Preseason Preview: Class 6A/Region 8

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">We only have four teams in this region but it's four highly talented ball clubs, full of future college talent. Germantown takes the top spot headed into the season but they must live up to expectations while staving off strong competition to remain at the top of the region. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class 6A/Region 8</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Germantown Red Devils</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Germantown, TN (Shelby Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Gene Robinson&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>7-5 Overall (4-3 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1113841' first='Tre'von' last='McGory']</strong>, (OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='425182' first='Andre' last='Amos, Jr']</strong>, (TE/LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402535' first='Derreon' last='Rogers']</strong>, (DL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1285551' first='Djidjou' last='Bah']</strong>, (QB) <strong>Mekhi Robins</strong>, (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1697829' first='Kavious' last='Record']</strong>, (OL) <strong>Tyrik Harris</strong>, (Ath) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1588104' first='Jamin' last='Bean']</strong>, (G/C) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1285553' first='Patrick' last='Dolly']</strong>, (OL) <strong>Jeremiah Thompson</strong>, (DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1285554' first='Carter' last='Boothe']</strong>, (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1667877' first='Jaydon' last='Dockery']</strong>, (DL) <strong>Josh Williams</strong>, (DT) <strong>Nick Clark</strong>, (DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1634248' first='Jacob' last='Jones']</strong>, (S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1653555' first='Antonio' last='Crawford']</strong>, (LB) <strong>Jeremiah Robinson</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>&nbsp;‘27 (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='378893' first='Larry' last='Johnson III']</strong>, ‘27 (DT) <strong>William Cobbins</strong>, ‘27 (S) <strong>Cavion Smith</strong>, ‘27 (LB) <strong>Payden Ballard</strong>, ‘28 (WR/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1599115' first='Malek' last='Mason']</strong>, ‘28 (QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1588108' first='Jour'din' last='Shelton']</strong>, ‘28 (OL/DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1279973' first='Bryson' last='Alexander']</strong>, ‘28 (DT) <strong>Brandon McKinley</strong>, ‘28 (RB/S) <strong>Jeremiah Taylor</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>New Additions: </strong>(Edge) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='941118' first='Vidale' last='Cothran'] </strong>(FACS), (S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='860619' first='Jaeden' last='Thomas'] </strong>(Southwind), ‘27 (WR/S) <strong>Malik Dean </strong>(Bluff City), ‘27 (DE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1590238' first='Ryland' last='Harris'] </strong>(Caruthersville HS, MO)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1637661,"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/3/2025/03/aamosjr.webp?w=682" alt="" class="wp-image-1637661" style="width:246px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Southwind Jaguars</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Memphis, TN (Shelby Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Jerome Griffin</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>10-2 Overall (4-1 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='480742' first='Kelvin' last='Perkins']</strong>, (DL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='854363' first='Charles' last='Sullins']</strong>, (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='637139' first='Tray' last='Moore']</strong>, (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='851932' first='Willie' last='Wilkins']</strong>, (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1300468' first='Jontae' last='Alexander']</strong>, (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1580783' first='Kylen' last='Burks']</strong>, (LB) <strong>Amarriyon Coleman</strong>, (RB) <strong>Jordan Daniels</strong>, (C/G) <strong>Jaylon Ormond</strong>, (WR) <strong>Shakim Atkinson</strong>, ‘27 (OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1159814' first='Antonio' last='Keefer']</strong>, ‘27 (OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='378854' first='Chris' last='Campbell']</strong>, ‘27 (DL/OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='904973' first='Zachais' last='Ratliff']</strong>, ‘27 (DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1671494' first='Ryan' last='Jenkins']</strong>, ‘27 (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1567073' first='Xodrick' last='Mitchell, Jr']</strong>, ‘27 (DB) <strong>Rodricus Yancey</strong>, ‘27 (S) <strong>Kelbe Parson</strong>, ‘27 (WR/DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1865126' first='Desean' last='Brown']</strong>, ‘28 (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1704670' first='Logan' last='Hughes']</strong>, ‘28 (G/C) <strong>MarQuavous Hicks</strong>, ‘28 (S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1617036' first='Miguel' last='Moore']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>New Additions: </strong>(RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1300467' first='Chad' last='Rooks']</strong> (Germantown), (WR/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103035' first='Marlon' last='Hammond'] </strong>(Cordova), (DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1652146' first='Dorien' last='Partee'] </strong>(Melrose),<strong> </strong>‘27 (G/C) <strong>Micah Ashby </strong>(FACS)&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1507860,"width":"212px","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/kperkins.jpg?w=769" alt="" class="wp-image-1507860" style="width:212px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>White Station Spartans</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Memphis, TN (Shelby Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Coley Thornton</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>3-8 Overall (1-6 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1643707' first='Justin' last='Jones']</strong>, (QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1285767' first='Aiden' last='Thomas']</strong>, (DB/WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1116809' first='Malik' last='Tate']</strong>, (DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1285771' first='Camren' last='Cox']</strong>, (T/G) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1617815' first='Jaxon' last='Hardaway']</strong>, (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1116810' first='Keon' last='Fields']</strong>, (S) <strong>Braylin Moore</strong>, (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1432227' first='Ean' last='Jones']</strong>, (LB) <strong>Carson Pigues</strong>, ‘27 (TE/Edge) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1310642' first='Antwan' last='Jackson']</strong>, ‘27 (OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1293357' first='Brayden' last='Washington']</strong>, ‘27 (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1704404' first='Jalen' last='Bryant']</strong>, ‘27 (DB/WR) <strong>Marrion Wilson</strong>, ‘27 (DB) <strong>Chris Siansembwe</strong>, ‘28 (OL) <strong>Denzel Warren</strong>, (DE) <strong>Caleb McDaniel</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Whitehaven Tigers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Memphis, TN (Shelby Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Rodney Saulsberry&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>6-4 Overall (4-3 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(DE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1162375' first='Cory' last='House']</strong>, (OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1367238' first='ZaColby' last='Malone']</strong>, (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1431775' first='Christopher' last='Talley']</strong>, (WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1642425' first='Cameron' last='Jackson']</strong>, (LB/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1648118' first='Darnell' last='Henderson, Jr']</strong>, (DB) <strong>Cordae Jackson</strong>, (WR/S) <strong>Vincent Porter</strong>, (DB/WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402564' first='Terrance' last='Whitley']</strong>, (DB) <strong>Quintin Cotrell</strong>, (QB/S) <strong>Jaden Thomas</strong>, ‘27 (S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1570551' first='Calvin' last='Maclin']</strong>, ‘27 (RB/S) <strong>Corey Jenkins, Jr</strong>, ‘27 (LB) <strong>Antonio Wright</strong>, ‘27 (OL) <strong>Christian Williams</strong>, ‘28 (WR) <strong>Chris Hood, Jr</strong>, ‘28 (DL) <strong>Daylin Stanley</strong>, ‘28 (LB) <strong>Cordale Guy</strong>, ‘28 (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1704677' first='Dino' last='Wade']</strong>, ‘28 (QB) <strong>Curtis Shields</strong> <strong>II</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>New Additions: </strong>‘27 (S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1570551' first='Calvin' last='Maclin'] </strong>(Memp. East)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1840860,"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/twhitley.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1840860" style="width:232px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Region Overview: </strong>Even though we only have four teams here, this should be one of the more entertaining regions of all within the 6A ranks to follow throughout the coming season. We have Germantown pinned as the team to beat but Southwind and Whitehaven will certainly have something to say about it. The Red Devils return a loaded roster, a veteran team that has a lot of pieces in place to chase after a 6A state title. Their defense in particular should be stellar, led by a deep and talented defensive line, spearheaded by Wisconsin commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1285551' first='Djidjou' last='Bah']</strong>. The Germantown secondary is highly gifted as well with the capabilities of locking down opposing receiving corps. I really like the makeup of this Germantown team and their potential for the season ahead but they can't take weeks off as their schedule is tough and the rest of their region foes will be gunning for them.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It was a tough call between Southwind and Whitehaven for the second spot but we gave the edge to the Jaguars due to their overall talent and veteran core returning for the 2025 season. The Jags have the top quarterback in this region with former Mr. Football winner <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='480742' first='Kelvin' last='Perkins']</strong> and he has a deep and talented receiving group to throw at in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='637139' first='Tray' last='Moore']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1300468' first='Jontae' last='Alexander']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='851932' first='Willie' last='Wilkins'] </strong>and <strong>Shakim Atkinson</strong>. The Jags might have the best O-line in this region too with standouts <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1159814' first='Antonio' last='Keefer'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='378854' first='Chris' last='Campbell'] </strong>mauling people up front. Complimenting the Southwind offense should be an athletic and active defense that will be strong in the trenches with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='854363' first='Charles' last='Sullins']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='904973' first='Zachais' last='Ratliff'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1671494' first='Ryan' last='Jenkins'] </strong>along with a skilled secondary that has a hidden star in cornerback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1652146' first='Dorien' last='Partee']</strong>. The Jags are deeper than they have been in the past few years, which is why I see them as a definite 6A title contender.