PRZTN Preseason Preview: Class 6A

Photo: Riverdale OLB Gael Lara. Photo from his Instagram.

Chris Smith August 8, 2026 @ 02:07 PM

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Some of the best football teams and football talent in the state resides here on the 6A level with a multitude of teams that have championship caliber squads, including the defending state champs in Oakland. The Patriots will be good yet again but so too will others, ranging from East to West of the Volunteer State. Here we preview the 6A classification by predicting each region and their preseason players of the year. </h2>     Region 1 Preseason Overview/Predictions   (Predicted Order of Finish)   1. Science Hill   2. Dobyns-Bennett   3. Jefferson Co.    4. Morristown-East   5. West Ridge    Preseason POTY: (RB/LB) [player_tooltip player_id='2179390' first='Nalique' last='Anderson'] - Science Hill    Preseason Off. POTY: (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='2227596' first='Pearson' last='Harrison'] - Science Hill    Preseason Def. POTY: (DE/Edge) [player_tooltip player_id='1662939' first='Tyree' last='Thomas'] - Dobyns-Bennett   Preseason Lineman of the Year: (DE) [player_tooltip player_id='2069997' first='Logan' last='Lawrence'] - Jefferson Co.    - I see this region being highly competitive this year with three teams in Dobyns-Bennett, Jefferson Co. and Science Hill all fighting for the top spot. As things sit right now, I like Science Hill to take the title and that's due to their balanced team but more importantly, their potential on offense. The Hilltoppers look to have the best backfield in the region with [player_tooltip player_id='2227596' first='Pearson' last='Harrison'] at quarterback and [player_tooltip player_id='2179390' first='Nalique' last='Anderson'] taking handoffs. They should have a solid O-line blocking up front for them. The defense has some questions but overall, that side of the ball should be just fine. Look out for rising sophomore edge rusher [player_tooltip player_id='1719725' first='Logan' last='Townson'] to have a breakout season for Science Hill.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/07/pharrison2-e1785526082838.jpg?w=469" alt="" class="wp-image-2263481" style="width:196px;height:auto" /></figure>   Dobyns-Bennett has to replace several key starters from last year, including a few players who transferred out but I still expect the Indians to be quite solid and compete for first place in this region. For that to happen, the Indians star players like [player_tooltip player_id='1662939' first='Tyree' last='Thomas'], [player_tooltip player_id='2230086' first='Cooper' last='Lockhart'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2179329' first='Isaiah' last='Coclough'] must perform at a high level each week. It looks like it will be an all hands on deck approach for Dobyns-Bennett this year that might deal with some growing pains as new starters step into bigger roles. Jefferson Co. has a lot of similarities to Dobyns-Bennett in that they are implementing new starters this year, so the Patriots have some unknowns headed into the 2026 season. Look for them to lean on running back [player_tooltip player_id='1177966' first='Donovan' last='Jackson'] a ton this Fall behind a solid O-line, led by rising sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2210886' first='Walker' last='Grice'].    We have the final playoff spot going to Morristown-East right now and I could actually see the Hurricanes contending for third or second place but only if their roster develops in the right direction. I don't know if Mo-East has much star power right now but I see some talent on their roster and potential depth that will help throughout the season. The Hurricanes defense is what I like most about them while the offense is a unit that may be playing catch up early on in the season. I foresee a transition year upcoming for West Ridge after losing several big time players over the past two years. The Wolves do have a college level talent in [player_tooltip player_id='2225069' first='Orlando' last='Mack'] to keep track of this season as a potential breakthrough prospect. If Mack can receive help from others, competing for fourth place is very possible.    - - - - -    Region 2 Preseason Overview/Predictions   1. Oak Ridge   2. Maryville    3. Hardin Valley   4. Bradley Central   5. Cleveland   6. Farragut   7. Bearden   Preseason POTY: (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1535791' first='Brody' last='Sparks'] - Oak Ridge   Preseason Off. POTY: (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1723184' first='Will' last='Jones'] - Maryville   Preseason Def. POTY: (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1707489' first='Dax' last='Cole'] - Maryville   Preseason Lineman of the Year: (OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1294325' first='Durgan' last='Ragland'] - Hardin Valley   - Some of the best football talent from the East Tennessee area resides in this region, which should make things fun to follow this football season. I think it's a two team race between Maryville and Oak Ridge with the Wildcats