State of Tennessee High School Football

With the loss of defending champion Davidson Academy, DII-A will be wide open with several teams who will contend for the state title. USJ will be the early favorite, after being the runner-up last season and not losing a ton of production from that squad. In this breakdown, we’ll be looking at contenders for the state title, along with my Mr. Football pick, our website’s preseason Top 15 rankings, some of the biggest games of the upcoming season, and our website’s preseason all-state team.

DII-AA has two programs that are among the state’s best programs overall in Lipscomb Academy and CPA. While it seems to be a coin flip as to which of those programs is the state title favorite, there are several other programs who have a chance to make a deep playoff run including defending DII-A Davidson Academy and Memphis-area powerhouse ECS. In this breakdown, we’ll be looking at contenders for the state title, along with my Mr. Football pick, our website’s preseason Top 15 rankings, some of the biggest games of the upcoming season, and our website’s preseason all-state team.

DII-AAA is loaded with talent, and almost all of the twelve teams in the class are contenders to go deep into the playoffs. McCallie has won back-to-back state titles in the class, but will be facing several tough challenges in their quest for a three-peat. In this breakdown, we’ll be looking at contenders for the state title, along with my Mr. Football pick, our website’s preseason Top 15 rankings, some of the biggest games of the upcoming season, and our website’s preseason all-state team.

1A has had some realignment, and has added one of the state’s best programs in Peabody, The Golden Tide will make the transition from 2A after winning three consecutive state titles in the class. There are several other teams that will contend for a state title, though, including defending champion Fayetteville and last season’s runner up, South Pittsburg. In this breakdown, we’ll be looking at contenders for the state title, along with my Mr. Football pick, our website’s preseason Top 15 rankings, some of the biggest games of the upcoming season, and our website’s preseason all-state team.

2A may be the most wide open public school classification in the entire state. Anyone of the top 10-12 teams could make a run at the state title and it would not be extremely surprising. The safe pick here, though, is Meigs County. The Tigers have lost in the last two state title games to Peabody, and return a good amount of talent from last year's squad. In this breakdown, we’ll be looking at contenders for the state title, along with my Mr. Football pick, our website’s preseason Top 15 rankings, some of the biggest games of the upcoming season, and our website’s preseason all-state team.

Alcoa has dominated 3A for years, and have currently won six consecutive state titles in the class. The Tornadoes seem to be the favorite once again, but there are several very good programs that could pose a threat to Alcoa’s streak of dominance, including Covington and East Nashville. In this breakdown, we’ll be looking at contenders for the state title, along with my Mr. Football pick, our website’s preseason Top 15 rankings, some of the biggest games of the upcoming season, and our website’s preseason all-state team.

4A is absolutely loaded with contenders this year. Elizabethton has dominated the class in the last two seasons, leading to back-to-back state titles for the program. The Cyclones seem to be the favorite once again, as they return a Mr. Football finalist at quarterback in Bryson Rollins. There are several teams that could definitely present a challenge to Elizabethton, though, so do not be surprised if any of the major contenders come home with a gold ball at the end of the season. In this breakdown, we’ll be looking at contenders for the state title, along with my Mr. Football pick, our website’s preseason Top 15 rankings, some of the biggest games of the upcoming season, and our website’s preseason all-state team.

5A is very top-heavy this year, but the teams at the top are VERY good, and include some of the state’s best players. Powell is my pick to win state this year because of the amount of talent returning, but don’t be surprised if any of the contenders end the season on top. In this breakdown, we’ll be looking at contenders for the state title, along with my Mr. Football pick, our website’s preseason Top 15 rankings, some of the biggest games of the upcoming season, and our website’s preseason all-state team.

6A is as loaded with talent as we have ever seen. Oakland is the obvious choice to repeat as state champions, after running roughshod through everyone they played en route to a 15-0 championship season. In this breakdown, we’ll be looking at contenders for the state title, along with my Mr. Football pick, our website’s preseason Top 15 rankings, some of the biggest games of the upcoming season, and our website’s preseason all-state team. We’ll start off with my teams who are no-doubt state title contenders, along with a few dark horse teams, and my state championship prediction.

