PRZTN Preseason Preview: Class 2A

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Huntingdon and Marion Co. were your 2025 state championship competitors with the Mustangs taking the crown. While I think both those team's will be in the mix again this year, the competition will be tougher as I see a few others that might be better or at least contend. We break down all those teams & more inside our Class 2A pre-season preview along with region predictions & more! </h2>     Region 1 Preseason Overview/Predictions   (Predicted Order of Finish)   1. South Greene   2. Happy Valley    3. Cumberland Gap   4. West Greene   Preseason POTY: (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='2114336' first='Tripp' last='Neas'] - South Greene    Preseason Off. POTY: (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='2170008' first='Benson' last='Hensley'] - Cumberland Gap   Preseason Def. POTY: (DE) [player_tooltip player_id='2134133' first='Mason' last='Norman'] - Happy Valley    Preseason Lineman of the Year: (OL) Justin Habberstad - South Greene   - There are only four teams in this region, so everybody will make the playoffs but the storyline to watch here is who will take first place? I see it as a two team battle between Happy Valley, the reigning champs and South Greene, who we think will finish on top this year. The Rebels look more equipped at the moment to win this region based around having 10 starters returning (5 offense, 5 defense) and a potential Mr. Football candidate in [player_tooltip player_id='2114336' first='Tripp' last='Neas']. It won't be easy for South Greene but I think they should be good enough to bring another region title to campus.    It could be a small step back for Happy Valley this year after having an all-time banner season in 2025. They are losing a lot of key players off last year's 11-1 team and will be plugging in new starters at several areas on both sides of the ball. What the Warriors do have going for them are two of the best players in this region with defensive end [player_tooltip player_id='2134133' first='Mason' last='Norman'] and receiver/safety [player_tooltip player_id='2085665' first='Lane' last='Parker']. Both those guys must be leaders and high level performers this year for Happy Valley to contend for top region honors.    I see potential with Cumberland Gap and their chances at finishing in second place this year. They have some positional areas that need to be filled out and shored up but I see upside with several of their players, especially at the skill positions. One guy to know about and keep track of this season is [player_tooltip player_id='2170008' first='Benson' last='Hensley']. This junior wideout has the physical traits and ball skills to contend on the college stage one day. West Greene went 1-9 last year, so the only way to go is up and I think they will. Even though we have the Buffaloes in 4th place with our pre-season predictions, I still think they will have a better team this year and potentially double their wins.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/07/tneas-e1784058860419.jpg?w=698" alt="" class="wp-image-2248075" style="aspect-ratio:1.415836392239119;width:283px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: GreenZone</figcaption></figure>   - - - - -    Region 2 Preseason Overview/Predictions   1. Eagleton   2. Tellico Plains   3. Polk Co.    4. Oneida   Preseason POTY: (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='904975' first='Mason' last='Mitchell'] - Eagleton   Preseason Off. POTY: (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='2158318' first='Noel' last='Meza-Flores'] - Eagleton   Preseason Def. POTY: (DE) Logan Hamilton - Tellico Plains   Preseason Lineman of the Year: (DT/OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1892766' first='Kobe' last='Bradley'] - Tellico Plains   - I see this region being a two team battle between Eagleton and Tellico Plains with their matchup possibly being the deciding factor on who takes the region title. I give the edge to Eagleton right now but I could easily see Tellico Plains grabbing the top spot as well. What Eagleton has that the Bears do not is a dynamic 1-2 tandem at quarterback receiver between [player_tooltip player_id='904975' first='Mason' last='Mitchell'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2158318' first='Noel' last='Meza-Flores']. Those two have a college future ahead but could boost their stocks significantly with stellar senior seasons. I also see the Royals having a solid rushing attack as well with [player_tooltip player_id='1633759' first='Riley' last='York'] being the main ball carrier. Tellico Plains may have more overall depth compared to Eagleton but not the star power. I do foresee them winning plenty of games however due to their veteran leadership and strong play up front, led by junior stud [player_tooltip player_id='1892766' first='Kobe' last='Bradley'].    Polk Co. and Oneida just don't appear to have enough overall talent or depth to contend with the top two but we still must see how things play out. I do see better long term upside for this season with Polk Co. compared to Oneida. The Wildcats could have a young team this Fall but I can see some talent on the roster that can grow into solid starters. There may be some bumps in the road along the way but the experience should be beneficial for 2026 and beyond. It may be a transitional year for Oneida as they are replacing several key starters and will be implementing some new names on both sides of the ball. Whatever the Indians can get out of their players this year should help for the future but the 2026 season may be a tough one.    - - - - -    Region 3 Preseason Overview/Predictions   1. Marion Co.    2. Grundy Co.    3. Bledsoe Co.    4. Monterey   5. York Institute    Preseason POTY: (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='2065483' first='Zaiden' last='Humphrey'] - Marion Co.    Preseason Off. POTY: (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1668505' first='Vince' last='Bryant'] - Grundy Co.    Preseason Def. POTY: (LB) Caden McCrary - Marion Co.    Preseason Lineman of the Year: (OL/DL) Chris Graver - Marion Co.    - I think we are in for another year where Marion Co. leads the way in this region while also being a top contender for the 2A state title. The Warriors were a tad young last year but gained tons of experience and ended up in the 2A title game. Marion Co. has a number of veteran leaders and up and coming talent to be quite good again this year, led by future college players in [player_tooltip player_id='2065483' first='Zaiden' last='Humphrey'], [player_tooltip player_id='2160421' first='T.J.' last='Starkey'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1691522' first='Quincy' last='Mills']. They should also be formidable up front, led by rising juniors Chris Graver and [player_tooltip player_id='1709991' first='Austin' last='McGowan']. The Warriors are the clear cut favorite in this region and a 2A title contender but we can't sleep on Grundy Co. and their abilities to give Marion Co. a run for their money.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/100-Zaiden-Humphrey.png?w=611" alt="" class="wp-image-2103271" style="width:210px;height:auto" /></figure>   The Yellow Jackets do have to replace a few key players from last year but may have their best overall roster in some years. They are led by Mr. Football candidate [player_tooltip player_id='1668505' first='Vince' last='Bryant'] in the backfield and he will be complimented by up and coming sophomore back [player_tooltip player_id='2219767' first='T.K.' last='Brown']. Grundy Co. also has a few key veteran pieces like Aiden Melton on the offensive line and Eli Seagroves at linebacker to provide strong game play. I do see a few positions that need tweaking or upgraded talent but Grundy Co. should be good enough this year to finish in the top two of this region.    The rest of the region and playoff spots will be up for grabs between Bledsoe Co., Monterey and York Institute. I think the 2026 season will be a transitional year for Bledsoe Co., who finished last 10-3 last year but must replace several departing seniors. New names will need to step forward for the Warriors this year but I think their winning culture will lead the way and get them back in the playoffs. Monterey is a sleeper team to finish third but many positions need to develop for that to happen. I do like their rising sophomore running back [player_tooltip player_id='1627459' first='Isaiah' last='Bowman'] to become one of the better offensive players in this region. It could be a long year for York Institute as I don't see the overall talent to compete for the top but we still have to play the season, so we will see what the Dragons put on the field.    - - - - -    Region 4 Preseason Overview/Predictions   1. Gordonsville   2. Smith Co.    3. Cannon Co.    4. Trousdale Co.   5. Jackson Co.   Preseason POTY: (RB/LB) Turner Bucher - Gordonsville   Preseason Off. POTY: (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1103037' first='Riley' last='Martin'] - Smith Co.    Preseason Def. POTY: (DE) [player_tooltip player_id='1591156' first='Zeke' last='Walkup'] - Cannon Co.    Preseason Lineman of the Year: (DE) [player_tooltip player_id='1591156' first='Zeke' last='Walkup'] - Cannon Co.    - This is a tough region to gauge who the top team will be. I can see a scenario where Gordonsville, Smith Co. or Cannon Co. finishes in first place and wins the region title. As things sit right now, I am leaning towards Gordonsville being the team to beat but it is definitely not by a wide margin. The Tigers are known for running the ball and they have a stud in Turner Bucher that can produce a big senior year that puts him in contention for Mr. Football. They also have two of the better big play, natural athletes in [player_tooltip player_id='1617382' first='Ryan' last='Lyons'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1851167' first='Camrix' last='Stott'] to give the ball to as well.    When you have a veteran quarterback like [player_tooltip player_id='1103037' first='Riley' last='Martin'] behind center, you have a shot to win ball games. Smith Co. brings back several key players this Fall, including Martin, who will be the leader and tone setter on offense that will spin it to guys like [player_tooltip player_id='1068717' first='Lucas' last='Cornwell'] but should also have offensive balance with [player_tooltip player_id='2219789' first='Dylan' last='Raines'] carrying the football. I expect the Owls to be solid on offense, so it will depend on their defense if Smith Co. wants to compete for the region title. I really wanted to put Cannon Co. in first place but I just couldn't look past the unknowns at quarterback and the offensive line. The Lions have the best college prospect in [player_tooltip player_id='1591156' first='Zeke' last='Walkup'] and a few solid defensive players like [player_tooltip player_id='1570553' first='Jayden' last='Shannon'] and Tyler Houser but I don't know if Cannon Co. has enough offensive juice to win this region.    