holding the slight edge. The overall talent on the Oak Ridge roster this year is just better compared to Maryville but it's not by a wide margin. The Wildcats have the advantage at the skill positions on both sides of the ball, especially on offense with [player_tooltip player_id='1535791' first='Brody' last='Sparks'] at quarterback, [player_tooltip player_id='1567420' first='Damillyan' last='Porter'] carrying the ball and [player_tooltip player_id='483481' first='Malik' last='Howard'], [player_tooltip player_id='1646491' first='Branson' last='Newberry'], [player_tooltip player_id='1553960' first='Miere' last='Porter'], Nehemiah Adams and two-way performer [player_tooltip player_id='1570535' first='Zayden' last='Williams'] catching passes out wide. Oak Ridge has a chance at being one of more high scoring, explosive offenses in the state this Fall.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/05/zaywilliams.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1666864" style="width:232px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Oak Ridge WR [player_tooltip player_id='1570535' first='Zayden' last='Williams']. Photo by Oak Ridge athletics.</figcaption></figure>   Maryville might have the edge on defense, especially within the front seven. The Rebels have one of the best linebacking corps in the state with [player_tooltip player_id='1305810' first='J.P.' last='Peace'], [player_tooltip player_id='1707489' first='Dax' last='Cole'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1694317' first='Wyatt' last='Wilber']. The D-line is young but [player_tooltip player_id='1572128' first='Quincy' last='Prigmore'] could develop into an impact player this season. The offensive line is where I have the biggest question marks for Maryville and that unit must be formed together to block for [player_tooltip player_id='1723184' first='Will' last='Jones'], one of the best quarterbacks in the state. Another interesting story to watch in this region is the battle for third and fourth place. I like what I see right now from Hardin Valley and their potential to win seven plus games. The offense should lead the way with [player_tooltip player_id='2210530' first='Riley' last='Matz'] at quarterback, [player_tooltip player_id='1294325' first='Durgan' last='Ragland'] up front and a dynamic trio of receivers in [player_tooltip player_id='2169306' first='Jadyn' last='Dehart'], Nicholas Rivers and [player_tooltip player_id='2144014' first='Cruize' last='Furman']. The defense shows upside as well, led by senior edge rusher [player_tooltip player_id='1986108' first='Chance' last='Sharp'].    Bradley Central is who we have pegged for fourth place and the final playoff spot. It's not by a wide margin though as Cleveland isn't far behind. The Bears were young last year but gained good experience. They did lose some key players to the transfer portal in the off-season but the Bears should have enough to reach postseason play. The Blue Raiders have a top tier quarterback in [player_tooltip player_id='1660896' first='Kason' last='McGowan'] but I don't know if they have enough around him to cause much damage inside this region. Farragut and Bearden make up the bottom two in this region with both teams having a lot of questions about their teams going into the season. The Admirals have lost a lot over the past two years and will be banking on new and young starters this Fall. The Bulldogs could be a little better but I still think they are a year away from competing at the top of this region.    - - - - -    Region 3 Preseason Overview/Predictions   1. Oakland   2. Riverdale   3. Blackman   4. Rockvale   5. Smyrna   6. Siegel   7. Stewarts Creek   8. LaVergne   Preseason POTY: (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='866735' first='Donte' last='Cameron'] - Oakland   Preseason Off. POTY: (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1287058' first='Gavin' last='Hampton'] - Riverdale   Preseason Def. POTY: (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='906648' first='Chevy' last='Armour'] - Oakland   Preseason Lineman of the Year: (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1648682' first='James' last='Stewart'] - Riverdale    - Until head coach Kevin Creasy walks out the door and leaves Oakland, the Patriots will be predicted to win this region every season. I know that's tough for the other teams in this region to read but he has earned it. Riverdale actually took the region last year when they defeated Oakland in the regular season but the Pats got them back by knocking them out of the playoffs and taking home another 6A state championship. Oakland will be back in the mix again this year to repeat as champs. They have a well balanced ball team with a potent rushing offense, led by [player_tooltip player_id='866735' first='Donte' last='Cameron'], [player_tooltip player_id='1868595' first='Jacob' last='Vaughn'], [player_tooltip player_id='2181093' first='Adrian' last='Peebles'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1204692' first='R.J.' last='Brown'] as well as a strong defensive unit that has college players at all three levels. This year's Oakland team may be better compared to their state titles teams over the past two years.    