Preseason Preview: Class 4A/Region 2

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">This region has expanded with the addition of state power Alcoa. The Tornadoes have joined the 4A ranks to face new challenges while still chasing down that "Gold Ball". Watching how the teams in this region compete this Fall will be fun with a battle between Alcoa and Anderson Co. chasing down the title.</h2>     4A-Region 2   Alcoa Tornadoes   Location: Alcoa, TN (Blount Co.)   Head Coach: Brian Nix    2024 Finish: 13-1 Overall (4-0 Region - 3A State Champs)   Top Returning Players: (OT/G) [player_tooltip player_id='1366546' first='Jacob' last='Crow'], (WR/S) [player_tooltip player_id='1630037' first='JaColby' last='Cooper'], (Edge) [player_tooltip player_id='1629965' first='Carter' last='Cowart'], (OG/C) [player_tooltip player_id='344895' first='Colton' last='Moore'], (DE) [player_tooltip player_id='402523' first='Blair' last='Goodson'], (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1656088' first='Cade' last='Stinnett'], ‘27 (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='817933' first='Jamir' last='Dean'], ‘27 (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='904844' first='Micah' last='Jones'], ‘27(OL/DL) [player_tooltip player_id='902973' first='Lane' last='Ferguson'], ‘27 (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='817961' first='Jamerius' last='Abuhania'], ‘27 (OL) [player_tooltip player_id='904845' first='Marlee' last='Watts'], ‘27 (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1366543' first='Darius' last='Sudderth'], ‘27 (LB) Corey Manuel   ‘27 (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='1630033' first='De'Mauri' last='Dubose'], ‘27 (DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1630025' first='Condis' last='Cherry'], ‘27 (DB) Landen Love, ‘27 (FB/DE) Jermon Bishop, Jr, ‘27 (WR/S) [player_tooltip player_id='904838' first='Delle' last='Hughes'], ‘27 (S) Elijah Sadler, ‘28 (WR/S) [player_tooltip player_id='1028069' first='Haynes' last='Hawkins'], ‘28 (Edge) [player_tooltip player_id='1027628' first='Jennaris' last='Henry'], ‘28 (OL) Aden Meyers, ‘28 (DT/OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1083655' first='Bryson' last='Hawkins']   New Additions: ‘27 (DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1617434' first='Mason' last='Laster'] (Bearden)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/05/jdean2.webp?w=683" alt="" class="wp-image-1675745" style="width:279px;height:auto" /></figure>   Team Overview: It's a new era for the Tornadoes as they have jumped into the 4A classification and provided themselves an opportunity to face new contenders while still chasing down a state championship. Coming off another state title, the Tornadoes return a lot of players from that team while adding in some up and coming talent to both sides of the ball. Offensively, I think the Tornadoes have all the pieces from a bell cow back [player_tooltip player_id='904844' first='Micah' last='Jones'], two athletic wideouts in [player_tooltip player_id='1630037' first='JaColby' last='Cooper'] and [player_tooltip player_id='817933' first='Jamir' last='Dean'] along with stout O-line, led by [player_tooltip player_id='1366546' first='Jacob' last='Crow'], [player_tooltip player_id='344895' first='Colton' last='Moore'] and junior stud [player_tooltip player_id='904845' first='Marlee' last='Watts'] to have an elite level offense but the only piece missing is quarterback. That is the most important position on the field and as of right now, I'm not sure who the guy behind center will be. I trust the staff however to figure out and find the right guy to steer the ship.    The defense doesn't have a lot of star power unless you include a few like Jones, Cooper and Dean on offense that will go both ways but it's a good unit that plays technique sound football. The D-line has some veterans like [player_tooltip player_id='402523' first='Blair' last='Goodson'] and edge [player_tooltip player_id='1629965' first='Carter' last='Cowart'], who I think could be a breakout player this year that will bring max effort to each game. The Tornadoes have some physical tacklers at linebacker with senior [player_tooltip player_id='1656088' first='Cade' last='Stinnett'] and budding star [player_tooltip player_id='1366543' first='Darius' last='Sudderth']. The secondary is the defensive strength. A lot of athleticism and skill resides on the back end for Alcoa. Finding some beef in the middle is something that's lacking but that could change as we get into the season. Moving to the 4A level I think will be a little bit harder but not enough to keep Alcoa out of the state title mix. I think they are equipped to go after another “Gold Ball” this season but it should be a tougher road to get there than past years.    - - - - -    Anderson Co. Mavericks   Location: Clinton, TN (Anderson Co.)   Head Coach: Davey Gillum    2024 Finish: 12-2-1 Overall (5-0 Region)   Top Returning Players: (WR/S) [player_tooltip player_id='1642436' first='Evan' last='Pyatt'], (LB) Mason McMillan, (DT) Slade Alley, (S) Reese Russell, (WR/DB) Gabe St. John, (G/C) Jackson Hill, (WR/S) Levi Quint, ‘27 (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1586188' first='Brayden' last='Sharpe'], ‘27 (G/C) [player_tooltip player_id='1366551' first='Vance' last='Young'], ‘27 (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='898264' first='Zach' last='Happney'], ‘27 (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='1642433' first='Elijah' last='Johnson'], ‘28 (OL/DT) Rahkeem South, ‘28 (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1038441' first='Lane' last='LaRue'], ‘28 (Ath) Landon Burnett-Daniels   New Additions: (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='806042' first='Jayzon' last='Thompson'] (Bearden), (S) [player_tooltip player_id='816053' first='Keshawn' last='Mills'] (Bearden), (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='1159812' first='Deameion' last='Leavell'] (Bearden), (OL) [player_tooltip player_id='402531' first='Charles' last='Humphrey Jr.'] (Bearden), (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1281467' first='Marcus' last='Brown'] (Bearden), (S) [player_tooltip player_id='1617206' first='Yashan' last='Campbell'] (Bearden), ‘27 (OL/DT) Karnel Mills (Bearden), ‘29 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='723014' first='JD' last='Gillum']    Team Overview: Over the past decade, the Mavericks have been one of the best football programs coming out of the East Tennessee region and I expect them to be top level yet again. A big reason as to why Anderson Co. could compete for a region and possibly a 4A state title is due to a lot of off-season additions that brought in significant talent. The offense is still young in places, especially at quarterback with freshman sensation [player_tooltip player_id='723014' first='JD' last='Gillum'] but they should be good, even explosive at times. The addition of [player_tooltip player_id='806042' first='Jayzon' last='Thompson'] to the backfield and [player_tooltip player_id='1159812' first='Deameion' last='Leavell'] at receiver gives the Mavs game changers at two important positions. Junior receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1586188' first='Brayden' last='Sharpe'] is a nice compliment to Leavell and a potential breakout star. The O-line is the one area I have a few concerns with but it did get better with the off-season addition of [player_tooltip player_id='402531' first='Charles' last='Humphrey Jr.'] This offense has a chance to be special but only if the O-line finds the right five and does their job on a consistent basis.    Over on the defensive side of the ball, this unit has a chance to be special themselves. The Mavs were already returning some solid starters like Slade Alley on the D-line and Mason McMillan at linebacker but the additions of Leavell, [player_tooltip player_id='816053' first='Keshawn' last='Mills'], [player_tooltip player_id='1617206' first='Yashan' last='Campbell'] in the secondary and [player_tooltip player_id='1281467' first='Marcus' last='Brown'] within the front seven, makes this side of the ball exceptionally more formidable. The defensive backfield has a chance to be elite. Brown can provide a pass rush but also work in pass coverage. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='1642433' first='Elijah' last='Johnson'] is one to watch for a breakthrough season. The only thing lacking is beef up the middle. Finding some run stuffers would give this defense everything it needs to be considered championship caliber. It will be a battle between the Mavs and Alcoa for this region title and top playoff seed. Anderson Co. certainly has a lot of pieces on this team that can contend for a 4A state title, so it should be fun to watch how they progress throughout the season.