PRZTN Preseason Preview: Class 3A

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">As we continue our preseason look at every region from every classification, here we break down the 3A ranks where Westview is your defending state champ and they are equipped to run it back in 2026. Who are the top teams from each region? Who are our preseason players of the year? Find those out and more inside our 3A preseason preview. </h2>     Region 1 Preseason Overview/Predictions   (Predicted Order of Finish)   1. Gatlinburg-Pittman   2. Unicoi Co.   3. Pigeon Forge   4. Johnson Co.   5. Chuckey-Doak   6. Claiborne    Preseason POTY: (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='2089174' first='Tyson' last='Sutton'] - Gatlinburg-Pittman   Preseason Off. POTY: (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='2111996' first='Blaze' last='Rice'] - Unicoi Co.   Preseason Def. POTY: (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='2210096' first='Jackson' last='Younger'] - Gatlinburg-Pittman    Preseason Lineman of the Year: (DE/OL) [player_tooltip player_id='2210097' first='Carter' last='Simmons'] - Unicoi Co.    - While I do like Gatlinburg-Pittman to take this region yet again, it won't be easy as the Highlanders are having to replace several key players from last year but still retain enough talent to stay on top. The rest of the region appears closer to Pittman, so each week will be a challenge but having [player_tooltip player_id='2089174' first='Tyson' last='Sutton'] back behind center helps the Highlanders a ton and if he performs well, competing for Mr. Football is not out of the realm of possibility. I foresee the Highlanders scoring enough on offense to get by but it may be their defense that leads the way, spearheaded by linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='2210096' first='Jackson' last='Younger']. I am interested to see what Pittman puts on the field this year and who they are as a team because if they are not equipped, I could see a team like Unicoi Co. overtaking them for first place.    The Blue Devils return a veteran squad this Fall with a variety of upperclassmen spread out among several positions with running back [player_tooltip player_id='2111996' first='Blaze' last='Rice'] and their offensive line standing out. The Unicoi Co. coaching staff will need to sort out the quarterback position but even so, they may still lean on Rice and their rushing attack this season. They do have a solid pass catcher in [player_tooltip player_id='2169946' first='Avery' last='Hatcher'] to throw at if they can find their signal caller. I like Pittman and Unicoi Co. for the top two spots but the final two slots in the playoffs, I see a battle this season between Pigeon Forge, Johnson Co. and Chuckey-Doak.    As things look right now, I like Pigeon Forge for third, followed by Johnson Co. then Chuckey-Doak. The Tigers won three region games last year and could increase that in the Fall but several pieces must come together for that to happen. Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='2210099' first='McCoy' last='Smith'] is someone to track this season as a potential breakout player for Pigeon Forge. I honestly think it's a toss up right now between Johnson Co. and Chuckey-Doak for the final playoff spot. I give the edge to the Longhorns but it's by a slim margin. Both teams have running backs in Brayden Dickens (JC) and [player_tooltip player_id='2210407' first='Brayden' last='Greene'] (CD) that can become top weapons and lead the way for their respective squads. I do think that Claiborne will have a better team this year and I may get surprised but I still think they are far back from the rest of the region.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/07/brice.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2252526" style="aspect-ratio:0.9990287220757597;width:221px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Region 2 Preseason Overview/Predictions   1. Meigs Co.    2. McMinn Central   3. Austin-East   4. Sweetwater   5. Kingston   6. Scott    Preseason POTY: (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1565598' first='Kaiden' last='Brewster'] - Meigs Co.    Preseason Off. POTY: (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1565598' first='Kaiden' last='Brewster'] - Meigs Co.    Preseason Def. POTY: (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1590690' first='Ethan' last='Shaver'] - Meigs Co.    Preseason Lineman of the Year: (OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1708850' first='Peyton' last='Standridge'] - Meigs Co.    - Everybody in this region is looking up at Meigs Co. and while I think the rest of the competition should be closer this year, I expect the Tigers to still be at the top and the team to beat. Junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1565598' first='Kaiden' last='Brewster'] is a bonafide star that should be in the mix for Mr. Football this year and could boost his college stock with another highly productive season. Running the ball with Brewster will be important for the Tigers but so will be the play of their defense. This side of the ball I think needs a little more development and work before they are a top level unit but I see several good pieces with [player_tooltip player_id='1590690' first='Ethan' last='Shaver'] at linebacker and Bowen Combs and [player_tooltip player_id='1666758' first='Cornelius' last='Morgan'] in the secondary that will lead by example. The defensive line for Meigs Co. is where I see the most work needed.    