>, (OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1679801' first='Keiston' last='Stewart']</strong>, (Ath) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1621991' first='Maurice' last='Smith']</strong>, (S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1118506' first='Emarion' last='Woods']</strong>, (DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1138121' first='Kyrie' last='Gainor']</strong>, (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1639861' first='Kullen' last='Williams']</strong>, (S) <strong>Nehemiah Wade</strong>, (QB) <strong>Patrick Freeman</strong>, (DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1215798' first='Marquis' last='Earl']</strong>,&nbsp; (DT) <strong>Kham Sanders</strong>, (WR) <strong>TayRon Runyan</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>‘27 (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='904730' first='Velon' last='Henderson']</strong>, ‘27 (DL) <strong>D'Von McGhee</strong>, ‘27 (TE/DE) <strong>Javon Jones</strong>, ‘27 (Ath) <strong>Kemani Bass</strong>, ‘27 (DB) <strong>Demiko Hall</strong>, ‘27 (RB) <strong>Kandeen Davis</strong>, ‘27 (Ath) <strong>Braxton Greever</strong>, ‘28 (DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1576785' first='Terry' last='Ligon']</strong>, ‘28 (OL/DL) <strong>Michael Ekezie</strong>, ‘28 (DT/OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1066169' first='Marland' last='Mixon']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>New Additions: </strong>(Ath) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1281472' first='Joel' last='Wyatt'] </strong>(Webb Sch.), (DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1326049' first='Jarmarian' last='Kinnie'] </strong>(MTCS), (S/RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1603958' first='Justis' last='Haggard'] </strong>(Columbia Cent.) ‘27 (OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1635143' first='Chandler' last='Cates'] </strong>(Shelbyville Cent.), ‘27 (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='906648' first='Chevy' last='Armour'] </strong>(Chatt. Prep), ‘28 (Ath) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1030581' first='Ja'Vonni' last='Malone'] </strong>(Blackman)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1332889,"width":"284px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/jwyatt.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1332889" style="width:284px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Riverdale Warriors</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Murfreesboro, TN (Rutherford Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Will Kriesky&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>10-3 Overall (4-1 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1151463' first='Ayden' last='Emmons']</strong>, (DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1288081' first='Caleb' last='Woods']</strong>, (WR) <strong>Braylon Burns</strong>, (G/C) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1606272' first='LaBrian' last='Shelbourne']</strong>, (OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1291568' first='Elijah' last='Clark']</strong>, (S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1648128' first='Elijah' last='Reams']</strong>, (DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1291569' first='Jaren' last='Hollins']</strong>, (DE) <strong>E.J. Olguin</strong>, (WR) <strong>Zaiden Jones</strong>, (S/WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1643688' first='Chris' last='Peters']</strong>, (DE) <strong>Jordan Bowen</strong>, (OL/DT) <strong>Jeffrey Williamson</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>‘27 (WR/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='378857' first='Hudson' last='Fuqua']</strong>, ‘27 (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1588087' first='Gael' last='Lara']</strong>, ‘27 (OG) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1708452' first='Avantae' last='Morrison']</strong>, ‘27 (WR) <strong>Braxtian Murdock</strong>, ‘27 (RB/LB) <strong>Carson Gateley</strong>, ‘28 (RB) <strong>Jacob Vaughn</strong>, ‘28 (OL/DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1704257' first='Keziya' last='Newsom']</strong>, ‘28 (OL/DL) <strong>Alex Judd</strong>, ‘28 (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1177947' first='Jeremy' last='Thompson'] Jr.</strong>, ‘28 (Edge) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1646647' first='Kason' last='Fleming']</strong>, ‘28 (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1737892' first='Bralan' last='Key']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>New Additions: </strong>(WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103005' first='Corben' last='Reynolds'] </strong>(Loretto), (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='856863' first='Riley' last='Talley'] </strong>(Rockvale), (OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1568970' first='Darrion' last='Adams'] </strong>(Oakland), ‘27 (Edge) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1207775' first='Julius' last='Malden'] </strong>(Blackman), ‘27 (DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='904747' first='Dre' last='Otey'] </strong>(BGA), ‘28 (QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1287058' first='Gavin' last='Hampton'] </strong>(Ravenwood)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Rockvale Rockets</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Murfreesboro, TN (Rutherford Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>James Counce</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>2-8 Overall (1-4 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(DL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1104286' first='Melvin' last='Boone III']</strong>, (S) <strong>Jay Monk</strong>, (RB) <strong>Wrylan Hodges</strong>, (WR/DB) <strong>Kavon Reedy</strong>, (DB) <strong>Jordan Kennedy</strong>, (TE) <strong>Judson Bingham</strong>, ‘27 (TE/DE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1675717' first='Dallas' last='Pauldo']</strong>, ‘27 (DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1815536' first='Jayden' last='Agberodiola']</strong>, ‘27 (RB/LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1599122' first='Romeo' last='George']</strong>, ‘27 (LB) <strong>Gabriel Gory</strong>, ‘27 (Ath) <strong>Eli Blamires</strong>, ‘27 (S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1815987' first='Braxton' last='Parker']</strong>, ‘27 (QB/LB) <strong>Hunter Scicolone&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>New Additions: </strong>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1207773' first='Jonathan' last='Hamby'] </strong>(Blackman), (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1219648' first='Rayene' last='Chiha'] </strong>(Webb Sch.), (DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1218539' first='Elom' last='Ametitovi'] </strong>(Webb Sch.), (S/RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1257132' first='Tikum' last='Brian Asongwe'] </strong>(Webb Sch.