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Two weeks ago our crew put who we thought would head to Chattanooga and walk away with some gold. What about some other teams we think could make some noise?
There are several teams in the 615 Preps coverage area that have the talent to compete for state titles. Which ones do we think are the standouts of the group.
Here are five teams our guys think should be on everyone’s radar when it comes to the state’s top title contenders:
STATE TITLE PICKS: Cam / Chris / Ethan / Isaac / Joe / KJ / Scott
WAY-TOO-EARLY STATE TITLE PICKS: Cam / Chris / Ethan / Isaac / Joe / Scott
TOP RETURNERS PER POSITION: QB / RB / WR / OL / DL / LB / DB / Specialists
Cam Reid
Gordonsville Tigers
When considering a dark horse, my criteria is based around two key factors. Gordonsville fits both of those factors.
The biggest factor I considered was elite coaching and Stephan Jackson checks that box easily. A Tiger alum, he has several state titles from his assistant years at Trousdale County and Oakland. He was the shot-caller a few years back for Oakland’s dominate defense.
A standout player if my second factor and Jay Foster fits that mold. The Tigers’ junior quarterback and safety can do it with his arm and legs. If the Tigers are to go on a run, Foster will play a massive role in that success.
Gordonsville is no stranger to late playoff runs which makes it easier to pick them here. I fully expect another Gordonsville vs South Pittsburg matchup to determine which team makes it to Chattanooga.
Chris Brooks
Macon County Tigers
Those of you who watch our weekly shows know that I try to keep things fairly straight when it comes to picks, and I don’t want to come off as a homer. So my dark horse pick might be a little surprising as it’s my alma mater.
Let me be perfectly clear – Pearl-Cohn’s my state pick and this doesn’t change that. So my dark horse needs a path to the title game even though it might likely end up with silver. For that, I’ve got to go east.
Being in Region 4-4A means Macon County tangles with 2023 runner-up Upperman for their region crown and they played two tight games last season. Macon’s defense won’t let them get blown out, and Gabe Borders (who just landed an offer from Murray State) will be the best player on the field in every game on the Tigers’ schedule.
The Tigers could very well swat the Bees this time, which would open the door for Kyle Shoulders’ crew to make a run they haven’t traversed in 21 years.
Isaac Leedham
BGA Wildcats
Call me crazy but I like what’s cooking over in Franklin. With a 5-6 record last year, BGA probably isn’t going to be on most people’s radar, but if the pieces fall in place, I could see a major upswing this year for the Wildcats.
BGA is in what is usually the toughest region of DII-AA football but I’m predicting a slight drop in talent across the board this year in the region. For my money though, I’m betting on BGA as the dark horse.
Returning receiver Arnett Hayes and quarterback Kaedyn Marable will be a threatening combo to any defensive back field they come up against.
The new head man, coach Bobby Bentley, is also going to bring a huge boost to this team’s potential. A multi-time state title winner in South Carolina and seasoned college analyst, coach Bentley’s experience has the possibility to bring BGA back to the powerhouse status they held in the late 2010s.
Joe Spears
DCA Wildcats
The Paul Wade era at DCA came to an end following the 2023 season leaving a lot of questions regarding the future of the program. While I can’t predict what things will look like years down the line, I think the Wildcats are still in a great spot to make some noise in DII-A this season.
Jay Pierce leads the program now and has the luxury of having one of the state’s best quarterbacks running his offense. Mitchell Carey completed 62% of his passes for 2,826 yards and 37 touchdowns while only throwing three interceptions.
That’s pretty damn good.
The Wildcats also have an elite tight end prospect in Carson Sneed who holds offers from nearly every major Power Five program in the country.
DCA’s much more than a two-man team though and returns several other key starters from a team that went under-the-radar last season. With as wide-open as DII-A will likely be this season, it wouldn’t come as a surprise to see the Wiildcats back in Chattanooga come December.
Scott Burton
Beech Buccaneers
The Beech Buccaneers are my dark horse team.
Junior quarterback Kaden Powell returns with a full season of the Buccaneers’ system knowledge and Class 5A experience. With Matt Barrett on the line and Chelton Swafford returning in the backfield, Coach Crabtree’s offense should be improved.
That will play a big role in complementing a defense anchored by Gunnar Clary and Declan Deering. Big things are brewing on Shackle Island and a shot at the title may be within their reach.
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