PRZTN Playoff Preview: Class 5A

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sevier Co. is your defending state champs and they are in position yet again to bring home another "Gold Ball" but it won't be easy as the 5A level presents several high quality teams that will be there to compete with the Smoky Bears. Get ready for the 5A playoffs here with our preview along with Final Four, State Title game predictions and more! </h2>     Class 5A Brackets   #4 Knox. West (4-5) at #1 Sevier Co. (9-1)   #3 Tullahoma (5-5) at #2 Walker Valley (7-3)   - - -    #4 Morristown-West (3-7) at #1 Powell (8-1)   #3 McMinn Co. (6-4) at #2 Lincoln Co. (8-2)   - - -    #4 Lawrence Co. (7-3) at #1 Rhea Co. (9-1)   #3 Knox. Halls (5-4) at #2 Tenn. High (6-4)   - - -    #4 East Hamilton (8-2) at #1 Columbia (6-3)   #3 David Crockett (4-6) at #2 Knox. Central (8-2)   - - -    #4 Hendersonville (4-5) at #1 Page (9-0)   #3 Brighton (3-7) at #2 Kirkwood (8-2)   - - -    #4 James Lawson (3-6) at #1 Beech (8-1)   #3 Kenwood (6-4) at #2 Munford (9-1)   - - -    #4 Memp. Overton (4-6) at #1 Henry Co. (6-3)   #3 Portland (3-3) at #2 Nolensville (7-3)   - - -    #4 Dickson Co. (6-4) at #1 Memp. Central (8-2)   #3 Centennial (4-5) at #2 Station Camp (5-5)   - - - - - - - - - -    Top Title Contenders/Favorites    Beech: Here we are yet again for another playoff season and Beech is right there as a #1 seed with their eyes on winning a state title. The Bucs come into postseason play hot, playing strong football with their top guys like [player_tooltip player_id='866718' first='Kaden' last='Powell'] competing at a high level. One thing that is constant about Beech is running the football and they have yet another highly potent rushing attack that can take them a long way. They have a balanced squad with their offense averaging 35 points a game while the defense gives up 20 a game, however that side of the ball has performed well as the season has gone on. The Bucs are a mismatch problem for the competition as they can play ball control, keep away offense while keeping their defense fresh. Depending on matchups, I like Beech and their chances at advancing and competing for the 5A title.    Munford: The Cougars tasted defeat for the first time last week while losing out on the region title, so I'm expecting a focused and hungry Munford team within the 5A playoffs with their goals of winning a state title still obtainable. This West Tennessee program sports one of the better rushing attacks in the state, led by [player_tooltip player_id='1281919' first='Bricen' last='Turnage'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1585458' first='Tay' last='Starks']. Munford is also quite stout on the defensive side of the ball as well, especially in the secondary with stud junior De'Quavious Bell leading the way. The Cougars have a certain style of play and demeanor about themselves that is different from others and it's something that travels well into postseason play. I totally expect Munford to bounce back after last week and potentially go on a deep run that ends in Chattanooga.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/06/quabell.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1688016" style="width:259px;height:auto" /></figure>   Page: Is this the season the Patriots finally break through and bring home that elusive “Gold Ball” state title? I think they have a great shot to do so with a balanced team, solid veteran leadership and some youthful talent that has stepped forward in a big way this year. The offense is high scoring with a strong backfield of [player_tooltip player_id='693877' first='Cameron' last='Kruse'] at quarterback and a dynamic duo at running back with [player_tooltip player_id='1532741' first='James' last='Pierre'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1571091' first='Isaac' last='Otey']. They are protected by one of the best O-line's in the state, spearheaded by seniors [player_tooltip player_id='402552' first='Jordan' last='Curll'] and [player_tooltip player_id='853121' first='Jacob' last='Rathbone']. Their defense has been quite good as well, giving up an average of less than 20 points a game. This team is fully equipped at going deep into the playoffs and to Chattanooga yet again. Losing four state title games in a row could demolish some programs but that hasn't phased Page as here they are yet again with a team capable enough of bringing home a state championship.    Powell: One of the better defensive units within the 5A brackets are the Panthers and they have the type of defense that not only travels well into postseason play but can push Powell towards a potential state title. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1154536' first='Iverson' last='Garcia'] is a load up front but he has received excellent help this year from the likes of Joshua Kay and others to form one of the best defensive fronts in the 5A ranks. The Panthers offense has steadily gotten better as the season has gone on with [player_tooltip player_id='1111032' first='Deuce' last='Rodgers'] putting up strong numbers and guys like [player_tooltip player_id='1708407' first='Zi' last='Jackson'] emerging into a top playmaker. I feel the Powell defense will do fine and keep them in ball games but if their offense can find a new level, their chances at making it to Chattanooga go high. I think matchups are key with the Panthers as well.    