Preseason Preview: Class 2A/Region 7

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">This region could turn out to be the most competitive of all from the 2A level with multiple playoff caliber teams fighting for a title. Milan is the team to beat going into the season but others like Union City, J.C. Merry and Halls have a shot to knock them off the top of the hill.</h2>     2A-Region 7   Gibson Co. Pioneers   Location: Dyer, TN (Gibson Co.)   Head Coach: Kyle Pack    2024 Finish: 1-9 Overall (0-7 Region)   Top Returning Players: (OL/DL) Daylen Brooks, (OL/DT) Ethan Becton, (K) Clay Jones, ‘27 (Ath) Jakayden Ivie, ‘27 (FB/LB) [player_tooltip player_id='932885' first='Noah' last='Cash'], ‘27 (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='932886' first='Caleb' last='Eddlemon'], ‘28 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1088646' first='Caleb' last='Sims'], ‘28 (WR) Coree Wells, ‘28 (Ath) Tristan Tyson    Team Overview: Going into the 2025 season, Gibson Co. has a lot of question marks that must be answered about their team on both sides of the ball, however one thing they do have settled is their quarterback. Sophomore signal caller [player_tooltip player_id='1088646' first='Caleb' last='Sims'] may be the most talented quarterback coming out of this region and potentially the entire Class 2A ranks. Sporting great size with a big arm, Sims is the catalyst on this team but he has to receive help. Looking through the roster, the Pioneers are lacking proven playmakers while having an offensive line that is a work in progress. Seniors Daylen Brooks and Ethan Becton are two big men to watch for this Fall to potentially become linchpins up front.    The defense is looking for playmakers as well. There doesn't appear to be a standout guy at the moment, so opportunity is there for someone to step forward and lead this defense. When you are lacking skill players or overall athleticism, you must lean on the line of scrimmage, so if the coaching staff can find suitable performers on either side of the line, it would go a long way towards finding football success. While I like the upside of Sims and a few line pieces, I don't know if the Pioneers will have enough to contend with the rest of the region as it's tough with some high caliber programs in their way.    - - - - -    Halls Tigers   Location: Halls, TN (Lauderdale Co.)   Head Coach: Michael Stigall    2024 Finish: 8-3 Overall (5-2 Region - 1A)    Top Returning Players: (DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1648058' first='Khadon' last='Piphus'], (G/C) [player_tooltip player_id='1570542' first='Hunter' last='Green'], (DE) [player_tooltip player_id='1571430' first='Jeremiah' last='Harris'], (WR) Jaylin Driver, (LB) Ethan Beasley, ‘27 (QB) Jackson Booker, ‘27 (DB) Jamarcus Moses, ‘27 (RB) Tra Crew, ‘27 (FB/LB) Easton Apperson, ‘28 (TE/DE) Conner Hargett, ‘28 (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1587383' first='Clyce' last='Tetleton'], ‘28 (QB/S) Sawyer Tetleton, ‘28 (DE) [player_tooltip player_id='1187360' first='Makai' last='Ward'], ‘28 (FB/LB) Ta'Miyon Gooch   Team Overview: Moving up a level to the 2A ranks, Halls is looking to make a strong impression this fall and it's possible they do as the Tigers return a strong senior core along with some talented underclassmen that may help them finish at the top of this region. Two highly productive defenders return this year in [player_tooltip player_id='1648058' first='Khadon' last='Piphus'], who produced eight interceptions last season and [player_tooltip player_id='1571430' first='Jeremiah' last='Harris'], a defensive end that has the potential to lead this region in sacks. Three other seniors in [player_tooltip player_id='1570542' first='Hunter' last='Green'], Ethan Beasley and Jaylin Driver were key factors last year that will be expected to expand their production this Fall.    The offense could go to a whole new level with the emergence and play of junior quarterback Jackson Booker. Standing 6 '4 180 plus pounds, Booker has college size with a developing right arm that can provide a passing balance to the offensive side of the ball. While the offense finds it footing, I foresee a strong defense for the Tigers that has playmakers at all three levels. Easton Apperson and Clyce Tettleton are a nice duo at linebacker. Look out for Jamarcus Moses, who could be another ball hawk in the Tigers secondary. There are a lot of pieces in place for another eight win season or more. We shall see how things turn out but watch out for Halls as a region title sleeper and a team that could make a deep run in the playoffs.