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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The road towards the 4A runs through Alcoa this season with the Tornadoes bringing a loaded roster to the field and all the parts to repeat as champions. Who else has a shot at getting to Chattanooga? Who are the top teams from each region and our preseason players of the year? Find out here with our Class 4A preview! </h2>
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<p></p>
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<p><strong>Region 1 Preseason Overview/Predictions</strong></p>
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<p><strong>(Predicted Order of Finish)</strong></p>
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<p><strong>1. Greeneville</strong></p>
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<p><strong>2. Elizabethton</strong></p>
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<p><strong>3. Volunteer</strong></p>
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<p><strong>4. Northview Academy</strong></p>
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<p><strong>5. Seymour</strong></p>
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<p><strong>6. Sullivan-East</strong></p>
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<p><strong>7. Grainger</strong></p>
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<p><strong>Preseason POTY: </strong>(WR/DB) <strong>Taren Claridy </strong>- Greeneville</p>
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<p><strong>Preseason Off. POTY: </strong>(RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2179640' first='C.J.' last='Mathes'] </strong>- Elizabethton</p>
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<p><strong>Preseason Def. POTY: </strong>(LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1634457' first='Cole' last='Smith'] </strong>- Greeneville</p>
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<p><strong>Preseason Lineman of the Year: </strong>(OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1727798' first='Dillon' last='Hartman'] </strong>- Greeneville </p>
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<p>- It's hard not to look at Greeneville and put them at the top yet again, however, I think the rest of the region is closer to the Green Devils than years past and I would not be surprised to see someone else finish in first place. The winning culture at Greeneville is strong. The coaching staff is exceptional. Having those factors in place keeps the Green Devils in the driver seat to win another region title but I see it being a bigger challenge this Fall. Seniors <strong>Taren Claridy </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1634457' first='Cole' last='Smith'] </strong>will lead the way while their youthful roster gets up to speed. The team I see as the next best in this region is Elizabethton. The Cyclones had a good 2025 campaign, finishing one game shy of first place but have several players from that team returning this season. Elizabethton will remain a run based team, led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2179640' first='C.J.' last='Mathes'] </strong>but could increase their passing with the off-season addition of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1659346' first='Peyton' last='Lingerfelt'] </strong>at quarterback. </p>
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<p>Looking past Greeneville and Elizabethton, I see the rest of the region as a toss up as multiple teams show upside to finish in the top four and reach postseason play. As things sit right now, I'm leaning towards Volunteer and Northview Academy taking those two playoff spots but Seymour and Sullivan-East isn't too far behind. The Falcons lost several key players this off-season to the transfer portal but should have enough talent, especially on defense to stay in most games and finish in a postseason spot. Northview Academy is an interesting team to me that I think has the most upside beyond the top two teams. The Cougars will be implementing new starters this year on offense but it's their defense that has me excited with potential future college guys in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2213249' first='Jon' last='Browning'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2179838' first='Marshall' last='Humphrey']</strong>. They have a senior linebacker as well with <strong>Dylan Collier </strong>that could lead this region in tackle. </p>
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<p>Seymour had a better 2025 season than pundits might have thought and I think they take another step forward this year where they should be competing for a playoff spot. I think the Eagles still have plenty of development to go with their roster but I can see them being quite competitive this Fall. Keep eyes on junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2231361' first='Tripp' last='White'] </strong>as a potential breakout performer. Sullivan-East was winless for the 2025 season but I expect them to be better this Fall. The Patriots may actually have some of the best college talent in this region with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1727807' first='Luke' last='Tomlinson']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2229796' first='Colton' last='Laisure'] </strong>and rising sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2240636' first='Ike' last='Deel'] </strong>but still need more to compete with the top of this region. It could be a long year for Grainger but any progress is good for them after coming off a 3-7 campaign in 2025. </p>
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<p>- - - - - </p>
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<p><strong>Region 2 Preseason Overview/Predictions</strong></p>
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<p><strong>1. Alcoa</strong></p>
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<p><strong>2. Anderson Co. </strong></p>
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<p><strong>3. Gibbs</strong></p>
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<p><strong>4. Fulton</strong></p>
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<p><strong>5. Carter</strong></p>
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<p><strong>6. South Doyle</strong></p>