Region 3-4A is a very talented region with several teams that will be new to 4A, whether that’s from moving down from 5A or moving up from 3A. Red Bank and East Hamilton are the clear favorites here, but teams like Soddy Daisy and Chattanooga Central are programs to watch out for as well. Teams in this region include Chattanooga Central, East Hamilton, East Ridge, Hixson, Red Bank, Sequoyah, and Soddy Daisy. Chattanooga Central Key Returning Players: RB Michael Watson, WR Tyi Mosley, QB Evan Schwarzl Key Losses: OL Brandon Williams, WR Jacob Leftwich 2020 Record: 2-8 Chattanooga Central had a very young team, and this caused them to struggle throughout the 2020 season. Running back Michael Watson will most likely carry the load offensively for the Purple Pounders, and could be one of the region’s best players next season. Expect Central to contend for one of the region’s final playoff spots. 2021 Schedule Prediction (Wins in Bold, Losses in Standard Font) Campbell County at Franklin County at Soddy Daisy Hixson Red Bank Clinton at East Hamilton at Sequoyah East Ridge Record Prediction: 3-7 (3-3) East Hamilton Key Returning Players: WR Kaunyae Burgans, ATH Jeremiah Flemmons, RB Juan Bullard Key Losses: QB Haynes Eller, OL Brandon Williams, OL Gavin Galloway 2020 Record: 8-4 East Hamilton returns several talented players from a team that had a successful season last year. Even with the loss of quarterback Haynes Eller, the Hurricanes have plenty returning on the offensive side of the ball, including jack-of-all-trades Jeremiah Flemmons. Expect East Hamilton to contend for the region title in 2021. 2021 Schedule Prediction (Wins in Bold, Losses in Standard Font) Ooltewah at Portland East Ridge at Sequoyah at Paul Bryant (AL) McMinn County Chattanooga Central Soddy Daisy at Red Bank at Hixson

