Hale Page

Antwuan Branch

Rutger Reitmaier

WIlliam Phillips

Lipscomb has reached the eight-win mark in each of the previous three seasons.

PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH

1. Lipscomb Academy

2. Kenwood

3. Northwest

4. Hillwood

5. Montgomery Central

6. Creek Wood

Lipscomb running back and defensive back William Phillips (21)

TOP RETURNEES

Antwuan Branch, Sr., RB, Kenwood; Corean Jackson, Sr., WR/DB, Kenwood; Goldberg Johnsrud, Sr., OL/DL, Northwest; John Thomas Paul, Sr., RB/DB, Lipscomb; Kendrick Gordon, Sr., RB/LB, Hillwood; Kenneth Redd, Sr., WR/DB, Hillwood; Rutger Reitmaier, Sr., DL, Lipscomb; Tyler Hill, Sr., OL, Montgomery Central; William Phillips, Sr., RB/DB, Lipscomb.

TOP GAMES

Kenwood at Hillwood (Sept. 2); Northwest at Kenwood (Sept. 30); Hillwood at Lipscomb (Oct. 21); Northwest at Montgomery Central (Oct. 14); Lipscomb at Kenwood (Oct. 28).

Kenwood running back Antwuan Branch has committed to Purdue.

REGION TIDBITS

Branch, a 2015 All-Midstate first-teamer and Purdue commitment, rushed for a Midstate-leading 2,596 yards and 27 touchdowns on 313 carries last season. … Reitmaier, a four-star defensive lineman and the state’s 11th-ranked prospect according to 247Sports, has committed to Oregon. … Sophomore Hale Page, the son of Hillwood coach Kurt Page, will serve as the Hilltoppers’ starting quarterback after transferring from Franklin. … Northwest coach Vernon Wright has increased the Vikings’ win total in each of his first two seasons. … Creek Wood athletic director Chuck Daniel will once again be leading the Red Hawks, replacing Justin Palmer, who was hired at Shelbyville in early July. … Hillwood, which finished 5-6 a season ago, is coming off its first playoff appearance since reaching the Class 4A quarterfinals in 2004.

Region football preview recap

Coach Kurt Page led Hillwood to its first playoff appearance since 2004 last season.

SCHEDULES

(2015 record, * denotes region contest)

Creek Wood (3-7, 0-5): Aug. 19 at Dickson County; Aug. 26 vs. Fairview; *Sept. 2 vs. Montgomery Central; Sept. 9 vs. Cheatham County; *Sept. 16 at Lipscomb Academy; Sept. 23 vs. East Hickman; *Sept. 30 vs. Hillwood; Oct. 7 vs. Loretto; *Oct. 21 vs. Kenwood; *Oct. 18 at Northwest.

Hillwood (5-6, 3-2, reached Class 4A first round): Aug. 19 vs. Father Ryan; Aug. 26 at Hunters Lane; *Sept. 2 vs. Kenwood; Sept. 9 vs. Glencliff; *Sept. 16 at Northwest; Sept. 23 at Whites Creek; *Sept. 30 at Creek Wood; *Oct. 14 at Lipscomb; Oct. 21 vs. Hickman County; *Oct. 28 vs. Montgomery Central.

Kenwood (8-4, 4-1, reached Class 4A second round): Aug. 19 vs. Whites Creek; Aug. 26 vs. Clarksville; *Sept. 2 at Hillwood; Sept. 9 at Northeast; *Sept. 16 vs. Montgomery Central; Sept. 23 at Giles County; *Sept. 30 vs. Northwest; Oct. 7 at Springfield; *Oct. 21 at Creek Wood; *Oct. 28 vs. Lipscomb.

Lipscomb (8-4, 4-1, reached Class 4A second round): Aug. 26 at Page; *Sept. 2 vs. Northwest; Sept. 9 at Overton; *Sept. 16 vs. Creek Wood; Sept. 23 at Goodpasture; *Sept. 30 at Montgomery Central; Oct. 7 vs. FRA; *Oct. 14 vs. Hillwood; Oct. 21 vs. Spring Hill; *Oct. 28 at Kenwood.

Montgomery Central (5-6, 2-3, reached Class 4A first round): Aug. 19 vs. Stewart County; Aug. 26 at Harpeth; *Sept. 2 at Creek Wood; Sept. 9 vs. Clarksville Academy; *Sept. 16 at Kenwood; Sept. 23 at Greenbrier; *Sept. 30 vs. Lipscomb; Oct. 7 vs. Waverly; *Oct. 21 vs. Northwest; *Oct. 28 at Hillwood.

Northwest (5-5, 2-3): Aug. 19 vs. Hunters Lane; Aug. 26 vs. Summit; Sept. 2 at Lipscomb Academy; Sept. 9 at West Creek; Sept. 16 vs. Hillwood; Sept. 23 vs. Harpeth; Sept. 30 at Kenwood; Oct. 7 at Friendship Christian; Oct. 21 at Montgomery Central; Oct. 28 vs. Creek Wood.

Reach Michael Murphy at 615-269-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports . 

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Landon Guidry

Predicted order of finish

1. Independence

2. La Vergne

3. Stewarts Creek

4. Summit

5. Shelbyville

6. Lincoln County

7. Franklin County

8. Columbia

Independence sophomore wide receiver T.J. Sheffield looks in a pass during a recent practice.