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<p><strong>7. Heritage</strong></p>
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<p><strong>8. Union Co. </strong></p>
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<p><strong>Preseason POTY: </strong>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2058759' first='Thomas' last='Manu'] </strong>- Alcoa</p>
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<p><strong>Preseason Off. POTY: </strong>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='723014' first='J.D.' last='Gillum'] </strong>- Anderson Co. </p>
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<p><strong>Preseason Def. POTY: </strong>(Edge) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1027628' first='Jennaris' last='Henry'] </strong>- Alcoa</p>
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<p><strong>Preseason Lineman of the Year: </strong>(OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='904845' first='Marlee' last='Watts'] </strong>- Alcoa </p>
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<p>- This is one of the best regions within the 4A classification as you have two teams in Alcoa and Anderson Co. that can compete for a state title but only one can finish in the top spot. Even though Anderson Co. defeated Alcoa last year to win the region, I like the Tornadoes to finish in first place due to their loaded roster. They have a strong senior class with guys like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2058759' first='Thomas' last='Manu']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='817933' first='Jamir' last='Dean']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='904845' first='Marlee' last='Watts']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='904844' first='Micah' last='Jones']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1366543' first='Darius' last='Sudderth'] </strong>and new transfers in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1292338' first='Aaron' last='Heatherly']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1705068' first='Jace' last='Boyd']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1598500' first='Weston' last='Davis'] </strong>and others. There are honestly no weaknesses on the Tornadoes roster, which is a key factor why I think they take this region and sit in the driver seat to win the Class 4A state title. Anderson Co. will be a different ball club this year as they implement new starters but should still be legit, especially with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='723014' first='J.D.' last='Gillum'] </strong>running the show at quarterback. He will have a good receiving corps to throw to with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1586188' first='Brayden' last='Sharpe']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1035896' first='Daybrein' last='Owen'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='898264' first='Zach' last='Happney']</strong>. Defensively is where I have a few questions but knowing the staff and their culture, I'm sure they will figure that side of the ball out. </p>
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<p>The rest of the region is looking up to Alcoa and Anderson Co. and far off from competing for the title. The one team that I think could give either of those teams fits is Gibbs. The Eagles have a talented signal caller with <strong>Keith Jones </strong>that has college upside but I don't know if he has enough around him to contend for the top two spots. I do think the Eagles will be competitive on defense with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='904823' first='Seth' last='Seiber'] </strong>causing havoc up front. Fulton appears to be ascending in the right direction, especially when looking over their 2025 roster. They have a few guys in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2206154' first='Jamil' last='Smith'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1591149' first='Keirus' last='Cox'] </strong>that can be game changers but the Falcons will need others to step forward, especially in the trenches to compete for a top three spot. I do like Fulton as a potential spoiler this season to some teams that may sleep on them. </p>
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<p>Carter and South Doyle are the next two in this region that have a shot at competing for a playoff spot. I do foresee the Hornets having a transitional year as new players will be stepping forward into key roles, so there are a lot of unknowns with Carter but I trust the coaching staff to figure things out and be on the cusp of competing for a playoff spot. South Doyle is right there with Carter and may even prove to be better by the end of the 2026 season. The Cherokees have one of the better signal callers in this region with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1857016' first='Benson' last='Brang']</strong> and some solid skill around him, led by <strong>Reed Reynolds</strong>. The line of scrimmage is where I have the most questions about South Doyle but if the staff can find enough serviceable pieces up front, they will have a chance at reaching postseason play. Heritage and Union Co. are several steps behind the others in this region and will need to provide something this season to consider them as formidable opponents. </p>
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<p>- - - - - </p>
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<p><strong>Region 3 Preseason Overview/Predictions</strong></p>
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<p><strong>1. Red Bank</strong></p>
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<p><strong>2. Loudon</strong></p>
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<p><strong>3. Signal Mountain</strong></p>
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<p><strong>4. Hixson</strong></p>
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<p><strong>5. East Ridge</strong></p>
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<p><strong>6. Sequoyah </strong></p>
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<p><strong>Preseason POTY: </strong>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1590252' first='Austin' last='Jones'] </strong>- Red Bank</p>
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<p><strong>Preseason Off. POTY: </strong>(WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1654041' first='Marcus' last='Jones'] </strong>- Red Bank</p>
