PRZTN Preseason Preview: Class 5A

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Over the past two years, the 5A battle has been between Page and Sevier Co. and I expect those two to be right in the mix again this coming season. Those two teams are stacked but so are several others Find out who those teams are below as we provide our preseason preview on the 5A level with who we predict to win each region and our player of the year honors. </h2>     Region 1 Preseason Overview/Predictions   (Predicted Order of Finish)   1. Sevier Co.    2. Tennessee High   3. David Crockett   4. Daniel Boone   5. Cocke Co.    6. Morristown-West   Preseason POTY: (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1142902' first='Cooper' last='Newman'] - Sevier Co.    Preseason Off. POTY: (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1182191' first='Brayden' last='Maples'] - Sevier Co.    Preseason Def. POTY: (LB/TE) [player_tooltip player_id='1577078' first='Parker' last='Newman'] - Sevier Co.    Preseason Lineman of the Year: (TE/DE) [player_tooltip player_id='1103040' first='Jaxson' last='Perry'] - Sevier Co.    - Looking at what each team in this region returns for the 2026 season, Sevier Co. is head and shoulders above the rest of the competition and I think it's by a wide margin. The Smoky Bears are loaded for the upcoming football year with key players like [player_tooltip player_id='1142902' first='Cooper' last='Newman'], [player_tooltip player_id='1577078' first='Parker' last='Newman'], [player_tooltip player_id='1103040' first='Jaxson' last='Perry'] returning along with talented off-season additions with [player_tooltip player_id='1182191' first='Brayden' last='Maples'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2101292' first='John' last='Keohane']. The offensive line is where I have most questions about Sevier Co. but even that unit appears solid enough to bring home another region title. The biggest unknown in this region is who will compete for the final three playoff spots. We like Tennessee High and their chances at coming in second place. The Vikings are replacing several key starters from last year but return a roster that should get them back into postseason play. I do think it will be a battle for them as David Crockett is right on their heels.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/Photo-Jan-25-2026-1-38-02-PM-crop-1091x717-1769369939.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2112764" style="width:322px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Sevier County EDGE [player_tooltip player_id='1103040' first='Jaxson' last='Perry'] before a game.</figcaption></figure>   I could honestly see the Pioneers finishing in second but their top players like [player_tooltip player_id='1646456' first='A.J.' last='Wynn'], [player_tooltip player_id='1646467' first='Colton' last='Mullis'] and others must perform at a high level each and every week while others around them step forward. Both sides of the ball need development at several positions but if the David Crockett staff can form their roster together, fighting for second and making the playoffs is very possible. The final playoff spot is a tough one to gauge as Daniel Boone, Cocke Co. and Morristown-West all have deficiencies about themselves and a lot of question marks about their team headed into the season.    As things sit right now, I like Daniel Boone to come in fourth and get back into postseason action. The Trailblazers was once a proud program that has fallen back into obscurity over the past few years but can take a step in the right direction this Fall. They have two college level prospects in Dru Fleming and [player_tooltip player_id='1726927' first='Dayton' last='Myers'] that lead the way but those two will need help from others for Daniel Boone to finish within the top four. I don't think Cocke Co. is too far behind Daniel Boone and I could see the Fighting Cocks overtaking the Trailblazers for that final playoff spot. I could be wrong but I foresee a transition year for Morristown-West. The Trojans appear to be young this year with a lot of unknowns on both sides of the ball.    - - - - -    Region 2 Preseason Overview/Predictions   1. Powell   2. Knox. Central   3. Knox. Halls   4. Clinton   5. William Blount   6. Knox. West   7. Karns   8. Campbell Co.    Preseason POTY: (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='904027' first='Jaylon' last='Benjamin'] - Powell   Preseason Off. POTY: (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1104268' first='Kaden' last='Long'] - Knox. Central   Preseason Def. POTY: (Edge) [player_tooltip player_id='2224053' first='Joshua' last='Kay'] - Powell   Preseason Lineman of the Year: (OL) [player_tooltip player_id='2231143' first='Hayden' last='Wallace'] - Powell    - This region could be fun to follow this season as several teams will be competing for that top spot. We like Powell in the driver seat right now but Knox. Central is right there with them. The Panthers brought in a new quarterback this off-season in [player_tooltip player_id='904027' first='Jaylon' last='Benjamin'] to run the offense and he will have a strong O-line in front of him to help keep him clean. Benjamin should also have the best crop of running backs in this region with Johonauan Moore, [player_tooltip player_id='1554811' first='Sammy' last='Steimer'] and Ke'Shawn Thomas as well as the best receiver in [player_tooltip player_id='1708407' first='Zi' last='Jackson']. I think the Panthers offense will be fine and potentially high scoring but it's their defense where there may be a few question marks. What they will have is a high level pass rusher in [player_tooltip player_id='2224053' first='Joshua' last='Kay'] to build around and a few other up and coming new starters that could develop into key players by the end of the year.