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/kpiphus.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1603315" style="width:258px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Huntingdon Mustangs   Location: Huntingdon, TN (Carroll Co.)   Head Coach: Eric Swenson    2024 Finish: 10-3 Overall (6-1 Region)   Top Returning Players: (DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1648079' first='Tyreke' last='Hutch'], (QB/S) Braylin Dearmon, (LB) Broox Bennett, (LB) Silas Sharp, (DE/LB) Jeramyah Cannon, ‘27 (TE/LB) Brennan Meggs, ‘27 (OL/DL) Bryson Whiteside, ‘27 (DL) Brayden Davis, ‘27 (K) [player_tooltip player_id='1588853' first='Greyson' last='Anderson'], ‘28 (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1589948' first='Hayes' last='Eubanks'], ‘28 (RB) Colt Wood   Team Overview: Consistency is the one thing that comes to mind when I think about Huntingdon football. This West Tennessee program has been a winner for many, many years now but they might take a small step back this Fall as the Mustangs are having to replace several high producing players and right now, there are questions as to who will replace them. The guy stepping into the quarterback role appears to be senior two-way prospect Braylin Dearmon. The way he plays and leads this team will go a long way towards the Mustangs getting back to the playoffs. Dearmon will need help and right now, I don't know who those offensive players will be.    The defense could be a different story however as the Mustangs return several top players like Broox Bennett, [player_tooltip player_id='1648079' first='Tyreke' last='Hutch'] and defensive lineman Jeramyah Cannon. Those three seniors along with others will have the tall task of playing consistent football each week to earn victories as the offense finds their identity. It won't be an easy path for the Mustangs either as this region has gotten tougher and should provide stiffer competition each and every week. The culture here with Huntingdon is strong and the coaching staff knows what they're doing, so I still expect the Mustangs to be tough to play. Gaining a postseason berth is possible this Fall but the offense must find their footing and the defense has to remain consistent while the other side of the ball finds their way.    - - - - -    Jackson Central-Merry Cougars   Location: Jackson, TN (Madison Co.)   Head Coach: Erit Turner    2024 Finish: 9-3 Overall (5-2 Region)   Top Returning Players: (S) Dettrell Kinney, (QB/Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='1705735' first='Terrell' last='Williams'], (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1657186' first='Zarius' last='Brown'], (DE) Jordyn Williams, (OL) Antonio Hudson, (OL) Joe Northern, (DT) Brylan Mitchell, (DT) Gaibryel James, (WR) Michael Massey, (RB) LaKelvin Cole, (LB) Ozelmar Ligon, ‘27 (Edge) [player_tooltip player_id='1693459' first='Jayland' last='Eckford'], ‘27 (DL) [player_tooltip player_id='1720050' first='Micah' last='Gant'], ‘27 (DE) Braxton Ransey, ‘27 (DB) Keylan Clark   Team Overview: The Cougars became one of the state's biggest surprises last Fall, so they won't be creeping up on anybody this year, however I think this West Tennessee football team will be legit and a squad many teams won't be excited to face. This is a well balanced ball club that brings a high scoring offense to the field, led by senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1705735' first='Terrell' last='Williams'] and an athletic defense, spearheaded by junior stud edge rusher [player_tooltip player_id='1693459' first='Jayland' last='Eckford']. The team has depth too with several high producing players returning this year, including wideout Michael Massey and senior defensive end Jordyn Williams. Even though the Cougars went 9-3 last year, this team could be even better, especially if their key guys remain healthy and others step forward into big roles.    The biggest area of concern I see going into the 2025 season is the offensive line. Several guys should be going both ways up front but establishing a solid set of five will be critical towards the team's overall success. Finding a few more offensive playmakers to help Williams and Massey would be good too, especially a three down ball carrier. I do see enough veteran and underclassmen talent on this team to not only compete for a top region spot but potentially go on a deep run in the playoffs. The offense will grab the headlines but it may be the Cougars defense that leads them towards a successful season.