Four 2A football programs with upward trajectory in 2026

<p>The 2A classification boasted several strong teams last season that fell under the radar with the potential to build on that success and have strong outputs in the 2026 season.</p>   <p>Huntingdon won the state championship game this season, but will not have an easy postseason to defend their title next season with a strong group of teams at the top of the classification. Here are four teams that could surprise and take another step forward into becoming a contender this season.</p>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Marion County Warriors (13-2)</h2>   <p>Marion County had another strong season last season as they attempted to defend their title, but ended up coming just short in the title game. That will be something that they seek to avenge this season and return to the top of the class with another team filled with playmakers.</p>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2065483' first='Zaiden' last='Humphrey'] returns as a dynamic rushing threat from the quarterback position after accounting for over 1,100 yards last season. He is one of the most explosive players in the entire class, if not <em>the</em> most, and will be the anchor of the offense after losing star tailback [player_tooltip player_id='1282609' first='Mason' last='Mays']. 2027 prospect Ashton Richards will step into an increased workload at running back.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/ZaidenH40542/status/1993317006188380317?s=20 </div></figure>   <p>Rising junior TJ Starkey returns as the do-it-all weapon and will be featured as a rusher, receiver and returner. Fellow 2028 prospect [player_tooltip player_id='1691522' first='Quincy' last='Mills'] offers another threat in the passing game. </p>   <p>The Warriors return a strong group of offensive lineman, led by massive 2028 prospect Austin McGowan. Chris Graver returns along the defensive line after a highly productive year and will help give the team more size and production up front. Caden McCrary returns after a standout year at the linebacker position.</p>   <p>The secondary will be a massive strength for the team filled with athletes as Humphrey and Mills anchor the unit with excellent potential. Mills is a ballhawk that is the top corner on the team and Humphrey is a security blanket at safety with his playmaking ability.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Quincymills12/status/1989552677328507196?s=20 </div></figure>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">East Nashville Eagles (6-6)</h2>   <p>East Nashville went 'just' .500 last season, but do not get it twisted, this team could easily be considered the state championship favorite for next season. That record proved to be a result of tough scheduling, losing to 6A contenders Collierville and Antioch, 5A contender Beech and 4A contender Springfield to start the season. The most impressive part about it all was that they nearly won each of those four games. The other two losses came against 2A title contenders as well just to put the schedule in perspective.</p>   <p>The team made a run to the state quarterfinals last season, but with a lot slated to return, this team can beat anyone in the 2A classification next season and should be an immediate contender for the trophy.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Brooks_615/status/1984050411431719083?s=20 </div></figure>   <p>The engine of the offense that makes the unit go is dual-threat quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1668630' first='Dallas' last='Covington']. He is coming off an electric junior season where he threw for 2,110 yards and ran for 666, accounting for 29 scores.</p>   <p>Jordan Vaniler had to step in quickly at running back last year as both their Divison One prospects suffered injuries and gained quality experience, rushing for over 300 yards on six yards per carry. Jared Osei-Bonsu and Damien Elder will start at receiver after flashing throughout last season. Watch for Elder as one of the biggest breakout prospects in the entire state next season.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Brooks_615/status/1984087255502512508?s=20 </div></figure>   <p>The strength of this team will remain in the trenches even after losing [player_tooltip player_id='1536133' first='Kendall' last='Brooks'] to Siegel. [player_tooltip player_id='1571426' first='Gonni' last='Martin'] and [player_tooltip player_id='906125' first='Zamari' last='Davis'] offer massive frames and two-way ability, anchoring both sides of the ball on the line of scrimmage. Additionally, [player_tooltip player_id='1565681' first='Devin' last='Phillips'] at defensive tackle is a legit Division One prospect with his violence and athleticism from the interior impossible for opposing offensive lineman to stop. Terry Bowden is another big body that can work upfield along the defensive line.</p>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2147346' first='Ke'Vontae' last='Pitts'] and Cason Reed will anchor the secondary after productive junior seasons at safety.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/joe_spears7/status/1973903037295976493?s=20 </div></figure>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Lewis County Panthers (10-2)</h2>   <p>Lewis County had a strong season last year, finishing 10-2 with the losses coming to a 4A team and the eventual state champions. They will look to keep building on that success this season.</p>   <p>This team does lose a strong amount of production, but they return some intriguing playmakers. Brodie Unger will likely step into the starting quarterback role after being the backup recently. He will have [player_tooltip player_id='1986623' first='Knox' last='Rainey'] as his partner in the backfield, who rushed for nearly seven yards per carry as a freshman last season.</p>   <p>The passing game will return the top playmaker with Kobe Feichtinger returning after leading the team in receptions, yards and receiving touchdowns in 2025.</p>   <p>The defense is where the team returns their production and will likely win games next season, beginning with three of the top four tacklers coming back for 2026. Brayden Cooper led the team in tackles, passing the century mark as just a freshman.</p>   <p>Gavin Coker will return as his running mate at linebacker and [player_tooltip player_id='1584096' first='Colby' last='Cates'] will anchor the trenches. Unger will lead the secondary unit as well after a productive season last year.</p>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Eagleton Royals (10-4)</h2>   <p>Eagleton had an impressive season last year, going 10-4 and making a run all the way to the state semifinals, eventually losing to Marion County. That game against Marion County was tied at 14 until the Warriors blew it open in the final five minutes.</p>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='904975' first='Mason' last='Mitchell'] returns to lead the offense from the quarterback position after throwing for 2,736 yards and 29 touchdowns in his junior season.</p>   <p>Kingston Burns-Jenkins will step into the primary tailback role after spending last season behind two seniors. However, he was productive when given the opportunity, rushing for 5.8 yards per carry. The offense does lose the star playmaker, but Noel Meza-Flores was very productive as the second option in the passing game and will be expected to step into an even larger role as a senior.</p>   <p>Easton Britton is back at linebacker after an excellent sophomore season, racking up 112 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and three sacks. Parker Lewis and Meza-Flores will return to anchor the secondary.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/EastonBritton/status/1989917361944572145?s=20 </div></figure>

The 2A classification boasted several strong teams last season that fell under the radar with the potential to build on that success and have strong outputs in the 2026 season.