If Riverdale was in another region, they would be at the top due to their loaded roster that has star power on both sides of the ball. The offense has a chance to be explosive and high scoring with [player_tooltip player_id='1287058' first='Gavin' last='Hampton'] at the helm and him spinning it to a talented receiving corps, led by [player_tooltip player_id='1103038' first='Brylan' last='Oduor'] and rising sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1538130' first='Luke' last='Tritch']. The Warriors may turn out to have the best defensive unit in this region by season's end. They have a very good defensive line, spearheaded by seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1648682' first='James' last='Stewart'], [player_tooltip player_id='1207775' first='Julius' last='Malden'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1588087' first='Gael' last='Lara']. Riverdale honestly doesn't have many weaknesses and could easily win this region for the second year in a row. There could be a battle for third and fourth place between Blackman and Rockvale with the Blaze claiming the third spot going into the season. There are several questions that must be answered about the Blackman team but the off-season addition of [player_tooltip player_id='1217665' first='Chase' last='Bell'] at quarterback helped solve possibly the biggest one. The defense is where I see a lot of unknowns, especially within the front seven but the secondary should be quite good with [player_tooltip player_id='1925934' first='Tristan' last='Thornton'], [player_tooltip player_id='1648722' first='Felix' last='Mitchell'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1580781' first='Jayden' last='Sanders'].    Rockvale is legit and would sit at the top of other regions but the Rockets must fight through this one. This could be the best Rockvale team they have had in several years, especially on defense where they have some special talent like [player_tooltip player_id='1675717' first='Dallas' last='Pauldo'], [player_tooltip player_id='1815536' first='Jayden' last='Agberodiola'], [player_tooltip player_id='1662944' first='Dallas' last='Johnson'], [player_tooltip player_id='2101048' first='Kingston' last='McQueen'], [player_tooltip player_id='2233340' first='Jeremiah' last='Chandler'] and others. The Rockets offense looks a step behind on offense but if that side of the ball can work out its kinks, Rockvale could develop into a team you don't want to face in the playoffs. Just missing out on the top four is Smyrna, Siegel, Stewarts Creek and LaVergne. All four teams have holes throughout their roster with Smyrna looking like the best of the four. The Bulldogs have the best shot at competing for fourth place but must receive a stellar senior year from quarterback Alexan Jackson. Siegel might have the best college prospect in offensive tackle [player_tooltip player_id='1695926' first='Princeton' last='Uwaifo'] but the Stars are lacking at most positions to be considered a playoff caliber team right now.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/Photo-Jan-21-2026-4-56-53-PM.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-2110569" style="width:265px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Oakland OL [player_tooltip player_id='1635143' first='Chandler' last='Cates'].</figcaption></figure>   - - - - -    Region 4 Preseason Overview/Predictions   1. Green Hill   2. Lebanon   3. Mt. Juliet   4. Gallatin   5. Cookeville    Preseason POTY: (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1841394' first='Zachery' last='Cartwright'] - Green Hill   Preseason Off. POTY: (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='906630' first='Gyan' last='Ezeta'] - Lebanon   Preseason Def. POTY: (LB/S) [player_tooltip player_id='1368155' first='Will' last='Butler'] - Green Hill    Preseason Lineman of the Year: (DE) [player_tooltip player_id='932943' first='Jaden' last='Stafford'] - Lebanon   - I think this region could be a bit closer this Fall compared to the last few years but I still like Green Hill as the team to beat. The Hawks are implementing new starters at several positions but return enough top tier talent like [player_tooltip player_id='1841394' first='Zachery' last='Cartwright'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1368155' first='Will' last='Butler'] to remain at the top of the region. Look for new quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1718205' first='Seth' last='Frankenfield'] to have a coming out party this year for Green Hill. Competing with the Hawks for the top spot looks to be a battle between Lebanon and Mt. Juliet with the Blue Devils holding the edge. Depth needs to be grown for the Blue Devils to do something special this year but they certainly have some top talent to lean on in [player_tooltip player_id='1938324' first='Gavin' last='Gregory'], [player_tooltip player_id='932943' first='Jaden' last='Stafford'] and [player_tooltip player_id='906630' first='Gyan' last='Ezeta']. The X-Factor for Lebanon this Fall is the play and emergence of quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1028173' first='Nate' last='Dye']. If the rising junior can provide steady game play behind center, I could see the Blue Devils winning seven plus games.    