PRZTN Preseason Preview: Class 1A

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The 2026 football season is a little more than a month away, so it's time to start our preseason previews! We begin the process going through Class 1A as we predict region champs and standings along with our preseason players of the year and much more! </h2>     Region 1 Preseason Overview/Predictions   (Predicted Order of Finish)   1. Cosby   2. North Greene   3. Hampton   4. Jellico   5. Unaka    6. Cloudland   7. Sunbright   8. Hancock Co.   Preseason POTY: (RB) David Baker - Cosby   Preseason Off. POTY: (QB) Matthew McMahan - Cosby   Preseason Def. POTY: (LB) Eli Tester - Hampton   Preseason Lineman of the Year: (DT) River Gill - Hampton   - Last year was about Hampton as the Bulldogs finished the season undefeated in the region but I'm not sure if they have enough depth this year to run it back. As things look right now, I like what Cosby has this year and who they could be by the end of the season. The Eagles have two of the best offensive players in the region with Matthew McMahan at quarterback and David Baker running the ball in the backfield. They may also have the best offensive line in the region, led by Colton Jenkins, Kris Moss and Aiden McGaha. If you are strong up front on the 1A level, you immediately pose yourself as a threat to win titles.    North Greene and Hampton should be fighting things out for 2nd and 3rd place. I would not be surprised to see Hampton finish in 2nd place but right now, I like what I see from the Huskies and their potential in the 2026 season. Some of the best college talent may reside with North Greene, especially with receivers Kelson Eastep and Matthew Boyd. The Huskies could have a stellar offense this year but there is still a lot to learn about their defense. The opposite can be said about Hampton. I like what they have on defense with Eli Tester and River Gill within the front seven but I'm not sure if they have enough juice on offense.    Competing for that important 4th place finish and a spot in the playoffs, I give the edge right now to Jellico but Unaka and Cloudland aren't far behind. The difference between the three right now is that Jellico returns more pieces compared to the others as both Unaka and Cloudland are having to implement new starters this Fall. Defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='2156626' first='Julian' last='Jones'] and rising linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='2148803' first='Alan' last='Lawson'] are two defenders for the Blue Devils to keep track of this season. The Rangers have a highly productive receiver returning in [player_tooltip player_id='1670023' first='Ashton' last='Fuller'] that shows flashes of college upside. Sunbright and Hancock Co. round out the region as the bottom two teams due to their lack of depth, known playmaking and overall size. I hope I am wrong and that both Sunbright and Hancock Co. are able to develop their rosters and compete higher in the region.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/07/cosby.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2243201" style="aspect-ratio:1.3653603034134008;width:277px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Region 2 Preseason Overview/Predictions   (Predicted Order of Finish)   1. Coalfield   2. Harriman   3. Rockwood   4. Greenback    5. Oliver Springs   6. Wartburg Central   7. Midway   8. Oakdale   Preseason POTY: (LB/RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1673682' first='Eli' last='Ritter'] - Coalfield   Preseason Off. POTY: (RB) Adrian Darby - Rockwood    Preseason Def. POTY: (Edge) [player_tooltip player_id='2161216' first='Devin' last='Bertram'] - Harriman   Preseason Lineman of the Year: (OL/DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1111031' first='Landon' last='Hart'] - Harriman    - It's hard not to put Coalfield in the driver seat to win this region yet again as the Yellow Jackets are as consistent of a program that you will find on the Class 1A level. They will have a different ball club compared to last year's undefeated run at the title but the Jackets return enough talent to sit at the top of the region. Where they should be strong this year is on defense, especially in the front seven with guys like [player_tooltip player_id='1673682' first='Eli' last='Ritter'], Cam Greer, Eli Burress and up and coming linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1719625' first='Jayden' last='Garmon']. Even though we have Coalfield in the top spot right now, it won't be easy as I can see Harriman, Rockwood and Greenback competing alongside the Jackets for the region title.    