TNHSFB Playoffs: Class 5A Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 5A playoffs in Tennessee begin on Friday night, the Page Patriots are the defending champions and look to return to Chattanooga for the 5th straight year. Let's take a look at some of the teams and players that will define the next month.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":1} --> <h1 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Top Title Contenders:</em></h1> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sevier County: </strong>Powered by one of the best offenses in the state, last year's runners up are led by record breaking quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1142902' first='Cooper' last='Newman'] who is committed UConn. Duke tight end commit [player_tooltip player_id='1577078' first='Parker' last='Newman'] has been the primary weapon along, with running back [player_tooltip player_id='1182191' first='Brayden' last='Maples']. On defense [player_tooltip player_id='1177960' first='Alexis' last='Martinez'], Jaxon Perry and [player_tooltip player_id='1182832' first='Noah' last='Mendoza'] have provided the big plays. The Smokey Bears have the depth and experience to find themselves back in Chattanooga lifting the Gold Ball in December.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Page</strong>: Despite losing a ton of talent over the last few years Page has reloaded and put themselves in a position to return to Chattanooga. They dominated their region once again, pitching 3 shutouts and winning their 4 games by an average margin of 37. Their balance is their strength they get big plays in the passing game from Cam Kruse and get physical running from Issac Otey. This Page team rarely beats itself and has all the experience to become back-to-back champions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Munford:</strong> Outside of a loss to Whitehaven and close win against Germantown, the Cougars have ended most of their games with a running clock. The Cougars haven't had the most challenging schedule, but they have put down most of their opponents early. A devasting and versatile run attack is the how Munford has been able to dominate most of their games. Getting explosive plays from their pass game could be the wild card for this squad. If they can force turnovers and control the clock Munford should be able to make a deep run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Powell: </strong>The Region 2 champs by virtue of their 42-41 win over Knox Central in September, the Panthers are setup to make a deep run this November. The averaged over 43 points per game in region play. [player_tooltip player_id='904027' first='Jaylon' last='Benjamin'] leads the offensive attack from the quarterback spot, with WR [player_tooltip player_id='1708407' first='Zi' last='Jackson'] and RB Johonauan Moore as the primary weapons. They'll need big plays from their defense to navigate a tough top half of the 5A bracket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Knoxville Central:</strong> One of the most productive athletes from the quarterback position in the state is [player_tooltip player_id='1104268' first='Kaden' last='Long'] and he'll be the key for the Bobcats throughout the postseason. [player_tooltip player_id='2210528' first='Tnaj' last='Taylor'] and JJ Sackie provide bigtime playmaking targets for Long. This offense has the ability to move the ball on anyone. The question is whether the defense can make enough plays up front and get the stops they need for this explosive offense. The Bobcats have been a fun team to watch and with their athletes they'll be a tough out for anyone in 5A.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":1} --> <h1 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Sleeper Teams:</em></h1> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nolensville: </strong>A balanced attack led by quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='2340838' first='Ryan' last='Newell'] and versatile running back [player_tooltip player_id='2140476' first='Tristan' last='Lithmexay'] have paced the Knights to 9-1 record. An experienced offensive line has done a great job as well keeping Newell clean and opening up holes for the run game. [player_tooltip player_id='2336787' first='Deston' last='Lawrence'] will be a key on defense, if he can get pressure and open up things for the rest of the front seven, the Knights could be a real threat.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Beech:</strong> The Bucs have been defined by a physical run game with [player_tooltip player_id='903534' first='DK' last='Williams'] and an experienced offensive line that dominated Region 6. Beech have won 9 in a row after an opening week loss to Green Hill. Time of possession will be a real weapon for Beech, if they can keep offenses off the field with long drives it increases their chances. [player_tooltip player_id='1028041' first='Jeramy' last='Laster'] is a big time athlete that can make plays on the outside. [player_tooltip player_id='1317766' first='Sawyer' last='Phillips'] and the pass game will have to produce explosive plays to complement the run game. The Beech defense has been solid all year and they'll need to force turnovers to help out the offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kirkwood:</strong> Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1200717' first='Miles' last='Reding'] leads a balanced attack for the Cobras who won their region with a thrilling 31-28 win over Henry Co. in the final game of the season. Kirkwood has been able to get pressure all season long from multiple players. Lloyd Lisenbee, [player_tooltip player_id='2206403' first='Tomarco' last='Vereen'] and Hayden Hawks have all made plays in the backfield. