Class 4A Championship Preview: Alcoa vs. Pearl Cohn

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Two of the best, most historic programs in the Volunteer State clash in Chattanooga for the Class 4A title and Prep Redzone TN has your preview coverage right here! This should be an entertaining game between two teams that play winning football, so the outcome may not be settled till the very end. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>&nbsp;It's a new classification for Alcoa but familiar territory as they are in Chattanooga yet again to compete for a state championship but this time, the Tornadoes face a team in Pearl Cohn that presents a big challenge to them due to the Firebirds athletic roster. On paper, this looks like a good matchup, taking place Saturday morning inside Finley Stadium. Both these teams have college level players spread throughout their rosters along with strong winning cultures. I am quite intrigued by this matchup as I think this is the best opponent Alcoa has faced in Chattanooga yet, which should make for an entertaining game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both these teams have had some strong moments throughout the 2025 season but Pearl Cohn had to take the long road. The Firebirds started the year at 0-4 but those four losses were against high caliber teams, which I think battle tested them and got them where they are now. Alcoa has pretty much cruised throughout the season with only one blemish coming to Anderson County. The Tornadoes have beaten some good teams along the way and looked very impressive in most of their wins.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This game against the Firebirds will be a challenge for Alcoa as they will be tested in multiple ways. Pearl Cohn has one of the better secondaries in the state, so watching them match up with a deep and talented Alcoa receiving corps will be fun to watch. The Tornadoes have an edge with their offensive line but the Firebirds have a few pass rushers that could cause some issues. Both teams have quarterbacks that can spin it and drive the ball down field. They both also have good ball carriers that can churn out tough yards or produce long gains. Both offenses may be too good to keep locked down, so whichever defense finds the right recipe, might gain an edge towards winning and taking home the 4A title.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Players to Know</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Alcoa Tornadoes</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘27 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='2058759' first='Thomas' last='Manu']: </strong>A current finalist for Mr. Football, Manu has put forth a breakout junior season that has certainly helped his college stock but also established himself as one of the better quarterbacks coming out of the East Tennessee region. The biggest thing I like about Manu is his calm, poised presence behind center. This is a cool customer that doesn't crumble, so I expect Manu to be ready to compete and lead his Tornadoes team.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘27 (RB/LB) [player_tooltip player_id='904844' first='Micah' last='Jones']: </strong>A two-way backer that earned title game MVP in last year's championship, Jones is a difference maker being that his power running style may prove to be difficult for the Firebirds defense to handle. Seeing that the weather might be cold down in Chattanooga, look for the Tornadoes staff to lean on Jones to churn out potential first downs and be used heavily inside the red zone.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1630037' first='JaColby' last='Cooper']: </strong>Cooper is one of the more underrated prospects we have from the TN2026 class that could use a strong championship showing to boost his stock even further. This senior wideout brings great size to the field along with the ability to separate after the catch. Cooper can run and can be a go-to guy in this game that matches up well with a talented Pearl Cohn secondary. I also think he could be a major threat in the red zone as well.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1366546' first='Jacob' last='Crow']: </strong>This future Texas Tech Red Raider will be important in this game as his blocking on the edge will be critical towards his Tornadoes team coming out on top. Pearl Cohn has a few solid pass rushers that can move Manu off his spot or bring him down, so Crow must be on point by moving his feet and staying in front of the Firebirds pass rushers. His work in the run game, opening up running lanes will be important as well.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1366543' first='Darius' last='Sudderth']: </strong>Sudderth missed several games this season but his return over the past month has been a much needed welcome to the defense as he brings intensity, physicality and football intelligence to the field that will be needed in this contest. Pearl Cohn has some fast backs, so Sudderth will be important in helping slow them down and he's the guy to do it because the Tornadoes linebacker can run. If the Firebirds have a hard time running the ball, Sudderth will be a major reason why.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2074568,"width":"196px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"0.7145692735212386","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/tmanu2.webp?w=731" alt="" class="wp-image-2074568" style="aspect-ratio:0.7145692735212386;width:196px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Pearl Cohn Firebirds</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘27 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1286233' first='L.J.' last='Funk']: </strong>A strong armed passer that plays well outside the pocket, Funk has done well throughout his first year as a starter and slowly gotten better as the season has gone on. His ability to put the ball into small windows while pushing it down field could play big roles in the Firebirds efforts at attacking the Alcoa defense. His skills to run the ball might prove to be a trait that helps his offense as well.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1587357' first='Omarion' last='Starnes']: </strong>Over the back half of the season, Starnes has emerged as the team's top back due to his balanced, explosive running style. His elusive movements in open space and speed will be much needed in this matchup as the Tornadoes do good work in stopping the run. The Firebirds senior provides big play abilities that can make a difference in this contest but his O-line must hold up and open lanes for Starnes to work his magic.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1937546' first='LaDamion' last='Hunter']: </strong>This senior pass catcher is an under the radar threat in this title game that could become a game changer that helps lead his team to victory. His speed and ability to work deep may prove to be a problem for the Tornadoes secondary, especially if his fellow receiver in Saulter does good work underneath. Hunter is a fast dude that the Alcoa defensive staff must account for and not let him slip by defenders.