Season Preview: Class D2-AA Title Contenders

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">There is a possibility we see a repeat of last year's title game between BGA and FRA but we do see a few teams that could compete right alongside the Cats and Panthers. Here we breakdown the teams that have the best shot at competing for the D2-Double AA state championship and which ones are most equipped at making it to Chattanooga. </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>BGA Wildcats (D2-AA Middle Region)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Headed into the 2026 season as defending D2-AA state champs, the Wildcats are looking to go back-back and they have the roster to do so. They are having to replace several important starters that brought BGA back to relevance but the staff has done a good job of replenishing their talent while developing younger guys. I don't know if the Wildcats offense will be as high scoring as the last few years but they should still be potent with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2161201' first='Bo' last='Bryan'] </strong>at quarterback and him spinning it to stud receivers <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1030085' first='Max' last='Curry'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1537396' first='Maddox' last='Porter']</strong>. Those three will have <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='423394' first='Koehn' last='Dial'] </strong>blocking for them up front and a defense that should keep the team in games. Their front seven looks to be strong this Fall with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='902956' first='Justice' last='Pittman'] </strong>manning the middle and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='906623' first='Will' last='Copeland'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1664612' first='Easton' last='Plunkett'] </strong>rushing off the edge. Senior linebacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2124388' first='Mannie' last='Fentress'] </strong>is someone to watch too for a breakout season. There are some holes that need to be filled but BGA looks to have most pieces in place to find themselves back in Chattanooga by the end of the season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2332381,"width":"301px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"1.4992711876171305","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/kadams.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2332381" style="aspect-ratio:1.4992711876171305;width:301px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>FRA Panthers (D2-AA Middle Region)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Falling one game short of winning the championship last year, the Panthers are looking to make it back to Chattanooga this Fall to bring home that elusive trophy and they may have the roster to do so. Being a new starter under center last year, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1037670' first='Jack' last='Nimitz'] </strong>gained a lot of experience running the offense, so he should be a year better and more mature. He will be working with a new set of skill players but will have <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='903954' first='Kwadir' last='Fletcher'] </strong>going both ways and taking handoffs in the backfield. Defense is what I think could be the Panthers strength this season. They return some major pieces like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='866750' first='Keilan' last='Neal'] </strong>up front, Fletcher handling the second level and senior star <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='903033' first='Omarii' last='Sanders'] </strong>roaming on the back end. Two youngsters in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1665616' first='Dhillon' last='Booker'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2118740' first='Remello' last='Armstrong'] </strong>are guys that I'm expecting to step forward into big roles this Fall and shine on the defensive side of the ball. I do see some holes on the roster that must be filled but FRA looks well equipped to compete with BGA yet again for their region title as well as the most important prize, the D2-Class AA state championship.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Silverdale, Pope Prep</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Middle Tier ……</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lausanne Lynx (D2-AA West Region)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Bringing quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1037302' first='Thomas' last='Heffner'] </strong>back to the Lynx this off-season was a big win as the junior signal caller can be a game changer and someone that competes for Mr. Football. Heffner has the type of skill set that can help the Lynx win a bunch of games this year and put them squarely in the mix to compete for the D2-Class AA state title. He will have help from a young but big and talented offensive line along with a nice set of skill players, led by senior receivers <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1556594' first='Lawrence' last='Britt'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2220116' first='Kam' last='Davis']</strong>. Defensively is where some questions must be answered about Lausanne early this season. I do see potential but I also see some areas on defense that need to be further developed. One area where the Lynx could excel is rushing the passer with senior <strong>Maxwell Butler </strong>and up and coming star sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1698735' first='Cayden' last='Williams']</strong>. If the second level and secondary can come together, the Lynx could become formidable on defense and provide balance to an offense that has signs of being explosive and high scoring.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2332391,"width":"187px","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/theffner.webp?w=682" alt="" class="wp-image-2332391" style="width:187px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Boyd Buchanan Buccaneers (D2-Class AA East Region)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- It's a new era with a new coaching staff in place at Boyd Buchanan but winning expectations remain and the Bucs have a team for the 2026 season that could do a lot of winning. There will be a new quarterback under center with <strong>Andrew Rivers</strong>, a rising sophomore that shows potential. He will be handing it off to a new ball carrier in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2132912' first='Jack' last='Ferguson'] </strong>while delivering the ball through the air to an unknown receiving group that needs a number guy to establish himself. I expect the Bucs to continue being a run based team but with Rivers, I could see them spin it more often this season. Their defense has a chance to lead this team but they are young on this side of the ball. The Bucs coaching staff will certainly be leaning on <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1038477' first='Corey' last='McGraw'] </strong>and their veterans to lead the way while their youthful talent develops. As things look right now, I don't think Boyd Buchanan is a top tier championship contender but potential is there and depending how playoff matchups line up, making a run at the D2-Class AA title game is possible.