Preseason Preview: Class 2A/Region 6

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">This region is a collection of new teams, including two Mid-Tennessee powerhouses in East Nashville and East Robertson, that have a great shot at walking away as 2A champs by the end of the season. It should be fun to watch how this region plays out and who emerges as the top team. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2A-Region 6</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>East Hickman Eagles&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Lyles, TN (Hickman Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Chris Austin</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>8-3 Overall (6-1 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(RB/DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1662631' first='Micah' last='Godfrey']</strong>, (WR/S) <strong>Braxten Hill</strong>, (DE) <strong>Dalton Blackburn</strong>, (DT/OL) <strong>Braden Hicks</strong>, (RB/S) <strong>Drake Cole</strong>, (DT) <strong>Taylor Swinehart</strong>, (Ath) <strong>Jayden Malugin</strong>, ‘27 (OL/DT) <strong>Damion McNeil</strong>, ‘27 (TE/LB) <strong>Luke Fisher</strong>, ‘27 (RB/S) <strong>James Ryion</strong>, ‘27 (TE/DE) <strong>Jamie Meadows</strong>, ‘27 (OL/DT) <strong>Landon Dearborn</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>Under this coaching staff, the Eagles have been a winning program and I expect that to remain the same this coming season. Now things will be a bit different competing in a new region with two of the better programs on the 2A level (East Nashville/East Robertson) but I believe the Eagles will be able to hold their own, especially with a sleeper Mr. Football candidate in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1662631' first='Micah' last='Godfrey']</strong>. This senior ball carrier is small but explosive with a strong, balanced attack. If Godfrey can receive strong play up front in the O-line, the Eagles may have a solid ball control offense that can wear down opposing defenses. Finding balance with their passing game will be key as well.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defense should be solid as well, especially with key pieces returning in the line with <strong>Dalton Blackburn</strong>, <strong>Braden Hicks </strong>and <strong>Taylor Swinehart</strong>. Shoring up the back seven is where I see the Eagles needing some work during Fall camp. The offensive rushing attack and stopping the run on defense are two areas I believe the Eagles will be fine with but they will need to find some playmakers out wide and in the secondary to balance out this team and make them comparable to others in this region. I do like their chances at reaching postseason play and becoming a gritty, tough team that the opposition could have a hard time dealing with.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1703938,"width":"252px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/mgodfrey.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1703938" style="width:252px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>East Nashville Eagles</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Nashville, TN (Davidson Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Damien Harris&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>12-3 Overall (4-0 Region - 3A)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='971296' first='Keith' last='Johnson']</strong>, (S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1403891' first='Jbrein' last='Crawford']</strong>, (Ath) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1597876' first='Kinnie' last='Fuller, Jr']</strong>, (DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1194077' first='Demontez' last='Anderson']</strong>, (TE/DE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1704958' first='Jevon' last='Carter']</strong>, (DT/OL) <strong>Tyler Pentecost</strong>, (DB) <strong>Cortez Murphy, Jr</strong>, (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1675658' first='Chauncey' last='Anthony']</strong>, (LB) <strong>Victor Iriogbe</strong>, (WR/DB) <strong>Jachaun Taylor</strong>&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>‘‘27 (OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1571426' first='Gonni' last='Martin']</strong>, ‘27 (QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1668630' first='Dallas' last='Covington']</strong>, ‘27 (WR/S) <strong>Ke'Vontae Pitts</strong>, ‘27 (DB) <strong>Malachi Harris</strong>, ‘28 (OL/DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1536133' first='Kendall' last='Brooks']</strong>, ‘28 (DT/OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1565681' first='Devin' last='Phillips']</strong>, ‘28 (RB/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1704671' first='Jaylon' last='Henry']</strong>, ‘28 (DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1607226' first='Jaylen' last='Mays']</strong>, ‘28 (OL/DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='906125' first='Zamari' last='Davis']</strong>, ‘28 (QB) <strong>Cameron Counts</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>It's a new landscape for this Nashville area program that has moved down classifications to the 2A level this season and it may pay off big for the immediate and for the future. The Eagles return a lot of talent this Fall that immediately makes them a contender for this region and the Class 2A state title. Even though there is a lot of skill on this team, everything starts with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='971296' first='Keith' last='Johnson'] </strong>and the Eagles rushing attack. Johnson is one of the top backs in the state that will contend for Mr. Football and to help that cause will be a solid offensive line, led by stud junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1571426' first='Gonni' last='Martin']</strong>. This offense could have excellent balance this year with the emergence of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1668630' first='Dallas' last='Covington'] </strong>at quarterback and he will have an athletic receiver to throw at in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1597876' first='Kinnie' last='Fuller, Jr']</strong>. The Eagles have the offense to score a lot of points and do so with both the run game and passing attack.