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<p><strong>Preseason Def. POTY: </strong>(DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2170725' first='Damarii' last='Gordon'] </strong>- Red Bank</p>
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<p><strong>Preseason Lineman of the Year: </strong>(OL/DT) <strong>Zayvion McAlister </strong>- Loudon</p>
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<p>- Going into the 2026 season, Red Bank is the clear cut favorite to win this region and I don't think anyone else is close to competing for the top spot. We do have Loudon placed second and I think the Redskins will have a solid year but the Lions are multiple steps ahead of them and everybody else. Red Bank has a chance to be explosive and high scoring this year with Mr. Football candidate <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1590252' first='Austin' last='Jones'] </strong>running the show behind center. He will have plenty of skill around him to help, led by uber athletic senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1654041' first='Marcus' last='Jones']</strong>. The Lions do need to find a few pieces up front on both sides of the ball but they should be solid in the trenches with senior <strong>Dashaun Irvin </strong>and rising junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2170725' first='Damarii' last='Gordon']</strong>. There is a lot to learn about Loudon but I still think they have enough to finish second place in this region. When you have two of the best linemen in the region with <strong>Zayvion McAlister </strong>and <strong>Ben Burchfield</strong>, you have a shot at winning football games. </p>
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<p>After the top two, there are a lot of unknowns with the rest of the region. Signal Mountain looks like the next best to me headed into the season but Hixson and East Ridge aren't far behind. The Eagles did lose their best college prospect in the off-season to the transfer portal but should have enough returning, especially on defense to compete for a playoff spot. Linebacker <strong>Luca Calabrese </strong>is one to watch for the Eagles defense this season. HIxson had a solid 2025 season that saw them finish 4-1 in the region and while I believe they will be good enough to reach the playoffs again, they may take a small step back as they implement new starters. The sleeper team in this region to watch out for is East Ridge. The Pioneers started off strong last year but faltered off towards the tail end of the season due to depth and overall talent. I do think both of those will be a little better this Fall for East Ridge, which should give them a shot at reaching postseason play. </p>
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<p>- - - - - </p>
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<p><strong>Region 4 Preseason Overview/Predictions</strong></p>
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<p><strong>1. Macon Co.</strong></p>
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<p><strong>2. Stone Memorial</strong></p>
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<p><strong>3. Upperman</strong></p>
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<p><strong>4. White Co. </strong></p>
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<p><strong>5. DeKalb Co.</strong></p>
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<p><strong>6. Livingston Academy</strong></p>
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<p><strong>Preseason POTY: </strong>(RB/DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2149062' first='Xavier' last='Bentley'] </strong>- Macon Co </p>
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<p><strong>Preseason Off. POTY: </strong>(WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1608559' first='Kadyn' last='Page']</strong> - Stone Memorial</p>
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<p><strong>Preseason Def. POTY: </strong>(LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1679806' first='Colton' last='Johnson'] </strong>- Upperman</p>
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<p><strong>Preseason Lineman of the Year: </strong>(OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2156646' first='Wyatt' last='Walrond'] </strong>- Macon Co. </p>
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<p>- I think this is the year we see someone else win the region besides Upperman. While I still think the Bees will win plenty of games and potentially become a sleeper team in the playoffs, they will be a younger ball club this year that will be fitting in new starters on both sides of the ball. Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1679806' first='Colton' last='Johnson'] </strong>is the star this year for Upperman who needs to have a strong year for his team to achieve their top goals. Macon Co. is who I like the most right now as potential region champs. They have a veteran squad back this Fall with solid skill players and possibly the best offensive line unit. Future college player <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2156646' first='Wyatt' last='Walrond'] </strong>leads the way up front for a bevy of ball carriers, spearheaded by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2149062' first='Xavier' last='Bentley']</strong>. The style of offense Macon Co. runs along with their brand of physicality might gain them this region but also become a scary team to track in the playoffs. </p>
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<p>Stone Memorial isn't too far behind Macon Co. and I wouldn't be surprised to see them actually win this region. This could be one of the better rosters Stone Memorial has had in the school's history. The Panthers have a balanced team with an offense that should score a lot of points with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1668404' first='Max' last='Warner']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1608559' first='Kadyn' last='Page'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1566197' first='Parker' last='Cox'] </strong>blocking up front and a defense that should be solid within the front seven, led by senior linebacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1740835' first='Carson' last='McCoy']</strong>.I see a few holes that need to be sorted out in camp, which is why I have Macon Co. ahead right now but those areas could be fixed and make the Panthers even better and more equipped at taking the title. </p>