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/jeckford.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1704352" style="width:259px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Milan Bulldogs   Location: Milan, TN   Head Coach: Wade Comer   2024 Finish: 13-2 Overall (6-1 Region)   Top Returning Players: (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1562203' first='Jaydon' last='Peete'], (DB/WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1658485' first='Cordarius' last='Johnson'], (G/C) [player_tooltip player_id='1106236' first='Mason' last='Allen'], (WR/S) [player_tooltip player_id='1660959' first='Terrence' last='Moses'], (LB/DE) Lucas Morris, (LB) Avery Burnett, (OL/DT) Bryer Smith, (DT) C.T. Williamson, (Ath) Dre Hawkins, ‘27 (RB/LB) Carson Kelley, ‘27 (Ath) Zak Summers, ‘27 (DB) Kawasky Taylor, ‘28 (TE/DE) Manny Pittman, ‘28 (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='1088019' first='Ty' last='Hollingsworth'], ‘28 (DB) Tyree Armstrong, ‘28 (WR/S) Jay Donaldson   Team Overview: Coming off a runner-up finish last year for the Class 2A title, the Bulldogs will be looking to get over that hump and bring the “Gold Ball” back home and continue growing this proud, championship caliber West Tennessee program. Everything begins and ends with reigning 2A Mr. Football winner [player_tooltip player_id='1562203' first='Jaydon' last='Peete']. This senior ball carrier produced over 2,000 yards rushing last season and even though team's will be focused on slowing him down, I expect Peete to have another productive year. Finding someone to run the show at quarterback will be key as will forming an offensive line to open running lanes. Peete will be the focus of every defense Milan faces, so finding balance will be key.    The Bulldogs defense should be solid and do their job well enough to keep the team in games and fighting for victories. Peete is the team's leading returning tackler but he should be complimented nicely by an athletic secondary, led by senior college prospects [player_tooltip player_id='1660959' first='Terrence' last='Moses'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1658485' first='Cordarius' last='Johnson']. Looking at the Bulldogs roster, finding good play in the D-line is something the staff will be looking for throughout Fall camp. This is a younger Milan team compared to last year but still well equipped to win this region and compete for a 2A championship, especially if Peete remains healthy and their playmakers play top level football.    - - - - -    Peabody Golden Tide   Location: Trenton, TN (Gibson Co.)   Head Coach: Tab Vowell    2024 Finish: 4-6 Overall (4-3 Region)   Top Returning Players: (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1103033' first='Jayden' last='Jennings'], (DB/WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1588112' first='Mikhel' last='Wilkes'], (DB) Jamarcus Haynes, (DT/OL) Chandler Milan, (QB) Jonah Smith, ‘27 (RB) Edward Agnew, ‘27 (DL) Josh Britt, ‘27 (OL/DE) Luke Johnson, 28 (WR/TE) Amahd Thomas, ‘28 (WR/LB) Barrett Rhodes, ‘28 (QB) Lannon Nichols   Team Overview: Coming off a four win season, things were beginning to look up for the Golden Tide but momentum took a dip when their former head coach decided to leave to take another job in the West Tennessee area. Adjustments were needed in the off-season under a new direction but the objective remained the same and that's competing for a top region spot that leads to a postseason berth. The Golden Tide are having to replace a few key players but return some studs in [player_tooltip player_id='1103033' first='Jayden' last='Jennings'], [player_tooltip player_id='1588112' first='Mikhel' last='Wilkes'] and Jamarcus Haynes that could make the Peabody defense quite formidable. All three of those guys will likely go both ways as the Golden Tide may be lacking overall depth and talent on the offensive side of the ball.    