#PRZTN Regional Breakdown: Class 1A-Region 5

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Moore Co. was the class of the region last season &amp; as things sit right now, the Raiders appear to be the team to beat yet again. They may receive a bigger challenge however as the region has expanded and several teams have returned possible Mr. Football candidates. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Collinwood Trojans </strong>(Collinwood, TN/Wayne Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>HC: Boyce Dixon</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘22 Record: </strong>3-7 overall (1-6 Region) - No Playoffs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(Ath) <strong>Nick Sanderson</strong>, ‘25 (LB/RB) <strong>Tyler Jackson</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Outlook: </strong>The 2023 season may be much of the same as last year for the Trojans as depth and talent is lacking along with a deeper region that will make things harder for this football program to ascend and progress the way some may like. Much is to be learned about these Trojans as the next several months roll along because they are coming off a 3-7 season with not too many key starters returning, so there are a lot of unknowns right now about this Collinwood team.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Playing on the 1A level, the line of scrimmage is always an area of possible concern as the depth and size isn't found too often here and that could be a problem for the Trojans this year. It will be the skill positions that will have to step up and help move this team forward with guys like <strong>Nick Sanderson </strong>and junior <strong>Tyler Jackson </strong>leading the way. As things sit right now, Collinwood could be destined for a bottom region finish but we have several months away from the actual season, so the Trojans could surprise us all and become someone you don't want to face.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Early Season Prediction: </strong>Bottom Region Finish</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>---------</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cornersville Bulldogs </strong>(Cornersville, TN/Marshall Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>HC: Eliot Cook&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘22 Record: </strong>2-7 overall (2-4 Region) - No Playoffs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(QB/S) <strong>Blaine Woodard</strong>, (Ath) <strong>Benjamin Franklin</strong>, (WR/S) <strong>Kale Adcox</strong>, (OL/DT) <strong>Seth Vines</strong>, ‘26 (RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1133241' first='Hunter' last='Uland']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":827153,"width":387,"height":506,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/bwoodard.jpeg?w=783" alt="" class="wp-image-827153" width="387" height="506" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Outlook: </strong>If you want a sleeper team that can compete for the region title this season, it could be these Bulldogs, who return one of the top players in the 1A ranks along a solid senior class. Some may question as to how Cornersville is a sleeper team coming off a 2-7 season and missing the playoffs? Well this team is a year older, the depth has grown and you have a stud at quarterback in <strong>Blaine Woodard</strong>, who can compete for Mr. Football this year. Several pieces are in place to have a very successful 2023 season but work over these offseason months must be done to see those hopes come true.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bulldogs return a nice mix of size up front and some skill surrounding Woodard that should help the offense put up some big points. The go-to target on offense looks to be <strong>Kale Adcox </strong>with rising sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1133241' first='Hunter' last='Uland'] </strong>taking over the reins at running back. Defensively is where I think a difference could be made with this team and the catalyst towards a possible winning season. The guy to watch on defense is senior defensive end <strong>Benjamin Franklin</strong>. Standing 6'3 230 pounds, Franklin has the physical build and gameplay that could cause problems for opposing offensive lines. He will need some help though and we have plenty of weeks ahead of us for some guys to step forward into starting roles and fill out the Bulldogs defense.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Behind the play of Woodard, Cornersville has a shot to make some noise during the 2023 season but others around him must lend help, giving the Bulldogs more dependable players to lean on, turning this squad into someone you don't want to play on Friday night.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Early Season Prediction: </strong>Top Four Region Contender; Playoff Team</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>---------</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Eagleville Eagles </strong>(Eagleville, TN/Rutherford Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>HC: Floyd Walker</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘22 Record: </strong>6-5 overall (4-2 Region) - Lost 1st Rd to Dresden</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(RB) <strong>Brody McLemore</strong>, (WR) <strong>Elijah Fearns</strong>, (DT/OL) <strong>Joseph Williamson</strong>, ‘25 (DT) <strong>Elijah Wilkins</strong>, ‘25 (WR/S) <strong>Nolan Lane</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Outlook: </strong>The Eagles head into the 2023 season as a bit of a sleeper team that could cause problems for opposing teams as they are a feisty ball club that returns several key seniors along with a few strong pieces in the line of scrimmage. Eagleville made a run at the region title last year, finishing 4-2 and multiple pieces from that team return, so it would not be a surprise to see this Mid-Tennessee program finish within the top three again while also making a move to work further past the 1st round of the playoffs.