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/06/21-Brayden-Sharpe-rotated.jpg?w=684" alt="" class="wp-image-1687291" style="width:215px;height:auto" /></figure>   - - - - -    Carter Hornets   Location: Strawberry Plains, TN (Knox. Co.)   Head Coach: Todd Helton    2024 Finish: 4-7 Overall (2-3 Region)   Top Returning Players: (DL/OL) [player_tooltip player_id='820869' first='Jake' last='Coffey'], (WR/DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1467544' first='Jody' last='Scruggs'], (WR) Jayveion Morgan, (DB) [player_tooltip player_id='820872' first='Joseph' last='Armenta'], (S) Zeblin Smith, (WR/S) Jackson Stuffle, (DB) Gabe Hawkins, ‘27 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1535791' first='Brody' last='Sparks'], ‘27 (OL/DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1343655' first='Justin' last='Pilant'], ‘27 (OL/DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1308269' first='Graven' last='Wilson'], ‘27 (WR/S) Isaac Cookston, ‘28 (Ath) Davonte Scruggs, (RB/DB) Akeem McDowell    New Additions: ‘27 (LB) Johnny Rosenbalm (Jefferson Co.), ‘27 (WR/S) Joel Crawford (Sullivan East)   Team Overview: I feel like the Carter football program has been on the threshold of breaking out into a championship caliber program for years but for one reason or another, they haven't been able to get over that hump. The 2025 season provides another opportunity for the Hornets to push their program forward but it's hard to gauge how good or not this year's team will be. One major positive for the Hornets offense is the fact they have one of the better quarterbacks coming out of the East Tennessee area in junior [player_tooltip player_id='1535791' first='Brody' last='Sparks']. This pocket passer has developed at a nice rate this off-season as he looks poised for his best season yet. Sparks has some nice weapons to work with too in senior receivers [player_tooltip player_id='1467544' first='Jody' last='Scruggs'] and Jayveion Morgan. The O-line needs to find a few pieces to fortify the front but this unit could be solid, led by junior standouts [player_tooltip player_id='1343655' first='Justin' last='Pilant'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1308269' first='Graven' last='Wilson']. This offense has a chance to be explosive but does the defense have enough overall talent to keep opponents off the scoreboard?   The Hornets return one of the top sack artists in the state with senior [player_tooltip player_id='820869' first='Jake' last='Coffey']. He is a consistent performer up front that always does his job but he needs others around him to step up for this defense to become formidable. Several players talked about above, like Scruggs, Morgan and Wilson will be going both ways and should be standout players but depth needs to be formed on this side of the ball. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='820872' first='Joseph' last='Armenta'] is a solid ball player that finds the ball consistently. Two off-season additions in Johnny Rosenbalm at linebacker and junior Joel Crawford at safety could help this defense a lot. If the defense can turn themselves into a consistent unit, I think the Hornets might exceed their win total from last year and find themselves within the top three of this region.    - - - - -    Fulton Falcons   Location: Knoxville, TN (Knox. Co.)   Head Coach: Justin Long    2024 Finish: 6-5 Overall (3-2 Region)   Top Returning Players: (WR/S) [player_tooltip player_id='1732499' first='Noah' last='Lyons'], (RB) Rejuan Womble, ‘27 (RB/LB) Armani Bond, ‘27 (Ath) Kymani Lawrence, ‘28 (DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1591149' first='Keirus' last='Cox'], (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='1213445' first='Dereon' last='Bonner'], (OL/DT) E'Andre Jones   Team Overview: A long storied program with a lot of football history, Fulton has seen some up and down times over the past decade and the 2025 season looks to be another year where you are not sure what kind of product the Falcons will put on the field. Coming off a winning season and playoff appearance, the Falcons staff is having to replace several key contributors from last year's team, meaning open roles are available for the taking in Fall camp. The offense appears to have plenty of open spots, especially at quarterback and on the offensive line. Two guys to keep eyes on for the upcoming season on this side of the ball as potential impact guys are receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1732499' first='Noah' last='Lyons'] and running back Rejuan Womble. Both of those guys must perform at a high level for this offense to find any traction but others around them must contribute.    