Fighting for the final playoff spot should be fun as I can see Trousdale Co. or Jackson Co. finishing in fourth place. As of right now, I like what I see from Trousdale Co. and their long term potential. I still think the Yellow Jackets need to develop more depth and talent but I like a few of their pieces, including running back [player_tooltip player_id='1618760' first='Brandon' last='Brewer'] and transfer receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1676949' first='Gage' last='Gibbs']. Even though I have Jackson Co. set in fifth place, I think they have the best quarterback in this region with [player_tooltip player_id='2001531' first='Colt' last='Loftis']. The Blue Devils sophomore signal caller can certainly spin it but he will need help at all areas on offense as well as players on defense to step forward and give him the ball more often than not.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/05/Photo-May-04-2026-5-51-01-PM-crop-957x628-1777935609.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2201945" style="width:311px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Gordonsville WR [player_tooltip player_id='1851167' first='Camrix' last='Stott']. Photo from his Instagram.</figcaption></figure>   - - - - -    Region 5 Preseason Overview/Predictions   1. Mt. Pleasant   2. Riverside   3. Adamsville   4. Loretto   5. Lewis Co.    6. Summertown   7. Scotts Hill    Preseason POTY: (RB/LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1106194' first='Kaden' last='McCrory'] - Mt. Pleasant   Preseason Off. POTY: (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1082150' first='Merrel' last='Perez'] - Riverside    Preseason Def. POTY: (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='932830' first='Asah' last='Story'] - Adamsville    Preseason Lineman of the Year: (OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1664157' first='Colston' last='Anderson'] - Mt. Pleasant   - The reigning, defending region champion is Mt. Pleasant and while the Tigers will be missing several key players from last year's team, I still like their chances to earn back to back titles. It won't be easy as others in this region have a shot at finishing in first place as well but the Tigers have the best backfield with [player_tooltip player_id='2071462' first='Kale' last='Scott'] at quarterback and [player_tooltip player_id='1106194' first='Kaden' last='McCrory'] carrying the rock that I think will propel them into that top spot. The Tigers should have one of the better O-line's as well, led by seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1664157' first='Colston' last='Anderson'] and Sean Robeson. I believe the Mt. Pleasant offense will be solid, they will score enough points to win most games but it will be dependent on their defense to help defend their title.    The team to watch for this season is Riverside. The Panthers made the playoffs last year but only won 3 games, however I think they double that this year and fight to win the region. Last year was a transitional season for Riverside as they played a lot of young guys but that experience should help this Fall where they may have the best rushing attack in the region, led by stud junior [player_tooltip player_id='1082150' first='Merrel' last='Perez']. He should be complemented by senior running quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='933024' first='Jack' last='Cupples'] and a solid O-line, spearheaded by [player_tooltip player_id='1719940' first='Christopher' last='Pitmon'] and [player_tooltip player_id='933025' first='Jon' last='Parker Graves'].    Adamsville and Loretto are who I have pinpointed for the final two playoff spots but you can't forget about Lewis Co., who has been the most consistent program in this region. The Cardinals have several veteran players returning this year with possibly one of the better defenses in this region, led by [player_tooltip player_id='932830' first='Asah' last='Story']. Adamsville may also have a solid core on the O-line, led by [player_tooltip player_id='932828' first='Brayden' last='Jones'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2212443' first='Easton' last='Thompson']. The 2025 season wasn't good for Loretto but it might help for the coming football year. The Mustangs were a young ball club last season as they had to go through the battles but I believe it will benefit them and help get them to the playoffs. Lewis Co. is losing a lot from last year's region title team. They do have two vets in [player_tooltip player_id='1584096' first='Colby' last='Cates'] and Kobe Feichtinger to lean on and help guide their youthful squad. Summertown and Scotts Hill take the final two spots with both lacking the overall depth and talent to contend for top spots. I do like Max Dillard from Summertown and his chances at putting forth a 1,000 yard rushing season.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/kmccrory.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-2112701" style="width:217px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Mt. Pleasant RB [player_tooltip player_id='1106194' first='Kaden' last='McCrory'] during a game.