Sevier Co.: Your defending and reigning 5A state champs sit in prime position to repeat this year but it won't be easy. The Smoky Bears are a 9-1 team that has been tested some but has performed very well each step of the way with both sides of the ball excelling. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='1142902' first='Cooper' last='Newman'] has been near flawless. Senior Bryson Headrick has become a go-to playmaker on both sides of the ball. The Sevier Co. defense has been excellent, especially within the front seven, led by linebackers [player_tooltip player_id='1543020' first='Joey' last='Galazin'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1577078' first='Parker' last='Newman']. All the pieces are in place for the Smoky Bears to repeat as champion but it's a one week at a time situation for them along with a big target on their backs that they must deal with each round. It's even possible this year's Sevier Co. team is better than last season's championship squad but that will play out over the next month.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/cnewman2.jpg?w=500" alt="" class="wp-image-1537556" style="width:260px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Sleeper Teams   East Hamilton: This may be the best #4 seed in the entire playoffs. The Hurricanes are 8-2 overall with both losses coming by a combined five points to teams that could go deep in the playoffs. East Hamilton has been one of the biggest surprises this season as not much was expected from them going into the 2025 football year but they have performed very well. They have an explosive offense, led by Mr. Football candidate [player_tooltip player_id='1432197' first='Jaden' last='Haywood'] along with stellar play from senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1953562' first='Wyatt' last='Miller']. Their defense has had flashes of brilliant play but also shown some inconsistencies. If the Canes defense plays above their head with their best football of the year, I can see this Chattanooga area football team going on a deep run. Best keep eyes on the Canes because they may not only be a sleeper but a formidable team others don't want to face.    Henry Co.: Coming off possibly their best win of the season, defeating Kirkwood for the region title, the Patriots come into the playoffs a confident ball club that is beginning to form into the kind of team the coaching staff envisioned at the beginning of the year. Junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='932897' first='Ayden' last='Spellings'] has been sensational with his ability to generate offense both with his arm and his legs. The Henry Co. defense has been solid all season long. A lot of pieces within this team fit well together and you can see from their recent performances that the Pats are coming into their own and a team others may not want to see in their path. I do see a tough challenge for them with potential matchups in Round 2 and beyond but we can't sit dormant on Henry Co. as they are a proud program that knows how to win.    Memphis Central: The Warriors have quietly flown under the radar this Fall season but I think people are starting to notice how good they are and how strong their chances are at advancing in the 5A playoffs. I honestly like Memp. Central as more than a sleeper but the wide audience may not. I think the Warriors can do a lot of damage as they have an explosive offense led by [player_tooltip player_id='1094224' first='Brooks' last='Wright'], [player_tooltip player_id='1598138' first='Andrus' last='Farmer'] and others while the defense has shown flashes of strong play, spearheaded by [player_tooltip player_id='1576763' first='Joshua' last='Lane'] and their defensive line. The Warriors have the talent to go score for score with other top offenses. If the Memp. Central defense brings their “A” game and plays above their head, I can see this West Tennessee team playing their way to Chattanooga.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/bwright2.webp?w=941" alt="" class="wp-image-2005166" style="width:256px;height:auto" /></figure>   Rhea Co.: It's hard to say that a current #1 seed is a sleeper team but the Golden Eagles haven't received as much buzz as other 5A programs this year but sit 9-1 overall with an offense that is difficult to stop. Every step of the way this season, Rhea Co. has been one of the more consistent teams coming from the 5A ranks that leans on Mason Ford and their run game as well as strong play from their defense to get the job done. The Golden Eagles average 224 yards rushing a game, so you can bet that will be their recipe towards success and something the opposition has to find answers for. I do like the draw Rhea Co. received, so I think they are more than a sleeper team but a strong contender to reach the 5A title game.    Walker Valley: At one point in time throughout the 2025 season, the Mustangs had one of the more explosive, high scoring offenses in the state but over the past month, they have struggled. Potential is there however to get off the label “sleeper” and become a top contender to reach Chattanooga. The Mustangs sport one of the best passing attacks in the 5A brackets with [player_tooltip player_id='540015' first='Chase' last='Stephens'] tossing it to potential D1 guys in [player_tooltip player_id='1125399' first='Roman' last='Eulo'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1871502' first='Sawyer' last='Boyd']. The Walker Valley defense has actually been quite steady, helping keep the team in games while the offense has tried to find itself. Adjustments need to be made for the Mustangs offense if they want to advance far but if things are fixed, watch out for Walker Valley to make some noise as they have the pieces to go deep in the 5A playoffs.    - - - - - - - - - -    Final Four/State Title Predictions   Final Four   Upper Half: Sevier Co. vs. Rhea Co.    Bottom Half: Page vs. Memp. Central    - - -    State Title Game: Sevier Co. vs. Page   Class 1A Champion: Page Patriots    - - - - - - -    Top Prospects to Watch    ‘27 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1142902' first='Cooper' last='Newman'] - Sevier Co.: Newman already has one title under his belt and he has a great opportunity to add another one. The Smoky Bears junior has produced at a high level this year and he is well equipped with good pass catchers around him along with a strong offensive line. His play and performance will go a long way towards Sevier Co. on achieving back to back state championships.    ‘27 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1104268' first='Kaden' last='Long'] - Knox. Central: The Bobcats have had a resurgence this season with a lot of that coming from the play of Long. This junior quarterback has played at a Mr. Football caliber level this year, producing over 2,700 yards passing along with 965 yards on the ground. Long is definitely a player to watch as someone that could take over games and take his Bobcats team on a deep run.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/05/klong.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1666856" style="width:249px;height:auto" /></figure>   ‘27 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='932897' first='Ayden' last='Spellings'] - Henry Co.: A multi talented, dual threat quarterback, Spellings is a playmaker with the ball in his hands that can generate a lot of points and yard with both his arm and his legs. This guy can be a difference maker that could take his Patriots deep into the 5A playoffs and maybe towards Chattanooga.    (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1532741' first='James' last='Pierre'] - Page: Pierre shares the backfield but he is the Pats workhorse back that brings a nice combination of athleticism and power to the playing field that presents problems for the opposition. Playing in cold weather, the running game is key for everybody but Page should have an edge in that area with Pierre and his power rushing style.    ‘27 (RB/LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1206523' first='D.K.' last='Williams'] - Beech: Over the second half of the season, Williams has emerged as a key playmaker for his Bucs squad from both sides of the ball. His power running on offense has been hard to stop while Williams has displayed excellent instincts in stopping the run on defense. The Bucs like to run the ball and stop the run, so Williams will be critical in the team's success through the playoffs.    ‘28 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1585458' first='Tay' last='Starks'] - Munford: Starks is the kind of ball carrier that can take over games and that may be needed in the coming 5A playoffs for Munford to advance. The Cougars are a run heavy team that will be leaning on Starks to produce yards and eventual scores along with being the playmaker that he is. This is the kind of ball carrier that can put a team on his back and ride them on a deep run with a shot at competing for a state title.    (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='1432197' first='Jaden' last='Haywood'] - East Hamilton: One of the top playmakers in the 5A playoffs is this Chattanooga senior prospect that can cause a lot of damage from both sides of the ball. Haywood is a big time athlete that allows his athleticism and speed to take over in games and could be a guy that not only helps the Canes win a few games but take them on a long run as well.    (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1125399' first='Roman' last='Eulo']/[player_tooltip player_id='1871502' first='Sawyer' last='Boyd'] - Walker Valley: This dynamic duo has put up silly numbers this year and could be mis-match nightmares in the coming playoffs. Both these guys bring tremendous size to the field and the ability to make tough receptions. Eulo and Boyd could also be difference makers that defenses have a hard time slowing down and forces behind the team's possible advancement.    (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1598138' first='Andrus' last='Farmer'] - Memp. Central: Athletic and fast with the ability to make tough catches, Farmer is a big play waiting to happen that has put forth a strong senior campaign where college coaches need to take a longer look at him. He has really broken through over the past few weeks to become one of the best receivers out of the greater Memphis area that will be a difficult playoff matchup for opposing secondaries.    ‘27 (Ath) Austun Fugate - Rhea Co.: If the Golden Eagles have a “Team MVP” for this season, it has to be Fugate. This junior two-way prospect has been dynamite as the team's top playmaker and the guy who shows up big at the right times. Fugate has done good work on offense but his play on defense might be what gets him a look at being a Mr. Football semifinalist.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/afugate.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-2005171" style="width:251px;height:auto" /></figure>