Much like the offense, the Falcons defense is under construction as well. They are lacking depth, size or overall talent up front. The secondary has some young pieces but they haven't been established yet. I don't see that every down tackling linebacker that is needed on the high school level. I see a lot of questions regarding the Falcons defense going into the season, so a lot has to be figured out through Fall camp. Finding the ability to stop the run is the first step towards forming a solid defensive unit. Looking at the rest of this region, it could become an uphill battle for the Falcons to compete for a top four spot. They are lacking in a lot of areas for the 2025 season but you never know what can happen, so we will watch Fulton early on to see who they may be this year and how far away they are from being considered a top tier team.    - - - - -    Gibbs Eagles   Location: Corryton, TN (Knox. Co.)   Head Coach: Brad Turner    2024 Finish: 10-4 Overall (4-1 Region)   Top Returning Players: (LB/TE) [player_tooltip player_id='1527611' first='Chase' last='Norman'], (WR/DB) Dajuan Harris, (OL/DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1579467' first='Wyatt' last='Bentley'], (OL) Dalton Fleenor, (RB/LB) Jacob Donaldson, (K/P) Mikel Van Pelt, ‘27 (DE) [player_tooltip player_id='904823' first='Seth' last='Seiber'], ‘27 (WR/S) [player_tooltip player_id='1633183' first='Reid' last='Daniel'], ‘27 (RB/LB) Tucker Ownby, ‘27 (LB) Dallas Holt, ‘27 (DT/OL) Dylan O'Dell, ‘27 (S) Clay Phillips, ‘28 (QB/S) Keith Jones, ‘28 (WR/S) Graham Atkins, ‘28 (DT) Evan Brewster   New Additions: (Ath) Aron Mase (Knox. Catholic)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/Chase-Norman-crop-2275x1494-1744742994.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1657508" style="width:321px;height:auto" /></figure>   Team Overview: Coming off a ten win season last year, the Eagles are looking to repeat that success but it won't be easy as this region has gotten bigger and better while the roster is a bit different. Several players from last year's successful team do return but multiple roles have to be filled for this squad to excel and become playoff caliber. I do see the Eagles defense being solid, being the unit that keeps this team in games and fighting for victories. The defense is led by college bound linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1527611' first='Chase' last='Norman']. This 6'4 prospect will be going both ways, playing tight end on offense but it's his defensive work that will be critical this season. He will be joined by junior [player_tooltip player_id='904823' first='Seth' last='Seiber'] at defensive end and safety [player_tooltip player_id='1633183' first='Reid' last='Daniel'], who has a possible college future himself.    The Eagles should be sound on defense but their offense appears to be a work in progress going into the 2025 season. All signs point towards rising sophomore Keith Jones taking over at quarterback. He is young and will be learning on the job so veterans must be there to help him along the way. Two-way talent Dajuan Harris should be a go-to guy at receiver. The O-line has two senior pieces in [player_tooltip player_id='1579467' first='Wyatt' last='Bentley'] and Dalton Fleenor to build their front around. Finding a back to carry the ball and gain positive yards on a consistent basis will be key in camp and into the season itself. I do see some potential with this offense but many parts and pieces must come together for them to perform at a high level that staff needs. Gibbs is on an up-tick as a program but I don't know if ten wins is possible this year, however I still feel they can be good enough to reach postseason play yet again and be a stingy team others don't want to face.    - - - - -    Heritage Mountaineers   Location: Maryville, TN (Blount Co.)   