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This program is built around the run game and they have a talented ball carrier to give it to this year in senior <strong>Brody McLemore</strong>. He is a well balanced back that is a sleeper prospect for Mr. Football, especially if the Eagles put forth a winning record. McLemore is helped up front by two-way linemen <strong>Joseph Williamson </strong>and rising junior <strong>Elijah Wilkins</strong>. If the offense can find some help out wide, especially from <strong>Elijah Fearns </strong>or <strong>Nolan Lane</strong>, the Eagles could become more explosive and hard to stop.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defense is where the difference could be made between competing for the region title or finishing in the upper half. That side of the ball will be asked to stand tall at several moments throughout the season and if they do so more times than not, it could be a very successful 2023 season for the Eagles.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Early Season Prediction: </strong>Top Four Region Contender; Playoff Team&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>---------</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Huntland Hornets </strong>(Huntland, TN/Franklin Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>HC: Bob Robertson</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘22 Record: </strong>2-8 overall (0-6 Region) - No Playoffs&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(RB/LB) <strong>Jaren Kinslow</strong>, (RB) <strong>Trace Kilpatrick</strong>, ‘25 (RB/DB) <strong>Coastlon Ringer</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":827158,"width":543,"height":362,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/huntland.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-827158" width="543" height="362" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: George Warren, Marshall Co. Tribune</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Outlook: </strong>Coming off a winless region season, the Hornets will definitely be looking to bounce back this Fall but it may be a struggle as depth is lacking, however they have a few offensive pieces to build around. Senior running backs <strong>Jaren Kinslow </strong>and <strong>Trace Kilpatrick </strong>must be stand out players for the Hornets this season for success to happen and they must receive good blocking up front for the backs to run clean and stay injury free.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Finding help beyond Kinslow and Kilpatrick will be the challenge this summer and Fall. Looking over their roster, the Hornets appear to be on a youth movement this year with many roles undetermined at the moment. That means opportunity is there for players to step forward into lead roles and take the Hornets out of the region dweller and into playoff contention. Everything is up in the air currently for this Huntland team as many questions exist but we have plenty of time for this team to come together and put a product on the field this Fall that will compete with the upper echelon of the region.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Early Season Prediction: </strong>Bottom Region Finish</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>----------</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Moore Co. Raiders </strong>(Lynchburg, TN/Moore Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>HC: Kris White</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘22 Record: </strong>11-2 overall (6-1 Region) - Lost 2nd Rd to McKenzie</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(RB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='277797' first='Dawson' last='White']</strong>, (OL) <strong>Sawyer Parks</strong>, (LB/RB) <strong>Logan Hegwood</strong>, (RB/LB) <strong>Keller Morey</strong>, ‘25 (DL) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='826247' first='Peyton' last='Martin']</strong>, ‘25 (DT/OL) <strong>Aydan Blair</strong>, ‘25 (DE) <strong>Coleman Phillips</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Outlook: </strong>Coming off one of the best season's in school history, the Raiders are looking to repeat that success and even compete for a 1A state title as they return one of the best overall players from the 1A ranks along with a strong line of scrimmage. Senior running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='277797' first='Dawson' last='White'] </strong>is a prime Mr. Football candidate that put up massive numbers last year and is an underrated talent that can run, showing nice vision and excellent balance.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Helping White up front is a solid O-line, led by senior <strong>Sawyer Parks </strong>and complemented by rising junior two-way lineman <strong>Aydan Blair</strong>. Over on the D-line, the Raiders have a pair of juniors that should become difference makers this Fall in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='826247' first='Peyton' last='Martin'] </strong>and <strong>Coleman Phillips</strong>. Martin is a versatile guy that can work the edge or inside while Phillips fits the mold of a 3-4 edge linebacker. Everything for the Raiders begins and ends with the line of scrimmage as their offense is built around the run and the defense plays technique sound, physical play up front. If this 2023 team plays up to their capabilities and standards this Fall, competing for the 1A title is very much in the cards.