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘27 (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1608413' first='Stephen' last='Saulter']: </strong>The Firebirds have a deep receiving corps but Saulter has emerged as the top guy and go-to target for Funk. Saulter is the team's receiving leader and will be much needed in this matchup as he goes against a strong Tornadoes secondary. This junior wideout is a big bodied guy with outstanding hands that can snatch receptions away from defenders. His work underneath is strong but Saulter is even more dangerous in the red zone where he does well with contested catches.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(Edge) [player_tooltip player_id='1432204' first='Karmelo' last='League']: </strong>A veteran leader on the Firebirds defense, League knows how it tastes to win a state title as he was a depth piece two years ago in his team's 3A championship run. His experience overall as well as his ability to rush the passer will be vital in the Firebirds chase after the “Gold Ball.” I also expect League to play a key role in setting the edge and trying to not let the Alcoa ball carriers get outside and into the open field.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1647258,"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/kleague.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1647258" style="width:246px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How Can Alcoa Win&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Tornadoes have a well balanced team that could win this game in a variety of ways. First off, their offense is playing at a high level right now and moving the ball with ease. Everything starts with Manu and his control of the ball. He is delivering the football on time while also maneuvering the pocket well that allows him to extend plays. When the Tornadoes decide to run the ball with Jones and <strong>DeMauri DuBose</strong>, they are excelling and a lot of that is due to Crow, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='344895' first='Colton' last='Moore']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='904845' first='Marlee' last='Watts'] </strong>and the Alcoa offensive line. Pretty much anything the Tornadoes offense has wanted to do this postseason, they've been able to, so Pearl Cohn must have a strong game plan to slow down one of the hottest offenses in the state. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Over on the defensive side of the ball, Alcoa must be strong in the front seven versus an athletic Pearl Cohn offense that has a bevy of backs to throw at them. Even though the Firebirds have the ability to throw it and do so at a high level, they will be looking to establish their run game first, so playing well up front is critical towards the team's success. Keeping the Pearl Cohn receivers in-check is important as well. The Firebirds have some dynamic weapons that could cause issues, so the Tornadoes secondary must play disciplined football and be sure to stay locked in on their assignments.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How Can Pearl Cohn Win</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Firebirds roster is full of top tier athletes and those players must shine in this matchup for Pearl Cohn to come home with a state title. The coaching staff has several players on the offensive side of the ball that can be game changers but for guys like Starnes, Saulter, Hunter and others to flourish, the Firebirds must receive strong play up front from their offensive line. I think the O-line will be tested by a solid Alcoa defensive front seven that have been stout all year. If the big men in the line can change the line of scrimmage and open holes consistently for their backs, Pearl Cohn may have a recipe that can lead them to victory.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2069792,"width":"252px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/ssaulter.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-2069792" style="width:252px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensively, the Firebirds must find a way to get after Manu and make him uncomfortable. The Tornadoes quarterback has been torching opposing defenses because he is receiving tons of time in the pocket to find open receivers. His pass catchers are big time as well with Cooper, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='817933' first='Jamir' last='Dean']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1028069' first='Haynes' last='Hawkins'] </strong>and others. The front seven must get active in this game with guys like League and emerging junior edge rusher <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1847720' first='Mikhai' last='Moshay'] </strong>chasing after Manu. They must also stop the run. Cold weather games are played in the trenches, so the Firebirds can't allow Jones and the Tornadoes backs to punish them and drive through open holes.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Game Prediction&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Many looking at this game will automatically put Alcoa in the driver seat and pick them as champions and while that may happen, you can not sleep on the Firebirds and their chances at coming out on top. Possibly the most consistent program coming out of the Nashville area is Pearl Cohn and they have won a lot of football titles. I do not expect the Firebirds to be overwhelmed or phased by the big stage as they have several players who have been in this moment before. I actually expect this to be a pretty good game with a few moments late dictating who wins.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Looking at the matchups and how everything appears from a scouting point of view, I see the Alcoa offense versus the Pearl Cohn defense being where the game will be won. Nobody has really been able to slow down the Tornadoes offense all year but the Firebirds present probably the most athletic defensive unit Alcoa has seen this season. If the Firebirds can get after Manu and make things difficult on him, this game could get very interesting but if the Tornadoes signal caller is sitting back there with tons of time, Alcoa will be adding another “Gold Ball” to the trophy case.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>How I see this game playing out is both teams going shot for shot early on with the game remaining close at the break. The Firebirds pass rush and solid coverage on the back end will keep them right there into the 4th quarter but that's when the championship mentality takes over for Alcoa. The Tornadoes tend to come up big at key moments in these kinds of games and I expect that to happen again. Alcoa will receive a big challenge from Pearl Cohn but in the end, I feel like the Tornadoes will have too much offensive firepower with their defense being salty at the line of scrimmage for the Firebirds to overcome.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Score: </strong>Alcoa 38 Pearl Cohn 28</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1734358,"width":"247px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"0.6656907311811388","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/jcrow3.webp?w=681" alt="" class="wp-image-1734358" style="aspect-ratio:0.6656907311811388;width:247px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->