Head Coach: Joe Osovet    2024 Finish: 5-5 Overall (0-5 Region)   Top Returning Players: (OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1310393' first='Mason' last='Justice'], (OL) Bryce Shelton, (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1586187' first='Thomas' last='Bowers'], (WR/DB) Teagan Ruehling, (WR/S) Dylan Burgess, (S/LB) Kelan Murphy, ‘27 (WR/S) [player_tooltip player_id='1732521' first='Ethan' last='Bryant'], ‘27 (OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1595507' first='Spencer' last='Johnson'], ‘27 (OL/DT) [player_tooltip player_id='1598500' first='Weston' last='Davis'], ‘27 (OL/DT) Brody Simpher, ‘27 (LB) Connor Wheeler, ‘27 (QB) Gaven French, ‘27 (WR/S) [player_tooltip player_id='1732537' first='Rhett' last='Hall'], ‘28 (RB) Knox Ahlers, ‘28 (Ath) Troy Ervin    Team Overview: The focus of this region will be on Alcoa and Anderson Co. but you can't sleep on the Mountaineers as I feel like they may have the best team yet under head coach Joe Osovet with a shot to finish top three and place themselves in the playoffs. The biggest factor behind me thinking Heritage could be legit this year is their offensive line. The Mountaineers have a top three O-line unit in this region with seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1310393' first='Mason' last='Justice'] and Bryce Shelton as well as talented juniors [player_tooltip player_id='1598500' first='Weston' last='Davis'], [player_tooltip player_id='1595507' first='Spencer' last='Johnson'] and Brody Simpher. Those five will dictate a lot on the Heritage offense this year, especially opening holes for senior back [player_tooltip player_id='1586187' first='Thomas' last='Bowers']. The quarterback position doesn't appear settled going into the season but all signs point towards junior Gaven French taking over full time duties.    The Mountaineers defense has some areas that need fixing going into the season but I see potential on this side of the ball, especially in the secondary. Heritage has a solid unit on the back end, led by seniors Teagan Ruehling and Dylan Burgess while being joined by juniors [player_tooltip player_id='1732521' first='Ethan' last='Bryant'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1732537' first='Rhett' last='Hall'], who both have great size and college level upside. The front seven is where I may have some concerns as I don't see the overall talent or depth needed up front. Several guys like Davis and Simpher will be going both ways on the line but others must establish themselves as starters and high level contributors. If the Mountaineers staff can find a passing attack with French and the defense can get stout up front, I could see Heritage finishing third or fourth in this region and be playoff bound.    - - - - -    South Doyle Cherokees   Location: Knoxville, TN (Knox Co.)   Head Coach: Larry Headrick    2024 Finish: 1-9 Overall (0-5 Region)   Top Returning Players: (WR/DB) Trey Lane, (DT/OL) Cooleon Mills, (RB) Isaiah Winfield, (WR/DB) DeMorris McKenzie, (OL) Trashawn Berry, ‘27 (QB) Benson Brang, ‘27 (WR/S) Reed Reynolds, ‘27 (WR/DB) Kamariyon Rice, ‘27 (DE/TE) Sean Hall, ‘27 (RB/DB) Jayden Norries, ‘27 (WR/S) [player_tooltip player_id='835542' first='Jeremiah' last='Smith'], ‘28 (WR/DB) [player_tooltip player_id='1187259' first='Rondell' last='North'], ‘28 (DL) Kyrin Curd   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/tlane.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1734364" style="width:263px;height:auto" /></figure>   Team Overview: Reading into the South Doyle football program, there is hope this team could be better than some may think but coming off a one win season, expectations aren't high for the Cherokees outside their locker room. The players and staff have to prove their worth and it all starts up front where establishing physicality would be big for both sides of the ball. The trenches are a questionable area headed into the season, especially on the offensive line where I don't see a whole lot up front right now except for senior Trashawn Berry. The staff will need to find the right five as the Cherokees have a junior quarterback to keep up-right in Benson Brang. The backfield could be solid with Brang behind center and Isaiah Winfield taking carries at running back. I see potential with this South Doyle offense but the line has to get figured out for them to play up to their capabilities.    