Preseason Preview: Class 6A/Region 7

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">This five team region isn't the deepest but it should be highly competitive with every team here capable of reaching postseason play. Collierville looks like the team to beat headed into the season but others like Bartlett and Houston will have something to say about it.</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class 6A/Region 7</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Arlington Tigers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Arlington, TN (Shelby Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Jesse Jones&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>4-6 Overall (2-5 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1583134' first='Carson' last='Kelly']</strong>, (G/C) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1646571' first='Jackson' last='Stickles']</strong>, (LB) <strong>Caleb Moore</strong>, (WR/S) <strong>Bryan Morales</strong>, (S) <strong>Seth Rice</strong>, (DB) <strong>Ameer Bowen</strong>, (C/DT) <strong>John Burke</strong>, (DT) <strong>Zaden Moss</strong>, ‘27 (WR/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1285462' first='Jackson' last='Flowers']</strong>, ‘27 (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='906285' first='Keirone' last='Foster']</strong>, ‘27 (OL) <strong>Jack Gardner</strong>, ‘27 (WR/S) <strong>Jack Tidwell</strong>, ‘27 (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1628332' first='Kameron' last='Johnson']</strong>, ‘28 (QB) <strong>Rod Lucas</strong>, ‘28 (Ath) <strong>Edon Towles</strong>, ‘28 (LB) <strong>Jarron Jackson</strong>, ‘28 (S) <strong>Slayde Jacobs</strong>, ‘28 (WR) <strong>Nick Anderson</strong>, (DL) <strong>Grant Upchurch</strong>, ‘28 (LB) <strong>Alex Bettencourt</strong>, ‘28 (OL) <strong>Cooper Morton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bartlett Panthers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Bartlett, TN (Shelby Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Chris Smith&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>7-4 Overall (5-2 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(WR/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1368048' first='Dylan' last='Shannon']</strong>, (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1646596' first='Chris' last='Moore']</strong>, (G/C) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='865687' first='Nick' last='Williams']</strong>, (G/C) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='910996' first='Matthias' last='Hudson']</strong>, (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1179088' first='Isaiah' last='Worles']</strong>, (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1793890' first='Victor' last='Tapia']</strong>, (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1881555' first='Myles' last='Snelling']</strong>, (QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1678448' first='Patrick' last='Sadler']</strong>, (S) <strong>Thallas Wooten</strong>, (LB) <strong>Court Yates</strong>, (WR) <strong>Kylan Grant</strong>, (DB) <strong>Matthew Addison</strong>, ‘27 (RB/LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1370886' first='Jaibriel' last='Bowers']</strong>, ‘27 (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='906615' first='Shelvy' last='Clark']</strong>, ‘27 (DB) <strong>Derrecas Henson, Jr</strong>, ‘27 (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1646591' first='Aiden' last='Jackson']</strong>, ‘27 (WR/TE) <strong>Deuce Dunn</strong>, ‘27 (DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='904913' first='Stevion' last='Jones']</strong>, ‘28 (OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1704252' first='Landon' last='Plunk']</strong>, ‘28 (DE) <strong>Jackson Brown</strong>, ‘28 (G/C) <strong>Noah Greer</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1840197,"width":"251px","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/dyshannon.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1840197" style="width:251px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Collierville Dragons</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Collierville, TN (Shelby Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Joe Rocconi&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>11-2 Overall (6-1 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(G/C) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1104292' first='Cooper' last='Sherrod']</strong>, (DL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='964631' first='Marshall' last='Smith, Jr']</strong>, (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1246806' first='Jayden' last='Majors']</strong>, (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1431843' first='Emanuel' last='Palmer']</strong>, (OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1566272' first='Langston' last='Reed']</strong>, (S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1142036' first='Tristan' last='Plumlee']</strong>, (WR/TE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1609993' first='Nick' last='Graham']</strong>, (TE/DE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1288081' first='Caleb' last='Woods']</strong>, (WR/S) <strong>Bradley Stubbs</strong>, (S) <strong>James Goble</strong>, (QB/S) <strong>Cayson Stanford</strong>, (K/P) <strong>Hudson Hollenbeck</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>‘27 (WR/S) <strong>Erik Walden Jr.