Top returnees

David Demke, Sr., DE, Independence; Hunter Dupree, Sr., LB, Independence; Landon Guidry, Sr., WR-DB, Independence; Cole Huner, Sr., DB, Independence; Troy Henderson, Jr., RB, Independence; Maleik Gray, Sr., WR-LB, La Vergne; Princeton Fant, Sr., WR-DB, La Vergne; Zach Long, Sr., FB, Stewarts Creek; Tre Bailliez, Sr., RB-DB, Stewarts Creek; Tai Carter, Jr., RB, Summit; Jamal Harden, Sr., RB-LB, Shelbyville; Miguel Martinez, Sr., OL, Lincoln County; Jarious Johnson, Jr., RB-LB, Franklin County; Andre Martin, Sr., RB-LB, Columbia

Top games

La Vergne at Independence (Oct. 28); La Vergne at Stewarts Creek (Sept. 9); Summit at Shelbyville (Sept. 2)

Maleik Gray

Region tidbits

Demke, Dupree, Hunter and Guidry — a Mississippi State signee — are four of the seven returning starters on defense for the 5A defending state champion. The 5-foot-10, 170-pound Henderson rushed for 933 yards and seven touchdowns at Dupont Manual (Ky.). Fant and Gray are Tennessee commitments. Gray caught 22 passes for 485 yards and 10 touchdowns and had 57 tackles (10 for a loss of yardage) en route to being named a Mr. Football Back of the Year semifinalist. Fant missed last season due to an knee injury. Zach Long rushed for 838 yards and 10 touchdowns as a junior, while Bailliez averaged 11.7 yards per carry and also recorded 12 tackles for a loss. Summit returns 21 starters, including all 11 on defense. Shelbyville coach Justin Palmer was hired in early July, following the resignation of Jason Hardy in late June. Lincoln County was hit hard by graduation, losing its starting quarterback, top three rushers, top three receivers and top seven tacklers. Franklin County is in search of its first winning season since 2004. Columbia has struggled since finishing as the 5A state runner-up in 2012, producing a 13-18 mark and making the playoffs just once.

Region football preview recap

Schedules

(2015 record in parentheses, * denotes region contest)

Columbia (3-7, 0-7): Aug. 19 at Giles County; Aug. 26 vs. Dickson County; *Sept. 2 at La Vergne; Sept. 9 vs. Lawrence County; *Sept. 16 at Stewarts Creek; *Sept. 30 vs. Franklin County; *Oct. 7 vs. Lincoln County; *Oct. 14 at Independence; *Oct. 21 at Shelbyville; *Oct. 28 vs. Summit

Franklin County (3-7, 2-5): Aug. 19 vs. Marshall County; Aug. 26 at Tullahoma; *Sept. 2 vs. Stewarts Creek; Sept. 9 vs. Mt. Juliet; *Sept. 16 vs. Lincoln County; *Sept. 30 at Columbia; *Oct. 7 at Summit; *Oct. 14 at La Vergne; *Oct. 21 vs. Independence; *Oct. 28 at Shelbyville

Independence (15-0, 7-0, won Class 5A state championship): Aug. 19 vs. Brentwood; Aug. 26 at Centennial; *Sept. 2 at Lincoln County; Sept. 9 at Smyrna; *Sept. 16 at Summit; *Sept. 30 vs. Stewarts Creek; *Oct. 7 vs. Shelbyville; *Oct. 14 vs. Columbia; *Oct. 21 at Franklin County; *Oct. 28 vs. La Vergne

La Vergne (6-5, 4-3, reached Class 5A first round): Aug. 19 at Smyrna; Aug. 26 vs. Antioch; *Sept. 2 vs. Columbia; *Sept. 9 at Stewarts Creek; *Sept. 16 at Shelbyville; Sept. 23 at Maplewood; *Sept. 30 vs. Summit; *Oct. 14 vs. Franklin County; *Oct. 21 vs. Lincoln County; *Oct. 28 at Independence

Lincoln County (7-4, 4-3, reached Class 5A first round): Aug. 26 at Lawrence County; *Sept. 2 vs. Independence; Sept. 9 vs. Giles County; *Sept. 16 at Franklin County; Sept. 23 vs. Tullahoma; *Sept. 30 vs. Shelbyville; *Oct. 7 at Columbia; *Oct. 14 at Summit; *Oct. 21 at La Vergne; *Oct. 28 vs. Stewarts Creek

Shelbyville (7-4, 4-3, reached Class 5A first round): Aug. 19 vs. Lawrence County; Aug. 26 at Giles County; *Sept. 2 vs. Summit; Sept. 9 at Tullahoma; *Sept. 16 vs. La Vergne; *Sept. 30 at Lincoln County; *Oct. 7 at Independence; *Oct. 14 at Stewarts Creek; *Oct. 21 vs. Columbia; *Oct. 28 vs. Franklin County

Stewarts Creek (6-4, 4-3): Aug. 19 at Overton; Aug. 26 vs. Smyrna; *Sept. 2 at Franklin County; *Sept. 9 vs. La Vergne; *Sept. 16 vs. Columbia; Sept. 23 at Antioch; *Sept. 30 at Independence; *Oct. 14 vs. Shelbyville; *Oct. 21 vs. Summit; *Oct. 28 at Lincoln County

Summit (4-6, 3-4): Aug. 19 vs. Spring Hill; Aug. 26 at Northwest; *Sept. 2 at Shelbyville; Sept. 9 vs. Lebanon; *Sept. 16 vs. Independence; *Sept. 30 at La Vergne; *Oct. 7 vs. Franklin County; *Oct. 14 vs. Lincoln County; *Oct. 21 at Stewarts Creek; *Oct. 28 at Columbia

Reach Craig Harris at 615-259-8238 and on Twitter @CHTennessean.

