PRZTN Playoff Preview: Class 1A

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Postseason action is upon us! Playoff games crank up this coming week and here at Prep Redzone Tennessee, we are previewing every classification, beginning here with the Class 1A level. All signs point to a few teams being in driver's seat for the state title but we definitely have some sleeper teams to watch for too. Find out all that information and more below inside our 1A playoff preview. </h2>     Class 1A Brackets   #4 Rockwood (6-4) at #1 Hampton (9-1)   #3 Innovation (2-8) at #2 Sale Creek (9-1)   - - -    #4 Cloudland (5-5) at #1 Coalfield (8-2)   #3 Whitwell (3-7) at #2 Jo Byrns (5-5)   - - -    #4 Red Boiling Springs (0-10) at #1 South Pittsburg (9-1)   #3 Oliver Springs (6-4) at #2 North Greene (6-4)   - - -    #4 Copper Basin (3-7) at #1 Clay Co. (9-1)   #3 Cosby (6-4) at #2 Midway (7-3)   - - - - -    #4 Collinwood (3-7) at #1 Richland (8-2)   #3 Westwood (5-5) at #2 South Fulton (8-2)   - - -    #4 Huntland (6-4) at #1 McKenzie (9-1)   #3 Greenfield (6-4) at #2 Oakhaven (7-3)   - - -    #4 Middleton (4-6) at #1 Dresden (8-2)   #3 Wayne Co. (4-6) at #2 Fayetteville (4-5)   - - -    #4 Humboldt (5-5) at #1 Middle College (8-1)   #3 Eagleville (6-4) at #2 McEwen (5-4)   - - - - - - - - - -    Top Title Contenders/Favorites    Clay Co.: Coming into the playoffs at 9-1 overall, the Bulldogs have steadily taken care of business each week with their lone loss coming to Glasgow High School in Kentucky in “Week One.” This team has reeled off nine wins in a row and may be one of the more confident squads headed into postseason play. The Bulldogs have a nice mix of veteran leadership and youthful talent that has gelled well together this Fall. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1599884' first='Nolan' last='Adams'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1543010' first='Reece' last='Adams'] are two of the better players on the 1A level that opposing teams have to account for. I like their draw too and potential to continue their winning streak and play their way to Chattanooga.    Coalfield: The Yellow Jackets are one of the more consistent programs coming out of the 1A ranks but have yet to break through with a state title. Maybe the 2025 season will be their time. Coalfield plays a particular brand of football, which is leaning on their run game while banking on their defense to gain consistent stops. Running back [player_tooltip player_id='1222053' first='Jaiden' last='Bunch'] and the Jackets O-line are critical towards Coalfield advancing and chasing after a state title. If the run game is on point, don't sleep on this team going a long way.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/06/jaibunch.jpg?w=722" alt="" class="wp-image-1694124" style="width:248px;height:auto" /></figure>   Dresden: If there is a team beyond the considered top favorites that can work through their side of the bracket and make it to Chattanooga, it's the Lions. After starting the season 0-2, Dresden has gone on a eight game win streak with both sides of the ball playing at a high level. Their backfield of Luke DiPietro and [player_tooltip player_id='1690526' first='Cooper' last='Allman'] have been outstanding. Those two are able to excel due to strong play up front and being good in the line of scrimmage is important towards winning titles. The draw Dresden received as well I think can play a part in them winning and going on a deep run towards the 1A title game.    Hampton: Year in and year out, all Hampton does is win ball games but they have yet to reach the 1A title game and achieve a state championship. While they may not be the absolute top contender to win it all, the Bulldogs are still a formidable team that can do some damage in the playoffs and advance a long way. Much like a lot of teams on the 1A level, Hampton leans on their run game and physicality up front. Their style of play is something that travels into the playoffs and into the cold months. Their draw isn't too bad either with a potential quarterfinal matchup looming against Coalfield.    McKenzie: Here we are yet again with the Rebels sitting as one of the top teams on the 1A level with a shot at competing for a state championship. Over the past decade, McKenzie has consistently been in the 1A title circle and they have a great shot at coming home with another “Gold Ball” due to their high scoring offense and stingy defense. The Rebels are led by junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1603459' first='Cole' last='Brown'], who could find himself as a Mr. Football semifinalist. He is complimented by good skill, especially [player_tooltip player_id='1694860' first='Jacobi' last='Melton'], who has the speed to be a game changer. The draw for McKenzie is quite favorable too. The Rebels are definitely at the top of the list as 1A title contenders and a team I can easily see competing in Chattanooga.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/colebrown.webp?w=617" alt="" class="wp-image-2003022" style="width:191px;height:auto" /></figure>   South Pittsburg: The Pirates are potentially the odds on favorite to win the 1A title but they still must show up and get the job done. Out of all the teams in the 1A ranks, South Pitt has the most talented roster. Guys like [player_tooltip player_id='1134336' first='JaMychal' last='Buckner'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1577095' first='Dayon' last='Cooper'] can be game changers while the Pirates sport one of the best defensive units as well. The addition of Caden Jones at quarterback has been huge for the Pirates and their offense this season. A lot of pieces are in place for South Pitt to reach the 1A title game again and bring home their eight state championship but we still have to play the games, so we shall see how things play out for the Pirates.    - - - - -    Sleeper Teams   Middle College: After taking defeat in their first game of the season, the Bulldogs have won eight games in a row and head into the playoffs a confident team that many won't have at the top of the list when it comes to contending for the 1A title. The Bulldogs don't have a lot of big names or future college stars but they are a well coached ball club that plays disciplined, physical football, which is something that travels into postseason play well. Their draw isn't too bad either. I could see Middle College continuing their strong play, upsetting a few opponents and going deep in the 1A bracket.    