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/user-uploads/zijackson-e1775709151287.jpg?w=705" alt="" class="wp-image-2168030" style="aspect-ratio:1.41001370846661;width:316px;height:auto" /></figure>   Knox. Central is coming off their best season in many years and has a strong core returning, led by star quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1104268' first='Kaden' last='Long']. The Bobcats signal caller is a prime candidate for Mr. Football this year as long as he stays healthy and produces like I think he can. A breakout player for the Bobcats to keep track of is two-way junior [player_tooltip player_id='1187259' first='Rondell' last='North']. I think the top two of Powell and Knox. Central are set but behind them is a bit of crapshoot with Knox. Halls, Clinton, William Blount and Knox. West all competing for playoff spots. I am currently leaning towards Knox. Halls and Clinton for third and fourth place but that could easily change as we get into the 2026 season.    The Red Devils could have one of the better defenses in this region, led by senior standouts [player_tooltip player_id='1294979' first='Jarrell' last='Chandler'], [player_tooltip player_id='1629881' first='Travis' last='Brasfield'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2090376' first='Carson' last='Pearce']. Their offense will need a few weeks to gel but I think their defense will help carry them along the way. Clinton sits in fourth place right now due to having a few key veterans returning in [player_tooltip player_id='966034' first='Noah' last='Gaylor'], [player_tooltip player_id='2153603' first='Gabe' last='Sanders'] and rising junior wideout [player_tooltip player_id='1942360' first='Austyn' last='Phillips'] but others will need to step forward to get the Dragons into the playoffs. William Blount saw some key players leave in the off-season for other schools but should still have enough to contend for postseason play. Junior tight end [player_tooltip player_id='1864058' first='Braden' last='Bird'] is someone to watch for them as a potential breakout player this Fall. Knox. West has one of the better athletes among all eight teams with [player_tooltip player_id='1590259' first='Jamari' last='Goines'] but I don't know if the Rebels have enough around him to contend for the top half of the region. Karns and Campbell Co. look like the bottom two teams right now that could have a battle for wins this coming football year.    - - - - -    Region 3 Preseason Overview/Predictions   1. Walker Valley   2. Rhea Co.    3. McMinn Co.    4. East Hamilton   5. Soddy Daisy   6. Ooltewah   7. Lenoir City   Preseason POTY: (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='455295' first='Sawyer' last='Ray'] - Walker Valley    Preseason Off. POTY: (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='1732910' first='Jaxton' last='Schmitt'] - Rhea Co.    Preseason Def. POTY: (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='2135986' first='Jesse' last='Jones'] - McMinn Co.    Preseason Lineman of the Year: (DT/OL) Dakota Arp - Walker Valley    - I see this region turning into a two team battle by the end of the year between Walker Valley and Rhea Co. with the Mustangs holding the slight edge right now. I could easily see either team winning this region as both have standout players that can lead them but also have some holes to fill. Walker Valley will be led by a new quarterback in [player_tooltip player_id='455295' first='Sawyer' last='Ray'], who I think could be the breakout star in this region. He will be handing off to [player_tooltip player_id='1595496' first='Cason' last='Cunningham'] and throwing passes to [player_tooltip player_id='1893028' first='Luke' last='Hayden'] and others but it will be on the O-line for the Mustangs to become a fully cohesive unit. The defense doesn't have the star power but has plenty of veteran  ball players to help Walker Valley win ball games. I do foresee a battle however for the Mustangs as they are not the overwhelming favorite and must stave off Rhea Co. and others to claim another region title.    