Last season was a transitional year for Mt. Juliet but their youth gained experience and should be much better for it this Fall. The Golden Bears are still developing their roster but look better equipped this year to get back into postseason play. Two guys to look at for potential breakout seasons are [player_tooltip player_id='2136049' first='Dontae' last='Young'] at linebacker and [player_tooltip player_id='1704671' first='Jaylon' last='Henry'] carrying the ball on offense. Gallatin is having to replace an all-timer at quarterback along with a few skill players but return enough talent to finish inside the top four. It looks to be a committee approach this year for the Green Wave with a few veterans back to lead the way while youthful talent steps into starting roles. One guy to know about that could be a game changer for Gallatin is two-way talent [player_tooltip player_id='1595502' first='K'Saun' last='Barksdale']. It could be a long season for Cookeville as they are lacking the star power, depth and overall talent right now to compete for titles. There are a lot of unknowns with the Cavaliers, so it will be interesting to see what kind of product they put on the field this year.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/04/wbutler.webp?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-2164787" style="width:240px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Region 5 Preseason Overview/Predictions   1. Antioch   2. Clarksville   3. Rossview   4. Cane Ridge   5. West Creek   6. Overton   7. McGavock   Preseason POTY: (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='378901' first='Andre' last='Adams'] - Antioch   Preseason Off. POTY: (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='378869' first='Ahvare' last='Galbreath'] - Clarksville   Preseason Def. POTY: (DE) [player_tooltip player_id='1909562' first='Fred' last='Ntumba'] - Antioch   Preseason Lineman of the Year: (DT/OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1896649' first='Djay' last='Denton'] - Antioch    - This region is a two team race between Antioch and Clarksville and you can bet the Bears are looking to take the region back after slipping up to the Wildcats last year. One of the best players in the state returns behind center for Antioch in [player_tooltip player_id='378901' first='Andre' last='Adams'] and he will be working with a new set of skill players at receiver and running back. Those positions along with the O-line will be critical towards the team's success as I fully expect Adams to be on point and prepared each and every game. The Bears may have to get by early on with their defense. They have a solid front seven, led by linemen [player_tooltip player_id='1909562' first='Fred' last='Ntumba'], [player_tooltip player_id='1896649' first='Djay' last='Denton'] and Da'Von Rhodes and a secondary that could be one of the best in the Mid-Tennessee region with [player_tooltip player_id='1566251' first='Kajuan' last='Taylor'], Evan Davis, Kordae Walker and rising sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='1617205' first='Aaden' last='Adams'] and C.J. McClure.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/10/Photo-Oct-02-2025-4-12-12-PM-1.jpg?w=817" alt="" class="wp-image-1925288" style="aspect-ratio:0.7978576045802936;width:219px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Austyn Day Allday media</figcaption></figure>   Clarksville may not have the talent that Antioch does but they have a winning culture and a particular way of playing that results in victories. Their recipe worked against the Bears last year and it's much of the same for the coming season. The Wildcats are replacing several key players from last season but have enough veterans like [player_tooltip player_id='378869' first='Ahvare' last='Galbreath'], [player_tooltip player_id='1285799' first='De'Nerio' last='Harding'], [player_tooltip player_id='1979576' first='Jabarie' last='Acree'] returning along with some youthful talent to contend for a top two region spot. Beyond the top two is a bit of a crap shoot. The rest of the region doesn't look equipped enough to contend with Antioch or Clarksville but the games must still be played. Rossview would be the next closest team and the Hawks could develop into a sneaky squad to compete against due to their veteran core. Quarterback Dawson Deer is one to watch at Rossview. How good he performs this year is how good his Hawks team could be.    Cane Ridge, Overton and West Creek will all battle for that fourth and final playoff spot with us giving the edge to the Ravens headed into the season. Cane Ridge is lacking the star power and overall depth but should be a better team this Fall that has a few key players to lean on in Demarco Russell and [player_tooltip player_id='1652879' first='Kemonte' last='Williams']. I think Overton will be a little better as well compared to last year but still doesn't have everything they need to compete at the top of the region. West Creek could develop into a sneaky team to compete against but the Coyotes have lost too much from graduation and transfers to place inside the top four right now. Cane Ridge appears slightly better compared to Overton and West Creek but it's not by much, so all three should be in play for that final playoff spot.     - - - - -    Region 6 Preseason Overview/Predictions   1. Ravenwood   2. Brentwood   3. Independence   4. Coffee Co.   5. Franklin   6. Shelbyville   7. Summit   Preseason POTY: (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1103577' first='Caden' last='Pace'] - Ravenwood   Preseason Off. POTY: (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='904978' first='Gavin' last='Strang'] - Brentwood   Preseason Def. POTY: (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='2170492' first='Ben' last='Whittington'] - Ravenwood   Preseason Lineman of the Year: (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1177837' first='Ayden' last='Woodruff'] - Ravenwood   - It will be hard to replicate what Ravenwood did last year, making it all the way to the 6A championship game but the Raptors have yet another strong roster this season that should keep them in the title hunt. Replacing two current college quarterbacks off last year's team will be tough but the Raptors have their next guy ready to go in junior [player_tooltip player_id='2113901' first='Brooks' last='Brown']. How he performs this year will go a long way in the team's success but so too will the players around him, especially key seniors like [player_tooltip player_id='1103577' first='Caden' last='Pace'] running the ball and pass catchers [player_tooltip player_id='1693399' first='Jeremy' last='Ramsey'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1776850' first='Charles' last='Vlach']. The Ravenwood offense may take a week or two before it gets going but the defense is another story where I expect domination to occur. The Raptors have one of the best D-line's in the state with [player_tooltip player_id='1177837' first='Ayden' last='Woodruff'], [player_tooltip player_id='2102390' first='Zyan' last='Brown'], [player_tooltip player_id='2172207' first='Xander' last='Johnson'] and Brecken Reed. They are also stacked on the back end with Ramsey, [player_tooltip player_id='2170536' first='Dallas' last='Stallings'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1616602' first='Jacob' last='Jewell'].    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/04/jjewell.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-2164088" style="width:240px;height:auto" /></figure>   Ravenwood is the clear cut favorite in this region but who is next up, who will compete with the Raptors? I think it's Brentwood and I think the Bruins could become a formidable team by the end of the regular season. The Bruins are young in several places, implementing new starters to start the year but have key pieces to lean on, especially at quarterback with rising junior star [player_tooltip player_id='904978' first='Gavin' last='Strang']. Two seniors in [player_tooltip player_id='1595026' first='Parker' last='Emerson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2200621' first='Isaac' last='Carano'] will be major contributors on both sides of the ball to compliment Strang. The line of scrimmage is the biggest area of concern for Brentwood. They do have [player_tooltip player_id='1286232' first='Kyle' last='Nabrotzky'] going both ways but he will need help around him. I think Independence will be right there with Brentwood competing for second. They have a veteran quarterback in [player_tooltip player_id='1150069' first='Matthew' last='Horner'] that is a sleeper Mr. Football candidate and a pair of receivers in [player_tooltip player_id='1663276' first='George' last='Mabury'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2128305' first='Brody' last='Bullock'] that can provide a strong passing attack for the Eagles. The offensive and defensive line is where I see development needed and those are two areas you must be strong at to compete for championships.    I don't foresee Coffee Co. chasing after the region title but I do think they will be the sleeper team in this region that may surprise those that cover high school football. The Raiders have seen some struggles over the past few years but might have their best roster in some time with a nice mix of veterans and youthful talent. I see the Raiders having a balanced team with a steady offense, led by Kaysen Lowery at quarterback, [player_tooltip player_id='1573308' first='Ayden' last='Van Winkle'] snapping the ball at center and talented junior tight end [player_tooltip player_id='2220101' first='Jerrin' last='Jordan'] catching passes. The defense looks solid too, especially at the second level with linebackers Hank Crabtree and Graham Collins. I don't think Franklin is too far behind Coffee Co. and could be right there with them competing for fourth place. I do expect the Admirals to be a better ball club this year but I'm not sure right now on how good. Shelbyville and Summit are two teams that could be working an uphill battle this year with rosters that may not have enough talent to contend for postseason play.    - - - - -    Region 7 Preseason Overview/Predictions   1. Collierville   2. Houston   3. Bartlett   4. Cordova   5. Arlington   Preseason POTY: (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='905003' first='Brayden' last='Santibanez'] - Collierville   Preseason Off. POTY: (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='378893' first='Larry' last='Johnson III'] - Collierville   Preseason Def. POTY: (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1093182' first='Connor' last='Brown'] - Houston   Preseason Lineman of the Year: (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1703375' first='Braylon' last='Warren'] - Collierville    - Everything in this region runs through Collierville this year as the Dragons have a roster that can take them all the way to Chattanooga and compete for the 6A state championship. Whether it's offense or defense, the Dragons have star players on both sides of the ball with a nice mix of veterans and youthful talent. Collierville is led on offense by future Big Ten prospects [player_tooltip player_id='905003' first='Brayden' last='Santibanez'] at quarterback and Tae Walden Jr.  catching passes out wide. The passing attack should be strong but so too will be the run game. The Dragons have a pair of college level ball carriers in Larry Johnson and [player_tooltip player_id='1684759' first='Dillan' last='Vaughn'] but the O-line must hold up, which is the one area that I think needs further development. Defensively, the Dragons have some holes to fill but overall, that side of the ball should be salty and superior compared to most opponents they will face.    Collierville is the clear cut favorite in this region, so everybody else is battling for second place and the other three playoff spots. We have Houston pegged for second right now but it's not by a wide margin with Bartlett there right behind them. The Mustangs were a young ball club last year that gained experience and should be better for it this season. They have a nice offensive core with [player_tooltip player_id='1091453' first='Canon' last='Day'] at quarterback, and [player_tooltip player_id='1718454' first='Raderius' last='Robertson'] carrying the ball behind a strong O-line, led by [player_tooltip player_id='2045254' first='Jaiden' last='Strother'], [player_tooltip player_id='2005483' first='Carridan' last='Matthews'] and rising sophomore stud [player_tooltip player_id='1702107' first='Steven' last='Anderson']. Defensively is where the Mustangs need further development but one guy who should become a standout is linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1093182' first='Connor' last='Brown']. Bartlett has seen a lot of roster changes over the past two years but should have enough talent to contend for postseason play. There are several unknowns about the Panthers but they do have some legit talent like [player_tooltip player_id='1646591' first='Aiden' last='Jackson'] at running back, [player_tooltip player_id='1181298' first='Pierce' last='Washington'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2124278' first='Chris' last='Freeman'] at receiver and star O-lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1704516' first='Elijah' last='Turner'] blocking up front. I see potential with the Bartlett offense but it's their defense that must be watched early this season to see what kind of unit the Panthers will have.    Arlington and Cordova look to be battling for that final playoff spot with the Wolves out ahead right now. I think that Cordova could be a sneaky team to deal with this Fall but their roster must be developed properly for that to happen. I like what they have at quarterback with [player_tooltip player_id='1868919' first='Anthony' last='Houston'] and the potential of their offensive line. I also see upside with their defense but there are also a lot of questions to be answered as well. Arlington should have a better team this year that honestly competes for postseason action but I don't know if they have enough talent to overcome the other teams in this region. The Tigers return a solid roster with plenty of veterans that could progress in the right direction and give everybody else in this region fits.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/twalden-crop-544x358-1780174925.jpg?w=544" alt="" class="wp-image-2219865" style="width:293px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Collierville WR Tae Walden Jr during a game.