</strong>, ‘27 (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1684759' first='Dillan' last='Vaughn']</strong>, ‘27 (QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='905003' first='Brayden' last='Santibanez']</strong>, ‘27 (TE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1675675' first='Christian' last='Coleman']</strong>, ‘27 (OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1158149' first='Matthew' last='Salazar']</strong>, ‘27 (OL) <strong>Thomas Parker</strong>, ‘27 (DB) <strong>Shinault Young</strong>, ‘27 (WR/S) <strong>Landon Kitchen</strong>, ‘27 (RB/DB) <strong>Garrett Stephens</strong>, ‘27 (WR/S) <strong>Lucas Barksdale</strong>, ‘27 (G/C) <strong>Jonah Holcomb</strong>, ‘28 (OL) <strong>Tyler Sain</strong>, ‘28 (DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1570536' first='Monterrio' last='Sarden']</strong>, ‘28 (OL) <strong>Charlie Morgan</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>New Additions: </strong>(RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1669050' first='Lawrence' last='Autry'] </strong>(Center Hill, MS), (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1581414' first='Joshua' last='Gale'] </strong>(Center Hill, MS), ‘27 (DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1703375' first='Braylon' last='Warren'] </strong>(Olive Branch, MS)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cordova Wolves</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Cordova, TN (Shelby Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>John Dowtin&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>3-7 Overall (0-7 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(LB) <strong>DeMarcos Ross</strong>, (DL) <strong>Cameron Redmond</strong>, (OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1719187' first='Gabriel' last='Peoples']</strong>, (RB/S) <strong>Kolton Wright</strong>, (WR) <strong>Jeremiah Banks</strong>, (Ath) <strong>Cameron Logan</strong>, (WR/DB) <strong>Demetriss McCoy</strong>, ‘27 (DE) <strong>Josh Tumblin</strong>, ‘27 (DL) <strong>Bryson Coffer</strong>, ‘27 (TE/Edge) <strong>Caleb Rogers</strong>, ‘27 (DL/OL) <strong>Antrell Moss</strong>, ‘27 (OL/DT) <strong>Randy Stokes</strong>, ‘27 (LB) <strong>Tyree Sims</strong>, ‘27 (DL/OL) <strong>Caleb Bradford</strong>, ‘27 (DL/OL) <strong>Jacob Rubio</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>New Additions: </strong>(RB) <strong>Brice Miller </strong>(FACS)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1840201,"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/dross.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1840201" style="width:239px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Houston Mustangs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Germantown, TN (Shelby Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>James Thomas&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>12-3 Overall (6-1 Region - 2024 6A Runner-Up)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='829107' first='Marcelles' last='Davis']</strong>, (DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1676391' first='Tony' last='Williams']</strong>, (Edge) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1620473' first='Jonas' last='Jimerson']</strong>, (WR/DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1595507' first='Spencer' last='Johnson']</strong>, (S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1648121' first='De'Angelo' last='Hence']</strong>, (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1646445' first='Tripp' last='Hendricks']</strong>, (DE/TE) <strong>Wyatt Miller</strong>, ‘27 (OL) <strong>Jaiden Strother</strong>, ‘27 (OL/DT) <strong>Trent Dixson</strong>, ‘27 (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1705539' first='Brennen' last='Odle']</strong>, ‘27 (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1158150' first='Tyson' last='Powell']</strong>, ‘27 (OL) <strong>Cameron Chambliss</strong>, ‘27 (OL/DT) <strong>Josh Donelson</strong>, ‘27 (K/P) <strong>Demetri Thomas</strong>, ‘28 (DE/Edge) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1093180' first='Jiles' last='Bryant']</strong>, ‘28 (OL) <strong>Aidan McNeil</strong>, ‘28 (QB/WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1091453' first='Canon' last='Day']</strong>, ‘28 (WR/DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1704679' first='Leif' last='Osborne']</strong>, ‘28 (OL) <strong>Carridan Matthews</strong>, ‘28 (Ath) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1093182' first='Connor' last='Brown']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Region Overview: </strong>We have a new team from the greater Memphis area that made the jump from 5A to 6A, which has split things into two regions. Class 6A-Region 7 is made up of only five teams but five programs that should make things interesting this Fall and beyond. The way we see things playing out here for the Fall season is a three team battle for first place between Bartlett, Collierville and Houston with the Dragons leading the way as the team to beat. Some off-season additions significantly boosted the Dragons chances at not only winning this region but potentially competing for a 6A title as well. Collierville returns a lot of seniors and juniors for the 2025 season, making this a deep team that could hit you with waves of talent.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Dragons are beefy up front on both sides of the ball. The O-line is led by senior standouts <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1104292' first='Cooper' last='Sherrod'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1566272' first='Langston' last='Reed'] </strong>while the defensive trenches has a chance to be special with <strong>Marshall Smith Jr.</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1288081' first='Caleb' last='Woods'] </strong>and junior transfer tackle prospect <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1703375' first='Braylon' last='Warren']</strong>. The lone position that needs to be settled and it's a big one is quarterback. All signs point towards junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='905003' first='Brayden' last='Santibanez'] </strong>taking over behind center but I've also seen others working at this position throughout Fall camp, so we will see how this plays out. Collierville is loaded but the game must still be played on the field, so anything can happen, including Bartlett sneaking up and taking that top spot.