The Golden Eagles might very well prove to be the best team in the region by season's end but several positions must be sorted out for that to happen. What they could have is the best player in the region with [player_tooltip player_id='1732910' first='Jaxton' last='Schmitt']. This athletic senior is transitioning into receiver this year and that might prove to be a winning move for him. We have McMinn Co. in third place right now but that might be generous considering what they lost from last year. The Cherokees are having to replace several key players but should have enough talent returning to get back to the playoffs, however it will be a battle. Look for senior defensive tackle [player_tooltip player_id='2135986' first='Jesse' last='Jones'] to have a breakout year that might earn him region defensive player of the year honors.    I think the top two spots are sealed with Walker Valley and Rhea Co. but there is honestly a battle for the last two playoff spots between McMinn Co., East Hamilton, Soddy Daisy and Ooltewah. We like the Cherokees and Hurricanes for third and fourth place but it's by a slim margin. East Hamilton surprised many last year by winning eight games, however I don't know if they will reach that mark this year. The Hurricanes are lacking star players or many established starters but I see enough talent with them to get back into postseason play. Either one of Soddy Daisy or Ooltewah may be the surprise team in this region. Both the Trojans and the Owls won one game last year in the region but I think either could double that this Fall and find their way into the playoffs.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/lhayden.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1896661" style="width:246px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Region 4 Preseason Overview/Predictions   1. Columbia Central   2. Tullahoma   3. Lincoln Co.    4. Franklin Co.    5. Lawrence Co.    Preseason POTY: (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1885892' first='Daniel' last='Booker'] - Columbia Central    Preseason Off. POTY: (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='2071486' first='Patrick' last='Riddle'] - Tullahoma   Preseason Def. POTY: (DE) Ty Dodson - Columbia Central   Preseason Lineman of the Year: (TE/DE) [player_tooltip player_id='1880488' first='Luke' last='Stubblefield'] - Lincoln Co.    - Three high caliber football teams in Columbia Central, Tullahoma and Lincoln Co. should be competing for the top region spot this year with us having the Lions in the lead but only by a slim margin. What Columbia Central has going for them is a veteran, Mr. Football candidate at quarterback in [player_tooltip player_id='1885892' first='Daniel' last='Booker'] and a group of players of Ty Dodson, [player_tooltip player_id='1669977' first='J'Mari' last='Hall'], [player_tooltip player_id='2251144' first='Kayson' last='Matthews'] and others that have college futures. Their collection of talent is just a little bit better compared to Tullahoma and the rest of the region but the games must still be played. I believe the Lions will have the best rushing attack in the region along with the best collection of line talent that might make them a tough out in playoffs, during the cold weather months.    Tullahoma should be right there competing for first place, especially with the senior pairing of [player_tooltip player_id='2071486' first='Patrick' last='Riddle'] at quarterback and [player_tooltip player_id='2146614' first='Dominick' last='Harris'] running the ball. Those two alone can help win ball games but they must receive help with their receivers as well as an O-line that is young but shows upside. Their defense is where I have most questions. One guy to watch on this side for a potential breakout year is [player_tooltip player_id='2141916' first='Michael' last='Palmer'], especially if he commits his time to playing linebacker. While the Wildcats are fighting with Columbia for first, they can't get comfortable with Lincoln Co. not too far behind them. The Falcons are having to replace a multi-year starter at quarterback but return several key vets, especially in the line of scrimmage with Adam Custer and [player_tooltip player_id='1880488' first='Luke' last='Stubblefield'] as well as D-line transfers [player_tooltip player_id='1715643' first='Jericho' last='Wilson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2164615' first='Tyren' last='White'].    The last playoff spot we have going to Franklin Co. and it's been a rough few years for the Rebels but they appear to have their best roster in some time. The star power isn't there right now but it looks like a good enough roster to provide better competition and slide into fourth place. It's not a given that Franklin Co. reaches postseason play as Lawrence Co. is right there with them. Senior two-way prospect [player_tooltip player_id='1597010' first='Zakyus' last='Everly'] is someone to track for the Wildcats this Fall as a player that can produce and hopefully get his team into postseason action.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/dbooker.