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<p>I think the top three of Macon Co., Stone Memorial and Upperman are heads above the rest of the region but the next team in-line would be White County. The Warriors have a few top tier prospects like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1617402' first='Lex' last='Winfree']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2089830' first='Cole' last='Sims']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1942274' first='Eli' last='Smith'] </strong>and <strong>Eli Sparkman </strong>but the rest of the roster is very much unknown. White Co. has lost a lot of good players over the past two years. It's time to create new stars and if the staff can find some of those guys in camp, the Warriors could move into the conversation with Upperman for third place. DeKalb Co. and Livingston Academy sit at the bottom of the region due to the lack of college level prospects and unknowns throughout both teams. I do have a few guys in <strong>Tucker Webb </strong>from DeKalb Co. and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2233300' first='Joshua' last='Burchett'] </strong>from Livingston to watch for and contend for All-Region honors. </p>
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<p>- - - - - </p>
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<p><strong>Region 5 Preseason Overview/Predictions</strong></p>
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<p><strong>1. Marshall Co. </strong></p>
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<p><strong>2. Battle Creek</strong></p>
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<p><strong>3. Spring Hill </strong></p>
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<p><strong>4. Creek Wood</strong></p>
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<p><strong>5. Montgomery Central </strong></p>
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<p><strong>Preseason POTY: </strong>(RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1885826' first='Tot' last='Gardner'] </strong>- Marshall Co. </p>
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<p><strong>Preseason Off. POTY: </strong>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1532507' first='Gavin' last='Shrader'] </strong>- Marshall Co. </p>
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<p><strong>Preseason Def. POTY: </strong>(DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1583156' first='Mylan' last='Morris'] </strong>- Marshall Co. </p>
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<p><strong>Preseason Lineman of the Year: </strong>(OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1896221' first='Landon' last='Hill'] </strong>- Spring Hill</p>
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<p>- I see different tiers spread out in this region. Marshall Co. is the clear cut favorite to win the region while Battle Creek and Spring Hill are neck and neck for second place. We then have a battle between Creek Wood and Montgomery Central for the final playoff spot with the Red Hawks holding the edge right now due to having a solid one-two passing combo between <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='932844' first='Ben' last='Singleton'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2079594' first='Odell' last='Springer']</strong>. Montgomery Central isn't too far behind Creek Wood and could overtake them with a defense that I think could be quite solid this year, led by senior linebackers <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1705703' first='Cayson' last='Rasch'] </strong>and <strong>Malosi Laban</strong>. The biggest battle in this region will be for second where I have Battle Creek in the lead but only by a slim margin over Spring Hill. Rising junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2190503' first='Stanley' last='Williams Jr.'] </strong>is a star in the making that could develop into a D1 quality prospect. Spring Hill finished second last year and could get there again but a star running back must be replaced while new names step forward into starting roles. </p>
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<p>Marshall Co. has been one of the more consistent football teams in the Mid-Tennessee region over the past decade with coach <strong>Thomas Osteen </strong>at the helm. I expect the Tigers to remain at the top this Fall with a team that will be implementing new starters but have enough veteran and star players to potentially have a nine, ten win season. The backfield of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1532507' first='Gavin' last='Shrader'] </strong>at quarterback and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1885826' first='Tot' last='Gardner'] </strong>running the ball could be special. They have solid pass catchers as well with <strong>Davion Stanley </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1648945' first='Marks' last='Mitchell']</strong>. The O-line is where I have the biggest question marks but the D-line should be solid, spearheaded by senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1583156' first='Mylan' last='Morris']</strong>. I like this Tigers team enough to not only win their region but become a sleeper team to watch in the 4A playoffs. </p>
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<p> - - - - - </p>
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<p><strong>Region 6 Preseason Overview/Predictions</strong></p>
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<p><strong>1. Pearl Cohn</strong></p>
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<p><strong>2. Springfield</strong></p>
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<p><strong>3. Liberty Creek</strong></p>
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<p><strong>4. White House</strong></p>
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<p><strong>5. Greenbrier</strong></p>
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<p><strong>Preseason POTY: </strong>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1286233' first='L.J.' last='Funk'] </strong>- Pearl Cohn</p>
