Season Preview: Class 5A Title Contenders 

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Could we be getting a rubber match this season between Page and Sevier Co. or will others supplant them and crown themselves as Class 5A state champions! It's a high probability we find the Patriots and Smoky Bears in Chattanooga yet again but I do see a few teams that have enough talent to get in the mix as well. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top of the List ……</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sevier Co. Smoky Bears (Class 5A-Reg. 1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Smoky Bears have a few positions that need to get figured out but overall, they have everything they need to get back to the 5A title game and bring home their second ever state championship. UConn quarterback commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1142902' first='Cooper' last='Newman'] </strong>returns for his final year under center and when you have a guy that can spin like he does, you have a shot to win a bunch of games but he has help as well from the likes of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1577078' first='Parker' last='Newman']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103040' first='Jaxson' last='Perry'] </strong>and others. Sevier Co. will have a balanced ball club with star power on both sides of the ball and some up and coming talent that should step up and show out this Fall. The offensive line is where I have the biggest question marks but I trust the staff to get that figured out and find the right five guys to do their jobs. I would be totally surprised to not find Sevier Co. in the 5A title game this year. That's how good they are and how strong their team is for the 2026 season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Page Patriots (Class 5A-Reg. 5)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Your reigning and defending state champs are the Patriots and while they will look a bit different this Fall, I still expect Page to be legit and a great choice to return to Chattanooga. What immediately puts the Pats at the top of the list to return to the 5A title game is the return of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='693877' first='Cameron' last='Kruse'] </strong>behind center. The future Kansas St. Wildcat is a tremendous leader that can make all the throws while also providing the ability to run it when called upon. He will have a solid O-line in front of him with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1570544' first='Preston' last='Ashmore']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='905242' first='Caleb' last='Coffman'] </strong>and others along with a nice skill group, spearheaded by ball carrier <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1571091' first='Isaac' last='Otey'] </strong>and stud receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2141270' first='Dylan' last='Streeter']</strong>. The defense looks stacked as well. There aren't a whole lot of weaknesses on this team, so it's not wild to think the Patriots could go undefeated again during the regular season then make a deep run in the playoffs, chasing after back to back state titles.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Memphis Central Warriors (Class 5A-Reg. 8)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Looking at who could be on the bottom side of the bracket this year, Memphis Central might be the top team to knock off Page and earn a spot in the 5A title game. A lot has to happen and the Warriors top players must stay healthy but I like the makeup of this team and how good they can be this Fall season. Everything starts with junior quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1094224' first='Brooks' last='Wright']</strong>. This 6 '2 gunslinger has all the tools to spin on the college stage one day and he should have help out wide from an athletic receiving corps, led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1694328' first='Kyle' last='Aldridge'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2231364' first='Bobby' last='Calvin III']</strong>. I expect the offense to be high scoring but I also see a strong defense for Central as well. They have college level vets in the front seven with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1576763' first='Joshua' last='Lane'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1370856' first='Landon' last='James'] </strong>and an athletic secondary that shows ball hawk flashes. Multiple positions groups need to be sorted out but I like the potential with this West Tennessee program and their chances at doing something special this Fall season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Munford Cougars (Class 5A-Reg. 8)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- If it's not Memphis Central coming out of the West to take on Page, it will be these Cougars that have a good looking roster with several future college players and a style of offense that travels well into the playoffs. Munford is known for the running ball and that will be the recipe again this season with Mr. Football candidate <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1585458' first='Tay' last='Starks'] </strong>spearheading those efforts. He will have <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1597028' first='Jaydien' last='Mullins'] </strong>blocking for him up front and a defense that should compete for one of the best units coming out of the 5A ranks this season. The Cougars have a formidable defensive line with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1662515' first='Dakota' last='Lumm']</strong>, <strong>Demonte Jones </strong>working off the edge and off-season transfer <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2187158' first='Amarrie' last='Alston']</strong>. The back seven looks strong as well, especially with <strong>De'Quavious Bell </strong>roaming on the back end. Munford has a lot of pieces in place to compete for their region but also chase after that state title trophy but their top player must perform each and every while staying healthy for that to happen but I certainly like their chances.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1689807,"width":"220px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/06/jaymullins2.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1689807" style="width:220px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Middle Tier ……</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Powell Panthers (Class 5A-Reg. 2)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- I think the Panthers have the best chance at knocking Sevier Co. off their pedestal and be the East Tennessee team that makes a run after the 5A state title. A lot must come together for the Panthers but I see pieces in place that can make them a formidable team that got better in the off-season with a few new additions. The biggest addition could be <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='904027' first='Jaylon' last='Benjamin'] </strong>at quarterback. His presence behind center will be critical towards his team's overall success but he will need help and I think he will have it from guys like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1708407' first='Zi' last='Jackson']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1554811' first='Sammy' last='Steimer'] </strong>and others. The defense is where I have the most questions but one thing they will have is one of the better 5A pass rushers in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2224053' first='Joshua' last='Kay']</strong>. It will be interesting to see how Powell performs early this season and what kind of team they form into because I see a path for them towards Chattanooga as long as all the pieces fall into place correctly.