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1700083,"width":"230px","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/dpauldo.jpg?w=857" alt="" class="wp-image-1700083" style="width:230px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Siegel Stars</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Murfreesboro, TN (Rutherford Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Adam Renshaw</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>2-8 Overall (1-4 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1643690' first='Corey' last='Jennifer']</strong>, (WR/S) <strong>William Santel</strong>, (QB) <strong>Justin Remkus</strong>, (OL) <strong>Austin Ellis</strong>, (WR/S) <strong>Declan Black</strong>, (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1598528' first='Drew' last='Hostetler']</strong>, (Ath) <strong>Jadn Willis</strong>, (G/C) <strong>David Barlow</strong>, (WR/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='227615' first='Jackson' last='Zeltner']</strong>, (RB/LB) <strong>Bryson Green</strong>, (LB) <strong>Braelyn Albea</strong>, (Ath) <strong>Delvion Ewing</strong>, (RB) <strong>Michael Batts</strong>, ‘27 (OL/DL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1695926' first='Princeton' last='Uwaifo']</strong>, ‘27 (Ath) <strong>Quintin Carson</strong>, ‘27 (DB) <strong>Keith Morrell</strong>, ‘27 (DT) <strong>Elijah Burcell</strong>, ‘27 (LB) <strong>Jackson Monroe</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Smyrna Bulldogs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Smyrna, TN (Rutherford Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Matt Williams&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>5-6 Overall (3-2 Region)&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1282327' first='Jerry' last='Martin'] III</strong>, (Ath) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1288089' first='Donnell' last='Valentine']</strong>, (S/LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1432234' first='Denzel' last='Yarbrough']</strong>, (DT/OL) <strong>Alex Monge</strong>, (DT/OL) <strong>Jefferson Lopez-Alvarado</strong>, (DT) <strong>John Richardson</strong>, (LB) <strong>Brody Hines</strong>, (Ath) <strong>Julez Malone</strong>, (QB) <strong>Gianni Allen</strong>, ‘27 (Ath) <strong>Alexan Jackson, Jr</strong>, ‘27 (DT) <strong>Anthony Staples</strong>, ‘27 (QB) <strong>Zeke Key</strong>, ‘27 (DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1708132' first='Sucory' last='Weathers']</strong>, ‘27 (TE/DE) <strong>Jordan Bartley</strong>, ‘27 (S) <strong>Vincent Morgan</strong>, ‘27 (DB) <strong>Japhleth Leveque</strong>, ‘27 (RB/LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1667459' first='Trevel' last='Gordon']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Stewarts Creek Red Hawks</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Smyrna, TN (Rutherford Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Ben Caudill&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>11-2 Overall (5-0 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='889088' first='Jordon' last='Shaw']</strong>, (DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1161079' first='Omari' last='Bledsoe']</strong>, (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1705687' first='Eli' last='Murray']</strong>, (DL) <strong>Josiah Hall</strong>, (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1591973' first='Daniel' last='Johnson']</strong>, (C/G) <strong>Evan Lischka</strong>, (QB) <strong>Jerry Taylor</strong>, (DB) <strong>KeMarion Hill</strong>, (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1662405' first='Jonathan' last='Hadley']</strong>, (WR/DB) <strong>Mario Darvin</strong>, ‘27 (DB/RB) <strong>Kingston McQueen</strong>, ‘27 (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1567089' first='Jamarcus' last='Brown']</strong>, ‘27 (DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1662944' first='Dallas' last='Johnson']</strong>, ‘27 (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='904925' first='Jayden' last='McKnight']</strong>, ‘27 (TE/LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1554204' first='Braydon' last='Brown']</strong>, ‘27 (QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1326463' first='R.C.' last='Davis']</strong>, ‘27 (OL/DT) <strong>Frank Simmons</strong>, ‘28 (LB) <strong>Cam Moore</strong>,<strong> </strong>‘28 (OL) <strong>Lucas Bello</strong>, ‘28 (LB) <strong>Maddox Matthews</strong>, ‘28 (LB) <strong>Samuel Bello</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1688014,"width":"314px","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/dallasjohnson.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1688014" style="width:314px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Region Overview: </strong>Oakland is your defending Class 6A state champion and they remain at the top for the coming 2025 season to potentially repeat. The Patriots have another loaded roster with multiple college prospects and some up and comers that can help get them back to Chattanooga but it won't be easy as this region is strong with some tough competition. The Patriots will yet again lean on their run game to get the job done. They have two-way prospect <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='856867' first='Craig' last='Tutt'] </strong>set to be the main guy carrying the ball but he will be joined by transfers <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1603958' first='Justis' last='Haggard'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1030581' first='Ja'Vonni' last='Malone'] </strong>along with rising junior <strong>Kandeen Davis</strong>. It's a deep running back room that will be helped by a solid offensive line that got even better over the past few weeks with the addition of Shelbyville transfer <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1635143' first='Chandler' last='Cates']</strong>. Oakland is well equipped to chase after another state title but winning the region is first on the list and they must hold off a talented Riverdale squad to do so.