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Eight Sumner County girls soccer teams begin their seasons on Monday. Hendersonville is coming off its first appearance in the state tournament since 2006, while White House is attempting to make its second trip to Murfreesboro in school history after three consecutive sectional losses. Station Camp, Beech, Gallatin and Portland all are seeking to knock the Lady Commandos off in District 9-AAA. Merrol Hyde Magnet is seeking a berth in the region tournament for the third time in four seasons, while Pope John Paul II is competing for a spot in the Division II-Class AA state semifinals.

Capsules for each team, in alphabetical order:

Beech

Last season: 13-5, lost 3-0 to Station Camp in District 9-AAA semifinals

Key returnees: Kendra Mueller, Soph., defender, McCall Decker, Sr., defender, Natalie Lankster, Jr., forward.

Beech had its streak of three consecutive Region 5-AAA Tournament appearances snapped with a district semifinal loss to Station Camp, and the Lady Buccaneers lost eight seniors to graduation, including All-County Goalkeeper of the Year Allie Guinn and two All-County first-teamers in forward Kendon Curtis and defender Izzy Morgan.

Gallatin goalkeeper Abi Green returns for her junior season after garnering first-team All-County honors last season.

Gallatin

Last season: 8-8-1, lost 2-0 to Station Camp in District 9-AAA Tournament quarterfinals

Key returnees: Veda Hooge, Sr., forward; Abi Green, Jr., goalkeeper; Ally Clodfelter, Sr., defender; Kate Johnson, Jr., defender; Courtney Bryan, Jr., midfield; Maizie Vincent; Sr., defender.

Gallatin returns nearly all of last year’s squad, as the Lady Wave lost only two seniors to graduation. Six All-County honorees return for the Lady Wave, who finished sixth in the regular season in District 9-AAA last year. Gallatin is seeking to break a long postseason drought, as the Lady Wave last reached the region tournament in 1998.

Hendersonville

Last season: 15-5-3, District 9-AAA champion, Region 5-AAA runner-up, lost 5-0 to Houston in Class AAA state quarterfinals

Key returnees: Sydney Cason, Sr., midfield (All-County Co-Offensive Player of the Year); Claire Almaraz, Sr., defender (All-County Defensive Player of the Year); Haley Stephens, Sr., forward; Arden Butler, Sr., defender, Makensie Cotter, Sr., goalkeeper; Brooke Long, Jr., forward, Erica Hudson, Sr., midfield.

Hendersonville returns most of its key contributors from last season’s state tournament run, as 10 seniors are a part of this year’s Lady Commando squad. Eleven juniors join that group, giving Hendersonville plenty of experience as the Lady Commandos chase their sixth-consecutive District 9-AAA championship.

Reigning All-County Defensive Player of the Year Claire Almaraz returns for her senior season with Hendersonville.

Merrol Hyde Magnet

Last season: 7-10-1, fell 1-0 to Smith County in District 8 A-AA Tournament semifinals

Key returnees: Valeria Rewa, Sr., defender; Skylar Bentley, Jr., midfield; Paige Clinard, Sr., midfield; Addison Oaks, Sr., forward.

The Lady Hawks will be looking to return to the Region 4 A-AA Tournament after falling in the district semifinals last season. Merrol Hyde Magnet had been the District 8 A-AA runner-up in 2013 and 2014.

The Lady Hawks return most of last year’s squad, as only three seniors graduated from the 2015 team. Merrol Hyde Magnet should also get a boost with senior Emilie Boone’s return from injury.

Pope John Paul II

Last season: 3-8-3, lost 2-1 to Father Ryan in first round of Division II-Class AA state tournament

Key returnees: Claire Mertens, Sr., forward; Tiegan Clausen, Soph., forward; AnMei Little, Jr., defender.

The Lady Knights were hit rather hard by graduation, as PJP II lost seven seniors from last year’s squad, including Catherine Meyer (16 goals, five assists). PJP II’s last appearance in the state semifinals came in 2010. Three All-County honorees return for the Lady Knights, who reached the state quarterfinals two seasons ago.

Station Camp forward Megan Brinkley enters her senior season after earning All-County Co-Offensive Player of the Year honors last season.

Portland

Last season: 7-10-1, lost 5-0 to Beech in District 9-AAA Tournament quarterfinals

Key returnees: M.K. Reels, Soph., midfield; Vicky Roe, Sr., goalkeeper; Chasey Piper, Soph., forward; Sam Vance, Jr., defender.

Portland won seven of its first nine matches, including a district victory against Wilson Central, before going winless in the Lady Panthers’ final nine matches of the season. Portland lost just one graduating senior, so the Lady Panthers return nearly all of last year’s squad. Portland’s last trip to the region tournament came in 2008, when the Lady Panthers competed in Class A-AA.

Station Camp

Last season: 14-6-3, District 9-AAA runner-up, lost 2-0 to Clarksville in Region 5-AAA Tournament semifinals

Key returnees: Megan Brinkley, Sr., forward (All-County Co-Offensive Player of the Year); Michaela Nicholson, Soph., forward; Lauren Smith, Sr., midfield; Arianna Orellana, Jr., defender; Victoria Brown, Sr., defender; Macy Carter, Soph., defender.

