TNHSFB Playoffs: Class DII-AAA 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 11 teams in each public school classification. DII-AAA could be the most competitive of them all, with three 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:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top Title Contenders</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Baylor</strong> looks to defend their state championship from last season with an elite roster again this year, led by five-star tailback David Gabriel Georges. [player_tooltip player_id='939950' first='Keegan' last='Croucher'] has stepped in at the quarterback position and delivered strong returns, pushing the ball downfield to his playmakers with ease. [player_tooltip player_id='1022131' first='Antwaun' last='Adams'], aka Cornbread, is the team's top playmaker and he does it on both sides of the field at receiver and safety. Tight end [player_tooltip player_id='1201841' first='Braxton' last='Rein'] is a favorite target over the middle of the field. The offensive line is anchored by standout center [player_tooltip player_id='1133950' first='Cash' last='Freeman'], with talented big bodies on either side of him. The front seven is aggressive at getting in the backfield with Cortez Carr Jr inside, [player_tooltip player_id='1357924' first='Hans' last='Emery Julien'] off the edge and [player_tooltip player_id='1512542' first='Khori' last='Faulkner'] at linebacker. Junior cornerback [player_tooltip player_id='1029798' first='Xavier' last='Bowman'] will be tasked with covering some standout receivers this postseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/shaynep_media/status/2090631074275557789?a=f4eOYXae8NZDockPyCAu0026amp;s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/shaynep_media/status/2090631074275557789?a=f4eOYXae8NZDockPyCA&amp;s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brentwood Academy</strong> is another team led by their strong rushing attack with senior tailback Larry Sanders continuing to be one of the top high school running backs in the state. He will run behind a talented offensive line led by senior Power Four commits [player_tooltip player_id='1531280' first='Rance' last='Brown'] and Li'[player_tooltip player_id='1654041' first='Marcus' last='Jones']. South Carolina tight end commit [player_tooltip player_id='402854' first='Judah' last='Lancaster'] has been a productive blocker as well and will need to provide a security blanket for his quarterback in the red zone. [player_tooltip player_id='834810' first='Crews' last='Jenkins'] is an accurate passer to all levels, which makes the play action passing game dangerous with playmaking receivers [player_tooltip player_id='378855' first='Kesean' last='Bowman'] and Lex Baskin on the perimeter. On defense, middle linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1318538' first='Roman' last='Jennings'] is the anchor of the front seven behind a strong rotation of talent along the defensive line. [player_tooltip player_id='1585726' first='Kenneth' last='Simon'] II is a versatile and dynamic prospect from the second level of the defense that will be utilized in a lot of different ways, making him a true X-factor for this team. On the back end, a veteran secondary is led by safety [player_tooltip player_id='648676' first='Braylen' last='Bedford'], who is a productive tackler in the run game and can generate turnovers in the biggest games on the schedule.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/konnerc615/status/2108712002298273886?a=W5EdgRc9xEzUJp0XEtgu0026amp;s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/konnerc615/status/2108712002298273886?a=W5EdgRc9xEzUJp0XEtg&amp;s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Briarcrest Christian</strong> has surged into the championship picture this season as their roster is now another year older. Junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1036114' first='Cayden' last='Dixon'] returned to the team this year and has playmakers surrounding him. Octavius Flynn is one of the most underrated players in the state and leads their high-profile rushing attack. Versatile athlete [player_tooltip player_id='905162' first='JD' last='Donaldson'] is used in a variety of ways and sophomore receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1407745' first='Caden' last='Sage'] can generate explosive plays. [player_tooltip player_id='1651733' first='Fred' last='Sanders'] Jr. anchors a big defensive line with linebackers like Flynn and [player_tooltip player_id='1722358' first='Kash' last='Parker'] racking up tackles behind them. [player_tooltip player_id='2234719' first='Cay'Den' last='Young'] patrols the backend of the defense and leads a secondary that can generate turnovers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Football_BCS/status/2103661483230212270?a=dpzANlYDsK3oxdtjuN4u0026amp;s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Football_BCS/status/2103661483230212270?a=dpzANlYDsK3oxdtjuN4&amp;s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sleeper Teams</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lipscomb Academy</strong> has lost four games, but the context, timing and scores of those games suggests