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We’re two months away from the high school football season officially kicking off. That means it’s not too early to make some state championship predictions right?
During this week, we’ll break down who each of the 615 Preps crew thinks will bring home gold in December. Cam posted his predictions on Monday.
Managing Editor Chris Brooks takes his turn today. Here’s a look at who he thinks will bring home this year’s gold balls:
RANKING THE BEST OF THE BEST: Picking the area’s top coaches
TOP RETURNERS PER POSITION: QB / RB / WR / OL / DL / LB / DB / Specialists
Class 6A
Oakland Patriots
Five seconds after the clock hit zero on Dec. 2 in Chattanooga, I decided this.
That was a team outplayed on the biggest stage and it was a hard lesson to learn so late in the year. But it’s an important one – Oakland proved mortal after all. It’s human to make those mistakes, but it’s also human to go scorched earth on those who stand in your way when you have the means to get what you want.
The Patriots do. And their potential title opponent just might be on their 2024 schedule in October, too.
Honorable Mention: Ravenwood
Class 5A
Page Patriots
Five seconds after the clock hit zero on Dec. 1 in Chattanooga, I locked this one in, too.
The heartbreaking ending of their loss to Knoxville West might turn some off from picking the Patriots to get back to the championship game, but one only needed to see the look in those players’ eyes when they were handed yet another silver ball to see that they will empty the tank in 2024. And with most key players returning, that defense looks as lights out as it can get at this level. I’m nervous for 5A quarterbacks facing this pass rush.
Pick your opponent, East Tennessee, I don’t care. I’m riding with Page to run the table.
Honorable Mention: Beech
Class 4A
Pearl-Cohn Firebirds
How about running it back? The Firebirds just got a taste of slipping on those state title rings, but that’s not stopping them from setting their sights on a repeat run in 2024.
And why not? That ground game could be one of the state’s best.
After losing Mr. Football winner Keshawn Tarleton to graduation, they need a new quarterback, but after the first two games on their schedule, their region will give them time to figure it out. However, who gets to the final from the eastern half is an excellent question with several teams capable of doing so – and one dark horse that could for the first time. That’s where the fun lies in 4A this year.
Honorable Mentions: Greeneville, Anderson County, Elizabethton, Upperman, Macon County
Class 3A
Alcoa Tornadoes
They probably have the 10th straight banner already made. Until somebody plays them close again in 3A, it’s just going to be more of the same.
The only real question is will East Nashville get a fourth consecutive shot at the reigning champs?
Honorable mention: East Nashville
Class 2A
East Robertson Indians
There’s a lot coming back with this team that fell just short in 2023, and that experience won’t hurt them in 2024. Isaiah Groves should establish himself as one of the state’s premier playmakers, and the Indians don’t hit a snag in Chattanooga this time.
Honorable mention: Huntingdon
Class 1A
McKenzie Rebels
McKenzie’s been making Chattanooga a planned stop, not a hopeful destination, in recent memory and 2024 might not be any different. Can they avenge last year’s disappointment or willl history repeat itself?
The battle for the other side of the bracket could come down to two teams who seemingly run into each other every single year.
Honorable mention: Gordonsville, South Pittsburg
Division II-AAA
Baylor Red Raiders
The trophy’s going to rest where most of the players do, on campus in Chattanooga. I think McCallie and Baylor will meet up again in the championship game unless one of them oversleeps.
Can one of the Nashville schools rise up and put either of their title dreams to sleep? Or will it be lights out for the rest of the field again? Either way, get on board with another potential all-Chattanooga final.
Honorable mentions: MBA, Ensworth, McCallie
Division II-AA
CPA Lions
Here’s the thing about CPA’s run of consecutive BlueCross Bowl appearances (now at six): They haven’t always gotten there in the same manner. But they have been a team that historically gets stronger in October and November, and you can’t deny the coaching that makes that happen.
Boyd Buchanan might give them a better game this time around, though. The gap is closing, but the Bucs might not get all the way there this year, though.
Honorable mention: Boyd Buchanan, Davidson Academy
Division II-A
Nashville Christian Eagles
Provided the Eagles get their defense in order for 2024, they should be a popular pick to not only make it to Chattanooga, but win the title as well.
Jared Curtis will once again need another steller year as more eyes focus on him by the week heading into his junior season. This class won’t be a runaway by any means, though, as a couple of dangerous foes await in Columbia and Jackson.
Could there be other contenders in this class? Sure, but both of last year’s finalists have a lot to replace and that’s why I can’t put them here…yet.
Honorable mentions: Columbia Academy, Jackson Christian
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