The Lady Bison returned to the region tournament for the first time since 2011 last season, and with six returning All-County nominees, Station Camp is eager to challenge for its first district title since 2010.

Three seniors and five juniors make up the Lady Bison’s group of upperclassmen, with 15 sophomores on board for the 2016 season.

White House junior Madisson Davis returns with the Lady Devils after earning All-County Player of the Year honors in 2015.

White House

Last season: 15-4-3, District 9 A-AA champion, Region 5 A-AA champion, lost 4-3 to Page in sectional round

Key returnees: Madisson Davis, Jr., forward (All-County Player of the Year); Mallory Humphries, Jr., midfield; Leanna Nesbitt, Soph., midfield; Allyson Trimmer, Soph., defender; Mazie Burrow, Soph., midfield; Hannah Cook, Jr., defender; Alivia Vogel, Soph., goalkeeper.

The Lady Devils missed out on a trip to the Class A-AA state tournament after falling in the sectional round for the third consecutive season. White House had a young team last season and only lost three graduating seniors. The Lady Devils have reached the sectional round in each of the last four seasons, including the 2012 Class A-AA state tournament semifinals.

Reach Chris Brooks at cbrooks@tennessean.com or at 615-575-7118. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @CB_SumnerSports, and on Snapchat @cbrooksgne.

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Jordan Mason

Anthony Hughes

Coach Bruce Hatfield has led Hendersonville to three straight 10-win seasons.

PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH

1. Hendersonville

2. Hillsboro

3. Cane Ridge

4. Gallatin

5. Beech

6. Station Camp

7. Hunters Lane

8. Glencliff

Hendersonville’s Anthony Hughes (left), Gallatin’s Jordan Mason (middle) and Cane Ridge’s D.J. Thorpe (right).

TOP RETURNEES

Anthony Hughes, Sr., RB/LB, Hendersonville; Ben Hutch, Sr., OL/DL, Hillsboro; Brad Montgomery, Sr., DL, Beech; D.J. Thorpe, Sr., QB, Cane Ridge; Emari Barton, Sr., RB/DB, Cane Ridge; Emmitt Richardson, Sr., DL, Hendersonville; JaVonta Payton, Sr., WR, Hillsboro; JaVonta Wiggins, Jr., LB, Hillsboro; Jordan Mason, Sr., RB/DB, Gallatin; Matthew Jackson, Sr., DB, Hillsboro; Alex Vanzant, Sr., RB/DB, Beech; Noah Bayless, RB/LB, Cane Ridge.

Region football preview recap

TOP GAMES

Hendersonville at Cane Ridge (Sept. 2); Hendersonville at Beech (Sept. 9); Hillsboro at Hendersonville (Sept. 16); Cane Ridge at Hillsboro (Sept. 23).

Hillsboro defensive lineman Ben Hutch

REGION TIDBITS

Hillsboro coach Craig Clayton, who has also made head coaching stops at Franklin and Hopkinsville (Ky.), has  277 career wins — the second-most among active coaches in Middle Tennessee. … Hendersonville has reached the 10-win mark in each of the previous three seasons. … Mason, the 2015 6-5A Offensive MVP, racked up 1,606 yards and 19 TDs on 211 carries a season ago. … Cane Ridge, led by second-year coach Eddie Woods, is coming off just its second eight-win season. Hutch, who posted 40 tackles and three sacks a season ago, is a three-star prospect with offers from Louisville, Nebraska, Texas A&M, Tennessee and Vanderbilt, among others. … Three of Station Camp’s six losses last season were suffered by four points or less.

Cane Ridge running back and defensive back Emari Barton

SCHEDULES

(2015 record in parentheses, * denotes region contest)

Beech (8-4, 5-2, reached Class 5A second round): Aug. 19 vs. Wilson Central; Aug. 26 at Rossview; *Sept. 2 at Glencliff; *Sept. 9 vs. Hendersonville; *Sept. 16 vs. Cane Ridge; Sept. 23 vs. Springfield; *Sept. 20 at Gallatin; *Oct. 7 at Station Camp; *Oct. 21 vs. Hunters Lane; *Oct. 28 at HIllsboro.

Cane Ridge (8-3, 5-2, reached Class 5A first round): Aug. 19 vs. Antioch; Aug. 25 at Mt. Juliet; *Sept. 2 vs. Hendersonville; Sept. 9 vs. McGavock; *Sept. 16 at Beech; *Sept. 23 at Hillsboro; *Sept. 30 vs. Hunters Lane; *Oct. 14 at Glencliff; *Oct. 21 vs. Station Camp; *Oct. 28 at Gallatin.

Gallatin (4-6, 2-5): Aug. 19 at Mt. Juliet; Aug. 26 at Springfield; *Sept. 2 vs. Hunters Lane; Sept. 9 vs. Henry County; *Sept. 16 at Glencliff; *Sept. 23 at Station Camp; *Sept. 30 vs. Beech; *Oct. 7 vs. Hendersonville; *Oct. 21 at Hillsboro; *Oct. 28 vs. Cane Ridge.

Glencliff (0-10, 0-7): Aug. 19 vs. Whites Creek; Aug. 26 vs. Stratford; *Sept. 2 vs. Beech; Sept. 9 at Hillwood; *Sept. 16 vs. Gallatin; *Sept. 23 at Hunters Lane; *Sept. 30 at Hillsboro; *Oct. 14 vs. Cane Ridge; *Oct. 21 at Hendersonville; *Oct. 28 at Station Camp.

