Season Preview: Class 2A Title Contenders 

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Last year for the 2025 season, we saw Huntingdon come out of nowhere to win the 2A state title and while the Mustangs have a shot to potentially repeat this Fall, there are several other top contenders as well. Here we breakdown the programs that we see equipped to take home the "Gold Ball" this year and call themselves state champions. </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>Huntingdon Mustangs (2A/Reg. 7)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- We have to put the reigning, defending state champs up at the top and it's not just because they won the title last year but also due to the Mustangs returning several key players from last year's championship team. No one is more important towards the Mustangs success than senior athlete <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='932932' first='Kenton' last='Smith']</strong>. This two-way talent returns to handle the reins at quarterback and if he performs well, Huntingdon isn't just contending for championships but Smith could play his way into being Mr. Football. Smith will most definitely need help and I think he will get it from a strong defense led by standouts <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2085663' first='Taylin' last='Strayhorn']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1086160' first='Gavin' last='Gray'] </strong>and others. I do see a tougher path this year for Huntingdon as opposing teams will be hunting them but with the veterans they have returning, you have to put the Mustangs at the top of the list to potentially repeat as champions.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2205213,"width":"297px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/05/Photo-May-08-2026-1-38-15-PM-crop-1160x762-1778265781.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2205213" style="width:297px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Huntingdon LB [player_tooltip player_id='1086160' first='Gavin' last='Gray'] during a game. Photo from his Instagram.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>East Nashville Eagles (2A/Reg. 6)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Expectations were high last year for East Nashville to reach the 2A title game but that didn't happen, however I think it was much needed experience for the coming season ahead where I see the Eagles as a bonafide title team. East Nashville has a loaded roster this season with some star power at several positions. Quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1668630' first='Dallas' last='Covington'] </strong>leads the way with a strong receiver group around him and he has possibly the best defense on the 2A level supporting the cause. The Eagles have some big men up front in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1571426' first='Gonni' last='Martin']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1565681' first='Devin' last='Phillips']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='906125' first='Zamari' last='Davis'] </strong>that can be difference makers. The secondary is quite stacked too, spearheaded by seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2147346' first='Ke'Vontae' last='Pitts'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1974488' first='Cason' last='Reed']</strong>. There is a lot to like about the Eagles this year and their chances at bringing a “Gold Ball” back to campus but everybody must stay healthy and perform at a high level for it to happen.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Marion Co. Warriors (2A/Reg. 3)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Over the past two years, Marion Co. has found themselves in the 2A title game with last year being a runner-up season. You can bet the Warriors want to get back to Chattanooga and earn another “Gold Ball” and I think they have the talent to do it. The best overall prospect that we have ranked inside the “Tennessee Top 300” from the 2A ranks is from Marion Co. with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2065483' first='Zaiden' last='Humphrey']</strong>. He is a game changer that will be very important to the team's success this year but so too will be <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2160421' first='T.J.' last='Starkey'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1691522' first='Quincy' last='Mills']</strong>. The Warriors have some serious skill talent but I think it will be upon their line of scrimmage to win titles this year. They have two stalwarts to lean on with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1709991' first='Austin' last='McGowan'] </strong>and <strong>Chris Graver</strong> but others around them must step forward. I do like the overall makeup of Marion Co. this Fall and their chances at winning their region and potentially making it back to the 2A title game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>MASE Phoenix (2A/Reg. 8)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Could the Phoenix be the best overall team headed into the 2026 season? I think that is very possible, especially when you look over their roster. MASE is loaded this year with some of the best talent you will find on the 2A level. Defensive tackle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1527497' first='Jamarkus' last='Pittman'] </strong>is the top ranked defensive prospect from our TN2027 class and he will be complimented on the line by his brother <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2206384' first='Jamaris' last='Pittman'] </strong>and edge rusher <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1588871' first='Marcellus' last='Miller']</strong>. I expect the Phoenix to be stifling on defense this year and be the catalyst that takes them on a deep run but I see the offense being solid as well, led by potential Mr. Football candidate <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2149120' first='LeAndrew' last='Branch']</strong>. I don't see a whole lot of weaknesses with this year's Phoenix team. I do think they need to shore up the O-line but if the staff can get that right, they have everything else in place to win their region and play their way to Chattanooga.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2242867,"width":"226px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"1.0219772420808593","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/mase.webp?