#PRZTN Week Nine Stock Report

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Several teams made some moves last week with big wins while multiple prospects are showing next level abilities that have flashed over the past few weeks. Come inside to see our latest "stock report" coming off Week Nine action here in Tennessee! </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Stock Up</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Covington Chargers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- It's hard to say somebody's stock is up while being undefeated at 8-0 but the Chargers are on a high after their best performance of the year in their 41-20 win over 4A title contender, Haywood. Almost from start to finish, the Covington offense controlled this matchup, led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1110699' first='Skylan' last='Smith']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1659259' first='Jaheim' last='Smith'] </strong>and their run game while the Chargers defense did a good job of keeping an athletic Tomcats offense in-check.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The offensive line has been a consistent staple throughout this 2024 season for the Chargers. The five men up front have been dependable and physical, paving the road for one of the best rushing attacks in the state. Their play up front versus a good Tomcats defense says a lot to me about Covington and their chances at competing for a 3A title this season. This is a legit title contending team that should continue to run the ball at a high level and showcase their backs in their hopes of playing in Chattanooga.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(RB/LB) [player_tooltip player_id='353446' first='Ethan' last='Johnson'] - Christian Brothers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Going into our next rankings update for the #TN2025 class, Johnson is one more of the intriguing talents to scout due to his ability to play on either side of the ball in college. Right now, his stock is up to potentially play running back on the next level and that's due to his play at the position throughout this current Fall season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Purple Wave senior has grown into his body much further, where on film Johnson does look like a running back. He is a strong, stocky young man that sports a downhill, straight ahead running style. Johnson is coming off his best game yet as he ran for 222 yds &amp; 3 touchdowns in the team's region win over MUS. If this Memphis area product can stack a few more top level rushing performances like last Friday, Johnson may start to see more collegiate interest.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Fairley Bulldogs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Quietly, the Bulldogs go into Week Ten at 7-0, ranked 9th in the state inside our Prep Redzone TN Small School Top 15 and one of the top teams with the 2A ranks. Fairley has nearly dominated every opponent in the path, especially in last week's 72-8 win over Bluff City. The Bulldogs have a balanced ball club that can score a lot of points on offense while their defense is salty up front with one of the better units at stopping the run in the West TN region.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1552183' first='Julian' last='Porter'] </strong>has stepped forward as a key playmaker and team leader for the Bulldogs. He is a sleeper candidate to contend for 2A Mr. Football. His play has been stellar on both sides of the ball here lately and will be needed moving forward as Fairley heads into postseason play next month. It will be interesting to see how this team performs in the playoffs as I could see them going on a deep run or potentially being upset, which has happened several times over the past few years. As of now, the Bulldogs are clicking on all cylinders with some big football ahead of them.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(DE) [player_tooltip player_id='1536143' first='Brandon' last='Collins'] - Ensworth</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- The Tigers sport one of the best defenses in the state and Collins is a big reason why. This senior defensive end has transformed his body and game this Fall to become a legit college guy and someone that may sneak onto the D1 radar before everything is settled. Adding his first FCS offer recently from ETSU, Collins could be on a surge of recruiting interest as his senior clips shows D1 work and someone that is starting to come into his own as an edge defender.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What I'm liking most from this Nashville based prospect is his explosion off the snap then his violent pursuit of the ball. Collins moves well laterally, showing good bounce and an agile lower base that can translate well to the next level. His play on defense this year has been critical towards his team's overall success due to his ability to cause havoc in the opposition's backfield. If he keeps up the strong play through the back stretch of the season, more and more college coaches may increase their interest.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1538282,"width":"308px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/bcollins.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1538282" style="width:308px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>GCA Rams</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Things have been rolling along nicely this year for the Rams but last week was a major test for them, competing against Knox. Webb and they passed with flying colors as they defeated the Spartans, 24-19. It was a close, hard fought game that was probably needed for GCA and a game that should battle hardened them for postseason play. It was also a victory that tells the rest of the competition that the Rams won't be an easy out in November.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>GCA brings a well balanced team to the field as their offense has the firepower to put up a lot of points while the defense may not be flashy but solid and able to get the job done. The offense in particular with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='301391' first='Weston' last='Edmondson'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='933067' first='Terrion' last='Thomas'] </strong>can be explosive and a unit that could take the Rams all the way to Chattanooga. Defeating Knox. Webb tells me that this year's team may be different. This team very well may be legit with the parts in place to bring home a “Gold Ball” by season's end.