this team is capable of competing with every single team in this state. However, that needs to turn into a tangible victory before the Mustangs can move up to the contending tier. The offense is built around a strong rushing attack led by Duke commit [player_tooltip player_id='243535' first='Mikel' last='Stephen']. Tight end [player_tooltip player_id='2142230' first='Gregory' last='Kirwan'] is a dynamic playmaker that can produce against any coverage and he is surrounded by receivers that have stepped up at times throughout the year. The offensive line is led by versatile junior prospect [player_tooltip player_id='2182382' first='Ty' last='Hathaway'] and he could help grow his stock with a strong playoff run. On defense, this is a well-coached team that rallies to the ball. [player_tooltip player_id='2143337' first='Harris' last='Fisher'] leads the front seven by setting a strong edge. There is a lot of size and athleticism in the secondary here, led by sophomore standout [player_tooltip player_id='2365473' first='Matai' last='Poutoa-Alo'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/shaynep_media/status/2093496793392635974?a=17wuITEaaOHFV9yGnzMu0026amp;s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/shaynep_media/status/2093496793392635974?a=17wuITEaaOHFV9yGnzM&amp;s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>McCallie</strong> has been decimated by injuries this season that has forced them to adjust their offense and young players on a young team have stepped up. In what has become a dynamic vertical passing attack, quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1362634' first='Louis' last='Fortier'] can make any throw on the field and has the ability to keep this team in any game. While the top two tailbacks have missed most the year, other players have stepped up, such as linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='2181090' first='Ben' last='Ironi'], who has produced splash plays on both sides of the ball. Youthful receivers such as [player_tooltip player_id='1565654' first='Antonio' last='Burton'], [player_tooltip player_id='1455068' first='Levi' last='Scott III'] and others can stretch defenses vertically and horizontally, which is something that head coach Joel Bradford can take advantage of. While, this is still a young team, the trenches on both sides feature a lot of size and athleticism. [player_tooltip player_id='1038418' first='Fisher' last='Kyriakidis'] has been a steady presence from the linebacker position. The secondary features a ton of length and athleticism with players like [player_tooltip player_id='2221495' first='Dallas' last='Gardner'], [player_tooltip player_id='2370755' first='Patrick' last='Meyers III'] and Tyler Lawrence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/shaynep_media/status/2113795245255041247?a=Dp6-3Kkl0BC80R-mm1wu0026amp;s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/shaynep_media/status/2113795245255041247?a=Dp6-3Kkl0BC80R-mm1w&amp;s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>MBA</strong> has a well-coached team with practical size, athleticism and experience at every position group. [player_tooltip player_id='2444569' first='Charlie' last='Verner'] is a true dual-threat from the quarterback position and his legs can win the team some early playoff games. Tight end [player_tooltip player_id='1847747' first='Bennett' last='Conyers'] is one of the best prospects in the state and can attack in a variety of ways as a receiver in addition to his excellent blocking ability. Surrounding him will be productive weapons such as 6-foot-4 receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1582353' first='Brayden' last='Atwood'], Air Force receiver commit [player_tooltip player_id='1691433' first='Carter' last='Kilburg'] and track star [player_tooltip player_id='1568969' first='Warner' last='Hart']. The offensive line is big and can generate some push, led by right tackle [player_tooltip player_id='2205374' first='Mason' last='Wells']. The defense will look to force opposing offenses to earn every yard and put together long drives. Defensive end [player_tooltip player_id='1847724' first='Luke' last='Kleiner'] leads the front and Anders Dillon is an intriguing prospect from the safety position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/shaynep_media/status/2113822231944139012?a=1Den8lovGMqJ6AqLrpQu0026amp;s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/shaynep_media/status/2113822231944139012?a=1Den8lovGMqJ6AqLrpQ&amp;s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Christian Brothers</strong> is another team with four losses, but those games were close, competitive contests with some of the state's best. This team is led by standout sophomore quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1717494' first='Nate' last='Brick'], who has a case for being the best quarterback in the state regardless of class. He is elite at throwing the ball downfield and his receivers have the speed to take advantage, primarily led by juniors Trey Burse and [player_tooltip player_id='2227298' first='Christian' last='Harris']. This is another defense that will look to make opposing offenses earn their way down the field during long drives. [player_tooltip