Harriman in particular is a team to watch this season as they might have the best defense in this region, led by PRZTN “Top 60” prospect [player_tooltip player_id='2161216' first='Devin' last='Bertram']. One of the top pass rushers in the state, Bertram can be a game changer for the Blue Devils and someone each team they play must account for. Rockwood is losing several key starters from last year but return several important pieces like Adrian Darby at running back and [player_tooltip player_id='1094289' first='Aiden' last='Amonett'] running the show at quarterback. The Tigers are young in several areas but still might have enough to compete for a “top three” finish. Greenback took a nice step in their team progression last year, finishing in fifth place but I think they can make the “top four” this year and return back to the playoffs.    I can see a big difference between the top four predicted finishers in this region and the bottom four. All four of Oliver Springs, Wartburg Central, Midway and Oakdale have deficiencies that need further development while finding new playmakers to step forward. Oliver Springs have been consistent for several years now but might take a step back this Fall as they are implementing new starters. I still think their culture could help them compete for a playoff spot. Wartburg Central is an interesting ball club as I can see some youthful talent with them but experience is needed. Midway came out of nowhere last year to finish in second place but I believe they will be different this Fall after losing several key players. They do have one of the best defenders in the region however in junior linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='2157038' first='Justice' last='Lane']. Oakdale is simply a mystery with a lot of unknowns going into the 2026 season.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/07/eritter.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-2243202" style="width:240px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Region 3 Preseason Overview/Predictions   (Predicted Order of Finish)   1. South Pittsburg   2. Sale Creek   3. Whitwell   4. Lookout Valley   5. Copper Basin   Preseason POTY: (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1577095' first='Dayon' last='Cooper'] - South Pitt    Preseason OPOTY: (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1577095' first='Dayon' last='Cooper'] - South Pitt   Preseason DPOTY: (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1205814' first='Kemijah' last='Harris'] - South Pitt    Preseason Lineman of the Year: (OL/DT) [player_tooltip player_id='2210894' first='Ransom' last='Green'] - South Pitt   - The bell of the ball, the team to beat and one of the best on the 1A level, South Pittsburg is the clear cut leader in the clubhouse to take home another region title and I don't know if anybody is going to knock them off the top of the hill this Fall. The Pirates have a talent gap between them and their region foes but this year's team will be a bit different as new starters will be stepping forward into key roles. One player they will have is the reigning Class 1A Mr. Football winner in [player_tooltip player_id='1577095' first='Dayon' last='Cooper']. The future Tennessee Volunteer is a game changer for the Pirates that nobody in the region has an answer for. The Pirates will be fine on offense and do enough to win but I think it will be their defense this season that leads the way, spearheaded by Cooper, [player_tooltip player_id='1675594' first='Brandon' last='Goldsmith'], [player_tooltip player_id='1467318' first='Martavius' last='Smith'] and pre-season defensive player of the year, [player_tooltip player_id='1205814' first='Kemijah' last='Harris'].    Who behind South Pittsburg will be competing for playoff spots? I think the next team in-line is Sale Creek. The Panthers had a banner season last year where they finished 11-2 overall but can they replicate those results for the 2026 campaign? I don't know if Sale Creek has enough returning to do that but they should win plenty of games, led by [player_tooltip player_id='1603477' first='Brody' last='Raby'] and Jayson Booker to finish in second place yet again. Looking beyond South Pitt and Sale Creek to find the next playoff contenders is tough as Copper Basin, Lookout Valley and Whitwell have question marks about them that need to be answered in the coming season.    As things sit right now, I like Whitwell and their chances at finishing in third place. The Tigers will be young in a lot of areas but should have enough talent like [player_tooltip player_id='2233890' first='Brody' last='Harvey'] and others to reach postseason play. Lookout Valley ended the 2025 year in last place but I'm banking on the losing experience to fuel them this Fall and finish in third with a promised playoff spot. The Yellow Jackets have some sneaky talented players like Brandon Moore and Cason O'Conner to watch for this Fall. I actually could see the Jackets competing with Whitwell for that third spot. There are a lot of questions and unknowns about Copper Basin going into the 2026 season. They do have two players in Andrew Pero and Dylan Beaver that have my eye but the rest of the roster is tough to gauge right now.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/daycooper.