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1131019' first='Keilan' last='Harris'] - Stewarts Creek</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- His 10 tackle, 5 sack performance in last week's win over Smyrna is not the main reason Harris is on this list but it certainly helps. The Red Hawks linebacker has been playing at a high level over the past several weeks and became the team's top tackler along the way. He has embraced his last high school season of football by playing his best football to date while continuing to boost his stock as a potential college recruit. Where he is increasing stock in a big way is by showing his ability to rush the backfield while maintaining strong play versus the run. Harris can take his name to another level as well in the coming playoffs where his RedHawks team should receive a #1 seed and face good competition along the way.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1506601,"width":"301px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/keiharris.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1506601" style="width:301px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Riverdale Warriors</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- As we head into the final two weeks of the regular season, the Warriors are quietly 7-1 on the year and by the way they looked last Friday in their win over Blackman, this Riverdale team could be in prime position to go on a deep playoff run, starting next month. Reason for thinking that is because of their defense and how suffocating they can be. The Warriors have one of the better defensive units in the Mid-TN region, led by seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1151465' first='J.C.' last='Haynes']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='490634' first='Jomauri' last='Smith']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1151467' first='Jake' last='Patterson']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='858830' first='Malik' last='Hicks'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='819506' first='Ke'Darean' last='Fletcher']</strong> that can provide a pass rush while also locking down receivers due to a talented secondary.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That defense will need to stay at a high level moving forward as they have the region championship looming in two weeks against Oakland along with the potential of going deep in the playoffs. The offense will have to do its part too, which is to remain ball controlled, leaning on <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219397' first='Dominic' last='Taylor'] </strong>and their run game. The stock is certainly up at the moment for this Warriors team but to see their goals come true of winning championships, they must stay focused and locked in the remainder of the way.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Stock Down&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Oak Ridge Wildcats</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- After stringing together four wins in a row, the Wildcats have now lost back to back non-region games to bring their record to 4-4 on the season. Now the Cats are still in prime position to win their region and place themselves nicely in the playoffs but losing ball games can change your mindset and snowball into more losses, so Oak Ridge has to get things right headed into a big region game this week vs. Lenoir City.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The side of the ball that must get back on track is the Cats offense and it may be tough as they will be without top playmaker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='331829' first='Will' last='Pressley'] </strong>for the foreseeable future. The Oak Ridge junior missing in action means others must step up, especially sophomore standouts <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='483481' first='Malik' last='Howard'] </strong>and running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1567420' first='Damillyan' last='Porter']</strong>. Those two are playmakers and future college guys that will be needed down the stretch as well as the play and leadership from junior quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='205650' first='Blaine' last='Stansberry']</strong>. Things might have been rough over the past two weeks but I still like this Oak Ridge team and their potential in the playoffs.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1277903,"width":"298px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/mhoward.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1277903" style="width:298px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dickson Co. Cougars</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- After knocking off Kirkwood three weeks ago, the Cougars have followed that win up with three losses in a row and are on the verge of missing the playoffs yet again. Looking at their schedule and current results, Dickson Co. has been an up and down football team this year that shows flashes of turning the corner but have fallen flat with opportunities in their face. The Cougars took losses to Clarksville and Rossview and that was expected but falling to Kenwood 41-13 last week wasn't a good look. This week versus West Creek is a must win for the Cougs to reach postseason play but if they take the loss, it will be another year of Dickson Co. missing out on playoff action.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>West Ridge Wolves&nbsp;</strong><br>- Expectations were high for the Wolves going into the 2024 season but things haven't worked out as West Ridge sits at 0-4 within their region and out of the playoff race. Things started well early in the year but once competition ramped up, the Wolves struggled to score or stop anybody on defense. Bringing back key seniors like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='466230' first='Trey' last='Frazier'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1277522' first='Trent' last='Tatum'] </strong>saw the Wolves poised to contend for the region title but the rest of the cast around those two seniors haven't provided enough help to do so. The weird thing is that West Ridge could still finish with a winning or .500 record this year but miss postseason play. If you are the senior class, you lay everything out for the final two games and try to end the season with bang and a winning record. Doing so may give this program some momentum into the off-season but still missing their goals of a region title and the playoffs will sting for a little while.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1298921,"width":"351px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/47-Trey-Frazier.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1298921" style="width:351px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->