Hendersonville (10-2, 6-1, reached Class 5A second round): Aug. 19 at McGavock; Aug. 26 vs. Siegel; *Sept. 2 at Cane Ridge; *Sept. 9 at Beech; *Sept. 16 vs. Hillsboro; Sept. 23 vs. East Nashville; *Sept. 30 vs. Station Camp; *Oct. 7 at Gallatin; *Oct. 21 vs. Glencliff; *Oct. 28 at Hunters Lane.

Hillsboro (9-4, 6-1, reached Class 5A quarterfinals): Aug. 20 vs. Pearl-Cohn (at Vanderbilt); Aug. 26 at Oakland; *Sept. 2 at Station Camp; Sept. 9 vs. Riverdale; *Sept. 16 at Hendersonville; *Sept. 23 vs. Cane Ridge; *Sept. 30 vs. Glencliff; *Oct. 14 at Hunters Lane; *Oct. 21 vs. Gallatin; *Oct. 28 vs. Beech.

Hunters Lane (1-9, 1-6): Aug. 19 at Northwest; Aug. 26 vs. Hillwood; *Sept. 2 at Gallatin; Sept. 9 at Sycamore; *Sept. 16 vs. Station Camp; *Sept. 23 vs. Glencliff; *Sept. 30 at Cane Ridge; *Oct. 14 vs. Hillsboro; *Oct. 21 at Beech; *Oct. 28 vs. Hendersonville.

Station Camp (4-6, 3-4): Aug. 19 vs. Clarksville; Aug. 26 at Wilson Central; *Sept. 2 vs. Hillsboro; Sept. 9 at Rossview; *Sept. 16 at Hunters Lane; *Sept. 23 vs. Gallatin; *Sept. 30 at Hendersonville; *Oct. 7 vs. Beech; *Oct. 21 at Cane Ridge; *Oct. 28 vs. Glencliff.

Hillsboro coach Craig Clayton

Reach Michael Murphy at 615-269-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports . 

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Former Clarksville High star Shawn Marion will play in the new Champions Basketball League with other former NBA stars.

Clarksville High basketball great Shawn Marion retired at the end of the 2015 NBA season, but his playing days aren’t over.

The four-time NBA All-Star, who spent 16 seasons with five different teams, has signed to play in the new Champions Basketball League, which will launch in summer 2017.

Shawn Marion Top 10 Plays of his Career

The league will feature former pro players, many of whom are coming straight from the NBA.

Marion will play for the New York-based Gotham Ballers.

Other members on the team include Al Harrington, Kenyon Martin, Eddy Curry, Kareem Rush, Tyshawn Taylor, Jamaal Tinsley, Terrence Williams, Josh Childress, Daniel Gibson and Renaldo Balkman.

“We’re thrilled to announce this powerful team lineup — these great talents, players straight out the NBA (who) are passionate about the game and have ties to the region,” said NBA great Mark Aguirre, the league president. “Ultimately, we are creating highly competitive play and connecting fans to these exciting games and athletes they love.”

Along with New York, teams will be located in Boston, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Detroit, Chicago, Atlanta, Cleveland, Washington, D.C., Phoenix, Orlando, Miami, Dallas, Houston and Minneapolis.

The teams will play exhibition games and in charity events prior to the start of the inaugural season.

Reach Mike Organ at 615-259-8021 and on Twitter @MikeOrganWriter.

Dickson County quarterback Jacob Murphree passed for 2,668 yards and 27 touchdowns last season.

Predicted order of finish

1. Henry County

2. Brentwood

3. Centennial

4. Northeast

5. Dickson County

6. Clarksville

7. Rossview

8. West Creek

Cole Mabry

Top returnees

Caleb McCutcheon, Jr., RB, Henry County; Lukas Reynolds, Jr., RB, Henry County; Tucker Day, Sr., PK-P, Brentwood; Cole Mabry, Jr., OL, Brentwood; Devious Christmon, Sr., WR, Centennial; Eli Katina, Sr., OL, Centennial; Quinton Cross, Jr., QB-RB, Northeast; Derecus Washington, Sr., FB-LB, Northeast; Jacob Murphree, Sr., QB, Dickson County; Jack Sensing, Jr., WR, Dickson County; Caleb Rozar, Sr., WR-DB, Dickson County; Brevon Johnson, Sr., FB-LB, Clarksville; Isaiah Phillips, Jr., RB-DB, Rossview; Isaiah Martin, Sr., DE, West Creek

Devious Christmon

Top games to watch 

Henry County at Brentwood (Oct. 21); Centennial at Henry County (Oct. 28); Brentwood at Centennial (Oct. 7); Dickson County at Northeast (Sept. 30); Northeast at Clarksville (Oct. 7)

Region tidbits

McCutcheon and Reynolds were 1,000-yard rushers last season, with Reynolds being named the region’s offensive most valuable player. … Day, who has offers from Army and Navy, is ranked 19th nationally by kohlskicking.com. … Mabry has an offer from Memphis. … Christmon had 31 receptions for 529 yards and 3 touchdowns as a junior. … Katina was the region’s offensive lineman of the year. … Cross rushed for 895 yards and 11 touchdowns last season but is moving to quarterback. … Washington led the Eagles with 98 tackles and intercepted two passes … Murphree passed for 2,668 yards and 27 touchdowns last season, with Sensing catching 36 passes for 705 yards and 9 touchdowns. … Rozar is a North Carolina commitment who made 61 tackles last season.