</figcaption></figure>   - - - - -    Region 8 Preseason Overview/Predictions   1. Southwind   2. Whitehaven   3. Germantown   4. White Station   Preseason POTY: (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='905235' first='Khamoni' last='Williams'] - Southwind   Preseason Off. POTY: (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1759477' first='Malcolm' last='Jack'] - Southwind    Preseason Def. POTY: (DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1699523' first='Roosevelt' last='Bates'] - Southwind   Preseason Lineman of the Year: (OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1159814' first='Antonio' last='Keefer'] - Southwind   - Even though this region only has four teams, it should be competitive and fun to watch due to the talent spread across all four Memphis area football squads. The team to beat in this region looks to be Southwind. The Jaguars are needing to replace several key starters from last year, including a two-time Mr. Football winner but they still have a loaded roster that could form together to become a state title contending team. The backfield consists of [player_tooltip player_id='1759477' first='Malcolm' last='Jack'] at quarterback and [player_tooltip player_id='905235' first='Khamoni' last='Williams'] carrying the ball and doing so behind one of the best O-line's in state, spearheaded by [player_tooltip player_id='1159814' first='Antonio' last='Keefer'], [player_tooltip player_id='378854' first='Chris' last='Campbell'], [player_tooltip player_id='904973' first='Zachais' last='Ratliff'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2154591' first='Micah' last='Ashby']. I expect the Jags to be balanced and high scoring on offense but I'm also expecting their defense to be quite strong as well. They have a disruptor in the trenches with [player_tooltip player_id='1699523' first='Roosevelt' last='Bates']. The secondary could be special with [player_tooltip player_id='2228527' first='Camryn' last='Young'], [player_tooltip player_id='1617036' first='Miguel' last='Moore'], [player_tooltip player_id='2220638' first='Kelbe' last='Parson'] and new addition [player_tooltip player_id='2134983' first='Derrecas' last='Henson'] Jr. at cornerback. The Jaguars don't have too many weaknesses and as long as everyone stays healthy, competing for the 6A title is very possible.    Southwind is the team to beat but Whitehaven isn't too far behind, especially after revamping their roster in the off-season with multiple highly talented additions. The Tigers could have a resurgence this Fall but their top players must perform at a high level while the rest of the roster forms around them. Junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1588108' first='Jour'din' last='Shelton'] runs the show and his arm talent should help expand the Tigers offense this Fall and allow them to become more balanced and explosive. He will have help at running back from transfer ball carrier [player_tooltip player_id='1370886' first='Jaibriel' last='Bowers'], who could develop into a legit Mr. Football candidate. The O-line was the biggest question coming into the year on offense but the off-season additions of [player_tooltip player_id='1670074' first='Tracy' last='Shaw'], [player_tooltip player_id='1893082' first='Hamilton' last='Washington'] and [player_tooltip player_id='904913' first='Stevion' last='Jones'] makes that unit look a lot better. The X-Factor for Whitehaven this Fall could be their defense. There are some holes that need to be filled but I see upside on this side of the ball, especially with future college stars in [player_tooltip player_id='906615' first='Shelvy' last='Clark'], [player_tooltip player_id='1599115' first='Malek' last='Mason'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1641243' first='Malik' last='Dean Jr.']    Over the past decade, Germantown has been one of more consistent programs in the state but it looks like the Red Devils could be in-store for a little bit of a transitional year. They lost a ton from graduation and the transfer portal over the past year, so new and unknown players will be stepping into bigger roles and expected to contribute in a major way. The staff did bring in a few transfers that should help like [player_tooltip player_id='1732135' first='Kobe' last='Simmons'] and others but I don't know if they have enough talent to knock Southwind or Whitehaven out of the top two. The offense is where the most questions reside but I do think the Red Devils defense should be solid, led by seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1590238' first='Ryland' last='Harris'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2161726' first='Payden' last='Ballard']. White Station has sat at the bottom of this region for several years and while I have them placed there yet again, I think the Spartans will be a better team this season. The offense appears to be a work in progress but the White Station could be solid, led by edge defenders [player_tooltip player_id='1310642' first='Antwan' last='Jackson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2057229' first='Jalen' last='Bryant']. The secondary has some upside as well with senior cover corner [player_tooltip player_id='2058200' first='Marrion' last='Wilson'] and up and coming safety [player_tooltip player_id='1727100' first='Antonio' last='Crockett'].    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/06/akeefer.webp?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1689798" style="aspect-ratio:1.501511939105349;width:316px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Southwind OL [player_tooltip player_id='1159814' first='Antonio' last='Keefer'] (#56). Photo by Southwind Athletics,</figcaption></figure>