</figcaption></figure>   - - - - -    Region 6 Preseason Overview/Predictions   1. East Nashville   2. East Robertson   3. Houston Co.    4. East Hickman   5. Hickman Co.    Preseason POTY: (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1668630' first='Dallas' last='Covington'] - East Nashville   Preseason Off. POTY: (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1422904' first='Kason' last='Young'] - East Robertson    Preseason Def. POTY: (DB) [player_tooltip player_id='2147346' first='Ke'Vontae' last='Pitts'] - East Nashville   Preseason Lineman of the Year: (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1565681' first='Devin' last='Phillips'] - East Nashville   - Two of the better teams from the entire 2A classification reside in this region with East Nashville and East Robertson. Both these teams are contenders to go on a deep run in the playoffs but only one can win the region title. I like what East Nashville brings to the field this year and who they can become by the end of the football year. The Eagles have a talented roster that is stacked on the line of scrimmage and in the secondary. They have a D1 quarterback in [player_tooltip player_id='1668630' first='Dallas' last='Covington'] as well with talented skill guys to throw to. Finding a running back to balance out the offense I think will be key, especially if East Nashville plans to compete for the 2A state championship.    East Robertson will be different this year as a new coaching staff has taken over while they have lost multiple big time performers from last year's 12-1 team. What they do have is [player_tooltip player_id='1422904' first='Kason' last='Young'], a multi-year starter that has won a lot of ball games. Look for transfer Brody Perry to become the top offensive target while the Indians defense plays strong and keeps them in games, led by senior D-lineman [player_tooltip player_id='2207334' first='Kanye' last='Prince']. I think Houston Co. takes a step up this year and finishes in 3rd place but their roster must stay healthy while their top players perform at a consistent high level. I like the potential up front for the Fighting Irish will key players like [player_tooltip player_id='1597021' first='Braxton' last='Miller'], Dalton Thrasher and [player_tooltip player_id='1906338' first='Ryan' last='Carter'] returning to provide pass protection when needed and especially in the run game.    Battling for that fourth place finish and a playoff spot between East Hickman and Hickman Co. should be fun to follow. Both teams are having to replace key players from last year's team but show potential in several areas. I'm leaning towards East Hickman grabbing that last spot right now but it's by a slim margin. The Eagles have a few more vets back this year, which gives them an edge with guys like Dylan Redden and Damion McNeil playing key roles. I see potential from the Hickman Co. offensive line but I must see it first before placing them higher in the region. One guy to watch for them, who could have a big year is two-way backer Taylor Hutchinson.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/03/dcovington.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-2162602" style="width:231px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: East Nashville QB [player_tooltip player_id='1668630' first='Dallas' last='Covington'] before a game.</figcaption></figure>   - - - - -    Region 7 Preseason Overview/Predictions   1. Huntingdon   2. Milan   3. Jackson Central-Merry   4. Halls   5. Union City   6. Peabody    7. Gibson Co.    Preseason POTY: (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='932932' first='Kenton' last='Smith'] - Huntingdon   Preseason Off. POTY: (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1088093' first='Mason' last='Taylor'] - Milan   Preseason Def. POTY: (Edge) Jaylan Eckford - J.C. Merry   Preseason Lineman of the Year: (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='2085663' first='Taylin' last='Strayhorn'] - Huntingdon   - This may be the most competitive region we have on the 2A level this year with several teams in contention to become region champs. Huntingdon is the reigning and defending Class 2A state champs and I think they return enough talent to sit at the top of the board to bring another “Gold Ball” back home. The Mustangs will be a tad different as they are replacing several key players from last year's team but they still have one of the best in this classification with [player_tooltip player_id='932932' first='Kenton' last='Smith']. He is a top contender for Mr. Football this year, who should be handling quarterback duties yet again. The Mustangs should be strong in their defensive front seven as well with returnees in [player_tooltip player_id='2085663' first='Taylin' last='Strayhorn'], [player_tooltip player_id='1086160' first='Gavin' last='Gray'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1589948' first='Hayes' last='Eubanks'].    