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1562332" style="width:217px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Region 4 Preseason Overview/Predictions   (Predicted Order of Finish)   1. Clay Co.    2. Jo Byrns   3. Innovation Academy   4. Red Boiling Springs   Preseason POTY: (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='2164480' first='Jon' last='Michael Wix'] - Jo Byrns   Preseason Off. POTY: (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='2164480' first='Jon' last='Michael Wix'] - Jo Byrns   Preseason Def. POTY: (S) [player_tooltip player_id='2233900' first='Kyzaiah' last='White'] - Innovation Acad.    Preseason Lineman of the Year: (OL/DT) Roland Holaway - Clay Co.    - This region is small while also being a tough one to predict. For several years now, Clay Co. has owned this region and while I think their culture will earn them another title, the Bulldogs have a lot of question marks going into the 2026 season. Clay Co. is having to replace some significant players. They will be quite young this Fall, which to me says they are ripe for the picking and the team to watch out for is Jo Byrns. The Red Devils return a roster that could possibly win this region and they are led by a PRZTN “Top 100” prospect in receiver [player_tooltip player_id='2164480' first='Jon' last='Michael Wix']. This 6 '3 pass catcher has big time upside, so if the Red Devils can find a quarterback to throw it to him, Jo Byrns might have an offense capable of leading them to the title.    Maybe the sleeper team to track in this region would be Innovation Academy. They are still a new program but have some talent, especially some athletic skill guys that other teams in the region don't have. Junior defender [player_tooltip player_id='2233900' first='Kyzaiah' last='White'] is someone I'm eyeing for a breakout year. Standing 6 '1 185 pounds, White can be a difference maker in this region that helps produce big plays on both sides of the ball. Rising junior running back [player_tooltip player_id='2182539' first='Javari' last='Dunn'] is someone to keep eyes on as well. Red Boiling Springs looks like the team in the cellar this Fall, especially with a lot of unknowns about their roster. The Bulldogs look like they have an uphill battle against the other three but we still gotta play the games, so we see how they and the rest of the region plays out this year.    - - - - -    Region 5 Preseason Overview/Predictions   (Predicted Order of Finish)   1. Richland   2. Fayetteville   3. Huntland   4. Eagleville   5. Moore Co.   6. Cornersville   Preseason POTY: (QB) Nyles Barnett - Fayetteville   Preseason Off. POTY: (RB/LB) Bryant Mooney - Huntland    Preseason Def. POTY: (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='2164498' first='Jaelin' last='Weddington'] - Fayetteville   Preseason Lineman of the Year: (OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1218739' first='Barrett' last='Hudson'] - Eagleville    - We may have a case here in Region 5 where the top team may not have the best overall performer and predicted award winners but they have the better overall talent throughout their roster. That's how I see Richland this year, the defending region champs that I'm predicting to win it again in 2026. The Raiders will be different this season as they are losing a few vets but return enough talent, especially in the line of scrimmage with youngsters [player_tooltip player_id='1305219' first='Coell' last='Doggett'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1407746' first='Hudson' last='Tarpley'] to maul people up front and win the region. Their skill players will have to step up and I think guys like [player_tooltip player_id='1687112' first='Aylin' last='Kennedy'], Landon Harbison and others will do so and help put another trophy in their championship case. It won't be easy for the Raiders as I'm expecting Fayetteville to give them all they want.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/134-Coell-Doggett.png?w=761" alt="" class="wp-image-2103302" style="aspect-ratio:1.0887096774193548;width:242px;height:auto" /></figure>   The Tigers themselves are replacing several key performers, including a few that transferred out of the program this off-season but they still have talent to contend for the top spot. Fayetteville looks to have the best backfield in the region with Nyles Barnett at quarterback and Fernando Leslie running the ball. The Tigers might also have the best defense, led by preseason player of the year [player_tooltip player_id='2164498' first='Jaelin' last='Weddington']. Where I may have concerns with Fayetteville is within their offensive line. Shoring up that unit will be key towards competing for the title. Another fun storyline to watch for will be the competition for the 3rd and 4th spot in the region and placement in the playoffs. As I look over the region, right now I like Huntland and Eagleville to grab those spots but Moore Co. isn't too far behind them.    