TNHSFB Playoffs: D2-Class AA Preview 

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Everybody is chasing after BGA for the state title as they are the defending champs and sit at the top of the board to repeat for the 2026 season. There are a few teams that could provide them a challenge but the road won't be easy. Here we breakdown and preview the D2-Class AA playoffs with the top teams to watch, some sleepers to keep eyes on and players to know about as potential game changers going through the next month of playoff action. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Title Contenders</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>BGA Wildcats:</strong> The reigning, defending state champs sit at the top of the board to repeat after a 9-1 regular season where the Wildcats dominated nearly every opponent. BGA has everything they need to bring another “Gold Ball” to campus with an explosive offense and a defense, led by seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='906623' first='Will' last='Copeland']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2124388' first='Mannie' last='Fentress']</strong>, that has been strong and steady throughout the whole season. Sophomore quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1532694' first='Hank' last='Bloomfield']</strong> has stepped in for <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2161201' first='Bo' last='Bryan']</strong> and continued to keep the train rolling while the trenches physically own the line of scrimmage. This team doesn't have many weaknesses, which makes BGA the team to beat and the standard of the D2-Class AA ranks. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>FRA Panthers:</strong> Last year, the Panthers got a taste of being in the D2-Class AA title game but fell short to BGA. Maybe that experience helps guide them back to Chattanooga for a shot at becoming state champions. For the Panthers to do that, they will need balance on offense to complement the strong rushing attack they have, spearheaded by senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='903954' first='Kwadir' last='Fletcher']</strong> while playing consistently on defense. There is enough talent on the FRA roster to make a run and bring home the title but they have to play at a high level each step of the way to make that happen. If the Panthers can get past BGA in the semifinals, I like their chances at winning in the title game and becoming champions. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lausanne Lynx:</strong> After starting the season with a few losses and doing so without their projected starting quarterback, the Lynx have emerged over the second half of the season to become a formidable team that has leaned on their running game and physicality up front to get the job done. It's been a collective approach for Lausanne this season, meaning all parts of their team are playing their roles and doing so at a high level, especially as we enter postseason play. There is talent on the Lynx roster that could guide them all the way to Chattanooga but their star players must perform at a high level while others do their job and if that happens, competing for the state title is very possible. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2165704,"width":"268px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/05/lawbritt2-crop-576x379-1775420190.webp?w=575" alt="" class="wp-image-2165704" style="width:268px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Lausanne ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1556594' first='Lawrence' last='Britt'] warms up before a game.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sleeper Teams</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>CAK Warriors:</strong> I was very close to putting the Warriors into the top title contenders but I need to see how they handle themselves in the playoffs and if they can win four games in a row against strong competition. It's been a banner season for CAK where they enter the playoffs at 9-1 with a well coached team and parts that work well together. Quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1178596' first='Seaton' last='Moffett']</strong> has become a revelation for them as a game changer on offense while the Warriors defense has been one of the better units on the D2-Class AA level this year. I am very interested to see how this team performs moving forward because I do see a scenario where the Warriors reach the title game with a good shot at bringing home a championship. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>GCA Rams:</strong> Talent is there for these Rams to become champions but their defense must step up and play their best football of the year to make it happen. GCA has the offensive firepower with a senior quarterback in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1292341' first='Corbin' last='Hobson']</strong> and a talented crop of skill players around him to generate points but it will be up to <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1587377' first='Jackson' last='Coffey']</strong> and his defense to achieve a state title. These Rams aren't far off from being the type of team that can win in Chattanooga but their defense needs to find a higher level of game play and if they can do that, I would not be surprised to see them bring home a “Gold Ball”. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lakeway Christian Lions:</strong> These Lions are a true sleeper team that many won't have at the top of their list to compete for a state title because their offense doesn't show enough consistency but their defense is what has them in the mix to potentially get to Chattanooga. A lot depends on how the Lions offense performs moving forward and if they can generate enough points versus quality defensive units to advance. I do believe Lakeway has the defense to keep them in games, especially with their front seven and they have a playmaker in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2345720' first='P.K.' last='Hodary']</strong> that can make a difference. It's one game at a time for this East Tennessee program but I would not be surprised to see the Lions make a run. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2155770,"width":"202px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"0.6669960474308301","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/sdiki.jpg?w=683" alt="" class="wp-image-2155770" style="aspect-ratio:0.6669960474308301;width:202px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prospects to Watch</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(RB/LB) [player_tooltip player_id='903954' first='Kwadir' last='Fletcher'] - FRA:</strong> Recently named a semi-finalist for Mr. Football, Fletcher has been a one man wrecking crew for his Panthers team this year as their top ball carrier on offense and leader on defense from his linebacker position. There may not be anyone else in the D2-Class AA playoffs this year that is more important to their team's success than Fletcher. This guy has done just about everything this Fall and will be expected to continue his strong play moving forward. Fletcher is the kind of prospect that can put their team on his back and lead them to the promised land. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(RB/WR) [player_tooltip player_id='933067' first='Terrion' last='Thomas'] - GCA:</strong> One of the most dynamic players on the D2-Class AA level is this East Tennessee playmaker that has the kind of skill set that can take their team on a deep playoff run. Thomas is someone opposing teams must account for on every play and keep track of, otherwise he will break off a big play that finishes in the end zone. I think you will see the Rams lean heavily on Thomas in round one and potentially beyond as he brings a certain dependability to their offense that will be needed. If the Rams make it to Chattanooga, Thomas will be someone in-line for postseason MVP honors. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1556594' first='Lawrence' last='Britt'] - Lausanne:</strong> This guy does just about everything for his Lynx team, including handling quarterback duties throughout the 2026 season. One of the more athletic playmakers from our TN2026 class, Britt is highly important towards his team's success this postseason and someone that must play well for Lausanne to advance. He will need help and Britt has received some over the past several weeks but for Lausanne to reach Chattanooga, the future Missouri Tiger must play his best football of his high school career for the Lynx to bring home a “Gold Ball”. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(WR/DB) [player_tooltip player_id='903798' first='Slim' last='Leavell'] - Goodpasture:</strong> A two-way standout for his Cougars team, Leavell is critical towards his Goodpasture team advancing in the playoffs and it starts in round one against a good Lakeway Christian team. This future Tennessee Volunteer has the athleticism, size and skill set to become a problem for the Lions and anyone else the Cougars take on. If Goodpasture is to make a deep run, Leavell will have to be at the forefront of those efforts and produce at a high level, each and every week. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(DT/OL) [player_tooltip player_id='866750' first='Keilan' last='Neal'] - FRA:</strong> A multi-year starter and team leader that knows what it takes to get to the title game, Neal is a game changer up front that sets the tone for his Panthers team and competes at a high level every time he steps onto the field. Neal is vital for his team as a starter on both the offensive and defensive line that brings a certain mentality and physicality to the game that causes problems for opposing teams. If the Panthers are to compete for the D2-Class AA title, Neal will be important in making that happen. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2233595,"width":"254px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"1.1479896893518642","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/06/Photo-Jun-23-2026-1-02-06-PM-e1793984164480.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2233595" style="aspect-ratio:1.1479896893518642;width:254px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Photo: FRA DL [player_tooltip player_id='866750' first='Keilan' last='Neal'] during a game. Photo from his Instagram.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1649499' first='Maki' last='Bell'] - Lakeway Chrst.:</strong> Bell is a game wrecker in the trenches that can make a difference against the run game while being able to get after the quarterback. This guy's motor stays on high and it will need to remain so going into the playoffs for his Lions team to make a deep run. What makes this East Tennessee product hard to deal with is his tenacity and toughness. Bell is a high IQ football player that knows his job and what he is expected to do on the gridiron. If the Lions are to advance, Bell will play a major part in that happening. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘28 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1178596' first='Seaton' last='Moffett'] - CAK:</strong> One of the biggest breakout players from the D2-Class AA level this year has been this East Tennessee dual threat quarterback that brings game changing speed to his Warriors offense. Moffett is certainly a quarterback with upside in throwing the football but it's his legs that can generate multiple wins for his team. The Warriors have a shot at winning multiple games and getting to Chattanooga but if they do so, Moffett will play a big role in those efforts. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘28 (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1030085' first='Max' last='Curry'] - BGA:</strong> This junior wideout is one of the toughest receivers to cover in the state and will be a problem for whoever lines up across him in the coming playoffs. Whether it's his athleticism, route running or speed, Curry can do just about anything to win his reps and provide big play abilities for his Wildcats offense. This guy is a game changer that many teams won't have answers for and if he is allowed to move in the open field with ease, the Wildcats will find themselves back in Chattanooga, competing for a state title. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘29 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='2136012' first='J.V.' last='Stinson'] - GCA:</strong> Running for over 1,000 yards rushing this season, Stinson has provided a consistent ball carrier in the backfield for his Rams offense and been a go-to guy when down in the red zone. Combining with Thomas, this sophomore running back gives the Rams an offensive threat that can churn out tough yards while flashing the big play abilities that generate long gains or scores. I think Stinson will be vital in the Rams playoff success and could be someone that runs them to Chattanooga. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2450572,"width":"192px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/10/jvstinson.webp?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-2450572" style="width:192px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘29 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1698723' first='Antonio' last='Huntsman'] - Lausanne:</strong> The 2026 season has been a breakout year for this Memphis area ball carrier that has established a ground game for the Lynx and someone the team can depend on to produce. Recently named a Mr. Football semifinalist, Huntsman is a power back that runs through tackles and continues to drive forward for positive gains. The Lynx will look to lean on Huntsman a good bit in the playoffs because a strong rushing attack is a good recipe towards winning multiple games. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘29 (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1537396' first='Maddox' last='Porter'] - BGA:</strong> Potentially the best overall receiver in the state, Porter is a game changer that will be on everybody's scouting report as someone that must be limited, otherwise he will beat you. Sporting great size with an athletic skill and some of the best hands in the state, the Wildcats sophomore is a mismatch problem on the outside that can't be manned up and if you play zone, Porter will beat you deep or work the intermediate areas of the defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘29 (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='1538206' first='Remello' last='Armstrong'] - FRA:</strong> Possibly the best overall athlete on the Panthers team, Armstrong is someone to watch for in the playoffs as someone that could become the team's top playmaker. This sophomore two-way player is still developing his game but his athleticism and speed can be game changers for whoever the Panthers go up against. I actually think Armstrong might be the team's top X-Factor in November and someone that could be the difference in reaching the D2-Class AA title game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- 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>#5 Davidson Acad. (5-5) at #1 Lausanne (6-3)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#4 Lakeway Chrst. (7-3) at #3 Goodpasture (7-3)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#6 Pope Prep (2-8) at #1 CAK (9-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#4 Franklin-Grace (6-4) at #2 ECS (7-3)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#6 Knox. Webb (2-8) at #1 BGA (9-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#3 Silverdale (6-3) at #3 St. Georges (6-4)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#5 Boyd Buchanan (6-3) at #2 FRA (7-3)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#4 Northpoint Chrst. (3-7) at #2 GCA (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> Lausanne vs. CAK / BGA vs. FRA </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>State Title Game:</strong> Lausanne vs. BGA </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>State Champion:</strong> BGA Wildcats (Middle Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2341956,"width":"274px","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/Photo-Aug-22-2026-4-09-12-PM-crop-997x654-1787429691.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2341956" style="width:274px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: BGA TE/OLB [player_tooltip player_id='902961' first='Jayden' last='Cannon']. Photo from his Instagram.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->