Oakhaven: Not too many people have talked a lot about the Hawks this year but they quietly went 7-3 on the year and heads into the playoffs on a four game win streak. Oakhaven is a well balanced team, led by their veterans, especially on offense with Darius Caver behind center and Gregory Walls taking carries at running back. Their backfield alone could be hard to handle but the Hawks defense is solid as well. Secondary performers Ky Robinson and Matthew Thomas have been outstanding this year. Pieces are in place for the Hawks to make some noise and go deeper in the playoffs than some may think.    Richland: The Raiders have been strong and steady all year long with some of their best football of the season coming over the past few weeks. I wouldn't be surprised to see Richland go on a deep run and be there in the semifinals with a shot at playing for the state title. This year's team has complimented itself well with the offense scoring enough points to stay ahead of opponents while their defense has been consistent and physical. Richland also has a senior playmaker in [player_tooltip player_id='1611570' first='Jake' last='Sands'] that can be a game changer. The Raiders won't jump off the page as a top contender but they are legit and can easily win multiple games.    Sale Creek: It's been a dream season for the Panthers and they have a shot at maintaining the magic through the coming playoffs. They ride into the bracket as a two seed but Sale Creek is a 9-1 team that tasted top competition in their lone loss to South Pitt, so I think this team understands how they must perform to contend for championships. The biggest calling card for Sale Creek has been their defense and that's something that works in the playoffsI don't know if a state title is in the mix this year but I can see the Panthers winning multiple games and giving some top teams all they can handle.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/slaecreek-crop-800x526-1762113301.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2003025" style="width:345px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: City Scope </figcaption></figure>   - - - - - - - - - -    Final Four/State Title Predictions   Upper Half: Coalfield vs. South Pittsburg   Bottom Half: McKenzie vs. Dresden   - - -   State Title Game: South Pittsburg vs. McKenzie    Class 1A State Champion: South Pittsburg Pirates    - - - - - - -    Top Prospects to Watch    (QB) Darius Caver - Oakhaven:  One of the leading passers on the 1A level, Caver has produced at a high level during his senior season, pacing his Hawks team to a current 7-3 record. Caver has generated a highly productive season with an arm that can take his Hawks team on a long ride during the 1A playoffs.    ‘27 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1603459' first='Cole' last='Brown'] - McKenzie: Brown has put forth a breakout season and has his name squarely in the mix for Mr. Football. His emergence at quarterback this season has propelled his Rebels team to a 9-1 overall record and a placement at the top of the charts as 1A state title contender.    ‘29 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1532507' first='Gavin' last='Shrader'] - Richland: This freshman quarterback has been stellar throughout his high school debut season. His emergence behind center has pushed the Raiders into possible title contention. Shrader is a smooth passer that shows a calm presence and a nice feel for reading the field.    (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1222053' first='Jaiden' last='Bunch'] - Coalfield: The school's all time leading rusher, Bunch is a guy the Yellow Jackets can lean on to produce and called upon during the back half of games. He brings a nice combination of balance, power and speed to the field along with a threat to catch the ball out of the backfield.    (RB/S) [player_tooltip player_id='1134336' first='JaMychal' last='Buckner'] - South Pitt: A dynamic two-way player, Buckner can be a game changer for the Pirates and a prospect they can ride all the way to the title game. His natural athletic abilities, speed and home run hitting skills can present major problems for any opposition the Pirates face.    (RB) Luke DiPietro - Dresden: One of the top rushers coming out of the 1A ranks, DiPietro has been a key cog behind the Lions 8-2 season and a potential candidate for Mr. Football. His power running style and vision are difficult for opposing defenses to handle while also being a key threat in the red zone.    (RB/DB) Jayden Davidson - Rockwood: If there is an under the radar prospect to keep track of in the coming 1A playoffs, Davidson may be that guy. Rushing for over 1,000 yards this season while producing six interceptions on defense, Davidson is a playmaker that can be a game changer for his Tigers team.    (RB/LB) Zyon Nnaji - Fayetteville: Running for nearly 1,200 yards this season, Nnaji has been a steady presence in the backfield for his Tigers team this season and someone that can run them to several victories. Fayetteville is a sleeper team to watch with Nnaji being a big reason why.    ‘27 (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='1577095' first='Dayon' last='Cooper'] - South Pittsburg: Cooper has stepped forward this year as the team's leading receiver and when the ball has touched his hands, the Pirates junior has produced big plays and scored multiple touchdowns. His natural athletic abilities could become a difference maker in the playoffs and someone that could lead the Pirates to a state title.    (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1543010' first='Reece' last='Adams'] - Clay Co.: A team leader and highly productive defensive player, Adams is a force from his linebacker position that consistently finds the ball. While he also contributes on offense, his work on defense is most important and critical towards the Bulldogs going on a long postseason run.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/clayco-crop-609x400-1762112874.jpg?w=608" alt="" class="wp-image-2003017" style="width:340px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Dale Hollow Horizon</figcaption></figure>