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<p><strong>Preseason Off. POTY: </strong>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1588080' first='Kason' last='Woodson'] </strong>- Springfield</p>
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<p><strong>Preseason Def. POTY: </strong>(DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1193376' first='Jermaine' last='Cobbins'] </strong>- Springfield</p>
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<p><strong>Preseason Lineman of the Year: </strong>(DE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1847720' first='Mikhai' last='Moshay'] </strong>- Pearl Cohn</p>
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<p>- This region will come down to the game between Pearl Cohn and Springfield for the title where I think the Firebirds will prevail. I like this Pearl Cohn team and what they can become for the entire season. I see a potential state title contending team with the Firebirds as they have a potent offensive unit, led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1286233' first='L.J.' last='Funk'] </strong>and his cast of playmakers and possibly the best defense within the entire 4A ranks. It's a well balanced team with star power and veterans along with some young up and coming prospects that have big time potential. Springfield is the only team in this region that presents a challenge towards Pearl Cohn. I don't know if the Yellow Jackets will be as good as last year but they should still be quite strong with a nice veteran core of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1588080' first='Kason' last='Woodson']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2047637' first='Bryce' last='Baldwin']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1193376' first='Jermaine' last='Cobbins'] </strong>and others. If some new players step forward into shining roles, I could see Springfield competing for this region and once again get into the mix to reach Chattanooga. </p>
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<p>The final two playoff selections should be fun to follow as I definitely see Liberty Creek being one of them while White House and Greenbrier fight for that fourth and final spot. This could be the best Wolves team they have had yet but a lot must come together for that to happen. They have a solid group of skill players in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2118510' first='Ashton' last='Davis']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1190214' first='Brody' last='Keeton']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1190424' first='Marsia' last='Hale'] </strong>and others along with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1563275' first='Barrett' last='O'Brien'] </strong>at quarterback to potentially have a balanced offense. The line of scrimmage has a few good players too like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1732144' first='Z'Mari' last='Tucker'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1675152' first='Zach' last='Carr']</strong>. Several pieces on defense need to be figured out but Liberty Creek should have a solid 2026 season. White House and Greenbrier are lacking the star power and overall depth to contend for the region title but one of them will gain a spot in the playoffs. I do like the Blue Devils right now for fourth but it's not by a wide margin as I could see the Bobcats being there as well. </p>
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<p>- - - - - </p>
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<p><strong>Region 7 Preseason Overview/Predictions</strong></p>
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<p><strong>1. South Gibson</strong></p>
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<p><strong>2. Lexington</strong></p>
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<p><strong>3. Crockett Co.</strong></p>
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<p><strong>4. Jackson North-Side</strong></p>
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<p><strong>5. Dyer Co. </strong></p>
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<p><strong>6. Chester Co.</strong></p>
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<p><strong>7. Hardin Co. </strong></p>
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<p><strong>8. Jackson South-Side</strong></p>
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<p><strong>Preseason POTY: </strong>(RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2111997' first='Tyshaun' last='Jeter'] </strong>- South Gibson</p>
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<p><strong>Preseason Off. POTY: </strong>(RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1668510' first='D.K.' last='Woods'] </strong>- Crockett Co. </p>
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<p><strong>Preseason Def. POTY: </strong>(DE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1085958' first='Aviance' last='Huddleston'] </strong>- Lexington</p>
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<p><strong>Preseason Lineman of the Year: </strong>(OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='866736' first='Max' last='Paschall'] </strong>- South Gibson</p>
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<p>- This should be the most competitive region of all on the 4A level with five or six playoff caliber teams and three of them in contention to take the title. We lean towards South Gibson right now as the team to beat but it's not by a wide margin as Lexington and Crockett Co. are right there with them. The Hornets are the defending region champs but must replace several key starters, however they return enough star players like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2111997' first='Tyshaun' last='Jeter'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1718018' first='Jaxon' last='Young'] </strong>to earn back to back titles. I like the line of scrimmage as well with seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='866736' first='Max' last='Paschall'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1570539' first='Cayden' last='Allen']</strong>. We could see the emergence of Lexington this Fall. I like the pieces on both sides of the ball for them and the potential the overall team could bring to the field this season. The offense needs a little more work, especially up front but the Tigers might have the best defense in this region for the coming 2026 season. </p>