Competing with Meigs Co. for that top spot looks to be McMinn Central. Coming off an eight win season last year, the Chargers return several key players to help increase their win total and go deeper into the playoffs but only if their top guys have developed properly. I like several of the pieces they have on offense with quarterback Bryce Mullins, Brodie Rogers and JaMez Moss at receiver and a solid O-line, led by junior big man [player_tooltip player_id='2159891' first='Maddux' last='Bartel']. Defensively is where I see question marks but I think the Chargers will have enough juice on offense to succeed. The surprise team in this region to watch for is Austin-East. This may be the best Roadrunners team they have had in a while but I still think they are a few steps away from competing for a region title. Pass catchers Di'Kyeis Towns and [player_tooltip player_id='1681703' first='Marcos' last='McCord'] are two guys to watch for at Austin-East to have potential breakout seasons.    Sweetwater finished in 3rd place last year and while I think they won't be as strong this Fall, I still expect the Wildcats to return back to the playoffs. It won't be easy as Kingston is right there with them but I feel Sweetwater is a little better especially with the backfield returning in [player_tooltip player_id='2210423' first='Nolan' last='Dacus'] at quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1893783' first='Ty' last='Fitch'] carrying the ball at running back. If Kingston is to contend for that fourth spot, they will need several unknowns to step forward but one guy to watch for, who I think is a budding college prospect is quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1704644' first='Avery' last='Belitz']. You can't forget about Scott, especially after winning six games last year and returning a few key players from that  team. I don't think the Highlanders will be an easy out but I think they are still a step or two behind the rest of the region.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/kbrewster.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-2058795" style="width:245px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Meigs County QB [player_tooltip player_id='1565598' first='Kaiden' last='Brewster'] during a game.</figcaption></figure>   - - - - -    Region 3 Preseason Overview/Predictions   1. Tyner Academy   2. Chatt. Prep   3. Chatt. Central   4. Brainerd   Preseason POTY: (WR/DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1565851' first='Antonio' last='Edwards'] - Tyner Acad.   Preseason Off. POTY: (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1038480' first='Dee' last='McNealy'] - Tyner Acad.    Preseason Def. POTY: (Edge) [player_tooltip player_id='2235589' first='Ja'Marien' last='Crawl'] - Tyner Acad.    Preseason Lineman of the Year: (OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1592127' first='Carmello' last='Peoples'] - Tyner Acad.    - This region belongs to Tyner Academy and I honestly don't see any competition that will overtake them. The Rams have a loaded team this year that could compete for the Class 3A state title but everyone must perform up to their standards while remaining healthy. Tyner should have a balanced offense this year between the running of [player_tooltip player_id='1038480' first='Dee' last='McNealy'], the passing from Marcus Turner and the explosiveness and speed from guys like [player_tooltip player_id='1565851' first='Antonio' last='Edwards'], [player_tooltip player_id='2132918' first='Karontae'' last='Cunningham'] and others. The O-line is the biggest question mark on offense for the Rams, even though they have a stud in [player_tooltip player_id='1592127' first='Carmello' last='Peoples'] to build around. I actually think the Rams offense might have a small adjustment period but their defense should be stout the entire year. They have standout players on all three levels with a few new additions in [player_tooltip player_id='2251064' first='Nasir' last='Hayward'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1881268' first='Jadarius' last='Hinton'] that should become difference makers.    The rest of the region is up for grabs with Chatt. Prep looking like the next best team behind the Rams. The Sentinels are losing several key players, including an All-State caliber running back but should return enough talent to stay within the top two of this region. Senior defensive end Emonte Thornton could be a game changer for them this year. Senior defensive backs [player_tooltip player_id='1704591' first='Kentrell' last='Watkins Jr.'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1643691' first='Taevon' last='Boykin'] have the athleticism and ball hawk tendencies to excel on the back end of the defense. Chatt. Central had a disappointing 2025 season but they were young and should be much better this Fall. It could be another struggle this year for Brainerd to accumulate victories with a roster that is lacking overall talent.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/08/tyner3.jpg?w=691" alt="" class="wp-image-1852608" style="aspect-ratio:0.7358953393295176;width:205px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Justin Sims</figcaption></figure>   - - - - -    Region 4 Preseason Overview/Predictions   1. Giles Co.    2. Forrest   3. Sequatchie Co.    4. Cascade    5. Watertown   6. Community    Preseason POTY: (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='2089183' first='Xavier' last='Randolph'] - Giles Co.    Preseason Off. POTY: (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1589943' first='Quincy' last='Mitchell'] - Forrest    Preseason Def. POTY: (DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1144213' first='Gowan' last='Brown'] - Sequatchie Co.    