TNHSFB Playoffs: Class 6A Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's postseason football time in Tennessee. After yet another entertaining regular season in the Volunteer State, we're down to the final 32 teams in each public school classification. 6A could be the most competitive of them all, with five top-tier teams and a bevy of sleepers that are fully capable of making noise. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here is a preview of it all.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Title Contenders</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Riverdale Warriors:</strong> Riverdale is one of the favorites to win the Class 6A state title, led by the most powerful offense in Tennessee. 2027 quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1287058' first='Gavin' last='Hampton'] is a Mr. Football candidate after throwing for 2,367 yards with 36 total touchdowns.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2029 [player_tooltip player_id='1538130' first='Luke' last='Tritch'] and 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='1103038' first='Brylan' last='Oduor'] form the best wide receiver duo in the state, but don't forget about 2027 tight end and Mississippi State commit [player_tooltip player_id='1103559' first='Sutton' last='Gutting']. He's only played in five games this season, but has looked solid.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defense is stout, too. [player_tooltip player_id='378857' first='Hudson' last='Fuqua'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1207775' first='Julius' last='Malden'] are excellent. However, the big piece is 2027 defensive lineman and Arkansas commit [player_tooltip player_id='1648682' first='James' last='Stewart']. This team is loaded with stars, coming off a big win last week against Oakland.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Oakland Patriots:</strong> With Oakland sitting 8-2, this would be considered a down season for them. I still love their odds of winning a third-straight state championship. This roster is not what it was a season ago, but they have the best coaching staff in Tennessee.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Still, 2029 quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='424644' first='Kam' last='Morton'] and 2028 running back [player_tooltip player_id='1868595' first='Jacob' last='Vaughn'] are dangerous. 2027 athlete [player_tooltip player_id='866735' first='Donte' last='Cameron'] is the do-it-all piece for this dynamic offense, as he ran for 646 yards in the regular season, while catching a few passes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defense is led by 2029 athlete [player_tooltip player_id='1305173' first='Trenton' last='Gibbs'], defensive tackle [player_tooltip player_id='1552175' first='Henry' last='Begley'] and 2028 CB [player_tooltip player_id='1576785' first='Terry' last='Ligon Jr.'] If you're thinking about doubting this squad because of two losses, don't. The last time I picked against Kevin Creasy, it did not go well. Don't make that same mistake.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2448122} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/10/khwilliams.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-2448122" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Southwind Jaguars:</strong> Southwind has looked really good this season, finishing 8-1 and not losing a game to public school competition. Their lone loss was on the road against Briarcrest Christian.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1759477' first='Malcolm' last='Jack'] has been solid. But the run game is where the Jaguars have been really dominant. 2027 tailback and Auburn commit [player_tooltip player_id='905235' first='Khamoni' last='Williams'] has rushed for over 1,200 yards with 20+ touchdowns. Their offensive line is one of the best in Tennessee, led by [player_tooltip player_id='1159814' first='Antonio' last='Keefer'], an Ole Miss commit. The defense is good, giving up just 18.2 points per game during the regular season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ravenwood Raptors:</strong> Ravenwood played for the state championship a season ago, falling to the Oakland Patriots in blowout fashion. They lost a lot of production, but backfilled with some elite in-state players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2028 quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='2113901' first='Brooks' last='Brown'] has looked good this season, but 2027 running back [player_tooltip player_id='1103577' first='Caden' last='Pace'] is the star of the show. He's a true do-it-all back, averaging over six yards per touch and totaling an impressive 1,180 total yards with 22 touchdowns.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defense is stout, but it starts up front with 2028 defensive linemen [player_tooltip player_id='2102390' first='Zyan' last='Brown'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1177837' first='Ayden' last='Woodruff']. Those two form a dynamic duo to set the tone defensively. Ravenwood's only public school loss this season came to Green Hill, whom they could see later in the postseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Maryville Rebels:</strong> Maryville is 9-1 this season, and for good reason. They lost to Alcoa at the beginning of this year, then went on a nine-game winning streak. In that stretch, they defeated multiple playoff teams, including Cleveland by a score of 33-0.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 quarterback and Jax State commit [player_tooltip player_id='1723184' first='Will' last='Jones'] has looked excellent in his senior season. The Rebels utilize his arm quite a bit, but they have a good run game that mixes things up and keeps opposing offenses honest. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They have the No. 3 scoring defense in Class 6A, led by 2027 linebacker and FAU commit [player_tooltip player_id='1707489' first='Dax' last='Cole']. He's been phenomenal this season, but this side of the ball is loaded with potential college prospects.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sleeper Teams</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Antioch Bears:</strong> Antioch just missed the cut for my top title contenders. I wanted to add an extra slot for them. However, I needed to keep it at five teams. This is a really, really good team led by 2027 quarterback and Colorado commit [player_tooltip player_id='378901' first='Andre' last='Adams']. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He's in line to be a prime Mr. Football candidate. But he has help around him. 2029 athlete and younger brother Aaden “Bug” Adams is a dude on both sides of the ball. He is their top receiver with 798 yards and seven touchdowns. But he does it all.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defense has been surprisingly elite, boasting the No. 1 scoring unit in 6A. 2027 edge rusher and blue-chip recruit [player_tooltip player_id='1909562' first='Fred' last='Ntumba'] is the leader with 81 tackles and 15 sacks. He's been one of the best players in Tennessee this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you don't believe in the Bears, they beat FRA, a top team in the private school class. They're a dangerous team and fully capable of winning the state title this season. Don't sleep on them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1925315} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/10/Photo-Oct-02-2025-4-12-12-PM-1-crop-1197x786-1759440184-crop-800x525-1759440750.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1925315" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Antioch quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='378901' first='Andre' last='Adams']. Taken by Austyn Day, Allday media</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brentwood Bruins:</strong> Brentwood's only losses this season are to in-county rivals Ravenwood and Brentwood Academy. Besides that, they are perfect. 2028 quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='904978' first='Gavin' last='Strang'] has been hit or miss at times in 2026. However, at his best, he has what it takes to win a state title. 2027 ATH [player_tooltip player_id='903953' first='Jones' last='Merrill'] and 2029 wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1662624' first='Parker' last='Cates'] have been good this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defense has been good enough, given how dynamic the offense has been. The trenches have a few big-time players, especially 2027 offensive lineman and BYU commit [player_tooltip player_id='1286232' first='Kyle' last='Nabrotzky']. He has been dominant at offensive tackle and defensive end. The Bruins are underrated, but don't be surprised when they make a run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cleveland Raiders:</strong> Cleveland came out of nowhere this season. After going 1-9 a year ago, the Raiders posted a 9-1 record with wins over Oak Ridge, Tyner Academy and Hardin Valley. This squad hasn't been quite as battle-tested as others. But they're plenty good to make a deep run in November.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1660896' first='Kason' last='McGowan'] has been impressive, totaling nearly 3,000 yards of offense with 29 touchdowns. The running back room is by committee, but they're averaging 168.8 yards per game. The wideouts are good, too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cleveland defense is giving up just 15 points per game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Green Hill Hawks:</strong> Green Hill has been sneaky good this season. They're 8-2 with wins over a good Beech team, Ravenwood, Lebanon and Cookeville. Their offense has been solid, averaging 26.2 points per game with a stout defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They have an intriguing path with this draw, but would see Riverdale in a few weeks. That will be a tough one, but the postseason gets wild sometimes. We'll have to see what happens starting this Friday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prospects to Watch</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(QB) [player_tooltip player_id='378901' first='Andre' last='Adams'] - Antioch:</strong> Adams is an impressive quarterback prospect with outstanding upside at the next level. He's an elite dual-threat player with a good supporting cast. While he's on a 10-0 team, they need him to play well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I had them as my sixth title contender. But Adams must ball out if Antioch has a shot at winning.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1925296} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Photo-Sep-19-2025-9-29-29-PM-rotated-crop-4284x2813-1759440219-crop-797x523-1759440260-crop-796x522-1759440323.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1925296" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Riverdale QB [player_tooltip player_id='1287058' first='Gavin' last='Hampton']. Taken by Conner Smith, Prep Redzone</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1287058' first='Gavin' last='Hampton'] - Riverdale:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1287058' first='Gavin' last='Hampton'] would be my personal pick for the 6A Mr. Football if I had a vote. Unfortunately, I don't. So you'll have to trust the people above me to make the correct pick.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He's a big, dynamic quarterback with mobility to get out and use his legs. But Hampton is best when he sits in the pocket and throws to his elite wide receivers. He's an excellent distributor of the football with impressive arm talent. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(DL) [player_tooltip player_id='1648682' first='James' last='Stewart'] - Riverdale:</strong> Stewart transferred to Riverdale this offseason, and it's paid off for him. The senior has elevated his game this offseason, committed to an SEC program and is the game wrecker on this defensive front.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He is a top three defensive tackle in Tennessee, regardless of class. The Warriors need him to be at his best come postseason, as they rely on him doing his job in the middle of the defense. I do not doubt that he'll rise to the occasion. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1103038' first='Brylan' last='Oduor'] - Riverdale:</strong> Oduor is one of the examples of why transferring is great in theory for athletes. Blackman couldn't get him the ball as he deserved, so he went to Riverdale and has become a Power Four commit. Part of that was based on his junior tape, but his production took off this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He's big, long, athletic, excels at getting downfield and can make contested grabs look easy. He is my personal No. 1 wide receiver in Tennessee's 2027 class. It's not even close, in my opinion.