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If Whitehaven was competing inside a different region, they could be the team to beat and they may prove to be the best team here by season's end, especially if the O-line forms together and the Tigers quarterback position becomes settled. The Tigers will have a potent rushing attack, led by West Virginia commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1431775' first='Christopher' last='Talley']</strong> and few talented wideouts to utilize like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1642425' first='Cameron' last='Jackson']</strong>. Where I think Whitehaven could be special is on defense. Edge rusher <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1162375' first='Cory' last='House'] </strong>is a problem for opposing teams due to his ability to consistently get into the backfield. The secondary is deep and talented, led by seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402564' first='Terrance' last='Whitley']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1648108' first='Quintin' last='Cottrell'] </strong>and <strong>Cordae Jackson</strong>. The Tigers have a championship caliber defense that can take them a long way but if their offense can play on the same level, winning this region is definitely a possibility.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>White Station is the team placed fourth in our preseason predictions but they have some serious talent on this roster and a squad that will make the playoffs and be a team others may not want to face. What the Spartans have going for them is a defense that has a chance to be stellar but a few roles must be shored up to become that way. Keep eyes out for junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1310642' first='Antwan' last='Jackson'] </strong>to have a breakout year as he could end up leading this region in sacks. The linebacking corps should be strong as well, led by a senior core of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1116810' first='Keon' last='Fields']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1432227' first='Ean' last='Jones']</strong>, <strong>Carson Pigues </strong>and rising junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1704404' first='Jalen' last='Bryant']</strong>. It's the offensive side of the ball that has questions going into the year but one strong point for the Spartans should be their offensive line that has three college level players paving the way in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1643707' first='Justin' last='Jones']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1617815' first='Jaxon' last='Hardaway'] </strong>and junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1293357' first='Brayden' last='Washington']</strong>. I can see a scenario where White Station finishes inside the top three but it will be tough with Germantown, Southwind and Whitehaven in their way.&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. Germantown</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2. Southwind</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3. Whitehaven</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4. White Station</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>(DL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1285551' first='Djidjou' last='Bah'] </strong>- Germantown</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Off. POTY: </strong>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='480742' first='Kelvin' last='Perkins'] </strong>- Southwind&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Def. POTY: </strong>(DE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='854363' first='Charles' last='Sullins'] </strong>- Southwind</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lineman MVP: </strong>(DE/Edge) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1162375' first='Cory' last='House'] </strong>- Whitehaven&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Coach of the Year: Gene Robinson </strong>- Germantown</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mr. Football Candidates: </strong>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='480742' first='Kelvin' last='Perkins'] </strong>- Southwind, (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1431775' first='Christopher' last='Talley'] </strong>- Whitehaven, (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1697829' first='Kavious' last='Record'] </strong>- Germantown, (DL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1285551' first='Djidjou' last='Bah'] </strong>- Germantown, (DE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='854363' first='Charles' last='Sullins'] </strong>- Southwind, (Edge) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1162375' first='Cory' last='House'] </strong>- Whitehaven </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1641258,"width":"287px","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/dbah2.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1641258" style="width:287px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->