Preseason Lineman of the Year: (DT) Braylon Davis - Giles Co.    - This region should be fun to follow this Fall season as I could see Giles Co., Forrest or Sequatchie Co. competing for the title. Going into the 2026 football year, I like what I see from Giles Co. and their chances at claiming the region for their own. The Bobcats return a veteran core that won nine ball games last year, led by Mr. Football candidate [player_tooltip player_id='2089183' first='Xavier' last='Randolph']. The offense has a shot at being high scoring and explosive. Randolph runs the show behind center and he has some solid skill to work with, especially [player_tooltip player_id='1662941' first='Damari' last='Allen'] outside at receiver. What I think puts the Bobcats over the rest of the teams in this region is their line of scrimmage. Their O-line should be quite strong with guys like Bryce Rivers and [player_tooltip player_id='2234712' first='Kaden' last='Luffman'] paving the way. The addition of [player_tooltip player_id='1668515' first='Carter' last='Pettigrew'] at running back should be big for the offense as well.    Forrest I believe has the best chance at taking the region away from Giles Co. due to having the Prep Redzone Tennessee number one ranked running back in [player_tooltip player_id='1589943' first='Quincy' last='Mitchell']. This junior ball carrier led the state in rushing last year and could do so again this Fall. He should have help on the outside from receivers Issac Cruse and [player_tooltip player_id='2152622' first='Shawn' last='David'] but the Rockets must find a signal caller to get them the ball while shoring up their O-line. The main pieces from last year's Sequatchie Co. team returns but do the Indians have enough on both sides of the ball to take this region? We will find out but they have multiple key parts to build around in [player_tooltip player_id='454466' first='Jack' last='Evitts'], [player_tooltip player_id='904934' first='Kason' last='Hicks'], [player_tooltip player_id='1144213' first='Gowan' last='Brown'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1136154' first='Hunter' last='Minton'] at quarterback. If depth can be developed and new stars step forward, I could see Sequatchie Co. becoming a tough team to compete against.    If Cascade had more talent, more bodies on the line of scrimmage, they would sit higher in the region because I like several parts about their team. They have the best quarterback in this region with [player_tooltip player_id='1142033' first='Sam' last='Bradley'] and one of the best running backs with [player_tooltip player_id='1635443' first='Nate' last='Zimmerman']. They also have a nice mix of veterans and youthful talent that should contribute on both sides of the ball but it's their offensive and defensive lines that don't have top level talent or enough bodies to contend with the top three. Watertown has a few talented ball players like [player_tooltip player_id='1974232' first='Garrett' last='Davis'] and Carmello Davis to lead the Purple Tigers but are young in a lot of areas you need to fight for titles. I actually think Watertown may be a solid ball club this year but just not good enough compared to the others.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/qmitchell.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1595937" style="width:247px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Region 5 Preseason Overview/Predictions   1. Whites Creek   2. White House-Heritage   3. Stratford   4. Maplewood   5. Westmoreland    Preseason POTY: (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1580784' first='Deon' last='Barnes'] - Whites Creek   Preseason Off. POTY: (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='317160' first='Xavier' last='Murray'] - WH-Heritage   Preseason Def. POTY: (DE) [player_tooltip player_id='1726932' first='Bradley' last='Butler'] - WH-Heritage   Preseason Lineman of the Year: (OL/DT) Brayden Conley - Whites Creek    - Taking home the region title will be a battle as I see a two-team race here between Whites Creek and White House Heritage with the Cobras slightly in the lead going into the 2026 season. Heritage went undefeated last year, winning the region and they return several key players from that team like [player_tooltip player_id='317160' first='Xavier' last='Murray'], [player_tooltip player_id='1909567' first='Mar'Shaun' last='Fletcher'], [player_tooltip player_id='1726932' first='Bradley' last='Butler'] and others but they also lost multiple top guys as well. Whites Creek had a solid 2025 season with seven wins but only won one of those within the region. I think things get flipped this Fall with the Cobras having enough talent to take the title and triumph over Heritage. It won't be easy as Heritage will still be quite competitive and worthy enough to remain on top but I think the overall talent on Whites Creek roster is too strong this year.    The battle for the third and fourth spot in this region will be between Maplewood, Stratford and Westmoreland. I like the two teams from Nashville to reach the playoffs with Stratford coming in third and having a real shot at finishing second and going on a solid run through the playoffs, especially after the additions this off-season with [player_tooltip player_id='906624' first='Jonathan' last='Fredericks'] at quarterback and rising junior [player_tooltip player_id='2097875' first='Justin' last='Williams'] rushing off the edge. Maplewood has a few veteran pieces on this year's team that will help the Panthers reach postseason play but they don't have enough overall talent to contend at the top of this region. Linebacker Demonte Carter has produced a ton throughout his Maplewood career and I expect nothing different this Fall. I think it could be a tough season ahead for Westmoreland but I do see an outside shot at getting into the playoffs as they fight with Maplewood for that final spot.