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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?
Over the last week we’ve broke down who each of the 615 Preps crew thinks will bring home gold in December. Cam, Chris and Ethan have given their predictions. Now it’s time for Isaac’s picks.
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
It’s the safe pick but also the correct one.
Last year not withstanding, Oakland should be poised to continue their dominant 6A run. Oakland looks to have just as good a roster as they do most every year, with a packed stable of senior running backs led by Daune Morris, and a tough defense anchored at linebacker by Caleb Ellison.
Of course they also have one of the best coach’s in the state in Kevin Creasy
Honorable Mentions: Germantown, Ravenwood
Class 5A
Page Patriots
It’s been several years of frustration for Page making it to state but coming up short three years straight. This year is do or die for them and I think their defense should put them over the top.
With possibly the best linebacker in the state in Brendan Anes, one of the best defensive linemen in Eric Hazzard as well as a great defensive back in William Wiebush, the Patriots are going to be very tough to score on.
Honorable Mentions: Henry County, Knox West
Class 4A
Pearl-Cohn Firebirds
The Firebirds finally broke the Metro curse and brought a gold ball home to West Nashville in 2023. Class 4A is again shaping up to be the most interesting classification to watch for me this year and Pearl-Cohn is just one of the reasons why.
Their potent offense is going to miss the talents of Mr. Football winner Keshawn Tarleton and finalist Zeion Simpson Smith but looks to reload led by dangerous standout back Javion Kinnard.
Honorable Mentions: Macon County, Upperman
Class 3A
Alcoa Tornadoes
What else can be said about the beast from the East?
With nine state titles in a row, Alcoa has made the 3A classification seem almost stale at this point. While their are plenty of good teams in 3A, most people are waiting and wondering who will be the first to knock off the Tornadoes. Sadly, I don’t see it happening this year.
Honorable Mentions: East Nashville and Giles county
Class 2A
East Robertson Indians
There’s something brewing in Cross Plains and I don’t think 2A is ready for it.
East Robertson was an absolute powerhouse last year on the ground and through the air. This year the name to watch for is already pretty familiar, with Isaiah Groves carrying the family name for one more season and Zack Groves manning a stout defense.
Look for East Robertson to roll through most of their schedule this year with another massive showdown September 27th at Smith County.
Honorable Mentions: Smith County, Huntingdon
Class 1A
McKenzie Rebels
Unfortunately, this year is looking to be a down year for our coverage area in 1A.
While Gordonsville should be looking to make a big jump, I think West Tennessee will dominate the classification this season. The Rebels are looking to string together two straight state titles and start what could be a bit of a dynasty.
Honorable Mentions: Dresden, South Pitt
Division II-AAA
McCallie Blue Tornado
The DII-AAA Gold ball seems like it’s going to stay in Chattanooga this year.
In what very well could be a rematch from last year’s Blue Cross Bowl, McCallie and Baylor looked positioned to be the top two teams in the classification. Aside from 4A, this could also be the most entertaining classification to watch.
I could count at least five teams that have a chance to make it all the way, but at the end of the day, I don’t see anyone in our coverage area taking down the two Chattanooga giants.
Honorable Mentions: Ensworth and Baylor
Division II-AA
CPA Lions
The Lions enter the year with high expectations following a dominant state title victory last season. They once again will be the heavy favorite to repeat.
CPA’s offense will be led by quarterback Hutson Chance and anchored on the offensive line by Brady Smith.
With a hard-nosed offense, and a mastermind at coach in Ingle Martin, I’m expecting CPA to take another gold ball home from Chattanooga.
Honorable Mentions: Boyd Buchanan and Davidson Academy
Division II-A
MTCS Cougars
Losing a Player like Eli Wilson is going to hurt this defending state championship team but if this program has proven anything over the years, it’s that they are consistent.
The toughest game of their season should be a home matchup against South Pitt near the end of the year. Other than that, I suspect MTCS should make it through to the playoffs unscathed.
Honorable mentions: Nashville Christian and DCA
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