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Henry Co. Patriots (Class 5A-Reg. 7)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- When you have a veteran quarterback like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='932897' first='Ayden' last='Spellings'] </strong>behind center, you immediately have a shot to win ball games but also place your team in position to compete for titles. The Patriots are needing to replace a few key starters from last season but return enough talent to win their region but also work their way into contention for a state championship. Besides Spellings at quarterback, the rest of the offense is a wait and see approach with several new players stepping up but look for senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1592212' first='Deonte' last='Ward'] </strong>to become the go-to guy out wide that provides a big play threat. It's the Patriots defense that has me thinking they can make a run. The front seven looks to be strong with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2170879' first='Maleque' last='Jackson'] </strong>leading the way while the secondary shows good upside. I don't think it will be an easy path for Henry Co. as their region is tough but if the right pieces fall into place, the Patriots could be a team to watch for when it comes to the 5A title.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2178715,"width":"245px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/04/maljackson-e1781112960998.jpg?w=486" alt="" class="wp-image-2178715" style="width:245px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Beech Buccaneers (Class 5A-Reg. 6)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- This year's Buccaneers team will be different compared to last year as there are a lot of unknowns with this team at several positions but their winning culture is strong and they have enough star power to win their region and make a run after the 5A championship. A lot depends on the ascension of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1317766' first='Sawyer' last='Phillips'] </strong>at quarterback and a defense that will be implementing new starters. What the Bucs will have is a hammer on both sides of the ball with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1206523' first='D.K.' last='Williams']</strong>. He should lead the team in rushing as well as tackles but be that rock the team leans on early as others find their way. Beech is one team in this article that I have to see compete in the first part of the season to find out what kind of squad the Buccaneers will have for the 2026 football year and how good they can become. I'm banking on their winning culture to guide them and if all goes right, Beech may become a formidable team by the end of the regular season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sleeper Teams ……</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Columbia Central Lions (Class 5A-Reg. 4)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Lions could be a sneaky team to watch for this season as they return some solid veterans but also sport a few youthfully talented prospects that look to have college futures. Everything begins and ends with senior quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1885892' first='Daniel' last='Booker']</strong>. This dual threat signal caller can be a game changer when he rushes the ball but he also provides enough passing to keep defenses honest. He must receive strong play up front while having skill players like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1193547' first='Jamari' last='Brown'] </strong>standing out but I see potential on this side of the ball. What I think will help Booker and his Lions offense the most is the defense. Columbia might put a stellar defensive unit on the field this year that disrupts plays up front with <strong>Ty Dodson</strong>, <strong>Xzavier Murphy</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1885943' first='Zane' last='Nash'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1669977' first='J'Mari' last='Hall']</strong>. A few positions need to be worked out but I like what I see from the Lions this year and their chances at being a sleeper team in the playoffs that opposing teams may not want to see.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kirkwood Cobras (Class 5A-Reg. 7)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Much like some of the teams above, when you have a multi-year starting, veteran quarterback like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1200717' first='Miles' last='Reding'] </strong>under center, you have a shot at winning a bunch of ball games. That is the case this year for Kirkwood with Reding back for another go but he will need help, especially after losing an SEC offensive tackle and the school's all-time leading rusher. It should be a committee approach this season for the Cobras on offense but one guy I expect to potentially have a big year is tight end <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1316743' first='Parker' last='Keenan']</strong>. What I think puts Kirkwood in the mix here is due to their potential on defense. I see multiple college level players on this side of the ball with senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2129049' first='Jayven' last='Norris'] </strong>and up and coming underclassmen in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2206403' first='Tomarco' last='Vereen'] </strong>and <strong>Xaiden Covington</strong>. If the coaching staff can find the right recipe while their top players perform at a high level, creeping their way into title contention is possible.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Knox. Central Bobcats (Class 5A-Reg. 2)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Bobcats put forth a strong 2025 campaign and with several parts back this Fall from that squad, I am expecting another big season from Knox. Central. The staff does need to replace a few key departures but they still have <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1104268' first='Kaden' last='Long']</strong>, who sits at the top of the list right now to contend for 5A Mr. Football. Having Long under center is a game changer for the Bobcats but he will need help around him. I think he gets that from two athletic playmakers in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1597007' first='J.J.' last='Sackie'] </strong>and two-way rising junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1187259' first='Rondell' last='North']</strong>. The biggest issues I have with Knox. Central is their line of scrimmage. I don't know if they have the big bodies or talent in the trenches to obtain a state title but I can certainly be proven wrong. I am banking on Long and his ability to win ball games to put the Bobcats in title contention but he will definitely need the rest of the team to develop around him for Knox. Central to do something special.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Four More Teams to Track: <strong>Dickson Co.</strong>, <strong>Hendersonville</strong>, <strong>Rhea Co.</strong>, <strong>Walker Valley</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1666856,"width":"271px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/05/klong.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1666856" style="width:271px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->