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Early Season Prediction: </strong>Region Title Contender; Class 1A Title Contender</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":827172,"width":362,"height":362,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/sawparks.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-827172" width="362" height="362" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>----------</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Richland Raiders </strong>(Lynnville, TN/Giles Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>HC: Nick Patterson&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘22 Record: </strong>8-4 overall (4-1 Region - 2A) - Lost 1st Rd to Adamsville&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>(QB) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='250846' first='Bryce' last='Miller']</strong>, (Ath) <strong>Antonio Alvarez</strong>, ‘25 (Ath) <strong>Jayden Pryor</strong>, ‘25 (TE/DE) <strong>Chris Buchanan</strong>, ‘25 (RB) <strong>Nash Petty</strong>, ‘25 (RB) <strong>Andrew Huff</strong>, ‘26 (S) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1611570' first='Jake' last='Sands']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Outlook: </strong>On paper, the Richland Raiders might be the biggest competition to Moore Co. this season as they sport a veteran, senior quarterback and a strong junior class mixed skill talent and a few bigs. Last year, the Raiders had a breakthrough season, finishing 8-4 overall with four region wins and the coaching staff will certainly be looking to build off last year's momentum, putting Richland not only into region title contention but a team that could make a deep playoff run.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Everything starts with senior quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='250846' first='Bryce' last='Miller']</strong>. The two sport star (baseball) had a solid year last Fall, helping lead his team to several big victories while also enhancing his skill set, which should be more polished this season. Miller is complimented on offense by a trio of juniors in <strong>Jayden Pryor</strong>, <strong>Nash Petty </strong>and <strong>Andrew Huff</strong>, who should step into major roles this year and become massive contributors. Rising junior <strong>Chris Buchanan </strong>is a player to watch and the guy who may have the biggest college upside of anybody on the Raiders roster.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It will be the line of scrimmage that makes a difference in the Raiders having a successful year and going deep in the playoffs. If some guys up front step forward, Richland could become a sleeper 1A title team but much is to be done before that becomes a possibility.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Early Season Prediction: </strong>Region Title Contender; Playoff Team&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>----------</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Wayne Co. Wildcats </strong>(Waynesboro, TN/Wayne Co.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>HC: Cary Crews</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>‘22 Record: </strong>6-5 overall (3-3 Region) - Lost 1st Rd to McKenzie</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Players: </strong>‘25 (Ath) <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='826246' first='Sayler' last='Skelton']</strong>, ‘25 (LB) <strong>Cayson Castleman</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Outlook: </strong>The Wildcats made some good headway last year building their program but the Fall football season might be a step back as the team looks to be in a roster transition with not too many veterans leading the way. That means opportunity is there for plenty of guys to step forward into key, starting roles and begin establishing themselves as dependable, go-to players. One guy to know about is rising junior defensive athlete <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='826246' first='Sayler' last='Skelton']</strong>. This 6'4 175 pound defender is raw and lacking the body mass but the frame, length and talents are there to develop into a rangy tackler that works well both against the pass and the run.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Leaning on Skelton, junior linebacker <strong>Cayson Castleman </strong>and the Wildcats defense may be the key to winning games this year as offensively, it may be a challenge. Seeing that this region has expanded, making things tougher to win, Wayne Co. might have the battle through a rough year before things start looking up in 2024. I could be wrong and I would like to be but the Wildcats might finish within the bottom three of this region by season's end.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Early Season Prediction: </strong>Bottom Region Finish</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":827180,"width":437,"height":546,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/wayneco.jpg?w=819" alt="" class="wp-image-827180" width="437" height="546" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->