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1885898" style="width:262px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Region 5 Preseason Overview/Predictions   1. Page   2. Nolensville   3. Centennial   4. James Lawson   5. Hillsboro   Preseason POTY: (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='693877' first='Cameron' last='Kruse'] - Page   Preseason Off. POTY: (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1571091' first='Isaac' last='Otey'] - Page   Preseason Def. POTY: (DE) [player_tooltip player_id='1607186' first='Jake' last='Sentell'] - Nolensville   Preseason Lineman of the Year: (OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1570544' first='Preston' last='Ashmore'] - Page    - The defending state champs in Page will be a different ball club this year but still quite good and the class of this region. The Patriots have lost some real good prospects over the past two years, meaning new stars will have to be made. One star they do have is the best player in this region with [player_tooltip player_id='693877' first='Cameron' last='Kruse']. The future Kansas St. quarterback returns to lead an offense that should be balanced with [player_tooltip player_id='1571091' first='Isaac' last='Otey'] running the ball behind a solid O-line, spearheaded by seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1570544' first='Preston' last='Ashmore'] and [player_tooltip player_id='905242' first='Caleb' last='Coffman'] and a pass game that has stud out wide in [player_tooltip player_id='2141270' first='Dylan' last='Streeter']. The Page defense should be stout as well, led up front by [player_tooltip player_id='2206375' first='Connor' last='Sullivan'], [player_tooltip player_id='1801346' first='Taylen' last='Cisneros'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2088523' first='Liam' last='Perry'].    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/pashmore.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2141740" style="width:229px;height:auto" /></figure>   The Patriots are the favorite by a wide margin, so the fun in this region should be for the final three playoffs spots. We like Nolensville to come in second place with their defense leading the way while their offense finds themselves. Senior defensive end [player_tooltip player_id='1607186' first='Jake' last='Sentell'] could be in-store for a breakout year where he leads the region and possibly the 5A ranks in sacks. He is a disruptor up front that can be a game changer but he must receive help. Linemates Nathan Hammel and Deston Lawrence are two names to watch up front as help for Sentell. Centennial is in a small transition this year with a new coaching staff in place and a few key players running out of eligibility or transferring out. They should have enough talent on hand like [player_tooltip player_id='2114143' first='Brody' last='Haddox'], [player_tooltip player_id='2234698' first='Samuel' last='Davis'] and others to compete for third place and get back to the playoffs.    Hillsboro should be a better team this year but I don't know if they will achieve enough wins to get into the playoffs. I think that fourth spot will go to James Lawson and it's mainly based around their defense, especially their defensive line. The Lightning have three college caliber seniors up front with [player_tooltip player_id='2089358' first='Tony' last='Suong'], [player_tooltip player_id='906621' first='Lawrence' last='Patterson Jr.'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1584112' first='Ramon' last='Brooks-James']. Those three alone can be difference makers but the rest of the defense behind them must fill out properly. The Burros are mainly a young team that will be implementing new starters but should compete much harder with a new staff on hand. Watch out for rising junior Jude Ashley to take over the starting quarterback role and potentially have a strong year.     - - - - -    Region 6 Preseason Overview/Predictions   1. Beech   2. Hendersonville   3. Station Camp   4. Portland   5. Hunters Lane    Preseason POTY: (RB/LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1206523' first='D.K.' last='Williams'] - Beech   Preseason Off. POTY: (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1960150' first='Tate' last='Rumney'] - Hendersonville   Preseason Def. POTY: (DE) [player_tooltip player_id='1027749' first='Sam' last='Keith'] - Beech   Preseason Lineman of the Year: (C/G) [player_tooltip player_id='1602208' first='Colt' last='Patterson'] - Hendersonville    - This region has been controlled for several years now by Beech and while I think the Bucs will take the title yet again, it may be a closer finish this season with Hendersonville on their heels. Beech has lost some significant talent over the past two years, so this Fall will be a time to find new stars while asking returning starters to increase their game play. Two-way backer [player_tooltip player_id='1206523' first='D.K.' last='Williams'] should be their leader this Fall that leads the team in rushing and tackles on defense. He will need help, which could come by way of the pass between [player_tooltip player_id='1317766' first='Sawyer' last='Phillips'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1028041' first='Jeramy' last='Laster'] Jr., a star receiver from the TN2028 class. The defense should be solid yet again as the Bucs usually are year after year with maybe [player_tooltip player_id='1657131' first='J.R.' last='French'] and their secondary leading the way.