Region football preview recap

Schedules

(2015 record in parentheses, * denotes region contest)

Brentwood (6-6, 5-2, reached Class 5A second round): Aug. 19 at Independence; Aug. 26 vs. Ravenwood; *Sept. 2 vs. Rossview; Sept. 9 at Franklin; *Sept. 16 at Dickson County; *Sept. 23 vs. Northeast; *Sept. 30 vs. West Creek; *Oct. 7 at Centennial; *Oct. 21 vs. Henry County; *Oct. 28 at Clarksville

Centennial (12-2, 7-0, reached Class 5A semifinals): Aug. 19 at Franklin; Aug. 26 vs. Independence; *Sept. 2 vs. Dickson County; Sept. 9 at Ravenwood; *Sept. 16 at Northeast; *Sept. 23 vs. West Creek; *Sept. 30 at Clarksville; *Oct. 7 vs. Brentwood; *Oct. 21 vs. Rossview; *Oct. 28 at Henry County

Clarksville (1-9, 1-6): Aug. 19 at Station Camp; Aug. 26 at Kenwood; *Sept. 2 vs. West Creek; Sept. 9 vs. Springfield; *Sept. 16 at Rossview; *Sept. 23 at Henry County; *Sept. 30 vs. Centennial; *Oct. 7 vs. Northeast; *Oct. 21 at Dickson County; *Oct. 28 vs. Brentwood

Dickson County (5-6, 2-5): Aug. 19 vs. Creek Wood; Aug. 26 at Columbia; *Sept. 2 at Centennial; Sept. 9 vs. Spring Hill; *Sept. 16 vs. Brentwood; *Sept. 23 vs. Rossview; *Sept. 30 at Northeast; *Oct. 7 at Henry County; *Oct. 21 vs. Clarksville; *Oct. 28 at West Creek

Henry County (10-3, 6-1, reached Class 5A quarterfinals): Aug. 19 at Liberty Tech; Aug. 26 at Houston; *Sept. 2 vs. Northeast; Sept. 9 at Gallatin; *Sept. 16 at West Creek; *Sept. 23 vs. Clarksville; *Sept. 30 at Rossview; *Oct. 7 vs. Dickson County; *Oct. 21 at Brentwood; *Oct. 28 vs. Centennial

Northeast (6-6, 3-4, reached Class 5A second round): Aug. 19 vs. Sycamore; Aug. 26 vs. Father Ryan; *Sept. 2 at Henry County; Sept. 9 vs. Kenwood; *Sept. 16 vs. Centennial; *Sept. 23 at Brentwood; *Sept. 30 vs. Dickson County; *Oct. 7 at Clarksville; *Oct. 21 vs. West Creek; *Oct. 28 at Rossview

Rossview (6-4, 3-4): Aug. 19 at East Nashville; Aug. 26 vs. Beech; *Sept. 2 at Brentwood; Sept. 9 vs. Station Camp; *Sept. 16 vs. Clarksville; *Sept. 23 at Dickson County; *Sept. 30 vs. Henry County; *Oct. 7 at West Creek; *Oct. 21 at Centennial; *Oct. 28 vs. Northeast

West Creek (1-9, 1-6): Aug. 19 at Kenwood; Aug. 26 vs. Hopkinsville (Ky.); *Sept. 2 at Clarksville; Sept. 9 vs.  Northwest; *Sept. 16 vs. Henry County; *Sept. 23 at Centennial; *Sept. 30 at Brentwood; *Oct. 7 vs. Rossview; *Oct. 21 at Northeast; *Oct. 28 vs. Dickson County

Reach Craig Harris at 615-259-8238 and on Twitter @CHTennessean. 

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It’s not uncommon for a high-school football team to play on Thursday.

However, Mt. Juliet is quickly making it even more common.

The Golden Bears have three Thursday games this season, hosting Cane Ridge on Aug. 25 before playing region contests at Antioch on Oct. 6 and at McGavock to close the regular season on Oct. 27.

Mt. Juliet

“All three were our idea,” Mt. Juliet coach Trey Perry said. “For two of the three, they were about (open) dates. With Antioch, we looked at it as an opportunity to give kids and coaches an extra day off. The Cane Ridge game, we have youth night that night … and combine it with their fundraiser on Friday night, which we’re going to allow them to use our facility for that.

“The last game, we thought the Thursday game would be good for scouting (potential playoff opponents) or just rest.”

Mt. Juliet last played on Thursday during the final regular-season game of the 2014 season, a 49-0 win over Portland.

Trey Perrry

“I worry a little about the (quicker) preparation, but we’ve done it before and handled it well,” Perry said. “The biggest disadvantage is rescheduling your freshman games (that are typically played on Thursdays). That’s tough, but we got on it early enough to do it. The other disadvantage is having to get up for school the next day, so we’ll have to handle that.”

Reach Craig Harris at 615-259-8238 and on Twitter @CHTennessean. 

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Davidson Academy senior standout Obinna Eze has narrowed down his list of college choices and will be committing on Monday afternoon.

Eze – a 6-foot-7, 280-pound offensive tackle – has scholarship offers from all of the Southeastern Conference schools with the exception of Arkansas and Texas A&M.