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/05/Photo-May-25-2026-3-31-43-PM-crop-1320x867-1779741345.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2216031" style="width:316px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Whites Creek QB [player_tooltip player_id='1580784' first='Deon' last='Barnes'] during a game. Photo from his Instagram.</figcaption></figure>   - - - - -    Region 6 Preseason Overview/Predictions   1. Fairview    2. Camden   3. Waverly   4. Stewart Co.    5. Sycamore   6. Cheatham Co.    7. Harpeth    Preseason POTY: (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='2219604' first='Bryson' last='Harrison'] - Fairview    Preseason Off. POTY: (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='932838' first='Jake' last='Reynoldson'] - Camden   Preseason Def. POTY: (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='932835' first='Isaiah' last='Goodwin'] - Camden   Preseason Lineman of the Year: (OL/DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1635686' first='Blaze' last='Parker'] - Fairview    - This region proved to be highly competitive last year with one game separating the top four teams and while I expect things to nearly remain the same this Fall, I do think it will be a tad different. It could remain quite competitive with multiple teams fighting for the top spot but I like what Fairview has this year and their chances at repeating as region champs. The Yellow Jackets return several important players from last year's squad that include [player_tooltip player_id='2219604' first='Bryson' last='Harrison'], [player_tooltip player_id='1635686' first='Blaze' last='Parker'] and Cole Neal while bringing in a few new additions, especially [player_tooltip player_id='1687470' first='Isaac' last='Burgos'] at quarterback. Fairview should have a well balanced team this year that still likes to run the ball while playing physical up front in the trenches.   I think the Yellow Jackets biggest competition for that top spot this year should be Camden. The Lions don't appear to have a ton of depth but they got some talented veterans in [player_tooltip player_id='932838' first='Jake' last='Reynoldson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='932835' first='Isaiah' last='Goodwin'] to lead the way and provide consistent game play. I do worry about the trenches with Camden but I think they will have enough bodies up front to win most games this year. Waverly will be a different squad this year that leans on more youth, especially at quarterback with a talented incoming freshman in [player_tooltip player_id='1546805' first='Cade' last='Boldin']. Leaning on the run game with [player_tooltip player_id='933043' first='Logan' last='Harbison'] is something I think the staff will do early on as Boldin gets acclimated to everything. The surprise team in this region could be Stewart County. The Owls finished in the cellar last season but I think they make a jump in the Fall to become a playoff caliber team that may sneak up on several opponents.    It's a seven team region here, so a few programs might have decent seasons but still miss out on postseason play. Sycamore went 4-2 in the region last year and earned a playoff spot but I foresee a transitional year ahead for the War Eagles as they lost multiple top level players that must be replaced. Look for [player_tooltip player_id='2180739' first='Altavion' last='Frazier'] to step forward and become the team's top offensive weapon. While I think Cheatham Co. does finish at the bottom again, I think they will be a better team this Fall compared to last year. They have a potential 1,000 yard back in [player_tooltip player_id='1909553' first='Walker' last='Hobbs'] that can put his team on his back towards victories but he will certainly need a lot of help to place inside the top four. The 2026 campaign could be another down year for Harpeth but they at least return John Neely at running back and safety and Ziyan Cook in the trenches to build around.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/07/bparker2.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-2252537" style="width:250px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Region 7 Preseason Overview/Predictions   1. Westview    2. Dyersburg   3. Covington   4. Bolivar Central    5. Obion Co.    6. McNairy Central   7. Ripley    Preseason POTY: (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='424594' first='Graham' last='Simpson'] - Westview    Preseason Off. POTY: (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1103496' first='Asa' last='Barnes'] - Westview    Preseason Def. POTY: (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1789693' first='Coree' last='Wells'] - Westview    Preseason Lineman of the Year: (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1032139' first='Drake' last='Hickman'] - Westview    - There is no question that Westview is the class of this region and I expect the Chargers to run through the competition this year barely untouched. When you look at their roster compared to the rest of the region, nobody is close and it's by a mile. Multiple Mr. Football candidates reside on the Westview team with [player_tooltip player_id='424594' first='Graham' last='Simpson'] behind center, [player_tooltip player_id='1103496' first='Asa' last='Barnes'] carrying the ball, [player_tooltip player_id='1422977' first='Miles' last='Brown'] going both ways at receiver and defensive back along with possibly the best defense coming out of the 3A ranks. I think the offense will remain explosive and high scoring but I see their defense being the benchmark this year, led by senior linebackers [player_tooltip player_id='1789693' first='Coree' last='Wells'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2100530' first='Finn' last='Snider'] and one of the best D-linemen from our junior class with [player_tooltip player_id='1032139' first='Drake' last='Hickman']. I foresee the Chargers not just winning this region but going undefeated and sitting at the top of ranks to repeat as 3A state champions.    