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='2129049' first='Jayven' last='Norris'] has been a playmaker on the backline for Kirkwood. If this defense can force turnovers and continue to get production from their run game, the Cobras can make a run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Columbia:</strong> This 9 win Columbia team has been the most successful squad since 2012 when the Lions made a run to the state title game. [player_tooltip player_id='1193547' first='Jamari' last='Brown'] has been all over the field this year and makes an impact on both sides of the ball. JMari Hall and [player_tooltip player_id='1885943' first='Zane' last='Nash'] have been the biggest contributors on defense. If they can maintain balance on offense the Lions will be a tough out in the playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Memphis Central:</strong> The Warriors have one of the most balanced offenses in 5A led by junior QB [player_tooltip player_id='1094224' first='Brooks' last='Wright']. Paul McLaurin and Bobby Calvin will provide most of the big plays in the passing game. With senior [player_tooltip player_id='2351392' first='Derreon' last='Martin'] toting the rock in the run game. On defense 6'4 250lb defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1576763' first='Joshua' last='Lane'] has been a big part of their success. Lane has multiple Power 4 offers. [player_tooltip player_id='1370856' first='Landon' last='James'] has been an active linebacker in the middle of the defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":1} --> <h1 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Prospects to Watch:</em></h1> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>QB [player_tooltip player_id='1142902' first='Cooper' last='Newman'] - Sevier Co:</strong> The defending 5A Mr. Football leads the explosive Smokey Bear passing attack. The numbers are ridiculous Newman currently holds state records for TD passes and passing yards. He throws on the run with real accuracy and has excellent touch on his deep ball. Before he continues his career at UConn, he's got one more goal, a 2nd state championship in 3 years for the Smokey Bears.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>QB [player_tooltip player_id='693877' first='Cameron' last='Kruse'] - Page:</strong> Kruse has been a steady influence on the Patriots offense this year as a dual threat QB who causes problems for defenses. He's got good size at 6'2 205 and has the knack for being accurate with short and intermediate throws. The Kansas St commit has limited his mistakes and will have to be at the top of his game if Page is to return to the title game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TE [player_tooltip player_id='1316743' first='Parker' last='Keenan'] - Kirkwood:</strong> One of the top tight ends in the state Keenan has a chance to be a real impact player for the Cobras in the playoffs. The Arkansas commit at 6'6 235lb is a matchup nightmare. Linebackers are too slow and safeties and corners don't have much a chance to deal with his physicality. The blocking has imporved as well for a squad that wants to maintain offensive balance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>'28 QB [player_tooltip player_id='1094224' first='Brooks' last='Wright'] - Memphis Central:</strong> A legitimate top 50 player in the Class of '28, Wright has been a 2-year starter for the Warriors. He's been a productive pocket passer with good instincts with the ability to throw on the move. Over the season he's showed his improvisational skills when being rushed, he's been willing to make plays with his legs. The Warriors have one of the better passing games in the state with Wright at the helm, if they can get balance with their run game and defense the Warriors have a shot to contend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>'28 RB Issac Otey - Page:</strong> A physical runner at 5'11 215lb the junior running back has been one of the keys for the Page offense all year. He's an excellent inside runner who keeps his legs churning through contact and push the pile with his overall strength. Otey should get plenty of opportunities to shine during the playoffs which can only help his recruiting.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1659259' first='Jaheim' last='Smith'] - Munford:</strong> Smith has been the key to Munford's Wing-T like offense this year. He handles the ball well and understands how to fake and when to keep the ball. This offense has confused defenses most of the year. On defense he's given the Cougars snaps all across the secondary. He's best used as a ball hawking free safety that can use his speed and range to track down passes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>'28 [player_tooltip player_id='1028041' first='Jeramy' last='Laster'] - Beech:</strong> One of the best athletes in the state, Laster could be the wild card for the Bucs in the postseason. Laster has serious speed and fluidity off the line of scrimmage and is a matchup nightmare in one-on-one situations. He's also a dangerous return man that has to be accounted for. The Beech offense will have to find creative ways to get him the ball to bring balance to their offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>'28 [player_tooltip player_id='1193547' first='Jamari' last='Brown'] - Columbia:</strong> A spectacular athlete that can make tough catches look routine. Brown will line up all over the formation for the Lions. He's dangerous enough on the outside that you have to consider putting two defenders on him. On defense he plays tight man coverage and is willing to take chances when the ball is in the air.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":1} --> <h1 class="wp-block-heading"><em>1st Round Matchups:</em></h1> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#4 Knoxville West (5-5) at #1 Sevier Co. (7-3)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#3 Lawrence Co. (4-6) at #2 Walker Valley (8-2)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#4 Morristown West (5-5) at #1 Powell (9-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#3 McMinn Co. (6-4) at #2 Lincoln Co. (8-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#4 Tullahoma (2-8) at #1 Rhea Co. (8-2)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#3 Knoxville Halls (5-5) at #2 David Crockett (7-3)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#4 Soddy Daisy (5-5) at #1 Columbia (9-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#3 Tennessee High (7-3) at #2 Knoxville Central (9-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#4 Portland (2-8) at #1 Page (9-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#3 Brighton (5-5) at #2 Henry Co. (5-5)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#4 Hillsboro (5-5) at #1 Beech (9-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#3 Clarksville NE (5-5) at #2 Memphis Central (8-2)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#4 Memphis Overton (5-5) at #1 Kirkwood (9-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#3 Hendersonville (6-4) at #2 Nolensville (9-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#4 Dickson Co. (4-6) at #1 Munford (9-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#3 James Lawson at (6-4) at #2 Station Camp (5-5)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Expert Predictions</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Final Four: Sevier County vs Knox Central/Page vs Munford</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Title Game: Sevier County vs Page</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Champion: Sevier County</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->