Obinna Eze

Four of those SEC schools — Alabama, Auburn, Florida and Tennessee — are among the final six that he’s considering, along with Duke and Memphis.

Eze, a Nigerian exchange student, has yet to play high school varsity football. He has been limited to junior varsity action last season due to Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association eligibility rules pertaining to exchange students.

Eze is a four-star prospect by 247Sports, the 26th-ranked offensive tackle in the Class of 2017 and the state’s eighth-ranked prospect overall.

Reach Craig Harris at 615-259-8238 and on Twitter @CHTennessean. 

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Independence sophomore Kendrell Scurry isn’t there yet, but Eagles coach Scott Blade believes that he has the potential to be among the top wide receivers to come through the Williamson County high school.

Independence sophomore wide receiver Kendrell Scurry

That’s particularly high praise considering the number of talented pass catchers Independence has produced in recent years, including Michigan’s Nate Johnson, Tennessee’s Rashaan Gaulden and California’s Vic Wharton.

“His ceiling is extremely high,” Blade said. “He’s nowhere near his potential right now, and he’s just going to get better and better. We anticipate him contributing a lot this year, possibly starting and potentially being one of the best receivers to ever come out of here when it’s all said and done.”

Apparently Blade isn’t the only who thinks so, either.

“He played in some 7-on-7s up in Knoxville and I guess caught the attention of some people up there,” Blade said. “They realized he was an upcoming sophomore and wanted to get on his recruiting radar early. That’s kind of how it goes.”

• RELATED: 
  Region 5-5A preview

Scurry, who was offered by Tennessee and Toledo this offseason, committed to the Vols last month despite not yet playing a down on the varsity level.

“When people say, ‘You’ve only played freshman ball,’ or ‘You haven’t played varsity,’ all I have to say is I was playing behind the number one receiver in the state,” Scurry said. “I’m pretty sure that any receiver in Tennessee would play behind Nate Johnson.”

In addition to Johnson, 2016 graduates Seth Huner, Pierre Watkins and Adam Swayze have also moved on, giving Scurry the chance to prove himself on the field this fall.

“He’ll have an opportunity,” Blade said. “He’s right there, we’re just looking for a little bit more consistency with him. But he’s getting better every day in practice.”

Scurry is the third non-senior football player in Middle Tennessee to commit to an Southeastern Conference school, joining Franklin offensive lineman Max Wray (Georgia) and Coffee County junior athlete Alontae Taylor (Tennessee).

2016 Dandy Dozen: Top college football prospects

Reach Michael Murphy at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports.

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HARTSVILLE The Station Camp football team faced adversity in bunches against one of Kentucky’s premier football teams in Friday evening’s Trousdale County Tobacco Bowl Jamboree.

Here are three things about the Bison’s 35-0 loss to Bowling Green:

Stalled offense

The Bison struggled to get any offense against the Purples as Station Camp picked up only one first down in a 35-0 loss.

It was the second consecutive scrimmage that head coach Shaun Hollinsworth was not pleased with his team’s effort, especially with the regular season opening next Friday.

“I’m just really at a loss for words right now. I mean we played a pretty good team, but I think we can do a lot better than we did tonight,” Hollinsworth said. “It’s good to play against quality opponents, and after last Tuesday (against Brentwood) I found a lot of positives in the film that led me believe to think we’d be good tonight, but I don’t know why that didn’t transpire.”

Sumner quotes and notes

Starters see tough test

The first team offense played a quarter and a half of the two-quarter format, but never found any footing against a Bowling Green team that has claimed four of the past five Class 5A state titles in Kentucky, including last year’s 21-7 victory in the title game against Pulaski County.

“You just got to get this out of your mind and go forward from here,” Hollinsworth said. “Hopefully we will have some guys back next week, and you just have to put this one behind you because everybody is 0-0.”

Westmoreland tunes up with Panthers

Perry healing

Station Camp was without the services of junior running back Sirtavious Perry who was nursing various ailments, though Hollinsworth expects him to be ready to go for the season open next week as the Bison host Clarksville.

Gallatin tested in final scrimmage

Next week: Clarksville at Station Camp, Friday, 7 p.m.

Station Camp head coach Shaun Hollinsworth talks to his team during a break in action during Friday’s Tobacco Bowl Jamboree

Last meeting: Clarksville initially won last year’s season opener 21-20 at home, but was forced to forfeit the game later in the season after reporting the use of an ineligible player.

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MURFREESBORO — To earn a scholarship offer from an SEC football school is an accomplishment in itself.

La Vergne’s Princeton Fant on, Saturday, July 30, 2016.

To do that after having sat out your junior year with an injury makes the feat even more substantial.

Such is the case with La Vergne senior wide receiver Princeton Fant, who recently committed to Tennessee and is healthy entering the 2016 high school season.

No. 8 on The Tennessean’s Dandy Dozen, Fant is anxious to get back on the field under the lights on Friday nights, but impressing college scouts is no longer a priority. The Dandy Dozen is a list of the top senior college football prospects in Middle Tennessee as selected by The Tennessean high school sports staff with input from area high school coaches and recruiting services.

“I just want to be a great wide receiver and captain,” said the 6-3, 210-pound Fant, who missed the 2015 season after tearing an ACL the prior spring. “When it gets tough in the fourth quarter, I want to be the one keeping everyone positive and not let the team get down.”

