Preseason Preview: Class 5A/Region 4

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Only five teams in this region with everything pointing towards Tullahoma being the team to beat. The Wildcats have a strong veteran core returning, including some Mr. Football candidates. You can't look past Columbia Central or Lincoln Co. but Tullahoma appears to be the class of this region for the 2025 season. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5A-Region 4</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Columbia Central Lions</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Columbia, TN (Maury Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Tra'Darious Goff&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>6-5 Overall (3-3 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(OG) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1315658' first='Isaiah' last='Bishop']</strong>, (FB/LB) <strong>Brian Whitehead</strong>, (WR/S) <strong>Richard Powers</strong>, ‘27 (RB/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1669977' first='J'Mari' last='Hall']</strong>, ‘27 (OL) <strong>Luke O'Neal</strong>,<strong> </strong>‘27 (QB/Ath) <strong>Daniel Booker</strong>, ‘27 (DL) <strong>Xzavier Murphy</strong>, ‘27 (DB) <strong>Camron Bridges</strong>, ‘27 (DB/WR) <strong>Kentavious Campbell</strong>, ‘27 (WR/LB) <strong>R.J. White, </strong>‘27<strong> </strong>(OL/DT) <strong>Seth Lowe</strong>,, ‘27 (TE/DE) <strong>Cole Casteel</strong>, ‘27 (K) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1568917' first='Eli' last='Raymer']</strong>, ‘27 (OL/DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='933062' first='Jake' last='Lovett']</strong>, ‘27 (Ath) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1586322' first='Dallas' last='King']</strong>, ‘27 (OG) <strong>Vonte Hatton</strong>, ‘28 (Ath) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1193547' first='Jamari' last='Brown']</strong>, ‘28 (LB) <strong>Elliot Stanford</strong>, ‘29 (TE/DE) <strong>Ty Dodson</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Franklin Co. Rebels</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Winchester, TN (Franklin Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Tracy Hayworth&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>0-10 Overall (0-6 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(WR/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1315649' first='Xavier' last='Elliott']</strong>, (RB) <strong>Zolomon Lawrence</strong>, (RB) <strong>Alfonso Cabrera</strong>, (S) <strong>Gavin McBee</strong>, (DB) <strong>Adonise Taylor</strong>, (LB) <strong>Eli Climer</strong>, (Ath) <strong>Luke Johnson</strong>, ‘27 (LB) <strong>Edward Phrommala</strong>, ‘27 (TE/DE) <strong>Isaac Lyle</strong>, ‘27 (OL/DL) <strong>Derrick Smith</strong>, ‘27 (RB) <strong>Parker Hill</strong>, ‘28 (QB) <strong>Colson Kelley</strong>, ‘28 (Ath) <strong>Logan Polkinghorne</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lawrence Co. Wildcats</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Lawrenceburg, TN (Lawrence Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Garrick Barnett&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>4-6 Overall (2-4 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(DB/WR) <strong>Demetrius Silva</strong>, (Ath) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1648124' first='Gage' last='Smith']</strong>, (DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1675657' first='Tayden' last='Russell']</strong>, (DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1677344' first='Jordon' last='Frasier']</strong>, (Ath) <strong>Thomas Cunningham</strong>, (QB/Ath) <strong>Logan Clayton</strong>, (OL/DT) <strong>J.B. Hagaman</strong>, ‘27 (DB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1597010' first='Zakyus' last='Everly']</strong>, ‘27 (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1668515' first='Carter' last='Pettigrew']</strong>, ‘28 (QB) <strong>Jasper Kilburn</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1793932,"width":"256px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/08/dsilva.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1793932" style="width:256px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lincoln Co. Falcons&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Fayetteville, TN (Lincoln Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Eddie Cunningham&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>7-4 Overall (5-1 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(Ath) <strong>Hazzard Wright</strong>, (QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='523936' first='Maddox' last='Franklin']</strong>, (WR/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1630987' first='Trashawn' last='Jean']</strong>, (LB) <strong>Broden England</strong>, (OL/DT) <strong>Ayden Hedgepath</strong>, (Ath) <strong>Mickelson Smith</strong>, (K/P) <strong>Gatlin Mole</strong>, ‘27 (G/C) <strong>Adam Custer</strong>, ‘27 (TE/DE) <strong>Luke Stubblefield</strong>, ‘27 (LB) <strong>Ke'Moni Owens</strong>, ‘27 (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1154140' first='Colton' last='Carter']</strong>, ‘27 (RB/S) <strong>Carsen Carter</strong>, ‘27 (DB/WR) <strong>Carter Mays</strong>, ‘27 (Ath) <strong>Keenan Hockett</strong>, ‘28 (OL/DT) <strong>Clayton Brenton</strong>, (QB/LB) <strong>Conner White</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tullahoma Wildcats</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Tullahoma, TN (Coffee Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Coy Sisk&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Finish: </strong>6-5 Overall (4-2 Region)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='853128' first='Marvancy' last='Johnson']</strong>, (LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103036' first='Will' last='Hyden']</strong>, (OL/DT) <strong>Henry Kinsey</strong>, (OL) <strong>Elijah Horton</strong>, (TE/DE) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1586190' first='Gavin' last='Seabolt']</strong>, (QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1432189' first='Lucas' last='Reed']</strong>, (WR/S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1705637' first='Alex' last='Bobo']</strong>, (DB) <strong>Tristan