PRZTN Preseason Preview: D2-Class AA

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Battle Ground Academy is the defending state champs in this classification and while they look to be the favorite going into the season, the Wildcats will be different this year while the competition appears to be a little better. Here we breakdown the D2-Class AA ranks by predicting each region while providing our preseason players of the year, so catch up on this classification by getting informed prior to the start of the season next Thursday evening. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>East Region Preseason Overview/Predictions</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(Predicted Order of Finish)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1. Boyd Buchanan</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2. GCA</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3. Knox. Webb</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4. Silverdale</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5. Lakeway Christian</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6. Notre Dame</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>7. CAK&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>8. Chatt. Christian&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason POTY: </strong>(RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2132912' first='Jack' last='Ferguson'] </strong>- Boyd Buchanan</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Off. POTY: </strong>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1292341' first='Corbin' last='Hobson'] </strong>- GCA&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Def. POTY: </strong>(LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1587377' first='Jackson' last='Coffey'] </strong>- GCA&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Lineman of the Year: </strong>(OT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1674006' first='Luke' last='Burger'] </strong>- Silverdale&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Multiple teams in this region added significant talent to their rosters by way of the portal this off-season, so it may be fun to see how things finish out here and who comes out on top. It should be a fun region to follow this Fall as I could see Boyd Buchanan, GCA, Knox. Webb or even Silverdale finishing on top but right now, I give the edge to the Buccaneers, however it's by a slim margin. There is a strong winning culture right now at Boyd Buchanan and though they are replacing several key starters from last year, I believe they have the talent to replace those guys and continue their winning ways. A new addition to the backfield in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2132912' first='Jack' last='Ferguson'] </strong>is someone I'm banking on having a breakout year and a player that could compete for Mr. Football with a strong standout season. He will be surrounded by a young offensive core, led by <strong>Andrew Rivers </strong>at quarterback, so I think the Bucs may have to lean on <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1038477' first='Corey' last='McGraw'] </strong>and their defense early on as the offense gains their footing but I like the long term upside with the Bucs.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2089007,"width":"240px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"0.8944284560756951","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/Photo-Dec-24-2025-1-06-10-PM.jpg?w=915" alt="" class="wp-image-2089007" style="aspect-ratio:0.8944284560756951;width:240px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: From his Instagram @_.cj0_.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I think it will be a battle for second place between GCA and Knox. Webb. Both teams added new players in the portal this off-season that should make their teams better, especially at quarterback with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1292341' first='Corbin' last='Hobson'] </strong>(GCA) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1178597' first='Garrett' last='King'] </strong>(Knox. Webb) but they will need help. Hobson could have the best duo at running back in the region to work with in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2136012' first='J.V.' last='Stinson'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='933067' first='Terrion' last='Thomas']</strong>, who will be taking reps at receiver as well. Senior two-way standout <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1629937' first='Kaden' last='Webber'] </strong>can be a game changer as well for GCA but so could incoming freshman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1695516' first='Braylen' last='Mathis']</strong>, who looks like a future star. I'm expecting a big year from <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1587377' first='Jackson' last='Coffey'] </strong>but he will need help as I see the Rams defense having the most question marks going into the year. Last season was a struggle for Knox. Webb but I think they can turn things around this year where they have a much better roster and some promising youthful talent. Besides bringing in King at quarterback, the Spartans also brought in eventual college players in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2142847' first='Amare' last='Cruse'] </strong>(DL), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1578457' first='Donovan' last='Lloyd'] </strong>(DB) and <strong>Matthew Rogers </strong>at running back, who could potentially lead this region in rushing. There are some holes that still need to be filled but I like the potential of this Knox. Webb and their chances at making the playoffs this year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Silverdale is picked fourth going into the season but I could easily see them in second place but a few pieces must come together for that to happen. The Seahawks have two of the best college prospects in this region with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1674006' first='Luke' last='Burger'] </strong>at offensive tackle and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1535798' first='Connor' last='Jenne'] </strong>running the show at quarterback. It's the pieces around them and the defensive unit as a whole that I have questions about right now. Senior two-way standout <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1629888' first='Cannon' last='Rogers'] </strong>is someone that could have a big year for them but others need to join him and produce at a high level. We can't sleep on Lakeway Christian and their chances at getting into the top four. The Lions don't have the depth as the top four but they do have some significant talent, especially on the D-line with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2116601' first='Sinai' last='Dikisongele'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1649499' first='Maki' last='Bell']</strong>. Lakeway has an offense with potential but it's the defensive side of the ball, beyond their defensive tackles that looks a little underwhelming right now, however that could certainly change into the season. Notre Dame should be much better this Fall compared to year's past but I still think they are a year away from getting into the top of this region. The Fighting Irish has a D1 guy at receiver in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103039' first='Jacorrion' last='Tramble']</strong> and should have a solid defensive line with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2101201' first='Braydon' last='Collins']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2212505' first='Nehemiah' last='Clark'] </strong>but it's the rest of the defense around them that I'm unsure about right now. I do like some of the young talent they have though and think the Irish could be a tough out for many teams.