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<p>Crockett Co. is placed third due to their need of new starters on both sides of the ball but still have a shot at being quite good due to the their backfield of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1743787' first='Ben' last='Burgess'] </strong>at quarterback and Mr. Football candidate <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1668510' first='D.K.' last='Woods'] </strong>running the ball. Based on the Cavs use of the run game, if they can shore up their defense, I could see Crockett Co. contending for the top spot. The fourth and final playoff spot will be battle and right now, I see it coming down to Jackson North-Side and Dyer County. The Choctaws made it last year and have a few good players returning in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2170108' first='Grant' last='West'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2084604' first='Jaiden' last='Sebourn'] </strong>but I feel like they lost too much to earn a top four spot. Jackson North-Side also lost several players from last year but I feel they have a more talented roster compared to Dyer Co., especially with the off-season addition of running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1576799' first='Braydon' last='Weldon']</strong>. </p>
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<p>Chester Co. had some struggles last year but I think they will be better in 2026 with an outside shot at competing for and grabbing that final playoff selection. The Eagles have a deeper roster compared to last season with a few solid veterans leading the way, especially two-way talent <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1580800' first='Jordan' last='Hunt']</strong>. Much of the same above can be said about Hardin Co. as I expect the Tigers to be better than their winless region record last year but I still expect them to stay at the bottom as will Jackson South-Side as the Indians will be quite young this year with a lot of unknowns. </p>
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<p>- - - - - </p>
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<p><strong>Region 8 Preseason Overview/Predictions</strong></p>
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<p><strong>1. Haywood</strong></p>
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<p><strong>2. Fayette-Ware</strong></p>
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<p><strong>3. Millington</strong></p>
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<p><strong>4. Lakeland Prep</strong></p>
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<p><strong>5. Kirby</strong></p>
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<p><strong>6. Ridgeway</strong></p>
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<p><strong>7. Craigmont</strong></p>
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<p><strong>Preseason POTY: </strong>(S/WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1162582' first='Jaden' last='Butler'] </strong>- Haywood</p>
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<p><strong>Preseason Off. POTY: </strong>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2071466' first='Justin' last='Price'] </strong>- Fayette-Ware</p>
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<p><strong>Preseason Def. POTY: </strong>(DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1651553' first='Layquan' last='Armour'] </strong>- Fayette-Ware</p>
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<p><strong>Preseason Lineman of the Year: </strong>(OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1673572' first='Dakylin' last='Proffitt'] </strong>- Haywood</p>
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<p>- Everything in this region starts with Haywood and while I like the Tomcats to finish on top, Fayette-Ware should give them a run for their money. As long as everybody stays and all goes according to plan, Haywood and Fayette-Ware should be the top two teams in this region, fighting for the top spot. The Tomcats have the best player in this region with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1162582' first='Jaden' last='Butler'] </strong>but beyond him, there are a lot of unknowns with the rest of the team. I do see potential with their O-line, spearheaded by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1673572' first='Dakylin' last='Proffitt'] </strong>and senior two-way lineman <strong>Eric Bullock</strong>. The Wildcats missed out on the playoffs last year but that experience should benefit them this Fall with a lot of returning talent and a more well balanced roster. Quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2071466' first='Justin' last='Price'] </strong>and his group of skill guys, led by two-way prospect <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1651553' first='Layquan' last='Armour']</strong>, could develop into the most prolific offense in the region this season. </p>
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<p>The rest of the region is honestly up for grabs with Millington and Lakeland Prep taking our third and fourth spots at the moment. The Trojans must replace a few key starters from last year but I like the makeup of their roster this Fall and what kind of team they can become by the end of the year. It will be a challenge for them as Lakeland Prep isn't far behind them, especially with a senior signal caller back under center in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2089181' first='Brett' last='Godwin']</strong>. The Lions will be much younger this Fall with new starters taking on bigger roles but I feel they have enough to compete for a playoff spot and return back to postseason action. I think the bottom three will consist of Kirby, Ridgeway and Craigmont as all three look to be in a transitional year as they develop their rosters. </p>
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The road towards the 4A runs through Alcoa this season with the Tornadoes bringing a loaded roster to the field and all the parts to repeat as champions. Who else has a shot at getting to Chattanooga? Who are the top teams from each region and our preseason players of the year? Find out here with our Class 4A preview!
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