Season Preview: Class 6A Title Contenders

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The road to Chattanooga runs through Murfreesboro and the Oakland Patriots this year as the defending 6A state champs may be stronger than last season. They will receive competition from others, including a local foe and multiple East and West Tennessee programs but the Patriots sit at the top of the list to achieve yet another "Gold Ball" trophy. </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>Oakland Patriots (Class 6A-Region 3)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Patriots are the defending 6A champs and there is no reason to not have them at the top of the list to run it back again this year with one of their better rosters they've had in recent times. Oakland appears to have a well balanced team with a potential high scoring offense, led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='866735' first='Donte' last='Cameron']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1868595' first='Jacob' last='Vaughn'] </strong>and others along with a defense that could be special. There aren't too many soft spots within the Patriots roster this Fall. Staying healthy will be the biggest thing for Oakland and if their top guys consistently stay on the field, I don't see the Patriots losing much at all. There will be challenges of course but I feel this Oakland team is better than the last two years where they won the state championship. The Patriots are the clear cut team to beat on the 6A level this season that should be back in Chattanooga yet again as long as everybody stays healthy and does what is asked of them.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2325104,"width":"264px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/08/oakland-crop-1122x736-1786308692.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2325104" style="width:264px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Collierville Dragons (Class 6A-Region 7)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Patriots biggest competition from the west side of the state could be these Dragons that have a talented roster with veterans leading the way. The offense looks strong, led by Iowa quarterback commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='905003' first='Brayden' last='Santibanez'] </strong>and he will have a talented group of skill guys to work with in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1285495' first='Tae' last='Walden, Jr']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='378893' first='Larry' last='Johnson III'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1684759' first='Dillan' last='Vaughn']</strong>. The Dragons defense does have a few spots that need filling but should be solid overall, especially on the D-line with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1703375' first='Braylon' last='Warren'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1675675' first='Christian' last='Coleman']</strong>. Collierville appears to have a well balanced team that could win ball games in a variety of ways. Keeping Santibanez healthy is key towards the team's success but so too will be the play of the Dragons defense as I expect the offense to be potent week in and week out. There is a lot to like about the Dragons this year and their potential to not just win their region but go on a deep playoff run that might end up in Chattanooga.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Riverdale Warriors (Class 6A-Region 3)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- If it wasn't for Oakland, the Warriors might be considered the top team on the 6A level this year. Riverdale has a loaded roster with star power on both sides of the ball, led at quarterback by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1287058' first='Gavin' last='Hampton']</strong>, who is currently committed to Mississippi State. He will have a ton of offensive talent around him, spearheaded by receivers <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103038' first='Brylan' last='Oduor'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2101290' first='Gavin' last='Johnson']</strong>. The O-line is where I have the biggest questions going into the season but I expect the Riverdale staff to figure that position out. The Warriors defense is what could get them to the 6A title game. Edge rushers <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1207775' first='Julius' last='Malden'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1588087' first='Gael' last='Lara'] </strong>are two of the best at their position in the state. The Riverdale secondary is highly talented too, led by senior safety <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='378857' first='Hudson' last='Fuqua']</strong>. It may turn out that Riverdale has one of the best defenses in the state this year as long as everybody stays healthy. Overall, I really like this team and what they could do this year. The Warriors just have to get over the Oakland hurdle to achieve their championship aspirations</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Oak Ridge Wildcats (Class 6A-Region 2)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Potentially the best team on the 6A level to come out of the East Tennessee region this year could be Oak Ridge. The Wildcats have an outstanding roster that got better in the off-season with the addition of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1535791' first='Brody' last='Sparks'] </strong>at quarterback to pair with a deep and talented receiving corps, led by star tight end <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='483481' first='Malik' last='Howard']</strong>. Oak Ridge also has one of the better senior running backs in the state with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1567420' first='Damillyan' last='Porter']</strong>. The defense should be quite good as well, especially on the back end with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1570535' first='Zayden' last='Williams'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1553960' first='Miere' last='Porter']</strong>. The line of scrimmage is the biggest concern for me going into the season but the Wildcats still have solid players up front like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1760637' first='King' last='Sandoval'] </strong>(DE), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1676951' first='Jeremiah' last='Strickland'] </strong>(OL/DL) and up and coming stud <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2224513' first='Jeremiah' last='Stevens'] </strong>at defensive end. I see potential in this team to be high scoring on offense and opportunistic on defense. Some pieces need to be formed together but I think Oak Ridge has enough to make a run towards the 6A title game and potentially win, as long as everybody performs as they should.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1567416,"width":"207px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/dporter.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1567416" style="width:207px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Southwind Jaguars (Class 6A-Region 8)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- </strong>The Jaguars have been on the cusp of reaching the 6A title game over the past few years but have yet to break through. The 2026 season may finally be that time the Jags do so but a lot depends on the development at quarterback with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1759477' first='Malcolm' last='Jack'] </strong>and the continued progression of their top players on both sides of the ball. Helping Jack will be one of the best O-line's in the state, led by senior stars <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1159814' first='Antonio' last='Keefer'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='378854' first='Chris' last='Campbell']</strong>. They will be blocking for one of the better ball carriers here in Tennessee with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='905235' first='Khamoni' last='Williams']</strong>. The defense should become a nice compliment to the offense as well with a disruptor up front in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1699523' first='Roosevelt' last='Bates'] </strong>and a talented secondary, led by future college players in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2220638' first='Kelbe' last='Parson']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1617036' first='Miguel' last='Moore'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2228527' first='Camryn' last='Young'] </strong>at cornerback. I don't see a lot of weaknesses with Southwind this year. This could be the season they finally compete for the 6A title but all the top players must stay healthy.