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The offense should be complimented by a solid defense that sports an outstanding secondary, spearheaded by seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1403891' first='Jbrein' last='Crawford']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1194077' first='Demontez' last='Anderson'] </strong>and <strong>Cortez Murphy</strong>. The D-line should be good as well with star sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1565681' first='Devin' last='Phillips'] </strong>breaking out into a big time player. Finding some fierce tacklers is the only thing missing from making this defense potentially elite. Between both sides of the ball, East Nashville has a balanced team with athleticism, power and size. It's well equipped to go on a deep playoff run that ends in Chattanooga with a shot at a state championship.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1703944,"width":"194px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/dcovington2.jpeg?w=683" alt="" class="wp-image-1703944" style="width:194px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>East Robertson Indians</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Cross Plains, TN (Robertson Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Chase Brooks&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>10-2 Overall (4-1 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players:&nbsp; </strong>(Edge) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='820950' first='Zach' last='Groves']</strong>, (WR/RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1630972' first='Cade' last='Brooks']</strong>, (LB/RB) <strong>Caleb McNeil</strong>, (Ath) <strong>ZayViyan Groves</strong>, (OL/DT) <strong>Santana Washington</strong>, (S/WR) <strong>Kris Groves, </strong>(OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1738226' first='Bryson' last='Shreeve']</strong>, (S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1738236' first='Angel' last='Blair']</strong>, (FB/LB) <strong>Miles Cothron</strong>, ‘27 (OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1263300' first='Austin' last='Pilkerton']</strong>, ‘27 (QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1422904' first='Kason' last='Young']</strong>, ‘27 (DE) <strong>Kanye Prince</strong>, ‘27 (WR/S) <strong>Lane Bruce</strong>, ‘28 (RB) <strong>Kalye Prince</strong>,<strong> </strong>‘28 (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1193296' first='Kaden' last='Groves']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>For multiple season's now, the Indians have been on cusp of winning a state title but have fallen short, however this year presents another opportunity to chase after that “”Gold Ball” and bring a football championship to Cross Plains. All the team's top players are back for the Fall season with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1422904' first='Kason' last='Young'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1630972' first='Cade' last='Brooks'] </strong>leading things on offense and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='820950' first='Zach' last='Groves'] </strong>wreaking havoc on defense. Losing their top player early last year made some of these guys grow up and fast and that could pay off in a big way this season. The Indians have good size up front on the O-line with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1738226' first='Bryson' last='Shreeve']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1263300' first='Austin' last='Pilkerton'] </strong>and others along with enough skill at receiver and in the secondary to compete with other athletic teams.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>East Robertson has some nice complimentary pieces around their top guys as well, providing solid depth. This is a well coached program with a good bunch of upperclassmen (Sr's/Jr's) on this team that have played a lot of games and gained tons of experience. All signs point towards an East Robertson, East Nashville battle for the top spot in the region and a #1 seed in the playoffs. If the Indians can get past the Eagles, both in the regular and postseason, they could be in-line to take home a state title.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hickman Co. Bulldogs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Centerville, TN (Hickman Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Patrick Smith&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>2-8 Overall (1-6 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(DT/OL) <strong>Ethan Conant</strong>, (RB/S) <strong>Jayden Street</strong>, (LB) <strong>JonMichael Lewis</strong>, (WR/DB) <strong>Mason Varden</strong>, (LB) <strong>Andrew Reich</strong>, (LB) <strong>Cameron Wright</strong>, ‘27 (OL/DL) <strong>Chase Sims</strong>, ‘27 (LB) <strong>Brayden McCaleb</strong>, ‘28 (LB) <strong>Jameson Keathley</strong>, ‘28 (OL) <strong>Jackson Warren</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>The 2024 season wasn't a strong showing from these Bulldogs but it's a new year, inside a new region with new opportunities, however competition will be tough and I don't know if Hickman Co. has enough depth and overall talent to keep up with their foes. Looking through this roster, it's a nice combination of returning veterans and underclassmen that will be expected to perform at a high level this year and find ways to somehow pick up victories. Winning the line of scrimmage will be key for Hickman County. They must find a way to run the ball consistently and keep their defense fresh and lean on that side of the ball to keep points off the board. The Bulldogs defense may be solid but they have plenty of questions that need to be answered early on in the year to see how competent they will be. Fighting for that fourth spot within the region to earn postseason action will be tough but maybe they can find a way to get the job done to push this program forward into a positive direction.