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Warriors return a lot of talent from last year's ten win team along with bringing in some transfers that should make the team even better. Riverdale has a chance at being high scoring and explosive on offense, especially with the addition of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1287058' first='Gavin' last='Hampton'] </strong>at quarterback and talented senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103005' first='Corben' last='Reynolds'] </strong>at receiver. Keep eyes out for rising sophomore <strong>Jacob Vaughn </strong>at running back to become a breakout star this year. Those three will be protected by possibly the best O-line in the region, led by seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1606272' first='LaBrian' last='Shelbourne'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1291568' first='Elijah' last='Clark']</strong>. The Riverdale defense looks strong as well with the return of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1151463' first='Ayden' last='Emmons'] </strong>at linebacker and a secondary that could be special, led by juniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='378857' first='Hudson' last='Fuqua'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='904747' first='Dre' last='Otey']</strong>. Fighting for a potential top two spot in this region will be Blackman. The Blaze were already returning a solid roster for the 2025 season but boosted it with the off-season additions of quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1699904' first='Jaevion' last='Elliott'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1589509' first='A'Darien' last='Davis'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1580781' first='Jayden' last='Sanders'] </strong>to the secondary.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A sneaky team to watch this Fall should be Stewarts Creek. I don't think they have the overall talent compared to the top three teams but they should have enough to provide good competition while earning a playoff berth. The Red Hawks are replacing some key guys from last year but should still be good this year with a veteran backfield of <strong>Jerry Taylor </strong>and junior running backs <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1567089' first='Jamarcus' last='Brown'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='904925' first='Jayden' last='McKnight'] </strong>and a defense that has the makings to be strong versus the pass. Shoring up the defensive front will be key towards the Red Hawks having a successful 2025 season. Fighting with the Red Hawks for that final playoff spot should be Rockvale and Smyrna.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Rockets look even better on paper compared to a few months after the additions of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1218539' first='Elom' last='Ametitovi']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1257132' first='Tikum' last='Brian Asongwe'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1219648' first='Rayene' last='Chiha']</strong>. Those three immediately make the team better but the Rockets are still lacking in a few areas that must be worked out to hang with the top half of this region. They definitely need a strong year from Blackman transfer <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1207773' first='Jonathan' last='Hamby'] </strong>at quarterback and tough work up front from a rebuilt offensive line. Smyrna shows some athletic upside with their skill positions but there is a lot of unproven talent on this roster along with the trenches being a work in progress. Senior defensive tackle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1282327' first='Jerry' last='Martin'] </strong>is a difference maker on the Bulldogs D-line that should present a lot of problems for opposing teams this year.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The final two teams in this region, Siegel and LaVergne could both be in-store for a long season, especially due to how good this region is and how much both these teams are lacking in multiple areas. The Stars have been struggling for many years but they actually have a solid roster returning for the 2025 season and if they were in a different region, the playoffs would be a possibility. Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1643690' first='Corey' last='Jennifer'] </strong>is dripping with college potential in the secondary while junior big man <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1695926' first='Princeton' last='Uwaifo'] </strong>is a huge young man that has coaches looking in his direction. The 2025 football year will be a testing ground for LaVergne to see how they stand up against top competition and what they must do to improve their program moving forward. It will be interesting to see how the Wolverines perform this year and how far away they are at competing for the top half of this region over time.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - </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. Oakland</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2. Riverdale</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3. Blackman</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4. Stewarts Creek</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5. Rockvale</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6. Smyrna</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>7. Siegel</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>8. LaVergne</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>(RB/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='856867' first='Craig' last='Tutt'] </strong>- Oakland</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Off. POTY: </strong>(WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103005' first='Corben' last='Reynolds'] </strong>- Riverdale</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Def. POTY: </strong>(LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1639861' first='Kullen' last='Williams'] </strong>- Oakland</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lineman MVP: </strong>(OL/DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1100917' first='Kennedy' last='Jackson'] </strong>- Blackman</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Coach of the Year: Kevin Creasy </strong>- Oakland</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mr. Football Candidates: </strong>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1699904' first='Jaevion' last='Elliott']t </strong>- Blackman, (RB/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='856867' first='Craig' last='Tutt'] </strong>- Oakland, (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103005' first='Corben' last='Reynolds'] </strong>- Riverdale, ‘28 (QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1287058' first='Gavin' last='Hampton'] </strong>- Riverdale</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1575479,"width":"302px","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/IMG_3172.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1575479" style="width:302px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->