player_id='1402723' first='William' last='Umsted'] has been a tough blocking assignment for offensive lineman recently. Jonathan Destefanis has turned his ball skills into a lot of production in the secondary this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/shaynep_media/status/2111257094632476846?a=dvw75Gd_nsbzf3I0e20u0026amp;s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/shaynep_media/status/2111257094632476846?a=dvw75Gd_nsbzf3I0e20&amp;s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Prospects to Watch</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>*Note these are not recruiting rankings for this classification, but rather the X-factors that will be crucial to their team's success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(QB) [player_tooltip player_id='939950' first='Keegan' last='Croucher'] - Baylor:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='939950' first='Keegan' last='Croucher'] is premier quarterback recruit on the national level and will abuse defenses that overcommit to stopping the Baylor rushing attack. He can make every throw on the field and he will need to deliver some next-level throws as the team works deep into the bracket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1362634' first='Louis' last='Fortier'] - McCallie:</strong> If McCallie wants to make a deep run this postseason, their star quarterback will need to bring his best game. This team might be a year away from truly competing, but they have the talent to deliver an upset against anyone.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1717494' first='Nate' last='Brick'] - Christian Brothers:</strong> In a classification full of premier prospects, sophomore quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1717494' first='Nate' last='Brick'] will look to make a claim for the top player in DII-AAA.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(RB) David Gabriel Georges - Baylor:</strong> Of course, the current top player in DII-AAA is DGG and he will look to finish out his wildly impressive high school career with another state championship ring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(RB) [player_tooltip player_id='723428' first='Larry' last='Sanders II'] - Brentwood Academy:</strong> Brentwood Academy is built around the run and that ground game will need to deliver each week if the Eagles want to pull out close wins late in the postseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1940925' first='E.J.' last='Gibson'] - Ensworth:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1940925' first='E.J.' last='Gibson'] is the engine of the Ensworth offense as he will be tasked with performing at a standout level each round of the playoffs that Ensworth advances. He is capable of it and should be plenty motivated after being wrongfully snubbed of Mr. Playoff semifinalist honors for the second straight season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Brooks_615/status/2115981726807912885?a=lrC1LgQnFg_HnI1LVKwu0026amp;s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Brooks_615/status/2115981726807912885?a=lrC1LgQnFg_HnI1LVKw&amp;s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(WR) [player_tooltip player_id='378855' first='Kesean' last='Bowman'] - Brentwood Academy: </strong>Brentwood Academy wants to claim the trophy for themselves this year and the offense will need to deliver some explosive performances for that to happen. Lex Baskin is a high-level vertical threat, but the team will need [player_tooltip player_id='378855' first='Kesean' last='Bowman'] to turn those intermediate targets into explosive gains consistently.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1586170' first='Gabriel' last='Cabell'] - CPA:</strong> The Lions will look to take downfield shots off their rushing attack and [player_tooltip player_id='1586170' first='Gabriel' last='Cabell'] has the size and track speed to make defenses pay on the perimeter. He also is a huge part of their secondary.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1565654' first='Antonio' last='Burton'] - McCallie: </strong>McCallie is going to rely on explosive passing plays to generate points this postseason and [player_tooltip player_id='1565654' first='Antonio' last='Burton'] will need to play at a high level for that to have success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(TE) [player_tooltip player_id='402854' first='Judah' last='Lancaster'] - Brentwood Academy: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402854' first='Judah' last='Lancaster'] offers a big frame to target in the red zone and gives something that the offense could have really used last season. The state championship ultimately came down to who could punch in a touchdown on their last drive last year. Baylor had the tight end that could in that game and now BA has one of their own.