Region 2-4A is a very talented region with multiple teams that have the talent to make deep playoff runs. There are also several players who could be Mr. Football candidates, which is something you do not see very often in the same region. Teams in this region include Anderson County, Carter, Fulton, Gibbs, Scott, and South Doyle. Anderson County Key Returning Players: RB Gavin Noe, QB Walker Martinez, WR Bryson Vowell Key Losses: WR Josh Miller, LB Stone Cummins, OL Maxx Oglesby 2020 Record: 9-3 Anderson County returns a ton of talent from their 2020 squad, and will have one of the state’s most dynamic offenses in 2021. Gavin Noe was the region’s offensive player of the year last year at running back, and Walker Martinez looked like a potential star after filling in at quarterback for the Mavericks. Anderson County has the talent to compete for a state title, but 4A is loaded and the Mavericks have a VERY tough first six games. They may start out slow, but those games will only make them better for the latter part of the schedule and the playoffs. 2021 Schedule Prediction (Wins in Bold, Losses in Standard Font) at Powell Science Hill Fulton at Rhea County at South Doyle at Elizabethton Carter at Gibbs at Bearden Scott Record Prediction: 6-4 (4-1) Carter Key Returning Players: QB Chandler Wilson, WR Kaleb Harper, LB Damion Daniels Key Losses: WR Anthony Stocker, WR Colby Reynolds, DL Christian Wallace 2020 Record: 5-5 Carter is one of the teams in this region that is moving down from 5A, and the Hornets return several very good players that will help with that transition. Quarterback Chandler Wilson threw for 1,500+ yards as a sophomore, and wide receiver Kaleb Harper will look to be the main target for Wilson as the team’s leading returning receiver. Carter is definitely a playoff-caliber team, and don’t be surprised if they give South-Doyle and Anderson County a tough matchup, as well. 2021 Schedule Prediction (Wins in Bold, Losses in Standard Font) Knox Webb at Sevier County at Gibbs Walker Valley Scott at Karns at Anderson County Morristown West South Doyle at Fulton Record Prediction: 6-4 (3-2) Fulton Key Returning Players: RB Daveon Shenault, LB Keenan Vaughn, DL Bill Anderson, Key Losses: QB Tommy Sweat, WR Adriaan Roberson 2020 Record: 4-7 Fulton returns a very solid core of players, especially on the defensive side of the ball. On the offensive side, running back Daveon Shenault will be one of the region’s biggest breakout players in 2021, in my opinion. Fulton will be in a battle for the final playoff spot with Gibbs throughout the season, as both teams are very evenly matched. 2021 Schedule Prediction (Wins in Bold, Losses in Standard Font) at Austin-East Knox Central at Anderson County Knox West at Gibbs at Bearden South Doyle at Scott Farragut Carter Record Prediction: 4-6 (2-3) Gibbs Key Returning Players: LB Eli Hubbs, WR Bryson Walker, QB Bryson Palmer Key Losses: RB Patrick Spears, QB Colton Qualls, OL Zach Dyer 2020 Record: 4-6 Gibbs is losing several key players on the offensive side of the ball, but have several young players that could make a serious impact in 2021. Gibbs should be fairly strong on the defensive side of the ball, so expect the Eagles to lean on their defense more this season. I give the slight advantage to Fulton for the final playoff spot in this region, but don’t be surprised at all if it’s Gibbs that earns the final playoff spot. 2021 Schedule Prediction (Wins in Bold, Losses in Standard Font) Halls at Knox Webb Carter at Knox Central Fulton at Scott Anderson County at York Clinton at South Doyle Record Prediction: 2-8 (1-4) Scott Key Returning Players: RB William Young, RB Ashton Rowe, QB Alex Chambers Key Losses: LB Brandon Carson, OL CJ Collier, WR River Gray 2020 Record: 5-5 Scott will be making the transition from 3A to 4A, but are also losing a majority of their all-region talent from last season’s squad. The Highlanders have several talented offensive players returning, but are losing a lot of production on the defensive side of the ball. I would be surprised if Scott ends up being a playoff team, unless the defense steps up in a big way in 2021. 2021 Schedule Prediction (Wins in Bold, Losses in Standard Font) Coalfield South Doyle Austin-East at Carter at Pigeon Forge Gibbs Clay County Fulton at Gatlinburg-Pittman at Anderson County Record Prediction: 2-8 (0-5) South Doyle Key Returning Players: QB Nick Martin, RB Shawn Gary, DL Levi Herald Key Losses: WR Preston Sisler, TE Terrell Brown, LB Noah Myers 2020 Record: 10-4 After making a run all the way to the semifinals in 5A last season, South Doyle will be looking to bring back a state title this season as they transition to 4A. The Cherokees will have several key players returning from that team including all-state running back Shawn Gary. Expect South Doyle to not only compete for the region title, but the state title as well. 2021 Schedule Prediction (Wins in Bold, Losses in Standard Font) at Oak Ridge GCA at Scott at Bearden Anderson County Farragut at Fulton Knox Central at Carter Gibbs Record Prediction: 8-2 (5-0) Final Standings Prediction 1. South Doyle 2. Anderson County 3. Carter 4. Fulton 5. Gibbs 6. Scott

Region 1-4A is loaded, as it contains two state title contenders, along with a number of other up-and-coming programs. There are also several players that will contend for the Mr. Football award in Bryson Rollins of Elizabethton and Mason Gudger of Greeneville. Teams in this region include: Elizabethton, Grainger, Greeneville, Seymour, Sullivan East, and Volunteer. Let’s get into the preview.

Region 4-5A is full of high-quality programs, and five teams that have a legitimate shot at earning a playoff spot. It will be extremely competitive and evenly matched. Teams in this region include Howard, McMinn County, Ooltewah, Rhea County, and Walker Valley. Let’s get into the preview.

Region 3-5A features two of the state’s best programs in Oak Ridge and Powell, but also has several other very good programs as well. This region is loaded with playoff-quality programs, Mr. Football candidates, and even a couple of state title contenders. This region will be extremely fun to watch, and could end up bringing back a gold ball. Let’s get into the preview.