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Middle Region Preseason Overview/Predictions</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1. BGA</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2. FRA</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3. Pope Prep</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4. Goodpasture&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5. Davidson Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6. Franklin-Grace&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>7. Columbia Academy&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason POTY: </strong>(WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1537396' first='Maddox' last='Porter'] </strong>- BGA</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Off. POTY: </strong>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2161201' first='Bo' last='Bryan'] </strong>- BGA</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Def. POTY: </strong>(LB/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='903033' first='Omarii' last='Sanders'] </strong>- FRA</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Co-Preseason Linemen of the Year: </strong>(OT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='423394' first='Koehn' last='Dial'] </strong>- BGA - (DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='866750' first='Keilan' last='Neal'] </strong>- FRA&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Coming off earning a state title, Battle Ground Academy heads into the 2026 season as the favorite to yet again bring home the trophy, however they will be a little bit different compared to last year's championship squad. The Wildcats will have a new starter at quarterback with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2161201' first='Bo' last='Bryan'] </strong>and a committee approach at running back but the receivers are elite with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1030085' first='Max' last='Curry'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1537396' first='Maddox' last='Porter']</strong>. The O-line has some holes to fill but still should be solid, spearheaded by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2081569' first='Kayden' last='Adams'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='423394' first='Koehn' last='Dial']</strong>. The defense shows upside but like the other side of the ball, it has areas that need further development. I do like the long term potential on defense as the Cats have star players at all three levels with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='902956' first='Justice' last='Pittman'] </strong>on the D-line, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2124388' first='Mannie' last='Fentress'] </strong>at linebacker and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1065916' first='Jeisun' last='Thompson'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2087884' first='Jake' last='Berte'] </strong>in the secondary. I fully expect BGA to be a well oiled machine by the end of the regular season and remain the favorite at returning back to Chattanooga.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The next best team that is equipped to challenge BGA for the top spot is yet again Franklin Road Academy. The Panthers return several key players from last season's runner-up team that gained experience within a championship atmosphere and should bode well for them this Fall. Quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1037670' first='Jack' last='Nimitz'] </strong>returns under center this Fall with a year under his belt but he will be working with a new set of skill guys at running back and receiver. The O-line will be young but possibly the best unit on the offensive side of the ball. It's the Panthers defense that stands out the most to me with a strong core returning in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='866750' first='Keilan' last='Neal']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='903033' first='Omarii' last='Sanders'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='903954' first='Kwadir' last='Fletcher'] </strong>along with some up and coming youthful talent in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1665616' first='Dhillon' last='Booker'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2118740' first='Remello' last='Armstrong']</strong>. I do see enough pieces here to legitimately contend with BGA and potentially make it back to the D2-AA state title game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Picking between Pope Prep and Goodpasture for the 3rd place was tough but after examining both rosters, I give the edge to the Knights based on their long term potential. The recent addition of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='902986' first='Hudson' last='Holman'] </strong>at quarterback helps a lot but I like the upside for <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1718193' first='P.J.' last='Williams'] </strong>and his chances at starting this year behind center. The Knights could have a solid O-line blocking for whoever plays quarterback, led by senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='906620' first='Daniel' last='Jarquin'] </strong>and talented junior offensive tackle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2166201' first='Bryson' last='Hardy']</strong>. The defense shows potential too but does have some areas of needed development, especially within the front seven. Goodpasture has steadily gotten better over the past few years with them going 7-3 last season. They are looking to keep the train going this Fall with the return of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2071467' first='Chase' last='Angell'] </strong>at quarterback and him throwing the ball to two-way standout <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='903798' first='Slim' last='Leavell'] </strong>and under the radar senior receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2146264' first='Heath' last='Vinett']</strong>. Two off-season additions in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1884148' first='Markus' last='Cantrell'] </strong>and <strong>Reed Reynolds </strong>will help the cause but the Cougars are lacking bodies in the trenches, which is why I have Pope Prep ahead of them right now. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I see the 2026 season being a transitional year for Davidson Academy. The Bears have lost several key players over the past two years but now must replace those guys, asking for some youthful talent to step forward into starting roles. There are a few standouts at multiple positions like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1587368' first='Logan' last='Murray'] </strong>on the offensive line, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1394355' first='Brady' last='Adams'] </strong>going both ways at tight end and defensive end and <strong>Rontez Moore </strong>carrying the ball at running back. I just don't know if Franklin-Grace has enough overall talent and depth to contend with the top five. The Lions do have a solid senior core back in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2138257' first='Grayson' last='Degraff']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1646051' first='Rome' last='Duncan'] </strong>at receiver as well as <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2165481' first='Noah' last='Anliker'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2135981' first='Greyson' last='McKown'] </strong>on defense but the rest of the roster has a bunch of unknowns going into the 2026 season. I could see the Lions competing with Davidson Academy for fifth place but a lot of positions must be sorted out for that to happen. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1855125,"width":"241px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"1.0733985986184962","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/08/maxcurry.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1855125" style="aspect-ratio:1.0733985986184962;width:241px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>West Region Preseason Overview/Predictions</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1. Lausanne</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2. ECS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3. Northpoint Chrst.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4. St. Benedict</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5. St. George's&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason POTY: </strong>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1037302' first='Thomas' last='Heffner'] </strong>- Lausanne</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Off. POTY: </strong>(WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1556594' first='Lawrence' last='Britt'] </strong>- Lausanne&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Def. POTY: </strong>(LB) <strong>Baylor Smith </strong>- Northpoint Chrst.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Lineman of the Year: </strong>(DE) <strong>Maxwell Butler </strong>- Lausanne&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- There is no question that Lausanne is the team to beat in this region and it's by a wide margin. Compared to the rest of this region, the Lynx have a loaded roster with multiple Power Four, D1 caliber players, led by current Missouri commitment <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1556594' first='Lawrence' last='Britt']</strong>. He will have one of the top junior quarterbacks in the state throwing him the ball with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1037302' first='Thomas' last='Heffner']</strong>. The Lynx will be young up front but talented with a lot of long term potential. I think their offense has a chance to be quite potent this year, especially if <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1698723' first='Antonio' last='Huntsman'] </strong>and others help balance things out with a productive run game. The defense looks to be strong as well. You will see Britt on this side of the ball as well but he should be helped by a strong defensive front, led by edge rusher <strong>Maxwell Butler </strong>and up and coming star defender <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1698735' first='Cayden' last='Williams']</strong>. It may take a few weeks for both sides of the ball to gel together but by the end of the regular season, the Lynx should develop into one of the better teams on the D2-Class AA level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The rest of the region has a bunch of unknowns and questions about each team while lacking the overall talent to compete with Lausanne for the top spot. It's honestly a crap shoot on who will finish second but right now I like the potential from Evangelical Christian. The Eagles are the next best team when it comes to depth but still has a bunch of holes that need to be filled. Two players to know about from ECS that should be team leaders are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2210888' first='Graham' last='Wilson'] </strong>on the offensive line and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2136025' first='Wright' last='Arthur']</strong>, a versatile junior that could play several roles on both sides of the ball. Northpoint Christian will be a much younger ball club this Fall but still have a few veterans like <strong>Baylor Smith </strong>at linebacker and <strong>Tucker Woodruff </strong>and <strong>Dylan McRae </strong>to lead the way. The Trojans could very well be much better than expected but it's still a week to week process for this team to see who they are and who they can be by the end of the football year.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St.Benedict and St. George's make up the bottom of this region with both lacking the overall talent or depth to compete for the top going into the 2026 season. There have been some changes at St. Benedict that might benefit them down the line. I do expect the Eagles to be better this Fall but they still may be a few years away from competing for the region title. Two guys to watch for St. Benedict this year to be playmakers are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2231760' first='Robin' last='Isbell'] </strong>and junior gadget guy <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2233972' first='Damien' last='Mathis']</strong>. Claiming the fifth spot is St. George's and all indications point towards the Gryphons having a tough season ahead but we still have to play the games. Both sides of the ball look to be a work in progress for St. George's but their defense could be serviceable with<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='904976' first='Wade' last='Jones'] </strong>rushing the backfield up front and linebacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2227944' first='Remy' last='Bradford-Luster'] </strong>making tackles from the second level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2165684,"width":"299px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"1.5278195488721804","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/05/lawbritt-crop-386x253-1775417743.jpg?w=385" alt="" class="wp-image-2165684" style="aspect-ratio:1.5278195488721804;width:299px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Lausanne WR [player_tooltip player_id='1556594' first='Lawrence' last='Britt'].</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->