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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?
Throughout the 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 and Chris’ picks came out yesterday.
Our newest member and Mt. Juliet alum Ethan Odom takes his turn today. Here’s a look at who he thinks will bring home this year’s gold balls:
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Class 6A
Mt. Juliet Golden Bears
With what they’ve done over the last decade, picking against Oakland in 6A title race is never an easy thing to do.
I’m rolling with someone else this year. My pick is a team near and dear to my heart.
This year I think my alma mater Mt. Juliet finally gets the job done. They’ve tested Oakland in the best and have a lot of experience and athleticism returning to what should be a talented group.
Honorable Mention: Oakland Patriots
Class 5A
Page Patriots
Even though Knox West came out of last year’s Class 5A championship game raising gold again, Page pushed them to the brink.
Having Wisconsin linebacker commit Brenden Anes and highly-recruited defensive end prospect Eric Hazzard leading the way, Page’s defense should be a formidable force. I believe the Patriots will finally raise gold.
Honorable Mention: Knox West Rebels
Class 4A
Pearl-Cohn Firebirds
I believe Pearl Cohn will once again repeat as the 4A champs.
Plenty of newly named stars will emerge and with the backing of the local community, band and enthusiastic fan base, the Firebirds will be especially tough to beat in 2024.
Honorable Mention: Upperman Bees
Class 3A
Alcoa Tornadoes
The Tornadoes have consistently demonstrated dominance over the years winning nine straight Class 3A titles. Their ability to perform under pressure and secure victories in crucial games speaks volumes about their capabilities.
If they do their job, I think they win their 10th straight and 23rd overall this season.
Honorable Mention: East Nashville Eagles
Class 2A
East Robertson Indians
Riverside won its first state title in 2023 beating East Robertson in a low-scoring affair. This year I think the result flips.
East Robertson is a unit full of experience led by a Mr. Football winner. I think that will be crucial for the Indians en route to their first gold ball.
Honorable Mention: Riverside Panthers
Class 1A
McKenzie Rebels
McKenzie and South Pitt have have traded blows for multiple times in recent memory for the 1A title. The Pirates won the battle last season but I’m going to go with McKenzie this time around.
Division II-AAA
Baylor Red Raiders
DII-AAA season-by-season produces the state’s best talent and that will continue in 2024. In recent memory, Baylor and McCallie have stood out among that group and that should continue for at least this season.
Of those two, I think Baylor gets some revenge against its crosstown foe in front of another packed stadium.
Honorable Mention: McCallie Blue Tornado
Division II-AA
CPA Lions
CPA should repeat as the kings of Division II-AA.
The team’s brotherhood and long lived chemistry has brought them a ton of success over the last decade. Ingle Martin’s coaching staff brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight.
Honorable Mention: Boyd Buchanan Buccaneers
Division II-A
Nashville Christian Eagles
This is one of the harder classes to pick a winner out of, with so many great teams expected to stand out this season. Only one of those teams has a five-star Georgia quarterback commit running its offense, though.
My pick for DII-A is for Jared Curtis to lead the Eagles’ high-octane over the hump and back to their first state title since 2015.
Honorable Mention: DCA Wildcats
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