Season Preview: Class 1A Title Contenders

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Going into the 2026 season, who are the top championship caliber teams to watch for from the 1A level? Who are some sleeper teams to keep eyes in the Fall as well? We got that covered for ya here with in-depth coverage on the best teams 1A teams to know about this year. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top of the List ……</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>McKenzie Rebels (1A/Reg. 6)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Falling one win short of taking home the state title last season, McKenzie and their veteran roster have their sights set on finishing the job this year and I believe they have the tools to get it done. The Rebels return the classification's top yards producer in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1603459' first='Cole' last='Brown'] </strong>at quarterback and he has a strong receiving corps to throw to in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2071511' first='Avery' last='Brown']</strong>, <strong>Jacolbi Melton </strong>and rising junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2220114' first='Kason' last='Brown']</strong>. The offensive line needs to be re-tooled a little but they have a stalwart up front to build around in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1088653' first='Hunter' last='Winstead']</strong>. Replacing Timmy Arline at running back is the biggest hole going into the season but I'm sure the staff will find somebody to handle everything while they lean on Brown and their passing attack. I could see the Rebels sporting the top overall offense on the 1A level by season's end.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I know the Rebels have the offense to go all the way but it's their defense that I don't know if they have everything in place right now to make that title run. Things can certainly change as we get into the season but the staff is having to implement some new starters this year, so there are some unknowns left to find out. What the Rebels do have is a force up front in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1088079' first='Maddox' last='Shiell'] </strong>that can be a difference maker. They should also have a solid safety group as well, led by [player_tooltip player_id='2220114' first='Kason' last='Brown']. If the defense can find some new stars while forming together as a cohesive unit, the Rebels could have a balanced team that not only gets to Chattanooga but brings home that “Gold Ball.”&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2226781,"width":"403px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"3.003128258602711","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/06/abrown.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2226781" style="aspect-ratio:3.003128258602711;width:403px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>South Pittsburg Pirates (1A/Reg. 3)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The reigning, defending Class 1A champs should be right back in the mix to win another state title this Fall as they return several key pieces from last year's championship run. Everything starts with the reigning Mr. Football winner in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1577095' first='Dayon' last='Cooper']</strong>. The speedster sets the tone on both sides of the ball. He is the team's top offensive threat and best cover guy on defense that could have another big year but that depends on who takes over the reins at quarterback. That is one position I am unclear about going into the season. The Pirates brought in a transfer, who should be the starting guy but I'm interested to see how things play out. The offensive line is another area that has some unknowns about it. Multiple starters from last year graduated, leaving open holes for others to step into. South Pitt does have two-way lineman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2210894' first='Ransom' last='Green'] </strong>returning, who should set the tone each week for the Pirates.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While I think the offense will do fine and score enough, I think it will be their defense that leads the way. Key pieces from last year's title team returns on this side of the ball like Cooper, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1675594' first='Brandon' last='Goldsmith']</strong>, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1467318' first='Martavius' last='Smith'] </strong>in the secondary along with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1205814' first='Kemijah' last='Harris'] </strong>and <strong>Anthony Gibbs </strong>at linebacker. The back seven will be just fine but it's the defensive line that has some mysteries at the moment. Expect some youthful guys to step into bigger roles this Fall across the Pirates defensive line and if they do their jobs properly, the veterans behind them will dominate. It may take a few games for everybody to gel together but in the end, I believe the Pirates will have a strong defensive unit.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>(Side Note: Looking over the Class 1A teams, McKenzie and South Pitt are the clear top two teams in this classification and it's by a wide margin between them and everybody else. Could anybody jump out of nowhere and contend with these two, sure but I just don't see it. I believe we will be getting a rematch from last year between the Rebels and Pirates in the 1A title game.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2240903,"width":"209px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/07/dcooper.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-2240903" style="width:209px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Middle Tier ……</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dresden Tigers (1A-Reg. 7)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Tigers are an interesting team to continue learning about as we go through the 2026 season. They have a few key leaders to bank on this Fall in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='932881' first='Jacoby' last='Sutton']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1983481' first='Aiden' last='Carrington'] </strong>and others but the Tigers will also be a young team that will be implementing new starters in several areas. How Dresden finishes out the 2026 season will hang on the development of those new starters and how strong their veteran players perform this year. Looking at the roster, I'm expecting the Tigers to be strong on defense, especially in the front seven while the offense may need a few weeks before they find their footing. The Tigers like to run the ball, so forming the O-line will be critical towards the team's overall success.&nbsp; I do like this team to win their region and I think they have a path towards Chattanooga but the Tigers must get through McKenzie to get there.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Coalfield Yellow Jackets (1A-Reg. 2)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Culture will be the biggest driving force behind the Yellow Jackets putting forth a winning season that potentially leads to another region title and a deep run in the playoffs. Coalfield is one of the best programs on the 1A level right now that consistently puts winners on the football field. While I expect the winning ways to continue, the Yellow Jackets will have a semi-young team this Fall with several new players jumping to the forefront. The offense is where most of the new players will be, so it may take time for that unit to come together. It will be on <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1673682' first='Eli' last='Ritter']</strong>, <strong>Cam Greer</strong>, <strong>Eli Burress </strong>and the Coalfield defense to set the tone and lead early on while the offense finds their footing. This is a well coached program that does all the small things right, so while there are a few unknowns about the Yellow Jackets, I still expect them to be good enough to make some noise this Fall.