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Houston Co. Fighting Irish&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Erin, TN (Houston Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Orman Meadow&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>7-4 Overall (3-2 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1600253' first='Preston' last='Mitchell']</strong>, (LB) <strong>Tommy Braninburg</strong>, (OL/DT) <strong>Gauge Myers</strong>, (OL) <strong>Will Black</strong>, (FB/LB) <strong>Brody Rumfelt</strong>, ‘27 (DT/OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1597021' first='Braxton' last='Miller']</strong>, ‘27 (LB) <strong>Myquel Valerio</strong>, ‘28 (TE/LB) <strong>Tucker Selph</strong>, ‘28 (OL/DL) <strong>Gunner Nichols</strong>, ‘28 (QB/S) <strong>Hayden Burgess</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>The Fighting Irish will be facing some new opponents this year and it should battle test them but they may not have enough depth or overall talent to compete for the top of the region, however a playoff spot is possible. The key to sustainable success this Fall for Houston Co. will be leaning on <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1600253' first='Preston' last='Mitchell'] </strong>and their running game. Mitchell returns as one of the top rushers on the 2A level but he will need strong play up front from the Fighting Irish offensive line. There doesn't appear to be too much skill on this team headed into the season, so ball control offense with strong defense may be the recipe towards success.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defense could be solid with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1597021' first='Braxton' last='Miller']</strong>, <strong>Gauge Myers</strong>, <strong>Tommy Braninburg </strong>and <strong>Myquel Valerio </strong>working in the front seven. It's the secondary that may have questions. The Fighting Irish have a solid senior core returning that should be leaders within this team and help guide them towards a possible playoff spot but it's a must wait and see situation because this region is tough and everyone must perform at a high level while remaining healthy.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1703946,"width":"202px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/presmitchell.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1703946" style="width:202px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>#PRZTN Preseason Predictions</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Predicted Order of Finish</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1. East Nashville</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2. East Robertson&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3. East Hickman</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4. Houston Co.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5. Hickman Co.&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preseason Regional Top Honors</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Region POY: </strong>(RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='971296' first='Keith' last='Johnson'] </strong>- East Nashville</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Offensive POY: </strong>‘27 (QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1422904' first='Kason' last='Young'] </strong>- East Robertson</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defensive POY: </strong>(Edge) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='820950' first='Zach' last='Groves'] </strong>- East Robertson</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lineman POY: </strong>‘27 (OL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1571426' first='Gonni' last='Martin'] </strong>- East Nashville&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Coach of the Year: Damien Harris </strong>- East Nashville&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mr. Football Contenders: </strong>(RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='971296' first='Keith' last='Johnson'] </strong>- East Nashville, (Ath) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1597876' first='Kinnie' last='Fuller, Jr'] </strong>- East Nashville, (RB/WR) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1630972' first='Cade' last='Brooks'] </strong>- East Robertson, (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1662631' first='Micah' last='Godfrey'] </strong>- East Hickman<strong>, </strong>(Edge) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='820950' first='Zach' last='Groves'] </strong>- East Robertson, ‘27 (QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1422904' first='Kason' last='Young'] </strong>- East Robertson, ‘27 (QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1668630' first='Dallas' last='Covington']</strong> - East Nashville</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1544224,"width":"277px","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/kyoung2.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1544224" style="width:277px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->