The Hornets are missing several pieces right now for me to put them in the “top two” but what they do have are some of the best individual players in the region with Bryant Mooney and Juju Miller. Those two alone will help get Huntland to the playoffs but if others around them can flourish, the Hornets may become a sleeper team to watch. Eagleville looks like a young team this year with questions at multiple positions but where I think they can be strong is on the offensive line. They have some good options up front with [player_tooltip player_id='1218739' first='Barrett' last='Hudson'], Ben Bartsch and Ryland Morgan and a potential to run the show in Benton Fox. Moore Co. struggled last year but it may help them this Fall as the youthful roster is a year older with more experience behind their backs. It could be another long year for Cornersville but they do have a potential college quarterback in [player_tooltip player_id='1595020' first='Jackson' last='Smith'].    - - - - -    Region 6 Preseason Overview/Predictions   (Predicted Order of Finish)   1. McKenzie   2. Perry Co.    3. Wayne Co.    4. Hollow Rock-Bruceton   5. Collinwood    6. McEwen   Preseason POTY: (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1603459' first='Cole' last='Brown'] - McKenzie   Preseason Off. POTY: (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='1694860' first='Jacobi' last='Melton'] - McKenzie   Preseason Def. POTY: (DE/Edge) [player_tooltip player_id='2136001' first='Casey' last='Garner'] - Perry Co.   Preseason Lineman of the Year: (OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1088653' first='Hunter' last='Winstead'] - McKenzie    - All signs point towards the Rebels having another banner year and taking home the region title. McKenzie has a team this year that can also compete for a state championship with the return of key players like [player_tooltip player_id='1603459' first='Cole' last='Brown'], Jacolbi Melton, [player_tooltip player_id='2071511' first='Avery' last='Brown'], [player_tooltip player_id='1088653' first='Hunter' last='Winstead'], [player_tooltip player_id='1088079' first='Maddox' last='Shiell'] and others along with a winning culture that has yet to be unfazed. The Rebels are well equipped to win everything this Fall but they must stay healthy while not slipping up along the way. Now the battle for second place should be fun and right now I like what I see from Perry County. This could be the best Vikings team in some time and I believe they might end up having the best defense in the region, led by [player_tooltip player_id='2136001' first='Casey' last='Garner'], [player_tooltip player_id='1086362' first='Javon' last='McFadden'] and Weston Martin. Finishing second will be earned but I think Perry Co. is ready for the moment with a talented roster.   The team I feel that will be battling it out with Perry Co. are the Wildcats of Wayne County. These guys might push out a high scoring offense this year. The Wildcats have several weapons between Case Butler at quarterback and him giving the ball to Avery Vaughn, Daylan Van Fleet and others. The line of scrimmage is what may hold back the Vikings from overcoming Perry Co. but we shall see and that's why we play the games. Hollow Rock just missed out on the playoffs last year but still won seven games. I don't know if they will earn that many wins this year but I do believe they will reach postseason play. The Tigers will be young in several spots this Fall but could have a solid rushing attack, led by Daegan Collins and Korbin Brown.    Predicted to finish in fifth place, Collinwood does have a path to reach postseason action but they must develop several areas throughout their team to make that happen. I feel standout Trojan ball players to know about are Bennett Rich, who could be the quarterback and top two-way player and Wessen Bromley, a potential force on the defensive line. Depth needs to be found as well but I do see enough talent with Collinwood to contend for a top four finish. McEwen just doesn't show enough depth or talent right now to be considered a playoff worthy team. That can certainly change for the Warriors but it looks like a long road ahead headed into the season.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/03/cgarner.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2146884" style="aspect-ratio:3.003128258602711;width:381px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Region 7 Preseason Overview/Predictions   (Predicted Order of Finish)   1. Dresden   2. Humboldt   3. Greenfield   4. Lake Co.    5. South Fulton   6. West Carroll   7. Gleason   Preseason POTY: (WR/DB) [player_tooltip player_id='933041' first='Darion' last='Taylor'] - Humboldt   Preseason Off. POTY: (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1065915' first='Westin' last='Porter'] - Greenfield   Preseason Def. POTY: (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='932939' first='Nigel' last='Clark'] - Lake Co.    