Fighting for second place should be fun to watch between Milan and Jackson Central-Merry. These two West Tennessee programs have potential star power with [player_tooltip player_id='1088093' first='Mason' last='Taylor'] from Milan and new Austin Peay commit [player_tooltip player_id='1693459' first='Jayland' last='Eckford']. The Bulldogs have one of the better coaching staffs in this classification, so I'm giving them the nod ahead of Jackson Central-Merry right now but the Cougars may have some sneaky good talent that shows up this Fall and pushes them ahead. Last season became a disappointing year for Halls as they had high expectations but I'm predicting they bounce back this Fall and earn a playoff spot. Their defense is what should lead the way, spearheaded by Prep Redzone Tennessee “Top 300” prospect [player_tooltip player_id='1187360' first='Makai' last='Ward'].    Union City fell one game short of reaching the playoffs last year and as things sit right now, I have them doing the exact same thing this Fall. I do think the Golden Tornadoes will be a better team overall this year with a more veteran-like squad and several talented ball players like [player_tooltip player_id='2210089' first='Alijah' last='Simpson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2210091' first='Rylan' last='Robinson']. I do think that Union City is a playoff caliber team that could very well finish inside the top four. I foresee Peabody taking a small step back from last season's nine win team. The Golden Tide is having to replace several key players but do return possibly the best quarterback in this region with [player_tooltip player_id='1088646' first='Caleb' last='Sims']. I could be surprised with how Peabody does but I think they should be much better for the 2027 season.    - - - - -    Region 8 Preseason Overview/Predictions   1. MASE    2. Fairley   3. Mitchell    4. Trezevant   5. Memp. Business Acad.    6. Bluff City    7. Sheffield   8. Hillcrest   Preseason POTY: (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='2149120' first='LeAndrew' last='Branch'] - MASE   Preseason Off. POTY: (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='2149120' first='LeAndrew' last='Branch'] - MASE    Preseason Def. POTY: (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1666967' first='Akeem' last='Hunt'] - MASE   Preseason Lineman of the Year: (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1527497' first='Jamarkus' last='Pittman'] - MASE    - One of the best teams coming out of the greater Memphis area this year, regardless of classification, are the Phoenix of MASE. These guys have a loaded roster this year with next level talent within just about every position group along with a veteran roster that has done a lot of winning. Where I don't think many teams will be able to match up with MASE is up front in the trenches. They have multiple big bodies in the line, so it's not just one guy but [player_tooltip player_id='1527497' first='Jamarkus' last='Pittman'] is their tone setter and top overall college prospect. He is complimented on the defensive line by his younger brother in Jamarius Pittman along with [player_tooltip player_id='1588871' first='Marcellus' last='Miller'] causing havoc off the edge. Senior linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1666967' first='Akeem' last='Hunt'] may be the fastest linebacker in the state that plays with controlled violence. There is a lot to like about MASE and their chances at being champions next year both in this region and the 2A classification.    While MASE is the clear cut favorite in this region, the team on their heels is Fairley. The Bulldogs are implementing a few new starters this year but return others to possibly form a solid ball club. I think the key to their success is how well new quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='2211454' first='Corrian' last='Johnson'] performs. If the rising junior signal caller plays a steady brand of football, does not turn it over while making the proper throws, Fairley should definitely finish in second place and be a team that could go deep in the playoffs. Mitchell would be the next team and a ball club that might have one of the better defenses in this region. The Tigers have some veterans in the front seven with DeAnthony Gales, [player_tooltip player_id='2081541' first='Erriyoung' last='Brown'], Thomas Wright and rising junior [player_tooltip player_id='1974151' first='Corleo' last='Partee'] that can set the tone for the season while their offense comes together.    The sleeper team in this region to keep eyes on is Trezevant. While I think the top three of MASE, Fairley and Mitchell are clearly way ahead of the rest of this region, Trezevant is one team that could cause some headaches, especially if their most talented players step up and perform at a high level. I don't think the Bears can crack the top three but I do think they are good enough to make the playoffs. The rest of this region is a crapshoot. Going into the 2026 season, we simply do not have enough info on Memphis Business, Bluff City, Sheffield and Hillcrest to give an honest assessment on who they are now and who they could be by the end of the season. Regardless of the lack of info, I don't see any of these four schools getting ahead of the other four, that's how good the top of this region is and should be this Fall.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/05/Photo-May-07-2026-8-40-27-PM.jpg?w=883" alt="" class="wp-image-2204819" style="aspect-ratio:0.8623098726496068;width:240px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: MASE DL [player_tooltip player_id='1527497' first='Jamarkus' last='Pittman'] at his Under Armour All-American Game ceremony. Photo from his Instagram.</figcaption></figure>