TNHSFB Playoffs: Class 1A Preview

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The postseason playoffs have arrived here in the Volunteer State, which begins Friday evening, November 6th. Throughout the week here at Prep Redzone Tennessee, we will be previewing each classification and providing what to know and what to look for during the upcoming playoffs. Here we begin with Class 1A where the South Pitt Pirates are the reigning, defending state champs but have a tough road ahead to reclaim the "Gold Ball". </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Top Title Contenders</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>South Pittsburg Pirates:</strong> The defending state champs sit at the top of the list to return to Chattanooga and win the 1A title for back to back years. After winning their region and going 9-1 throughout the regular season, the Pirates look poised to make another long run to the title game with the personal to bring home yet another “Gold Ball” to their trophy case. This South Pitt is a tad different than year's past but still quite formidable with a ball control offense, led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2212362' first='Knox' last='Israel']</strong> at quarterback along with a defense, spearheaded by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1675594' first='Brandon' last='Goldsmith']</strong> that has been consistently strong all year long. They also have a top tier two-way player in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1577095' first='Dayon' last='Cooper']</strong> that can be a game changer. The Pirates are the team to beat headed into the playoffs with a quality squad that can win their 9th total state championship. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>McKenzie Rebels:</strong> Last year, the Rebels made it to the title game but fell to South Pitt, however this year's team could be better with a great shot at bringing home their 2nd ever state championship. After taking two early losses, McKenzie has been on a roll over the past two months with the most explosive offense on the 1A level, led by Mr. Football candidate <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1603459' first='Cole' last='Brown']</strong> and senior wideout <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2071511' first='Avery' last='Brown']</strong>. The Rebels defense has been strong as well, especially up front in the trenches. A lot of players on this team experienced last year's title game loss, so they know what it takes to get there and what they must do to win. If South Pitt is considered the favorite, McKenzie is right there with them as a team that can bring home the “Gold Ball”. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Coalfield Yellow Jackets:</strong> Winning a state title has been an elusive thing for the Yellow Jackets but maybe they can change things this Fall. It won't be easy as Coalfield would have to beat South Pitt to get there but the Yellow Jackets are a well coached team that does all the little things right to win ball games. Running the ball and playing stout defense are the building blocks for the Coalfield football team and those are two things that translate well to postseason play. This is also a ball club that doesn't beat themselves. The Yellow Jackets are built for the playoffs but will they have enough offensive explosion to make it to Chattanooga and bring home a state title? We will see but I do know the Yellow Jackets won't be an easy out. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2464551,"width":"306px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"1.7955112219451372","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/10/coalfield2.jpg?w=799" alt="" class="wp-image-2464551" style="aspect-ratio:1.7955112219451372;width:306px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Greenback Cherokees:</strong> Expectations were high for the Cherokees going into the 2026 season and they have lived up to the hype with a team that has pieces to win a state title. Greenback just recently took their first loss of the season to Coalfield but they may be a game that helps in the long run, especially as they may see the Yellow Jackets again. What helps the Cherokees' cause is having a game changer in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1715096' first='Lucas' last='Clifford']</strong>, who handles the quarterback position but can do a variety of things on the playing field. Greenback has a balanced ball club that is high scoring on offense along with a defense that has been one of the better units on the 1A level this year. There are pieces in place and enough talent for the Cherokees to make a run and potentially bring home a state title. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Humboldt Vikings:</strong> It's been a banner season for the Vikings as they head into the playoffs at 9-1 overall and playing some of the best football of all teams on the 1A level. What makes Humboldt different compared to the five teams above is that they may be the most athletic 1A team in the playoffs with players like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='933041' first='Darion' last='Taylor']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2347347' first='Edward' last='Agnew']</strong> and others that can be game changers. The Vikings have tore through opponents for most of the season with an explosive offense and an opportunistic defense that sports a ball hawk-like secondary. I am interested to see how Humboldt will handle tougher competition along the way but if they appear capable, watch out for these Vikings and their chances at making a run. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Sleeper Teams</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cornersville Bulldogs:</strong> Yes these Bulldogs head into the playoffs at 10-0 and playing some of the best football on the 1A level but the position they are in right now is something that is new to Cornersville, so I'm interested to find out how they handle the moment and perform. I do think this Bulldogs team is good with an opportunity to make a run. They have a difference maker at quarterback in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1595020' first='Jackson' last='Smith']</strong> but I wonder if the team will have to lean heavily on him to advance. The Bulldogs defense has been shaky at times and the counterparts around Smith on offense have disappeared on occasions. Others around Smith must step forward and perform at a high level if the Bulldogs want to make a run. If they do, I could see Cornersville being a sleeper team that goes deep into the 1A playoffs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cosby Eagles:</strong> Hailing from the mountains of East Tennessee, this Eagles team have shown flashes of dominant game play throughout the year and may be hitting their stride, especially coming off an impressive victory over Jellico in “Week Ten”. The Eagles have a well balanced football team that sports a high scoring offense, led by their run game along with one of the better defensive units on the 1A level, spearheaded by sophomore linebacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2468875' first='Bo' last='Cutshaw']</strong>. I do wonder if Cosby has enough athletes to advance deep into the playoffs, especially when they face off against some of the top contenders. We will see what happens but I do like what Cosby brings to the field and their potential at advancing. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hampton Bulldogs:</strong> The Bulldogs head into the 1A playoffs at 6-4 overall with a few losses taking place over the last month, however, I see potential with Hampton, especially if their offense performs at a high level. What Hampton has going for them is a quarterback in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2070630' first='Brycen' last='Blevins']</strong> that has produced and can be a game changer for his Bulldogs team. Blevins has the ability to put his team on his back but he will need help. Inconsistencies have shown up over the past month for Hampton, especially on defense, so that side of the ball must tighten things up if they want to make a run. The path is manageable as well for Hampton but they must prepare and be ready to go because it's one and done the rest of the way, so no slip ups can occur. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2431620,"width":"236px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/10/bblevins.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-2431620" style="width:236px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Perry Co. Vikings:</strong> Expectations were high for the Vikings going into the 2026 season and while they finished the year 6-4 while earning a number two seed, they haven't performed as well as I thought they would. Maybe that is changing at the right time of year as Perry Co. has won five games in a row going into the playoffs and appears to have found a recipe that works for both sides of the ball. The Vikings have some potential college level guys to lean on in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2136001' first='Casey' last='Garner']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1086362' first='Javon' last='McFadden']</strong> and emerging sophomore quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2341554' first='Cooper' last='Breeding']</strong>. Talent is there for Perry Co. to potentially make a run and be that sleeper team that surprises many with a chance at reaching Chattanooga. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>South Fulton Red Devils:</strong> Nobody is talking about this West Tennessee program going into the 1A playoffs but you can't sleep on the Red Devils as they sit at 9-1 overall with a well balanced football team. South Fulton is legit but the one thing that has me putting them here with the sleeper teams is that they don't have that certain star or overall talent to be viewed as a top title contender. They are capable however and a team that can definitely make a run. What leads the Red Devils is their defense, which may be one of the best units within the 1A ranks. If their offense can perform at a consistent high level, I could definitely see the Red Devils making a run and sneaking their way into the title game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Prospects to Watch</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1603459' first='Cole' last='Brown'] - McKenzie:</strong> The Rebels will go as far as Brown takes them. The leading candidate for 1A Mr. Football, this senior quarterback has put forth a stellar senior year, which led him to becoming a UT-Martin commitment. Brown is a multi-year starter that took his Rebels team to the 1A title game last year but lost, so you can bet he is ready to go on another run and bring home a state championship. The play of Brown will be as critical to his team's success as anybody in the 1A playoffs and somebody with the talent to achieve the team's championship aspirations. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(QB) [player_tooltip player_id='1595020' first='Jackson' last='Smith'] - Cornersville:</strong> Possibly the biggest surprise from the 1A level this season is Cornersville as they sit at 10-0 on the year with Smith being a major catalyst behind their undefeated record. This senior signal caller has been outstanding throughout the season, providing his offense with the threat to spin it through the air while being able to run with it as well. Smith will need help for the Bulldogs to make a big run in the playoffs but this under the radar senior has the chops to win multiple games by himself. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘29 (QB/Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='1715096' first='Lucas' last='Clifford'] - Greenback:</strong> Clifford has stepped forward in a big way this season for his Cherokees team, becoming their best offensive threat that can beat defenses with both his arm and his legs. This sophomore quarterback provides dual threat capabilities that opposing teams have a hard time dealing with and Clifford has only gotten better as the season has rolled along. His play this week and possibly beyond will be absolutely critical towards his team's success and if Clifford performs at a high level, making a run to Chattanooga is possible for Greenback. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(WR) [player_tooltip player_id='1577095' first='Dayon' last='Cooper'] - South Pitt:</strong> The top prospect on the 1A level is this multi-year starter from South Pitt that has game changing abilities that many others don't have. Cooper is athletic, fast and explosive with a skill set that most opposing teams the Pirates face, won't have answers for. Cooper is also the defending state championship game MVP, so this East Tennessee product has experience performing on the biggest stage and succeeding. Whoever the Pirates go up against, they must key on Cooper, otherwise he can beat the opposition himself. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2471003,"width":"244px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"1.1912312146697919","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/11/dcooper.webp?w=1003" alt="" class="wp-image-2471003" style="aspect-ratio:1.1912312146697919;width:244px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(WR) [player_tooltip player_id='2071511' first='Avery' last='Brown'] - McKenzie:</strong> Currently leading the 1A ranks in receiving and pass catching touchdowns, Brown can be a difference maker for his Rebels football team. This 6'2 pass catcher has pushed his game to new heights this year, showing better athletic movements while increasing his ball skills. You can bet that whoever McKenzie goes up against, they will be focused on Brown as someone that must be accounted for on each play. Performing well in the playoffs may also boost his stock as a recruit and gain more interest from next level coaches. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘28 (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='2164480' first='Jon' last='Michael Wix'] - Jo Byrns:</strong> This junior wideout is my sleeper prospect to keep track of during the playoffs as Wix has the athletic skill set to be a difference maker for his Red Devils team. Standing 6 '3 180 plus pounds, Wix is a physical specimen out wide that most opposing teams won't have a defensive back that can hold up with him. His combination of size and speed can be traits that exploits the opposition's secondary and provide his Red Devils offense a game breaker out wide. Wix will need help but he alone can do a lot to help his team advance. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘28 (Ath) [player_tooltip player_id='1086362' first='Javon' last='McFadden'] - Perry Co.:</strong> The Vikings found a playmaker throughout the season in this junior two-way prospect that will be important in his team's hopes at advancing. McFadden is a physical, thickly built playmaker that does a little bit of everything on offense while also contributing both on defense and on special teams. When the Vikings have found success this season, McFadden has performed well. His play will be important because I foresee Perry Co. needing to create big plays and when they need to happen, McFadden's number will be called. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(DL) [player_tooltip player_id='2156626' first='Julian' last='Jones'] - Jellico:</strong> The Blue Devils have been one of the biggest surprises on the 1A level this year with a balanced ball club, especially a strong defensive unit, led by this senior standout. Jones is an active, physical big man in the trenches that can get after the quarterback while providing support against the run. This senior defensive linemen has the ability to make a difference up front, so how he plays will be important towards the Blue Devils success and their chances at advancing. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(Edge) [player_tooltip player_id='2136001' first='Casey' last='Garner'] - Perry Co.:</strong> This guy is a game wrecker and possibly the best pass rusher on the 1A level this year. The season started off slow for Garner but he has really started to come on of late and could be prepped for his best run of the year. There won't be many opposing offensive lineman that can slow down the Vikings edge rusher, so it will be important for Garner to consistently get into the backfield and disrupt the flow of any offense he faces. If this senior defender plays like a hellion and produces, I could see Perry Co. making a run to Chattanooga. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2249344,"width":"141px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/07/cgarner2.webp?w=477" alt="" class="wp-image-2249344" style="width:141px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘29 (LB) [player_tooltip player_id='2468875' first='Bo' last='Cutshaw'] - Cosby:</strong> Emerging this season as one of the top linebackers on the 1A level, Cutshaw has been highly productive this year while providing leadership and consistent game play each and every week. This guy has been a force, a competitor that opposing teams must account for, otherwise, Cutshaw will be making plays all over the field. Where I see the Eagles sophomore linebacker making the biggest impact is against the run. Cutshaw is a thumper that can force opposing teams to throw it due to his ability to slow down their rushing attack. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(DB/WR) [player_tooltip player_id='933041' first='Darion' last='Taylor'] - Humboldt:</strong> Ranked as a current “Top 100” prospect by Prep Redzone Tennessee, Taylor has been one of the more productive players on the 1A level this year, contributing both in the secondary and at receiver. The Vikings have had a successful 2026 football year and a lot of that is due to the play of Taylor. He will be important in “Round One” and potentially beyond due to his ball skills and talent that most opposing teams won't be able to match up with. He can be impactful on defense but I think his play on offense will have a bigger effect on his team's advancement. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>1st Rd Matchups (The Bracket)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#4 Midway (6-4 at #1 Cosby (9-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#3 Innovation (1-9) at #2 Whitwell (4-6)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#4 Hampton (6-4) at #1 Coalfield (9-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#3 Sale Creek (6-4) at #2 Jo Byrns (6-4)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#4 Red Boiling Springs (0-10) at #1 South Pittsburg (9-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#3 Rockwood (6-4) at #2 Jellico (9-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#4 Copper Basin (2-8) at #1 Clay Co. (4-6)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#3 Cloudland (5-5) at #2 Greenback (9-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#4 McEwen (6-4) at #1 Cornersville (10-0)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#3 Oakhaven (5-5) at #2 South Fulton (9-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#4 Huntland (5-5) at #1 McKenzie (8-2)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#3 Dresden (5-5) at #2 Westwood (6-3)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#4 KIPP Collegiate (4-6) at #1 Humboldt (9-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#3 Wayne Co. (4-6) at #2 Fayetteville (4-5)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#4 Greenfield (6-4) at #1 Middle College (8-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#3 Eagleville (6-4) at #2 Perry Co. (6-4)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - - - - - - - - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Expert Predictions</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Final Four:</strong> Coalfield vs. South Pitt / McKenzie vs. Humboldt</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>State Title Game:</strong> South Pittsburg vs. McKenzie </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>State Champion:</strong> McKenzie Rebels (Reg. 6)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2226780,"width":"287px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/colebrown-crop-622x408-1781221780.webp?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2226780" style="width:287px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->