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>GCA Rams (D2-Class AA East Region)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- It's a new look Rams team going into the 2026 season with several off-season additions to put alongside returning starters that could form into a team that sneaks their way into title contention. Bringing in quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1292341' first='Corbin' last='Hobson'] </strong>to go along with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='933067' first='Terrion' last='Thomas']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2136012' first='J.V.' last='Stinson'] </strong>was a big move for the offense that might help the Rams form the best backfield in the East Region. Hobson will also have two talented receivers to throw at in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1629937' first='Kaden' last='Webber'] </strong>and freshman stud <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1695516' first='Braylen' last='Mathis']</strong>. The skill players will be helped by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='439667' first='Will' last='DeLong'] </strong>and an offensive line that can develop into a strong unit by season's end as long as they develop properly. The offense has potential to be high scoring and balanced but they will need help from their defense. This side of the ball is where I have a few questions. The Rams have <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1038498' first='Will' last='Pasley'] </strong>up front to plug the middle and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1587377' first='Jackson' last='Coffey'] </strong>producing tackles but a pass rush needs to be found as does a lockdown secondary. I do see enough potential with GCA to make some waves this season and potentially play their way into title contention, depending on matchups and the Rams team progression.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1871053,"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/3/2025/09/jackcoffey.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1871053" style="width:207px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: GCA (Knox) LB [player_tooltip player_id='1587377' first='Jackson' last='Coffey'].</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>Knox. Webb Spartans (D2-Class AA East Region)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Last season was a struggle for the Spartans but after changing over their staff and bringing in several transfer additions, I think Knox. Webb will be a sleeper team to follow this Fall, who might form into a championship contender. Everything starts in the backfield with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1178597' first='Garrett' last='King'] </strong>at quarterback and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1084814' first='Matthew' last='Rogers'] </strong>carrying the ball. Those two will be very important as the receivers are young as is the offensive line but both those positions have two key guys to build around in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1729046' first='Brailen' last='Robinson'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='835332' first='Jake' last='Rogers'] </strong>up front. The defense has some areas that need to be formed together but I like the potential on this side of the ball. Bringing in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2142847' first='Amare' last='Cruse'] </strong>during the off-season can be a game changer in the trenches. The Spartans secondary could develop into the best positional unit on the team with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1578457' first='Donovan' last='Lloyd']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1707825' first='Gibby' last='Tomberlin'] </strong>and rising sophomore safety <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2080398' first='Reggie' last='Bishop']</strong>. It may take several weeks for this team to fully come together but by season's end, Knox. Webb may be a team others don't want to face.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Pope Prep Knights (D2-Class AA Middle Region)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- There are always teams that come from nowhere to become a formidable squad and I think that could be Pope Prep this year but a lot of pieces must come together for the Knights to be considered championship worthy. Everything starts at quarterback and the Knights have two guys to potentially run the offense in senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='902986' first='Hudson' last='Holman'] </strong>or rising sophomore stud <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1718193' first='P.J.' last='Williams']</strong>. Whoever becomes the guy behind center will have solid pieces around them from <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1068849' first='Corey' last='Bass'] </strong>at running back, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1210799' first='Cole' last='Anderson'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1687170' first='Pierce' last='Thigpen'] </strong>catching passes and an under the radar O-line that will be led by potential Power Four tackle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2166201' first='Bryson' last='Hardy']</strong>. Looking at the defense, the Knights are lacking numbers on the D-line, so a guy like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1529629' first='DeVaughn' last='Cantrell'] </strong>must show out as a pass rusher. The linebackers could be solid, led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2211599' first='Jordan' last='Robinson'] </strong>while the secondary might be the best unit on the team with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2172858' first='Ethan' last='Raspberry']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2220903' first='Ulysses' last='Smith'] </strong>leading the way. The path towards the D2-Class AA state title game will be tough for Pope Prep but I see enough pieces here to potentially get there with further development.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Silverdale Seahawks (D2-Class AA East Region)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- When you have a senior quarterback like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1535798' first='Connor' last='Jenne'] </strong>under center that has a lot of experience and won a bunch of games, you have a chance to be good and that's the case for Silverdale. Jenne is back for his senior year and he should be much improved after an off-season of work. I expect Jenne to be sharp but he needs help around him to succeed and that's a big question going into the season. He will have one of the best tackles in the state with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1674006' first='Luke' last='Burger'] </strong>blocking his blindside but others up front and out wide need to step up and become major contributors. If they do, the Seahawks could have an offense that generates points on a consistent basis. The defense is where I have the biggest concerns. A few key starters return in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1629926' first='Luke' last='Bowman'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2235216' first='Noah' last='Schoening'] </strong>but there are several unknowns going into the season. I think the Seahawks are the farthest off from all teams in this piece to compete for a title but having Jenne and Burger at premium positions definitely helps their cause.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2146231,"width":"309px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/03/Photo-Mar-06-2026-12-11-49-PM-crop-1320x867-1772820827.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2146231" style="width:309px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Silverdale QB [player_tooltip player_id='1535798' first='Connor' last='Jenne'] during a game. Photo from his Instagram.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->