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Richland Raiders (1A-Reg. 5)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- If you glance through the Raiders roster, you may not see the star power or the immediate player that jumps off the page but what Richland has is a solid core of veterans returning along with possibly one of the better O-line units on the 1A level. When you are good on the line of scrimmage, you immediately have a shot at winning ball games. The Raiders have two possible future college guys with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1305219' first='Coell' last='Doggett'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1407746' first='Hudson' last='Tarpley']</strong> leading the way up front along with a few other solid big men around them. Richland may also have a good skill group that goes both ways at receiver and in the secondary. Sophomore running back <strong>Jax Hunter </strong>is someone I have my eye on for a potential breakout year carrying the ball. Finding a quarterback to run the show while shoring up the defense will be key for the staff to form in camp and if they are able to do that, the Raiders could be a team that goes deep in the playoffs.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Perry Co. Vikings (1A-Reg. 6)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Even though the Vikings sit inside the same region as McKenize, I still like what I see from Perry Co. and who they could be by the end of the season. A veteran core returns this Fall for the Vikings with a defensive unit that could be one of the best on 1A level. They are led by college prospect <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2136001' first='Casey' last='Garner']</strong>, who could lead the 1A ranks in sacks this Fall. Garner is complemented on defense with fellow seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1086362' first='Javon' last='McFadden'] </strong>in the secondary and <strong>Weston Martin </strong>making tackles at linebacker. Defensively, I think Perry Co. will be very capable of winning but it will be on their offense to balance things out and make the Vikings a championship caliber team. It will also be interesting to see how Perry Co. handles expectations as this is the best team they have had in a while. It won't be an easy path for the Vikings with McKenzie in the way but you definitely can't sleep on this team and their chances at having a big 2026 season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2146884,"width":"392px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"3.003128258602711","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/03/cgarner.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2146884" style="aspect-ratio:3.003128258602711;width:392px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sleeper Teams ……</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cosby Eagles (1A-Reg. 1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- I think it's a long shot for Cosby to compete for the 1A state title but where they are placed in the brackets, the Eagles will have a shot to make some noise. What helps the Eagles chances is their veteran backfield of <strong>Matthew McMahan </strong>at quarterback and <strong>David Baker </strong>carrying the ball at running back. The Eagles also have a solid core of skill guys, led by <strong>Cornelius Carr </strong>and an offensive line that should be quite good by the end of the year. I still don't think Cosby has the depth or enough overall talent to bring home the 1A state title but you never know how things play out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Fayetteville Tigers (1A-Reg. 5)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Defensively, I think Fayetteville will be equipped to keep themselves in most games and win them but it will be upon the Tigers offense to push their program closer to competing for titles. It helps that Fayetteville has a veteran backfield to lean on with <strong>Nyles Barnett </strong>and <strong>Fernando Leslie </strong>but the O-line needs to be figured out for the Tigers offense to succeed. Several pieces on defense need to be worked out as well but stud players like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2164498' first='Jaelin' last='Weddington'] </strong>and <strong>Trez Brown </strong>should stand out. I see upside with the Tigers but many areas need to be settled in camp before Fayetteville is considered a championship caliber football team. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Harriman Blue Devils (1A-Reg. 2)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- This is the team to watch out for in this section as a program that could ascend this season and not only compete for a region title but go on a deep playoff run. The Blue Devils have a deeper roster than years past and a few future college players like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2161216' first='Devin' last='Bertram']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2161686' first='R.J.' last='Jones'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1111031' first='Landon' last='Hart'] </strong>to lean on and build around. The defense in particular for Harriman should be strong with Bertram and Hart causing havoc up front. The offense has a playmaker in Jones to utilize but must find a signal caller to get him the ball. If the coaching staff can find suitable pieces to fill out the rest of the starting lineup, I like what Harriman brings to the field this year and the spoiler to others that they can become.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Humboldt Vikings (1A-Reg. 7)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- We have Dresden in the driver seat to win their region but you can't look past Humboldt and what they could possibly do for the 2026 season. The Vikings might have the most athletic roster of anybody on the 1A level this year but can they form together as a balanced team and compete against other top competitors? We will find out but I like what Humboldt brings to the gridiron this year, especially on defense where they have a talented secondary, led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='933041' first='Darion' last='Taylor']</strong> and <strong>Braydon Guyton</strong>. The Vikings also have a lead back on offense in <strong>Edward Agnew </strong>to lean on and produce. The line of scrimmage is where I have questions but if they can shore that up, I think Humboldt could become the surprise program of the season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sale Creek Panthers (1A-Reg. 3)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Coming off an 11 win season in 2025, the Panthers are looking to replicate that total but it will be done by a different team. Sale Creek does return several key players like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1603477' first='Brody' last='Raby'] </strong>at quarterback and <strong>Hudson Ewald </strong>and <strong>Jayson Booker </strong>carrying the ball but the staff must find replacements at several key spots on the both sides of the ball. I do think if new players step forward and step up, the Panthers could have another strong campaign that puts them in position to go deep in the playoffs. I am interested to see how this year's Sale Creek team performs because I see things that I like but also see areas of needed development and improvement.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Three More Teams to Track: <strong>Hampton</strong>, <strong>Greenback</strong>, <strong>Middle College&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2245012,"width":"245px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/07/harriman.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-2245012" style="width:245px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->