Preseason Lineman of the Year: (DE) [player_tooltip player_id='932881' first='Jacoby' last='Sutton'] - Dresden   - This could be an interesting region to follow this year as I could see three different teams competing for the top spot but as things look right now, I have to put Dresden in the driver seat to earn a region title. The Tigers will have a different squad this Fall with new starters stepping into bigger roles but I think they still have enough talent to be the team to beat. Two guys I'm looking at for Dresden to have big year's would be [player_tooltip player_id='932881' first='Jacoby' last='Sutton'] and two-way backer [player_tooltip player_id='1983481' first='Aiden' last='Carrington']. I think we could see the emergence of Humboldt this year where the Vikings could compete for a region title. A lot of pieces must come together for that to happen but I like what Humboldt brings back this season, especially at the skill positions.    The top guy to know about for Humboldt is PRZTN Top 70 prospect [player_tooltip player_id='933041' first='Darion' last='Taylor']. This 6 '1 two-way performer is athletic, dynamic on the field with the ability to create big plays on offense while locking things down on defense. Senior running back Edward Agnew is another guy for Humboldt to know about and a sleeper Mr. Football candidate. Greenfield rose up to have a strong 2025 campaign but can they replicate it this coming Fall? They did lose some key players from last year but do return several starters like [player_tooltip player_id='1065915' first='Westin' last='Porter'] that can keep them in the “top three” with a return back to the playoffs. The potential surprise team to keep track of is Lake County. The Falcons were young last year but that experience could bode well this Fall with the return of [player_tooltip player_id='1088102' first='Cade' last='Lanier'] at quarterback and [player_tooltip player_id='932939' first='Nigel' last='Clark'] hunting tackles on defense.    After we get past the top four, you have South Fulton, West Carroll and Gleason competing with Lake Co. for the final playoff spot but all three teams have deficiencies headed into the 2026 season that I'm not sure will be fixed enough to reach postseason action. The Red Devils of South Fulton may be the closest to competing for the playoffs but they will be young and implementing several new starters. Two guys to know off the Red Devils team that should be key players are [player_tooltip player_id='1524294' first='Parker' last='Dowdy'] at linebacker and Sam Sutherland in the trenches. West Carroll was already dealing with an uphill battle before their top player transferred out this off-season, so there are a lot of unknown with the War Eagles right now. Much of the same can be said about Gleason. The Bulldogs were able to win two region games last year but I think it may have to replicate that this season.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/07/jsutton.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-2243215" style="width:233px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Region 8 Preseason Overview/Predictions   (Predicted Order of Finish)   1. Middle College   2. Westwood   3. Middleton   4. KIPP Collegiate   5. Manassas   6. Oakhaven   7. B.T. Washington    Preseason POTY: (DE/Edge) Cameron George - Middle College   Preseason Off. POTY: (RB) Dekacian Waters - Westwood   Preseason Def. POTY: (DE/Edge) Cameron George - Middle College   Preseason Lineman of the Year: (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='2224056' first='Jayden' last='Marr'] - KIPP Collegiate    - It's very hard to gauge this region due to lack of information from all these programs. I think I was able to garner enough info to provide predictions but there are a ton of unknown regarding this region headed into the 2026 campaign. Over the past couple of years, Middle College has run this region and I expect things to remain the same this year, though I do think the gap has closed. The team to watch for here is Westwood. The Longhorns came out of nowhere last year to finish third in the region and I believe if players step forward and stay healthy, competing for the title is possible. Westwood might also have the best offensive talent in the region with running back Dekacian Waters.    Last year was a good step in the right direction for Middleton and the Tigers may be ready to go even higher in the 2026 campaign. I see talent on their roster but a lot of unknowns as well. The line of scrimmage is where I see the biggest problems for Middleton but they should have enough skill guys to cause damage throughout the region. We have KIPP set as our fourth predicted team in this region and while the Phoenix has a lot of work to do, they should have a few standout players in [player_tooltip player_id='2224056' first='Jayden' last='Marr'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2231647' first='Kentrell' last='Miller'] to lead the way. I would love to talk more about Manassas, Oakhaven and B.T. Washington but there is simply very little info about these teams, which gives me much of nothing to report on. Hopefully those programs can find a way to revamp their information departments and provide more for me and others to talk more about them.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/07/middcollege.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2243217" style="width:308px;height:auto" /></figure>