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/08/dkwilliams-e1785785762674.jpg?w=565" alt="" class="wp-image-1799564" style="width:271px;height:auto" /></figure>   Last year, we saw glimpses of strong play from Hendersonville but I think that experience will bode well for them this Fall. I could see the Commandos having a big year but their top players like [player_tooltip player_id='1602208' first='Colt' last='Patterson'], [player_tooltip player_id='2156293' first='Teagan' last='Parizek'], [player_tooltip player_id='1960150' first='Tate' last='Rumney'], [player_tooltip player_id='1960485' first='Ayden' last='Meadows'] and others must consistently perform at a high level while everybody stays healthy. The offense will be led by the run game and their O-line while the defense should be balanced with strong play up front from [player_tooltip player_id='853765' first='Gibson' last='Blair'] and Meadows locking things down in the secondary. A few positions do need to be enhanced but I like the Commandos chances at fighting for the region title and becoming a team that could go far in the playoffs.    I do see this region being a two team battle while the others are fighting for the final two playoffs spots. Station Camp looks like the next best team with a solid senior core returning, led by multi-year starting quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1535793' first='Colton' last='Overbey']. He will have a veteran receiving group to work with, led by [player_tooltip player_id='906617' first='Eric' last='Ginther'] and Cayden Moore. It's the offensive line and defense as a whole that may be underwhelming headed into the season but that can change throughout Fall camp. Both Portland and Hunters Lane bring a lot of unknowns they bring to the field this season with both needing to develop their rosters to contend for a playoff spot. As of now, we give the edge to Portland but the Panthers will be a young ball club this season that might find some struggles along the way.    - - - - -    Region 7 Preseason Overview/Predictions   1. Henry Co.    2. Kirkwood   3. Dickson Co.    4. Northeast   5. Kenwood   6. Northwest    Preseason POTY: (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='932897' first='Ayden' last='Spellings'] - Henry Co.    Preseason Off. POTY: (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1200717' first='Miles' last='Reding'] - Kirkwood    Preseason Def. POTY: (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='2170879' first='Maleque' last='Jackson'] - Henry Co.    Preseason Lineman of the Year: (OL/DT) [player_tooltip player_id='2216295' first='Key'Shawn' last='Bledsoe'] - Henry Co.    - This may be one of the more entertaining regions to follow this coming season as I could see one of three teams finishing in first and taking the title. Right now, I like Henry Co. and their chances at taking the region but it won't be easy because Kirkwood and Dickson Co. are right there with the Patriots. Senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='932897' first='Ayden' last='Spellings'] returns behind center for Henry Co. and with him at the helm, the Pats have a veteran they can lean on to provide dual threat abilities. He should receive help from athletic playmaker [player_tooltip player_id='1592212' first='Deonte' last='Ward'] and a solid O-line, led by [player_tooltip player_id='2216295' first='Key'Shawn' last='Bledsoe'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2182534' first='Aaden' last='Teague']. I do see some positions that will need to be developed but with who they have returning along with their winning culture. I like the Patriots headed into the 2026 season.    By the time we reach the end of the regular season, Kirkwood might prove to be the best team in this region. The Cobras have a multi-year starter returning at quarterback in [player_tooltip player_id='1200717' first='Miles' last='Reding'] and he has a solid group of athletic playmakers around him, spearheaded by tight end [player_tooltip player_id='1316743' first='Parker' last='Keenan'] and underclassmen wideouts with [player_tooltip player_id='2136035' first='Tazmier' last='Johnson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1720097' first='Travis' last='Rivers'] and others. I think Kirkwood should develop a high scoring offense this year but it's their line of scrimmage that needs work to become a championship caliber team. Dickson Co. could prove to be the biggest surprise this year as they might have the best college level quarterback in this region with [player_tooltip player_id='2148583' first='Cayden' last='True']. The Cougars appear to have their best roster in years, led by True but complimented well by other potential college guys in [player_tooltip player_id='2190829' first='Ellis' last='Hamrick'], [player_tooltip player_id='2148586' first='Max' last='Greene'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1877838' first='Namor' last='McClay']. I actually like this Dickson Co. a good bit and would not be surprised if they finished in first place.    