Sporting a solid defense without a lot of offensive talent potentially means leaning on the run game and the Golden Tide may have a solid up and comer to lean on in junior Edward Agnew. If the coaching staff can form together a serviceable offensive line, Agnew may be allowed to go off and provide Peabody a steady offensive force that can generate enough points. It's going to be hard to gain a spot in postseason play because this region is stacked but if the team's top guys perform at a high level, Agnew brings consistent play at running back, it's possible the Golden Tide could win enough to earn themselves playoff action.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/jayjennings.webp?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1659316" style="width:251px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Union City Golden Tornadoes    Location: Union City, TN (Obion Co.)   Head Coach: Nick Markle    2024 Finish: 10-3 Overall (7-0 Region)   Top Returning Players: (DL) [player_tooltip player_id='1738241' first='Deyton' last='Buckley'], (DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1738231' first='Adrian' last='Crawford'], (DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1704476' first='Andre' last='Small'], (LB/RB) Aiden Reid, (RB/S) Kirben Thompson, (DL) Christian Jones, ‘27 (DE) Elijah Simpson, ‘27 (DB/WR) Jayden Evans, ‘27 (LB) Kaleb Wright, ‘27 (LB/Edge) Rylan Robinson, ‘27 (LB/RB) Grant Sinclair, 28 (QB) Jack Theobold, ‘28 (LB/RB) Logan Puckett, ‘28 (DT) Gio Fair   Team Overview: Coming off a region title, the Golden Tornadoes will be looking to repeat, however it won't be easy as competition has ramped up and departing veterans must be replaced. This program is built around their run game and strong defensive play and I expect that to remain the same this Fall season. The major strength on this team should be the defense. The Golden Tornadoes are returning several key players, including [player_tooltip player_id='1738241' first='Deyton' last='Buckley'], Christian Jones and Elijah Simpson on the D-line and [player_tooltip player_id='1704476' first='Andre' last='Small'], [player_tooltip player_id='1738231' first='Adrian' last='Crawford'] and Kirben Thompson in the secondary. The linebacker corp is pretty solid too with Reid, Wright and potential breakout star Rylan Robinson off the edge. This is the kind of defense that can help Union City win a lot of games and compete for a state title.    The offense is a different story. A lot of pieces must be replaced on this side of the ball, including a college signee from the offensive line and a multi year starter at quarterback. Sophomore Jack Theobold looks like the guy behind center. The coaching staff will need to shore up that O-line to make everything work but knowing how this program operates, I'm sure they will. This year's Golden Tornado team may not be the flashiest but they should be physical, tough and well disciplined. If the offense can find the right pieces, I believe the defense will be good enough to allow this team to do some special things.    - - - - -    #PRZTN Preseason Predictions   Predicted Order of Finish   1. Milan   2. Union City    3. Jackson Central -Merry   4. Halls   5. Huntingdon   6. Peabody   7. Gibson Co.    - - - - -    Preseason Regional Top Honors   Region POY: (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1562203' first='Jaydon' last='Peete'] - Milan   Offensive POY: (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1705735' first='Terrell' last='Williams'] - Jackson Central-Merry   Defensive POY: ‘27 (Edge) [player_tooltip player_id='1693459' first='Jayland' last='Eckford'] - Jackson Central-Merry   Lineman POY: (DL) [player_tooltip player_id='1738241' first='Deyton' last='Buckley'] - Union City    Coach of the Year: Wade Comer - Milan    Mr. Football Contenders: (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1562203' first='Jaydon' last='Peete'] - Milan, (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1705735' first='Terrell' last='Williams'] - J.C. Merry, (DB/WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1658485' first='Cordarius' last='Johnson'] - Milan, (QB/S) Braylin Dearmon - Huntingdon, (DL) [player_tooltip player_id='1738241' first='Deyton' last='Buckley'] - Union City, (DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1648058' first='Khadon' last='Piphus'] - Halls, ‘27 (QB) Jackson Booker - Halls, ‘27 (Edge) [player_tooltip player_id='1693459' first='Jayland' last='Eckford'] - J.C. Merry   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/tmoses2.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1704353" style="width:268px;height:auto" /></figure>