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(RB) [player_tooltip player_id='905235' first='Khamoni' last='Williams'] - Southwind:</strong> Williams joined a really good Southwind program this offseason and has made a huge impact for the state champion hopefuls. He's big, powerful, has a good amount of speed and is just an excellent all-around player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Southwind has a good offense, but this dude is a huge piece. In order for them to make a big run, he needs to contribute like the superstar tailback that he is.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2219865} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/twalden-crop-544x358-1780174925.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2219865" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Collierville WR Tae Walden Jr during a game.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(ATH) Tae Walden Jr. - Collierville:</strong> Tae Walden Jr. is an elite in-state player, ranking No. 11 in Tennessee by Prep Redzone. He contributes on both sides of the ball as a wideout and defensive back. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He can hurt you at both spots, but I do like his upside at wide receiver more. He's committed to Oregon, which should tell you something. You have to be a dude at your position to get attention from them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1159814' first='Antonio' last='Keefer'] - Southwind:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1159814' first='Antonio' last='Keefer'] doesn't get enough respect because he's on the offensive line, but this kid can flat-out play football. He's the No. 6 overall player and No. 1 OL in Tennessee, per Prep Redzone.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He can play multiple positions and is the dominant force behind Southwind's offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(QB) [player_tooltip player_id='424644' first='Kam' last='Morton'] - Oakland:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='424644' first='Kam' last='Morton'] is arguably the top 2029 quarterback in the Middle Tennessee region. His production hasn't been fully maximized yet, and he's already become one of the best players in Tennessee.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He's a dual-threat quarterback with explosive legs and polished passing skills. I love his upside and view him as a potential high-level Division I player if he keeps improving at his craft. So far, he holds two offers from Miami (OH) and Eastern Kentucky.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(TE) [player_tooltip player_id='483481' first='Malik' last='Howard'] - Oak Ridge:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='483481' first='Malik' last='Howard'] is one of the best tight ends in America with his elite receiving threat. He's developing as a blocker, but he's essentially another wide receiver with how polished he is.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oak Ridge has underperformed this season, so he needs to step up this postseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2131431} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/mhoward-crop-700x460-1771449575.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2131431" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Oak Ridge TE [player_tooltip player_id='483481' first='Malik' last='Howard'] during a game.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(ATH) [player_tooltip player_id='1868595' first='Jacob' last='Vaughn'] - Oakland:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1868595' first='Jacob' last='Vaughn'] transferred from Riverdale this offseason in a surprising cross-county move. Regardless, it has paid off for him. He's been very productive in his junior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Vaughn is the No. 5 running back in his class, per Prep Redzone. He's looked impressive under Creasy, being the team's best tailback. In the regular season, he ran for over 1,000 yards with 10+ touchdowns.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1st Rd Matchups (The Bracket)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#4 Oak Ridge (7-3) at #1 Dobyns Bennett (7-3)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#3 Gallatin (7-3) at #2 Smyrna (7-3)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#4 Jefferson Co (5-5) at #1 Maryville (9-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#3 Oakland (8-2) at #2 Lebanon (7-3)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#4 Cookeville (5-5)&nbsp; at #1 Riverdale (9-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#3 Hardin Valley (7-3) at #2 Science Hill (7-2)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#4 Blackman (6-4) at #1 Green Hill (8-2)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#3 West Ridge (4-6) at #2 Cleveland (9-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#4 Franklin (6-4) at #1 Antioch (10-0)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#3 Germantown (3-7) at #2 Houston (4-5)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#4 Cane Ridge (5-5) at #1 Ravenwood (8-2)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#3 Bartlett (5-5) at #2 Whitehaven (7-2)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#4 White Station (4-6) at #1 Collierville (6-4)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#3 Independence (4-6) at #2 Clarksville (7-3)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#4 Cordova (4-6) at #1 Southwind (8-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#3 Rossview (4-6) at #2 Brentwood (8-2)</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> Oakland vs. Riverdale / Southwind vs. Antioch</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>State Title Game:</strong> Oakland vs. Southwind</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>State Champion:</strong> Oakland (Reg. 3)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2050840} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/Photo-Nov-14-2025-10-41-20-PM.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2050840" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Oakland Athletics</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->