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2242867" style="aspect-ratio:1.0219772420808593;width:226px;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>East Robertson Indians (2A/Reg. 6)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The 2026 season could be a transitional year for the Indians as they will have a new coaching staff in place while replacing several big time players, however <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1422904' first='Kason' last='Young'] </strong>returns as one of the best players on the 2A level this season and when you are good at quarterback, you have a shot. A lot will be on the shoulders of Young this year for his team to succeed, so he will most certainly need help. Adding Bluegrass State transfer <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1136733' first='Brody' last='Perry'] </strong>will help a lot at receiver and in the secondary but others around will need to step up. I do see some pieces in the trenches with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1263300' first='Austin' last='Pilkerton'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2207334' first='Kanye' last='Prince'] </strong>to build around and provide physical game play. I do think some things would need to happen in the brackets for East Robertson to reach Chattanooga. I can see it happening though due to having Young behind center and a winning culture surrounding the Indians football program.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Milan Bulldogs (2A/Reg. 7)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Bulldogs make this section based on their experienced coaching staff and winning tradition because there is a lot to learn about their 2026 roster. Milan has lost a lot of significant talent over the past two years and this may be the season where they take a step back, giving their youthful roster game experience. We will see but knowing their head coach and how everything works with the Milan program, you can't bet against them. Bringing in junior running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1088093' first='Mason' last='Taylor'] </strong>this off-season was a good move. He can become the bell-cow back this Fall that could potentially rush for more than 1,000 yards while being the main scoring option in the red zone. The defense is the main area where I may have questions. There are a lot of unknowns surrounding the Bulldogs this Fall but I have to keep them in-mind to continue their winning ways based on tradition.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sleeper Teams ……</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Fairley Bulldogs (2A/Reg. 8)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- A lot of winning has been done by the Bulldogs throughout the years but that state title has been elusive to them. While I don't see them as favorites right now, Fairley looks equipped to compete for their region while possibly forming into a state title sleeper somewhere down the road. I think the key to the Bulldogs season will be the play and possible emergence of quarterback <strong>Corrion Johnson</strong>. I believe he will have enough skill around him along with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1704480' first='Zachari' last='Davis'] </strong>up front to find success but Johnson must play well for his offense to find consistent traction. Defensive replacements will be added this year, so the Fairley defense may be young but I still expect them to be athletic enough and perform well. Having MASE in front of them, it will be hard for Fairley this year to capture their region but you can't count out the Bulldogs because they know how to win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2203162,"width":"215px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"0.8203258516577419","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/05/Photo-May-05-2026-7-51-24-PM.jpg?w=840" alt="" class="wp-image-2203162" style="aspect-ratio:0.8203258516577419;width:215px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Fairley OL [player_tooltip player_id='1704480' first='Zachari' last='Davis']. Photo from his Instagram.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Gordonsville Tigers (2A/Reg. 4)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- I see the Tigers having a tough road to earn their region title but even if they come in second place, I can see a scenario where they go on a deep run in the playoffs based around their placement in the brackets. The competition Gordonsville would see at the top of the 2A brackets isn't as tough as the bottom half, so I see opportunity for them but the team pieces must come together while their star players like <strong>Turner Boucher</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1617382' first='Ryan' last='Lyons'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1851167' first='Camrix' last='Stott'] </strong>perform at a high level. Knowing how this program works, you can bet this year's team will play hard, will play technique sound football, which consistently puts them in position to win games. I'm expecting the same this season and if all goes right, the Tigers could be in the mix to compete for titles.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Riverside Panthers (2A/Reg. 7)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The biggest sleeper team for me on the 2A level this year is Riverside. Last year was a transitional year for the Panthers as they played a lot of youngsters but that should benefit them for the coming season. What I see with Riverside is a deep roster that may not have the star power but plenty of solid ball players that can help the Panthers win a lot of ball games. The guy to know about for Riverside is junior running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1082150' first='Merrel' last='Perez']</strong>. He is a breakout player for me this Fall that could jump in contention for Mr. Football. Perrez is complimented in the backfield by athletic quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='933024' first='Jack' last='Cupples']</strong> and a solid O-line, spearheaded by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='933025' first='Jon' last='Parker Graves']</strong>. If the defense has become a cohesive, formidable unit, I think the Panthers have a shot at competing for their region while also positioning themselves to possibly go on a deep playoff run.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Three More Teams to Track: <strong>Mt. Pleasant, Mitchell, Smith Co.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2248699,"width":"241px","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/jcupples.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-2248699" style="width:241px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->