PRZTN Preseason Preview: Division II-A

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The high school football season begins in less than two weeks after a long offseason and waiting for the best sport on Earth. PRZ's Chris Smith did the majority of previews thus far, but I'm stepping in to help with Division II-A.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's an intriguing classification headlined by a few star-studded teams mixed in with sleepers who could make things interesting. That said, let's get into previewing this loaded classification.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2091025} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/12/Photo-Dec-29-2025-2-50-34-PM-crop-1091x717-1767041597.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2091025" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: CCS QB [player_tooltip player_id='1633788' first='Kohbe' last='Ward']. Photo from his X/Twitter.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- 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:list {"ordered":true} --> <ol class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Concord Christian School</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Middle Tennessee Christian School</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Providence Christian Academy</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>The King's Academy</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Providence Academy</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Grace Baptist Academy</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason POTY:&nbsp;</strong>(QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1633788' first='Kohbe' last='Ward'] – Concord Christian School</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Off. POTY: </strong>(RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1066002' first='Alie' last='Bangura'] – Middle Tennessee Christian School</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Def. POTY:&nbsp;</strong>(LB) [player_tooltip player_id='2136594' first='Cooper' last='Jones'] – Middle Tennessee Christian School</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Lineman of the Year:&nbsp;</strong>(OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1037300' first='Asher' last='Noe'] – Concord Christian School</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is an interesting region with two clear-cut top teams, two that have potential and then uncertainty with the others. While I do have Concord Christian School at my No. 1 spot, I feel like it's really a wide-open region.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1633788' first='Kohbe' last='Ward'] leads a talented Concord Christian School squad featuring a trio of 2029 athletes with bright futures. [player_tooltip player_id='1031934' first='Dasani' last='Moulden'] is the top pass catcher and has legitimate FBS potential with his elite athleticism. I also like what they have with running back [player_tooltip player_id='1305175' first='Maurice' last='Smith Jr.'], who is a productive player that gives them threats on the ground and through the air.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They lost a few defensive pieces, but it should be good enough to win the region. It may not be a lockdown unit, but they don't have to be with that powerful offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2139954} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/Photo-Feb-26-2026-3-54-09-PM-crop-1320x867-1772143320.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2139954" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Concord Christian ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1031934' first='Dasani' last='Moulden']. Photo from his Instagram.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Middle Tennessee Christian and Providence Christian Academy are the two teams next up, both being from Murfreesboro. PCA is coming off a strong 2025 season, but did lose a lot from that team. That said, I trust the staff to bring in the right reinforcements and coach them up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Losing their top offensive lineman to Rockvale is tough, but there are plenty of quality players waiting in the shadows. People may not know their names just yet, but they will once the season kicks off.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Middle Tennessee Christian has been one of the best and most consistent programs in DII-A, so I'm not going to begin doubting them now. [player_tooltip player_id='2136594' first='Cooper' last='Jones'] is arguably their top player and is my pick for Defensive Player of the Year. [player_tooltip player_id='1066002' first='Alie' last='Bangura'] leads the way at running back, where he has been one of the top rushers in Tennessee through his first two seasons of high school football.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The King's Academy has some intriguing pieces and could honestly surprise a lot of people. I do like the upside, but I can't put them above teams who have produced the past few years. But they do deserve the attention. After missing a season of football in 2025, they are ready to get back on the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>-----</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2132602} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/Photo-Feb-19-2026-8-04-21-PM-crop-953x626-1771553176.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2132602" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Nashville Christian QB [player_tooltip player_id='1196806' first='Tate' last='Mathis'] in a game. Photo from his Instagram.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Middle Region Preseason Overview/Predictions</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(Predicted Order of Finish)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} --> <ol class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Nashville Christian School</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Friendship Christian School</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Donelson Christian Academy</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Ezell-Harding Christian School</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Clarksville Academy</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Mount Juliet Christian School</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Franklin Christian Academy</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason POTY:&nbsp;</strong>(QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1196806' first='Tate' last='Mathis'] – Nashville Christian School</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Off. POTY: </strong>(WR) [player_tooltip player_id='933063' first='Kaden' last='Grigsby'] – Nashville Christian School</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Def. POTY:&nbsp;</strong>(DL) [player_tooltip player_id='1855561' first='Gideon' last='Knox'] – Friendship Christian School</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Lineman of the Year:&nbsp;</strong>(OL) [player_tooltip player_id='705894' first='Kaden' last='Buchanan'] – Friendship Christian School</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jared Curtis is no longer at Nashville Christian School, but it doesn't matter. Talented 2028 QB [player_tooltip player_id='1196806' first='Tate' last='Mathis'] will step into that starting role after getting some run last season. He will not replace the former five-star prospect, but he is plenty good to dominate this classification and be a 2026 Mr. Football candidate.