5A in East Tennessee will be absolutely loaded in 2021, and Region 2 is no exception. With state title contenders such as Knoxville West and Knoxville Central, along with very good programs such as Halls and Sevier County, this is is one of the toughest regions in 5A. Teams in this region include: Cocke County, Heritage, Knoxville Central, Halls, Sevier County, and Knoxville West.

Region 1-5A is a fairly small region that is compiled of five teams. This region is really a toss up and seems to be fairly even. Teams in this region include: Cherokee, Daniel Boone, David Crockett, Morristown West, and Tennessee.

Region 2-6A is up next in our region preview series. This region includes a state powerhouse in Maryville, along with some up and coming programs such as Cleveland. Let's get into the preview!

In our new series, we will be breaking down what to expect from each team in each region in the state in 2021. Today we start with Region 1 in 6A.

It's never too early to start talking about Mr. Football awards, so here are my top 5 Mr. Football contenders in each class for the 2021 season. 6A Jordan James, RB, Oakland Reason: James was an All-State running back last season, and really found his groove towards the end of the season, before winning state championship MVP. Destin Wade, QB, Summit Reason: Wade was a 5A Mr. Football finalist last season, and should be able to carry over that success in 6A. Isaiah Horton, WR/DB, Oakland Reason: Horton is a problem on both sides of the ball, and being elite both ways goes a long way towards Mr. Football. Carson Jones, QB, Maryville Reason: Jones was named all-state last season by the TNFCA, and will be heavily relied on by one of the state's best programs. Chris Parson, QB, Ravenwood Reason: Parson will most likely be the guy for a high-powered Ravenwood offense, in which he will thrive. 5A Jordyn Potts, QB, Powell Reason: Potts was a Mr. Football semifinalist last year, and should increase his production, along with having a better team in 2021. De’Sean Bishop, RB, Karns Reason: Bishop was a star for Karns in 2020, and was a consensus all-state pick as a sophomore. Ryan Damron, QB, Henry County Reason: Damron is a dynamic passer, who will put up big numbers for a team who will compete for a state title in Henry County. Shannon Blair, WR/DB, Knoxville West Reason: Blair is dynamic on both sides of the ball for West, and will be the key factor for a West team that will be state title contenders. Samson Johnson, RB, Nolensville Reason: Johnson was the workhorse for Nolensville last season, and his usage and production will only go up in 2021. 4A Bryson Rollins, QB, Elizabethton Reason: Rollins was a Mr. Football finalist last season, and has two state championships under his belt already. He is the easy favorite in 4A for 2021. Anthony Brown, WR/DB, Milan Reason: Brown was a Mr. Football finalist last year in 3A, as he led Milan to a state championship appearance. Shawn Gary, RB, South Doyle Reason: Gary had a monster season last year for the Cherokees, as he led them to a 5A semifinal appearance. Kaydin Pope, WR/DB, Hardin County Reason: Pope was one of the best receivers in the state last season, and is my pick to lead the state in receiving yards next year. Isiah McClaine, RB, Lexington Reason: McClaine was one of the state’s biggest breakout players, and carried Lexington all the way to the state semifinals last season. 3A Caden Buckles, QB, Alcoa Reason: Buckles was the state championship game MVP last season for Alcoa, and will get a full season at quarterback this year. Will Page, QB, Stewart County Reason: Page was an all-state quarterback last season, and will be one of the favorites for Mr. Football if he can improve his numbers at all. Keaton Harig, QB, Loudon Reason: Harig will most likely see his statistical production increase from an all-state caliber season in 2020 for a top 3A program. Jacob Dooley, QB, Waverly Reason: Dooley had over 2,000 total yards in 2020, and if Dooley can match or improve upon that production, he will definitely be a Mr. Football contender in 2021. D’Arco Perkins-McCallister, DB/WR, Stratford Reason: Perkins-McCallister has picked up several power five offers over the offseason, and will be a do-it-all athlete for Stratford in 2021. 