Taylor</strong>, (WR/S) <strong>Cayden Poff</strong>, (DT/OL) <strong>Cesar Ibarra</strong>, (DL) <strong>Sylas McGowen</strong>, (WR/S) <strong>Aiden Kelly</strong>, (OL/DT) <strong>J.R. Mares</strong>, ‘27 (QB) <strong>Patrick Riddle</strong>, ‘27 (Ath) <strong>Elijah Alexander</strong>, ‘27 (Ath) <strong>Dominick Harris</strong>, ‘27 (Ath) <strong>Kyron Peace</strong>, ‘27 (DE/LB) <strong>Beau Williams</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>- - - - -&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Region Overview: </strong>Tullahoma is the biggest, deepest, most talented team inside this region and for those reasons alone, I see the Wildcats being the team to beat and a squad equipped at potentially making a deep run in the playoffs. The Cats have the best backfield in this region and two guys in quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1432189' first='Lucas' last='Reed'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='853128' first='Marvancy' last='Johnson'] </strong>that could play their way into Mr. Football consideration by season's end. Those two will be complimented by a solid offensive line, spearheaded by seniors <strong>Henry Kinsey</strong>, <strong>Elijah Horton</strong> and <strong>Cesar Ibarra</strong>. Tullahoma looks like the class of this region but they aren't unbeatable. Competing with the Wildcats could be an upstart Columbia Central team that is young but sports a strong junior class that could flourish this Fall and put the Lions in the mix for a region title.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One area that could help the Lions contend with Tullahoma is their backfield and potential college prospects in quarterback <strong>Daniel Booker</strong> and running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1669977' first='J'Mari' last='Hall']</strong>. The Lions could have a strong O-line too, led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1315658' first='Isaiah' last='Bishop'] </strong>and juniors <strong>Luke O'Neal </strong>and <strong>Seth Lowe</strong>. While I like Tullahoma and Columbia Central battling for the top spot, you can't sleep on Lincoln County. The Falcons don't have the size and overall talent in the line of scrimmage this season but they do have a veteran quarterback in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='523936' first='Maddox' last='Franklin'] </strong>that can produce a lot of offensive yards and points. He will have some solid skill around him as well with seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1630987' first='Trashawn' last='Jean'] </strong>and <strong>Hazzard Wright</strong>. I do like the Falcons and their potential throughout the season but just not enough to contend for the region title.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1364985,"width":"276px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/madfranklin.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1364985" style="width:276px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Much of the said can be said about Lawrence County. They have several players in seniors <strong>Demetrius Silva</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1648124' first='Gage' last='Smith'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1677344' first='Jordon' last='Frasier']</strong> that show me college potential but I don't know if the Wildcats have enough depth and talent to place at the top of this region. I do however think Lawrence Co. will be quite competitive, especially on defense where they have an outstanding secondary with Silva, Smith, Frasier and junior thumper <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1597010' first='Zakyus' last='Everly']</strong>. One area that is lacking for the Wildcats is their line of scrimmage. The Wildcats don't have the overall beef and size in the trenches for me to consider them as a regional contender but we shall see. This is a solid region that I foresee running through Tullahoma, so the Wildcats must live up to expectations but it's still open for others to compete for that top spot.&nbsp;</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. Tullahoma</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2. Columbia Central</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3. Lincoln Co.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4. Lawrence Co.&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5. Franklin 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>Reg. MVP: </strong>(RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='853128' first='Marvancy' last='Johnson'] </strong>- Tullahoma</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Off. POTY: </strong>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1432189' first='Lucas' last='Reed'] </strong>- Tullahoma&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Def. POTY: </strong>(LB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103036' first='Will' last='Hyden'] </strong>- Tullahoma</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lineman POTY: </strong>(DT) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1675657' first='Tayden' last='Russell'] </strong>- Lawrence Co.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Coach of the Year: Coy Sisk </strong>- Tullahoma</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mr. Football Contenders: </strong>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1432189' first='Lucas' last='Reed'] </strong>- Tullahoma, (QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='523936' first='Maddox' last='Franklin'] </strong>- Lincoln Co., (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='853128' first='Marvancy' last='Johnson'] </strong>- Tullahoma, ‘27 (QB) <strong>Daniel Booker </strong>- Columbia Central</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1634283,"width":"352px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/03/marjohnson.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1634283" style="width:352px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->