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/shaynep_media/status/2090599550083887516?a=AeDSw1owIa1kStw4s24u0026amp;s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/shaynep_media/status/2090599550083887516?a=AeDSw1owIa1kStw4s24&amp;s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(TE) [player_tooltip player_id='2142230' first='Gregory' last='Kirwan'] - Lipscomb Academy:</strong> The Mustangs have the potential to make a run all the way to the state championship game and the new North Carolina commit will play a large role in the success of the passing offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(TE) [player_tooltip player_id='1847747' first='Bennett' last='Conyers'] - MBA:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1847747' first='Bennett' last='Conyers'] is utilized in a variety of ways to put defenses in a bind and his impact in every element of the offense opens up that side of the ball for his team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(TE) [player_tooltip player_id='1912208' first='Wright' last='Martin'] - CPA: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1912208' first='Wright' last='Martin'] is another Power Four tight end commit that is a crucial piece of his team's offense, having ran for and caught touchdowns this season. He is also a premier blocker and is a huge reason that their outside runs can work.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(OT) [player_tooltip player_id='1857508' first='Titus' last='Tervanen'] - McCallie: </strong>McCallie has a young offensive line, but [player_tooltip player_id='1857508' first='Titus' last='Tervanen'] is an anchor at left tackle, and they will look to run behind him early and often.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(IOL) [player_tooltip player_id='1133950' first='Cash' last='Freeman'] - Baylor:</strong> Baylor has ran inside a lot more this season and a huge reason why is their standout center [player_tooltip player_id='1133950' first='Cash' last='Freeman']. He has done great work along the interior over the last two seasons and will play a massive part in their potseason success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1585726' first='Kenneth' last='Simon'] II - Brentwood Academy:</strong> I debated putting [player_tooltip player_id='1318538' first='Roman' last='Jennings'] here and he is no doubt one of the top prospects in this classification, but his teammate's versatility will come up huge. [player_tooltip player_id='1585726' first='Kenneth' last='Simon'] II can be moved around the defense to work off Jennings and adds another level of playmaking to the Eagles defense. A large part of the decision to choose Simon here is the fact that he will be covering a plethora of blue-chip tight end recruits.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1512542' first='Khori' last='Faulkner'] - Baylor: </strong>Baylor is very aggressive with their front seven and the leader of the group is South Florida commit [player_tooltip player_id='1512542' first='Khori' last='Faulkner']. He flies around the field racking up tackles and stretches opposing rushing attacks out horizontally.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/shaynep_media/status/2090625712294183131?a=xYR_6t3RJkhzdMXKjiku0026amp;s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/shaynep_media/status/2090625712294183131?a=xYR_6t3RJkhzdMXKjik&amp;s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(LB) Octavius Flynn - Briarcrest: </strong>Octavius Flynn is a massive part of the success for Briarcrest on both sides of the football, as the top running back and linebacker on the team. He will be relied upon heavily as they look to make a run for the state championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(DB) [player_tooltip player_id='648676' first='Braylen' last='Bedford'] - Brentwood Academy: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='648676' first='Braylen' last='Bedford'] is a natural playmaker and that has translated to all three facets of the game, even in the biggest matchups. Ultimately, it comes down to players that can make plays and when that moment comes, Bedford is someone that you want on your side.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(ATH) [player_tooltip player_id='1022131' first='Antwaun' last='Adams'] - Baylor: </strong>For similar reasons, Cornbread Adams is a player that can change the outcome of a game in any of the three facets. He is Croucher's favorite target in the passing game, roams the back end of the defense as a safety and is an elite returner.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/shaynep_media/status/2090594026273562819?a=O_KlnEnfhwADFVcOw5wu0026amp;s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/shaynep_media/status/2090594026273562819?a=O_KlnEnfhwADFVcOw5w&amp;s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Expert Predictions</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Final Four:</strong> Briarcrest Christian at Baylor / Lipscomb Academy at Brentwood Academy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>State Title Game:</strong> Baylor vs Brentwood Academy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>State Champion:</strong> Baylor</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2325993,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/08/JP-Etoo.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2325993" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Baylor School Football</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->