When you look beyond Westview and at the rest of the region, I think it's a crapshoot, especially with Covington and Dyersburg looking like they are in transition years. I still expect the Chargers and Trojans to finish inside the top three with Dyersburg holding the edge for second place right now but neither team will be as strong as year's past. I see an opportunity for someone new to compete for the top three and the best team I see fitted for that right now is Bolivar Central. The Tigers don't have a ton of depth but I believe they have enough talent to make some noise. Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='932832' first='Colton' last='Mayfield'] is the team leader and how he plays is how the rest of the team will go. He will have some help with Andrekius Pirtle at running back and under the radar O-line, led by Kaleb Bryant and [player_tooltip player_id='1719209' first='Kayden' last='Mynatt'].    It won't be easy for Bolivar to obtain that fourth spot as I think Obion Co. and McNairy Central aren't too far behind. The Rebels are replacing several key starters from last year's team but should have enough back to compete for that fourth playoff spot. What stands out to me about Obion Co. is the size they have in the trenches. There is a lot to learn about their big man but it's always good to have multiple players that bring college level size to the playing field. McNairy Central is the sleeper team to me that could sneak up to have a strong 2026 season but a lot is depending on their unknown talent to step forward and step out. Look out for junior two-way playmaker [player_tooltip player_id='2212508' first='Damari' last='Stafford'] to become the team's top player on both sides of the ball.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/gsimpson-e1767893635177.jpg?w=738" alt="" class="wp-image-2101531" style="aspect-ratio:0.7214187902875655;width:202px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Region 8 Preseason Overview/Predictions   1. Melrose    2. Bolton   3. Memp. East   4. Wooddale   5. Douglass   6. Raleigh-Egypt   7. Hamilton    Preseason POTY: (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1575276' first='Reginald' last='Banks'] - Melrose   Preseason Off. POTY: (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1103458' first='Tavarco' last='Jackson'] - Melrose   Preseason Def. POTY: (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='2005083' first='Malik' last='Moore'] - Memp. East    Preseason Lineman of the Year: (DT) J'Varion Hill - Memp. East    - This is a very tough region to gauge as most of the teams here don't provide enough information to form an ultimate opinion, so you gotta do your research or know what you're doing. I do see Melrose being the team at the top and the team to beat for the region title. The Golden Wildcats are somewhat in a transition year as they are having to replace several departures but compared to the rest of the region, their talent is by far better. Melrose has a few studs to lean on with [player_tooltip player_id='1103458' first='Tavarco' last='Jackson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1580774' first='Carlos' last='Edwards'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1575276' first='Reginald' last='Banks'] along with a new quarterback in Otis Morris to lead the way on offense but it's their defense that may have the biggest question marks. I think the Golden Cats will eventually have a capable enough defense to get the job done and help lead them to another region title.    Beyond Melrose in the top spot, the rest of the region is up for grabs. Bolton finished in second place last year and I think that's where they place again this year. The Wildcats have a lot to develop within their roster but should have enough to build off their five win season in 2025. Memphis East I think takes a step up compared to last year where they finished 2-8 overall. The Mustangs should be solid in the trenches and when you are good there, you have a shot to win ball games. I like what Memphis East may have on defense, led by preseason defensive player of the year in [player_tooltip player_id='2005083' first='Malik' last='Moore'].    Wooddale was the surprise team last year that sprung up to win six ball games and while I think they will return to the playoffs, the Cardinals may take a small step back as the staff implements new starters. The rest of the region with Douglass, Raleigh-Egypt and Hamilton have a lot of unknowns. All three of those programs are lacking information as a whole and don't present a lot of knowledge when it comes to gauging their respective teams. Any one of those three teams could become surprises this Fall and jump into the playoff race but right now, it's hard to put any of the three into the conversation when you don't know much about the football squads.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/04/tavjackson.jpg?w=683" alt="" class="wp-image-2165685" style="aspect-ratio:0.6669960474308301;width:223px;height:auto" /></figure>