For the final playoff spot in this region, we like Northeast and their chances to reach postseason play. This could prove to be the best Eagles team they have had in several years but their top players like [player_tooltip player_id='1597636' first='Terry' last='Jones'], [player_tooltip player_id='1568928' first='Destin' last='Jones'], [player_tooltip player_id='1260912' first='Harold' last='Marshall III'] and others must perform at a high level each week while remaining healthy for that to become true. Kenwood is the next closest squad to gain a top four spot but I just don't know if the Knights have enough to overtake our predicted top four teams. It may be a long Fall season for Northwest as their roster looks bare right now and lacking the depth or star power to knock off anybody ahead of them.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/22-Ayden-Spellings.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2108189" style="aspect-ratio:1.501511939105349;width:297px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Region 8 Preseason Overview/Predictions   1. Memp. Central   2. Munford   3. Brighton   4. Memp. Overton   5. Kingsbury    Preseason POTY: (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1094224' first='Brooks' last='Wright'] - Memp. Central   Preseason Off. POTY: (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1585458' first='Tay' last='Starks'] - Munford   Preseason Def. POTY: (DL) [player_tooltip player_id='1662515' first='Dakota' last='Lumm'] - Munford   Preseason Lineman of the Year: (OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1597028' first='Jaydien' last='Mullins'] - Munford   - It's a two team battle this year for the region title between defending champs, Memphis Central and Munford, who has been one of the more consistent programs in the past decade from the greater West Tennessee area. The Warriors defeated Munford for the region title last year and they return key pieces from that team, especially junior “Top 100” quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1094224' first='Brooks' last='Wright']. His presence behind center is absolutely critical towards his team's success this year but he will have help from a talented receiving core of [player_tooltip player_id='1694328' first='Kyle' last='Aldridge'], [player_tooltip player_id='2231364' first='Bobby' last='Calvin III'] and others. The O-line is the biggest question mark going into the year but the front five did get better with the off-season addition of [player_tooltip player_id='2231559' first='Jeremiah' last='Thompson']. The Warriors should have a strong defense as well, spearheaded by seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1576763' first='Joshua' last='Lane'], [player_tooltip player_id='1662943' first='Arkavion' last='Hawkins'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1370856' first='Landon' last='James'].    Munford isn't far behind Central and I could honestly see the Cougars end up on top by the end of the regular season. There are several college caliber prospects on this year's roster but I don't know if Munford has the passing capabilities to overtake Central. The Cougars are a run based team, led by star junior ball carrier [player_tooltip player_id='1585458' first='Tay' last='Starks'], who should also have a solid O-line in front of him with [player_tooltip player_id='1597028' first='Jaydien' last='Mullins'] being their top guy. While I like what the Munford run offense can do, I think it will be their defense that guides them this Fall. The Cougars are strong up front with [player_tooltip player_id='1662515' first='Dakota' last='Lumm'] and a strong off-season addition with [player_tooltip player_id='2187158' first='Amarrie' last='Alston']. The secondary should be good as well, led by senior defender De'Quavious Bell. I could see the Cougars defense forming into one of the better defensive units coming out of the 5A ranks this season.    Behind the top two, there are some unknowns but I do like Brighton and their chances at finishing in third place. The Cardinals could develop into a surprise team this year that wins more than three games, which was last year's results. Offensively, there are plenty of question marks going into the year but the Cardinals defense is a different story. I actually like who they could be on defense with solid talent up front with Brett Cothran and [player_tooltip player_id='2159037' first='Drayden' last='Draffin'] and a secondary that might prove to be very strong, led by [player_tooltip player_id='2234631' first='Jonathan' last='Matthews'], [player_tooltip player_id='2211681' first='Kymani' last='Williams'] and rising sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1538137' first='Jayden' last='Leavy']. The fourth and final playoff spot we have going to Overton, though the top three teams are far and away better. The Wolverines look to be in a transition year with a young ball club that will gain experience and at least earn a place in the playoffs.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/bwright2.webp?w=941" alt="" class="wp-image-2005166" style="aspect-ratio:0.9189534141671984;width:236px;height:auto" /></figure>