TNHSFB Playoffs: Class 4A Preview

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The postseason playoffs have arrived here in the Volunteer State, which begins Friday evening, November 6th. Throughout the week here at Prep Redzone Tennessee, we will be previewing each classification and providing what to know and what to look for during the upcoming playoffs. Here, I will go over Class 4A, where the Alcoa Tornadoes are the reigning, defending state champs. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Title Contenders</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Alcoa Tornadoes:</strong> The Tornadoes are defending state champions and are looking to repeat after a perfect regular season record. The Tornadoes have continued to showcase the dominance that has made their program one of Tennessee's premier high school football dynasties. To add on, they have scored at least 40 points in every game this season, demonstrating their ability to create explosive plays and put pressure on opposing defenses. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Greeneville Greene Devils: </strong>The Greene Devils enter the 2026 TSSAA Class 4A playoffs after putting together a perfect 10-0 regular season and capturing the region 1-4A championship for the sixth consecutive year. They are led by the connection between quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='2371879' first='Kaine' last='Ricker'] and standout wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1427702' first='Taren' last='Claridy']. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lexington Tigers:</strong> The Tigers captured the Region 7-4A title, going undefeated in the regular season. Under head coach Derek Carr, Lexington has continued to build on last season's playoff experience and has developed into a more balanced team on both sides of the ball. Junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1086454' first='Ross' last='Wilson'] returns as an experienced leader, while the backfield features junior [player_tooltip player_id='932983' first='Cameron' last='Smith'] and senior Levi Wolfe, giving the Tigers multiple ways to attack opposing defenses. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>White County Warriors:</strong> White Co. is another team in 4A going undefeated in regular season play while capturing the region 4-4A championship, establishing themselves as a legitimate contender heading into the postseason. The Warriors' defense will lead the way after only allowing 11.4 points per game in the regular season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Pearl Cohn Firebirds:</strong> Pearl Cohn made it to the state championship game last season against Alcoa and ultimately fell short. This year, they went 7-3 and are looking for revenge. The Firebirds have several playmakers capable of making an impact on both sides of the ball. Senior quarterback "LJ" Funk has provided stability under center, and Landon Left brings valuable versatility to the offense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sleeper Teams</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Macon County Tigers:</strong> The Tigers will look to carry their momentum into the postseason, where execution, physicality, and limiting mistakes become increasingly important. With a strong regular-season foundation behind them, Macon County has an opportunity to make some noise in the Class 4A playoff field. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Crockett County Cavaliers:</strong> Riding a seven-game win streak and home-field advantage to begin the postseason, Crockett Co. has an opportunity to make a statement in Class 4A. The focus now shifts to translating its regular-season success into a playoff run. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Springfield Yellow Jackets:</strong> The Yellow Jackets enter the postseason with a 9-1 record, finishing second in Region 6. Springfield has been productive on both sides of the ball, totaling 374 points while surrendering just 127 through 10 games. The Yellow Jackets ended the regular season with a dominant 42-8 win over White House; let's see if they can carry that momentum forward. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Gibbs Eagles:</strong> The Eagles enter the 2026 TSSAA Class 4A playoffs looking to make a statement after a strong 9-1 regular-season run. They finished second in Region 2-4A with a 6-1 region record, and their only loss came to defending state champs Alcoa. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Seymour Eagles:</strong> The Eagles are led by sophomore quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='2371898' first='Levi' last='Carlson'], who has thrown 22 touchdown passes while completing 63% of his passes. Defensively, Seymour has been one of the more consistent units in the region, allowing just 14.2 points per game. Defensive back Noah Bohanan has made an impact in the secondary with six interceptions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Haywood Tomcats:</strong> Haywood has shown the ability to put points on the board throughout the season, highlighted by several dominant performances against regional opponents. The Tomcats have demonstrated an ability to control games with their offensive production and create opportunities for their defense to make plays. Leading the way is senior ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1162582' first='Jaden' last='Butler'], who has been a major contributor on both sides of the ball. He has accounted for 24 total touchdowns. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prospects to Watch</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(WR) [player_tooltip player_id='817933' first='Jamir' last='Dean'] - Alcoa:</strong> One of the biggest weapons for Alcoa heading into the playoffs is senior wide receiver, [player_tooltip player_id='817933' first='Jamir' last='Dean']. The 6-foot-2, 180-pound receiver brings an intriguing combination of size, athleticism, and big-play ability. Dean has established himself as a consistent downfield threat, using his length and ability to create separation to challenge opposing secondaries. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>'28 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1086454' first='Ross' last='Wilson'] - Lexington:</strong> He has been a key piece of Lexington's undefeated 2026 campaign, bringing value to the Tigers' offense. The 5-foot-11, 185-pound quarterback has shown the ability to contribute through both the air and on the ground, giving the offense added versatility. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1608413' first='Stephen' last='Saulter'] - Pearl Cohn:</strong> Saulter has established himself as one of Pearl Cohn's leading offensive playmakers heading into the playoffs. The 6-foot-2, 185-pound senior brings a combination of size and production to the Firebirds' receiving corps. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>'28 (OG) [player_tooltip player_id='1727798' first='Dillon' last='Hartman'] - Greeneville:</strong> Hartman brings an intriguing frame to the interior offensive line and represents part of Greeneville's younger talent worth watching. The playoffs will help Hartman gain valuable experience as the Greene Devils pursue a deep playoff run. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(WR/DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1427702' first='Taren' last='Claridy'] - Greeneville:</strong> Claridy is up for Gatorade Player of the Year. He is one of the most productive players in Tennessee heading into the playoffs. He put together a record-setting 2026 campaign, entering the postseason with 68 receptions for 1,656 yards and a state-record 29 touchdown receptions. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(QB) [player_tooltip player_id='2371879' first='Kaine' last='Ricker'] - Greeneville:</strong> Ricker is up for Gatorade Player of the Year along with his wide receiver, Claridy. He put together an outstanding season, leading the Greene Devils to 10-0 and a sixth consecutive Region 1-4A championship. Ricker has completed 83% of his passes for 2,355 yards and 32 touchdowns without throwing a single interception. His efficiency, decision-making, and ability to create plays with his legs make him a difficult matchup for opposing defenses. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>'29 (S) [player_tooltip player_id='1676349' first='Braxton' last='Swift'] - Gibbs:</strong> A young prospect to keep an eye on, Swift is a sophomore who is listed at 5 football 6 and 145 pounds. He contributes as a defensive back and has some experience on both sides of the ball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(DL) [player_tooltip player_id='1617402' first='Lex' last='Winfree'] - White Co:</strong> Winfree's experience, strength, and ability to impact the game in the trenches will be important in the postseason. His combination of offensive line experience and defensive production makes him a player to watch as the Warriors look to make a postseason run. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>'28 (DE) [player_tooltip player_id='2231361' first='Tripp' last='White'] - Seymour:</strong> The 2028 defensive line prospect brings an impressive frame and physical upside at 6 feet 4 inches, 245 pounds. He is a name to keep an eye on as the Eagles look to make a postseason run. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(OL) [player_tooltip player_id='2156646' first='Wyatt' last='Walrond'] - Macon Co:</strong> A key piece of Macon Co.'s offensive line, Wyatt brings an imposing physical presence to the Tigers' front. Listed at 6 foot 3 and 300 pounds, Walrond has multiple seasons of varsity experience and has been a part of the program's success throughout his high school career. His ability to create movement at the point of attack, maintain leverage, and provide protection up front will be important to the Tigers' offensive success. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>'28 (DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1193376' first='Jermaine' last='Cobbins'] - Springfield:</strong> Cobbins is the number one player in Tennessee in the class of 2028. Cobbins has the ability to create explosive plays and provide a consistent presence in the passing attack. Cobbins has nine receiving touchdowns this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(TE/WR) [player_tooltip player_id='2047637' first='Bryce' last='Baldwin'] - Springfield:</strong> Baldwin is an intriguing two-way prospect listed at 6 feet 2 and 210 pounds; he brings a promising combination of size and versatility, contributing as a tight end while also providing value on the defensive side as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(RB/LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1668510' first='D.K.' last='Woods'] - Crockett Co</strong>: Woods has been one of the most productive and physical players in Tennessee throughout the 2026 season. The senior two-way standout established himself as the engine of Crockett Co's offense, combining power, physicality, and an ability to break tackle in the open field. He rushed for over 1,300 yards and 21 touchdowns, averaging more than 10 yards per carry. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1st Rd Matchups (The Bracket)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#4 Knoxville Fulton (5-5) at #1 Greenville (10-0) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#3 Upperman (6-4) at #2 Loudon (7-3)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#4 Cherokee (6-4) at #1 Alcoa (10-0)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#3 East Ridge (8-2) at #2 Macon Co. (9-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#4 Livingston Academy (6-4) at #1 Red Bank (5-5)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#3 Anderson Co. (6-4) at Seymour (9-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#4 Signal Mountain (4-6) at #1 White Co. (10-0)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#3 Elizabethton (6-4) at #2 Gibbs (9-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#4 White House (3-7) at #1 Marshall Co. (5-5)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#3 Kirby (4-6) at #2 Crockett Co. (9-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#4 Montgomery Central (6-4) at #1 Pearl Cohn (7-3) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#3 Jackson North Side (7-3) at #2 Lakeland Prep (7-3) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#4 Millington (3-7) at #1 Lexington (10-0)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#3 Liberty Creek (7-3) at #2 Spring Hill (8-2)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#4 South Gibson (4-6) at #1 Haywood (8-2) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#3 Creek Wood (4-6) at #2 Springfield (9-1) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - - - - - -</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Expert Predictions</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Final Four: </strong>Gibbs vs. Alcoa / Lexington vs. Pearl Cohn</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>State Title Game:</strong> Pearl Cohn vs. Alcoa</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>State Champion: </strong>Alcoa Tornadoes (Reg. 2) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->