2A Ty Simpson, QB, Westview Reason: Simpson is one of the top recruits in the state, and was a Mr. Football semifinalist in 3A last season. Luke Myers, QB, South Greene Reason: Myers was a Mr. Football finalist last season for a very good South Greene program. Taylor Groves, WR/DB, East Robertson Reason: Groves is committed to Michigan, and will be a do-it-all athlete for East Robertson in 2021. Cameron Miller, WR/DB, MAHS Reason: Miller is a four star recruit, and will play in multiple different roles for a MAHS team that will be very good in 2021. Logan Carroll, QB, Meigs County Reason: Carroll lead Meigs County to a state title in 2020, and will see his usage go up even more in 2021. 1A Khalik Ganaway, RB, Peabody Reason: Ganaway won Mr. Football in 2A last season, so he is a clear favorite in 1A for the 2021 season. KJ Jackson, RB, Fayetteville Reason: Jackson ran for 1,000+ yards last season as a freshman, and really broke out in the state championship game for Fayetteville, winning MVP honors. Deandre Kelly, RB, South Pittsburg Reason: Kelly battled injuries last season, but has the potential to be a very solid replacement for Hunter Frame in 2021. Emmett Hegland, QB, Midway Reason: Hegland threw for over 2,500 yards in 2020, and will definitely be in the Mr. Football conversation if he improves on that production in 2021. Gio Davis, DL, South Pittsburg Reason: Davis has picked up several power five offers through the offseason, and will put up monster stats for a defensive lineman in 2021. DII-AAA Dallan Hayden, RB, Chrisitan Brothers Reason: Hayden won Mr. Football in 2020, and will probably not see any kind of dip in production in 2021. Marcel Reed, QB, MBA Reason: Reed has been the starting quarterback for MBA since his freshman season, and will put up monster numbers in 2021. Kaden Martin, QB, Knoxville Catholic Reason: Martin should put big numbers for a Catholic team that will contend for a state title in 2021. Kenny Minchey, QB, JP2 Reason: Minchey broke out for JP2 last season, and will put up big numbers in his first full season in 2021. Walter Nolen, DL, SBA Reason: Nolen is a consensus five star prospect, and will be dominant on the defensive line for SBA in 2021. DII-AA Alex Broome, RB, Lipscomb Academy Reason: Broome was a Mr. Football semifinalist last season, even after missing several games due to transfer rules. Langston Patterson, RB/LB, CPA Reason: Patterson was a Mr. Football finalist last season for CPA, and is a star on both sides of the ball. James Dunn, RB, CAK Reason: Dunn was a Mr. Football finalist last season, and will only see his offensive production go up in 2021. Cade Law, QB, CPA Reason: Law was the state championship game MVP for CPA last season, after leading the Lions to a state title. Luther Richesson, QB, Lipscomb Academy Reason: Richesson really got hot towards the end of the season for Lipscomb Academy in 2020, and will look to continue that success into 2021. DII-A Nakelin McAfee, RB, TKA Reason: McAfee was a Mr. Football semifinalist in 2020, and will be the star of TKA’s offense once again in 2021. Steele Haynes, WR/LB, USJ Reason: Haynes had 92 tackles, along with 871 receiving yards in 2020, and will continue to be a force on both sides of the ball for USJ in 2021. Garrett Weekly, QB/DB, TKA Reason: Weekly filled in very well at quarterback for TKA last season, to go along with seven interceptions on the defensive side of the ball. Aden Hooper, QB, MTCS Reason: Hooper was named to the all-state team by the TNFCA last season, and should see his production increase in 2021. Kam Boyd, RB, JCS Reason: Boyd will see his production and usage skyrocket in 2021, as JCS will most likely run the ball more with the graduation of star quarterback, Aaron Smith

While the class of 2022 in Tennessee may be historically deep, the class of 2023 has no shortage of very talented players. It is way too early to put an accurate ranking on these players, as some potential recruits in the class haven’t even seen serious varsity playing time in their careers to this point, whether that be because of injuries, or being stuck behind talented and older players at powerhouse schools. Here’s an early introduction to some of the top players in the class of 2023, so far.