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Middle Tier ……</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Maryville Rebels (Class 6A-Region 2)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- While Maryville will remain strong and highly competitive this year, I don't know if this is the best Rebels team they have put on the field compared to year's past. There are several positional groups that need to be sorted out and new starters will be stepping up into bigger roles. One thing the Rebels do have is one of the best quarterbacks in the state with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1723184' first='Will' last='Jones'] </strong>and his play alone can help Maryville win a lot of games. He has help at the skill positions with <strong>Ramillyeon Crenshaw </strong>in the backfield and pass catchers out wide in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1677444' first='Colton' last='Foust']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2117018' first='Cavon' last='Carter'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2005494' first='Julian' last='Douglas']</strong>. The offensive line and defense is where I have the most concerns right now. The Rebels have possibly the best linebacking corps in the state with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1305810' first='J.P.' last='Peace']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1707489' first='Dax' last='Cole'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1694317' first='Wyatt' last='Wilber'] </strong>but I don't know if they have enough around them. The team development will go a long way towards how successful the Rebels are this season and how far they can go in the playoffs.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ravenwood Raptors (Class 6A-Region 6)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Raptors made it all the way to the 6A title game last year but fell short at winning the championship. Ravenwood will be looking to get back there this year and change the narrative, however it will be a different team, led by a new quarterback under center in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2113901' first='Brooks' last='Brown']</strong>. It will be a full team effort on offense this year but I'm expecting the Raptors staff to focus on <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103577' first='Caden' last='Pace'] </strong>and their run game to lead the way. The biggest factor that could get Ravenwood back into the 6A title mix is their defense. They should have one of the best D-line's in the state with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1177837' first='Ayden' last='Woodruff']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2102390' first='Zyan' last='Brown'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2172207' first='Xander' last='Johnson'] </strong>along with a top tier secondary, led by seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1693399' first='Jeremy' last='Ramsey']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1616602' first='Jacob' last='Jewell'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2170536' first='Dallas' last='Stallings']. </strong>If the offense can find the right recipe to success, I think the Raptors have the defense that can put them right there in the end with a shot at getting back to Chattanooga.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Whitehaven Tigers (Class 6A-Region 8)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- I don't know if anybody in the state did better in the transfer portal than Whitehaven this off-season. They added multiple college level players to their roster that certainly upped the expectations for the coming football year. The Tigers might prove to have the best backfield in the region with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1588108' first='Jour'din' last='Shelton'] </strong>at quarterback and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1370886' first='Jaibriel' last='Bowers'] </strong>handling things at running back. The offensive line still needs work but added three potential college guys in the off-season to build around. Over on defense is where I see big potential, especially with the additions of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='906615' first='Shelvy' last='Clark']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1641243' first='Malik' last='Dean Jr.'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1599115' first='Malek' last='Mason']</strong>. If the Tigers want to become elite on defense, they need their line to show up and stand out. I do see several areas that still need development and answers at certain positions but I see the upside with Whitehaven this season and their chances at making a run towards the 6A title. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2114245,"width":"232px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/Photo-Jan-27-2026-2-16-58-PM.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-2114245" style="width:232px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Whitehaven DB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1570551' first='Calvin' last='Maclin']</strong> before his game.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sleeper Teams ……</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Antioch Bears (Class 6A-Region 5)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- When you have one of the best quarterbacks in the state with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='378901' first='Andre' last='Adams']</strong>, you have a chance to be good but he will have a new cast of receivers to throw at after several key departures. Besides Adams behind center, there are a lot of unknowns with the rest of the offense. The O-line appears to be a work in progress but I do see some talent at receiver and running back. While the offense figures itself out early on this season, I think it will be the Bears defense that leads the way. Their D-line looks strong with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1909562' first='Fred' last='Ntumba'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1896649' first='Djay' last='Denton'] </strong>while the secondary shows potential with a multitude of senior starters. I do like the Bears path to win their region but it may be harder for them to reach Chattanooga, however having Adams at quarterback certainly helps their cause.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Blackman Blaze (Class 6A-Region 3)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- I foresaw the Blaze having to go through a small transitional year this season and they still may to a certain extent but hopes got better with the off-season addition of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1217665' first='Chase' last='Bell'] </strong>at quarterback. This 6 '3 strong armed pocket passer has all the tools college coaches look for and we should see them this season where Bells immediately puts the Blaze back into the 6A mix. I don't think they can overtake Oakland or Riverdale within their region but depending on matchups and upsets in the playoffs, I could see Blackman going on a run. That all depends on Bell and the development of his offense as well as the growth from the Blaze defense, which might have a stellar secondary with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1925934' first='Tristan' last='Thornton']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1648722' first='Felix' last='Mitchell'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1580781' first='Jayden' last='Sanders']</strong>. It's a long shot I think for Blackman but talent is in place to make some waves.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Science Hill Hilltoppers (Class 6A-Region 1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- A big reason for placing Science Hill in this slot is due to where they line up in the playoffs and the teams they may have to face on the way to the 6A title game. The Hilltoppers are replacing several key starters from last year while implementing new players, one of them being quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2227596' first='Pearson' last='Harrison']</strong>, who has the arm talent to help win a lot of ball games. He should get help from guys like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2077252' first='Kiantai' last='Harris'] </strong>but others must step forward to establish themselves as more than just starters but high level contributors as well. There are holes to fill on both sides of the ball for Science Hill but I see potential for them to win their region while making a deep run in the playoffs.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Four More Teams to Track: <strong>Brentwood</strong>, <strong>Germantown</strong>, <strong>Green Hill</strong>, <strong>Rockvale</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2325113,"width":"233px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"0.8242229981111556","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/08/blackman.webp?w=844" alt="" class="wp-image-2325113" style="aspect-ratio:0.8242229981111556;width:233px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->