Over on the Cherokees defense, this unit has work to do in camp but I can see where this side of the ball leads the team this year and puts them in the conversation to reach postseason play. Some of the best college talent on this team resides on defense. Their two top guys are Cooleon Mills on the D-line and Trey Lane from the secondary. Those two are important to the team's success but they must receive help. Helping Lane on the back end is junior safety Reed Reynolds. Junior Sean Hall and rising sophomore Kyrin Curd could become competitive pieces on the D-line. A few holes need to fixed or new players found but the Cherokees defense could be solid overall. Making the playoffs will be tough but South Doyle might have enough talent to get there, just depends on how they play early and continue to perform throughout the season.    - - - - -    Union Co. Patriots    Location: Maynardsville, TN (Union Co.)   Head Coach: Noah Malicoat    2024 Finish: 1-10 Overall (1-3 Region)   Top Returning Players: (LB) Austin Rye, (WR/LB) [player_tooltip player_id='492593' first='Brandon' last='Reed'], (WR) Kyle Olszewski, (G/C) Tanner Larue, (LB) Adam Bullen, ‘27 (QB) Brayden Beasley, ‘27 (OL/DT) Jayden Burns, ‘27 (OL/DT) Jacob Bullen, ‘27 (WR/S) Bryton Beeler, ‘28 (WR) Isaiah Sauceda, (Ath) Tevin Williams   Team Overview: Looking at the competition within this region, it's hard to see the Patriots climbing out of the cellar and competing for the top but it's a new season upon us, so you never know what can happen! Finding something positive to build around should be a top objective going through Fall camp but looking at the Patriots roster, it's hard to see where to start. The offense looks like it could be ahead of their defense going into camp but that's based on pure talent with guys like [player_tooltip player_id='492593' first='Brandon' last='Reed'] and Kyle Olszewski playing out wide. Those are two good pieces at receiver but help must come from junior quarterback Brayden Beasley and an offensive line that is lacking depth and size right now. Shoring up that O-line while finding a go-to running back could be the recipe that helps the Patriots score points.    While I see some upside with offense, I have questions about the Patriots defense. They do have one stud to build around in senior linebacker Austin Rye but besides him, I don't see a whole lot of talent. There are a lot of unknowns regarding the Pats defense and a lot of work that must be done in Fall camp to shore up this side of the ball. The Union Co. offense may find some struggles at times, so sporting a defense that can stop the run and get off the field will be needed. It could be another tough year for the Patriots but once you the ball kicks off, you never know what could happen, so opportunity is there right now for this staff to turn things around and push this program into the right direction.    - - - - -    #PRZTN Preseason Predictions   Predicted Order of Finish   1. Alcoa   2. Anderson Co.   3. Carter   4. Heritage   5. Gibbs   6. South Doyle   7. Fulton   8. Union Co.    - - - - -    Preseason Regional Top Honors   Region POY: ‘27 (RB/LB) [player_tooltip player_id='904844' first='Micah' last='Jones'] - Alcoa   Offensive POY: (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='806042' first='Jayzon' last='Thompson'] - Anderson Co.    Defensive POY: (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='1281467' first='Marcus' last='Brown'] - Anderson Co.    Lineman POY: (OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1366546' first='Jacob' last='Crow'] - Alcoa    Coach of the Year: Brian Nix - Alcoa   Mr. Football Contenders: (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='806042' first='Jayzon' last='Thompson'] - Anderson Co., (OL) [player_tooltip player_id='1366546' first='Jacob' last='Crow'] - Alcoa, (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='1159812' first='Deameion' last='Leavell'] - Anderson Co., ‘27 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1535791' first='Brody' last='Sparks'] - Carter, ‘27 (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='904844' first='Micah' last='Jones'] - Alcoa, ‘27 (WR/DB) [player_tooltip player_id='817933' first='Jamir' last='Dean'] - Alcoa   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/user-uploads/micahjones.jpg?w=350" alt="" class="wp-image-1673989" style="width:253px;height:auto" /></figure>