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Panthers aren't as deep or talented as some years past but they should still be quite good with a chance at having an explosive offense that is balanced between the run and the pass. A lot of hinges on the play of senior quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1678448' first='Patrick' last='Sadler']</strong>. If he can remain steady behind center, Sadler will have a strong offensive skill group to work with in backs <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1179088' first='Isaiah' last='Worles']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1370886' first='Jaibriel' last='Bowers'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1646591' first='Aiden' last='Jackson'] </strong>as well as <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1368048' first='Dylan' last='Shannon'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1793890' first='Victor' last='Tapia'] </strong>at receiver. The Bartlett defense should be solid as well, spearheaded by the play at linebacker from <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1646596' first='Chris' last='Moore'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1881555' first='Myles' last='Snelling']</strong>.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sitting right behind the Panthers are the Houston Mustangs, your 6A runner-up from last year that is replacing some key starters but still bring back enough talent to contend for a top three region spot. The Mustangs will be leaning on <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='829107' first='Marcelles' last='Davis'] </strong>and their run game this year, especially with the quarterback position being unsettled at the moment. Houston has a good bit of beef in the line of scrimmage this season but a lot of it is young and lacking starting experience. While the offense finds its footing, the Mustangs defense should lead the way. They have some vets on this field that should help stabilize things early in the season and potentially remain strong till the end of the year. Houston might end up having the best pass rushing duo in the region and greater Memphis area with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1620473' first='Jonas' last='Jimerson'] </strong>and rising sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1093180' first='Jiles' last='Bryant']</strong>.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1840203,"width":"437px","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/jjimerson.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1840203" style="width:437px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I see the top three of Collierville, Bartlett and Houston being solidified as the three best teams in the region but four teams reach postseason play, so who between Cordova and Arlington will earn that final spot. We like that selection to go to Cordova but only by a slim margin. The Wolves have a solid senior core returning and a potential well balanced team. The offense has the most work to do going into the season but could have a solid rushing attack, led by senior <strong>Kolton Wright</strong>. The Wolves defense could form into a strong unit as the season goes on and be the side of the ball that pushes them into the playoffs. Arlington should be much improved this year compared to season's past. Their roster is more equipped this season to compete with the top half of this region but I still don't see enough overall talent to overcome their competition. The Tigers defense should be solid, led by a strong senior linebacking core of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1583134' first='Carson' last='Kelly'] </strong>and <strong>Caleb Moore</strong>. While we have Cordova picked for the fourth spot, I can easily see Arlington taking that spot and earning a postseason berth.&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. Collierville</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2. Bartlett</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3. Houston</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4. Cordova</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5. Arlington</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) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1669050' first='Lawrence' last='Autry'] </strong>- Collierville</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Co-Off. POTY: </strong>(RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1179088' first='Isaiah' last='Worles']</strong> - ‘27 (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1370886' first='Jaibriel' last='Bowers'] </strong>- Bartlett&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Def. POTY: </strong>(LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1646596' first='Chris' last='Moore'] </strong>- Bartlett</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lineman MVP: </strong>(DE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='964631' first='Marshall' last='Smith, Jr'] </strong>- Collierville </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Coach of the Year: Joe Rocconi </strong>- Collierville&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mr. Football Candidates: </strong>(RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1669050' first='Lawrence' last='Autry'] </strong>- Collierville, (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='829107' first='Marcelles' last='Davis'] </strong>- Houston, (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1179088' first='Isaiah' last='Worles'] </strong>- Bartlett, ‘27 (QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='905003' first='Brayden' last='Santibanez'] </strong>- Collierville, ‘27 (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1370886' first='Jaibriel' last='Bowers'] </strong>- Bartlett</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1840204,"width":"232px","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/lautry2.jpg?w=683" alt="" class="wp-image-1840204" style="width:232px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->