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The rest of this team is absolutely loaded from top to bottom and should be the heavy favorite to win the state title once again. [player_tooltip player_id='933063' first='Kaden' last='Grigsby'] is WR1 for this team, but don't sleep on incoming freshman Kelan Taylor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2030 prospect is impressive on both sides of the ball at wide receiver and defensive back. Their trenches are also good, led by senior defensive lineman Matthew Newberry.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2211790} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/05/Photo-May-19-2026-8-10-19-AM-crop-1320x867-1779199283.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2211790" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: FCS OL [player_tooltip player_id='705894' first='Kaden' last='Buchanan'] during a game. Photo from his Instagram.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While I love what the Eagles have going, Friendship Christian School is a very good team. NCS has more skill players, but give me FCS in the trenches. [player_tooltip player_id='1570558' first='Brixton' last='Dorris'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1855561' first='Gideon' last='Knox'] are both elite defensive linemen, with 2029 linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1721153' first='Bruno' last='Prater'] being one of the top defenders in Division II-A. Senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1104293' first='Blake' last='Waldorf'] looks to have taken that next step and is due for a strong season to help make them a balanced squad.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Those are the clear-cut top dogs, but don't sleep on Ezell-Harding and Donelson Christian. Both have some underrated players who can create havoc within the region. Now, neither will win it, but they could deliver an upset loss or two.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DCA is the more impressive team to me, led by a solid tailback duo with Riley Biddle and King Gardner. Both rushed for over 1,000 yards last season and will do more of the same in 2026. The passing game is solid with Blake Holton, but this team will be fed by an excellent rushing offense and a solid defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>-----</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2116387} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/06/krose-crop-401x263-1769727158.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2116387" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Jackson Christian EDGE [player_tooltip player_id='1580777' first='Kelsey' last='Rose Jr.']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>West Region Preseason Overview/Predictions</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(Predicted Order of Finish)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} --> <ol class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>University School of Jackson</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Trinity Christian Academy</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Jackson Christian School</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Tipton-Rosemark Academy</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Harding Academy</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>First Assembly Christian</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Fayette Academy</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason POTY:&nbsp;</strong>(QB) [player_tooltip player_id='446208' first='Cayden' last='Creech'] – University School of Jackson</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Off. POTY: </strong>(WR) [player_tooltip player_id='2131341' first='Jacob' last='Snider'] – University School of Jackson</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Def. POTY:&nbsp;</strong>(LB) [player_tooltip player_id='2121649' first='Eli' last='Yandell'] – University School of Jackson</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Lineman of the Year:&nbsp;</strong>(DL) [player_tooltip player_id='1580777' first='Kelsey' last='Rose Jr.'] – Jackson Christian School</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This group is similar to the Middle Region. One or two teams are the overwhelming favorites to win. But there are multiple sleeper teams who could make things interesting throughout 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Starting with University School of Jackson, arguably the top team in this classification. Star QB [player_tooltip player_id='446208' first='Cayden' last='Creech'] is back for his senior year and looking to avenge last season's horrific loss to Nashville Christian in the state championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Their defense is loaded, highlighted by senior defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='1687518' first='Bradley' last='Stamper'] and inside backer [player_tooltip player_id='2121649' first='Eli' last='Yandell']. This is a complete team with multiple reliable wideouts and a strong rushing attack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2145055} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/03/Photo-Mar-04-2026-11-02-52-PM-crop-1320x867-1772687995.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2145055" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: USJ LB [player_tooltip player_id='2121649' first='Eli' last='Yandell'] during a game. Photo from his Instagram.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Trinity Christian Academy and Jackson Christian School are two sleepers with enough talent to knock off somebody throughout their schedule. JCS features the top defensive player in the class with edge rusher [player_tooltip player_id='1580777' first='Kelsey' last='Rose Jr.'] </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eagles did lose its starting quarterback to graduation, but Jay Pirtle is back after almost 1,000 total yards in 2025. I like for him to take that next step forward as a senior and lead the team offensively. Multiple receivers return, so whoever they decide to play at quarterback will have a bevy of playmakers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's quite a bit of continuity with the defense after losing just a handful of high-level players. The Eagles return their leaders in sacks, interceptions, TFLs and pass breakups. I need to see more offensively and at quarterback, but I like this squad.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>TCA is more of a complete football team but does not have the star power like USJ. Still, they're a good football team coming off a 10-3 campaign in 2025. They lost big production on offense with Gabe Lee and Owen Atwood graduating, but I think they'll pass the torch to others.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Keep an eye on Joe Cole this season. He's a better linebacker, but does play some tailback. Last season, he ran for over nine yards per carry on just 20 touches. With him being more of a factor, the rushing attack will be potent again. I'm a fan of Lake Helton and what he offers as a big wide receiver. At 6-foot-4, he can stretch the field and make contested catches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Their defense is solid and does bring back a good amount of production from a unit that surrendered just 14.1 points per game during the regular season. I like this team a good bit and could see them making a deep run in the postseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->