0
0
Every year we have a few teams that shock the state in a positive way. Whether its upset wins, winning their region or an unpredictable state championship run, surprise teams are what make high school football great.
Last year we made our picks for our top under-the-radar teams entering the 2024 season. Isaac nearly hit the nail spot on with his pick as BGA made a run to the DII-AA title game.
What about this year? We decided to run it back and make our choices for teams that we think could make some noise in 2025 that hardly anyone is talking about right now.
Here’s who we selected:
Cam: Whites Creek Cobras
When choosing my surprise team to watch in 2025, it didn’t take long for me to choose Whites Creek. They’re young team that flashed at times last year will look to find consistency to propel them to the postseason.
I believe the sophomore duo of Deon Barnes and De’Aries “Curly” Holland will build off great freshman campaigns and end the 15 year postseason drought as well as push for a region championship in 2025.
Chris: Antioch Bears
The Bears’ shot at a region title was upended by Stewarts Creek last year, but Antioch’s 2025 fortunes could prove to be better in a new region. They have one of the area’s most talented quarterback-receiver duos in Andre Adams and Brandon Goliday, but they’ll need improved line play and defense to better last year’s 6-5 mark.
The good news? They should be the favorite in Region 5-6A and their schedule isn’t as daunting as the 2024 campaign was. The bad news? Only four home games with their last one being Division II-AA contender FRA before they finish their region slate.
Isaac: Gallatin Green Wave
A 3-7 season is never how you want a year to go and for the Green Wave last year, thats where they ended up. When looking ahead to this season, the road doesn’t seem much easier. Their region has plenty of good teams in Lebanon, Mount Juliet, and Green Hill and their non-region slate also has so stiff competition with Hendersonville, Springfield, and Beech.
However, there’s something seems different at the wave yard this year. Senior quarterback Jackson Stroup is entering his senior year and has all the ability to take his team on an impressive run. Incoming Davidson Academy transfer K’saun Barksdale will also add a new and exciting dynamic to a team ready for a burst.
Joe: Portland Panthers
Now that Springfield has moved down to 4A and Henry County is in another region, another team has to rise up and test Beech in Region 6-5A. I think that team could be Portland.
The Panthers should be motivated following a heartbreaking end to a 2024 season where it looked like they would be postseason bound. Add in the fact that they have two elite athletes in Keilen Dalton and Avery Hughes to play around, I think Portland is finally ready to make some real noise again.
Konner: Lawson Lightning
A few weeks ago I got a chance to follow up with these guys, and I’m telling you — they’re full of confidence. I believe they’re ready to shock some teams and make real noise in their region. They return plenty of talent in Ka’Juan Taylor, Jaylan Hill, Kaiden Davis, Duran Head and for the most part, their entire offensive line is expected to play at the next level.
They’ve also added a key piece on defense in Demetrice Foster, a transfer from McGavock. And get this — their incoming sophomore running back, Lasean Bonds Jr., is already squatting 400 pounds.
I think they’re being overlooked in a loaded division but they’ve got the pieces to sneak out some big wins this season.
Scott: Pope John Paul II
The Knights have revamped their entire program and new head coach Roc Batten is getting it going in the right direction. He has brought in two highly respected area coaches to manage both sides of the ball: Jamal Stewart formerly of East Nashville and Centennial and Chad Broaderick of Gallatin and Father Ryan.
Coach Batten is going to have to fill the shoes of quarterback Hudson Holman (FRA) and Bo Bailey (graduation), but he has a young stable of athletes to build on including his son Isaiah to run the offense. He will be throwing to returning senior Hudson Curlee, a deep threat that put up 10 scores last year. JPII is building a program, but I believe the turnaround will be sooner than later.
Tyson: Mt. Juliet Golden Bears
Coming off of a strong 2024 season, the Golden Bears are replacing a lot of talent.
However in a tight region like Region 6-4A, anything can happen. Mt. Juliet has one of the strongest coaching staffs around so no one should be surprised if they make another run by winning the region title before another playoff push.
You must be logged in to post a comment.