Fant had 14 receptions for 326 yards in 2014. He also carried the ball nine times for 141 yards. His size and speed made him a viable Division I recruit, despite the little sample size.

“I have a lot of confidence,” said Fant, who will make up a tough 1-2 punch at wide receiver for the Wolverines, along with fellow senior and UT commit Maleik Gray.

“Coaches are going to expect a lot out of me and Maleik to make plays at crucial times. I want to be a playmaker. I want to go up and make the big plays.”

Fant has injury rehab and his college decision out of the way where he can concentrate on making the big plays.

“I want to play college ball and I obviously don’t want to hurt my knee again,” Fant said. “But I feel confident and I’ll play without any fear this year. I’m ready to go to the next level, but first I’m ready to ball (at La Vergne), after missing a whole season.”

Reach Cecil Joyce at 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @CecilJoyce.

PRINCETON FANT

La Vergne, Wide receiver

Height: 6-3 Weight: 210

247Sports composite: Three stars

College plans: Committed to Tennessee on June 18.

2015 statistics: Sat out entire junior season with a torn right ACL.

Neighboring Portland and host Westmoreland used Friday’s jamboree to fine-tune some things before next week’s season opener.

Here are five things about the Eagles in their 20-7 victory:

American footbal ball

Early success

Westmoreland’s offense racked up 110 rushing yards in their first two drives. The Eagles did not put their first three drives of the half, all of which resulted in touchdowns.

Feeding Crowson

Fullback Hunter Crowson was a focal part of the offense. Crowson had runs of 47 and 21 yards, including a 6-yard touchdown to give the Eagles an early 6-0 lead.

Opportunistic defense

A crucial play by Westmoreland’s defense led to their third score of the night. A bad snap by Portland resulted in a fumble recovery by defensive lineman Tyler Watson. This gave the Eagles the ball at Portland’s 15-yard line, which ended with a 17-yard pass from Blake Carter to Tate Sloan, increasing Westmoreland’s lead to 20-0.

Backups take lumps

Westmoreland’s second-string players entered the game in the second quarter. Penalties and mistakes hurt this group for much of the remainder of the half, including a block in the back and two illegal procedure penalties.

Learning the air

Despite the touchdown pass from Carter, head coach Steve Harris says he still wants to see improvement in this area of the team. “We’re going to have to improve in our passing game,” Harris said. “It’s not where we want it to be. But if we can throw a little bit to keep people honest then that’s going to make our running attack a lot more effective.”

Sumner quotes and notes

Five things about the Panthers following the loss:

Starters stumble

The Panthers’ first-string struggled on both sides of the ball throughout the first quarter. Portland’s offense did not gain a first down in their first three possessions, while failing to force a Westmoreland punt on defense.

Costly mistakes

Turnovers and penalties were also a problem early on. A fumbled snap by starting quarterback Brandon Meador resulted in another Westmoreland touchdown. “It hurt us but you’ve still got to play defense,” head coach Greg Cavanah said. “We didn’t fall on the ball. We tried to pick the ball up when we could’ve fallen on it to get it away from them.”

Johnson breaks loose

The Panthers got on the board late in the second quarter after running back Emmanuel Johnson found the endzone from a 30-yard run, after being limited to only two yards rushing in the first quarter. Johnson will be counted on this season as a focal part of the Panthers’ offense.

Gallatin tested in final scrimmage

Persistence pays

Portland managed to find a big play from the air late in the second quarter. Meador connected with running back Austin Hardy for an 18-yard completion.

Improvement comes later

Head coach Greg Cavanah says he was pleased with improved play in the second quarter, admitting that inexperience in some areas was a factor for his team. “Take nothing away from Westmoreland. They came out early and didn’t make any mistakes. I thought the longer the game went we played better. We’re young in some positions and they exploited our young positions early on their offense. We finally started playing well and started reading our keys the way we were supposed to.”

Station Camp shut out in dress rehearsal

Next week: Portland at Franklin-Simpson (Ky.), Friday, 7 p.m.

Last meeting: The Panthers suffered a 23-14 loss to visiting Franklin-Simpson to open the 2015 season.

Next week: Westmoreland at Trousdale County, Friday, 7 p.m.

Last meeting: The Eagles suffered a 13-7 loss to the visiting Yellow Jackets in last year’s season opener.

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Gentry Bonds

Oakland senior JaCoby Stevens recently committed to LSU.

Predicted order of finish

1. Oakland

2. Blackman

3. Smyrna

4. Riverdale

5. Cookeville

6. Siegel

7. Coffee County

8. Warren County

Joeseph Sewell

Top returnees

Gentry Bonds, Sr., WR/S, Riverdale; Brendan Mathews, Sr., QB, Oakland; Tony Ochoa, Sr., LB, Blackman; Kaleb Oliver, Sr., S, Oakland; Lazarius Patterson, Sr., RB, Oakland; Casey Perkins, Sr., RB, Smyrna; Joeseph Sewell, Sr., TE, Blackman; JaCoby Stevens, Sr., WR/S, Oakland; Alontae Taylor, Jr., QB/WR/S, Coffee County; Master Teague, Jr., RB, Blackman; John Turner, Sr., QB, Smyrna; Marqwell Odom, Sr., WR/CB, Riverdale; Jacob Smith, Sr., K, Siegel

Top games

Blackman at Riverdale (Sept. 2); Oakland at Blackman (Sept. 16); Blackman at Smyrna (Sept. 30); Oakland at Riverdale (Oct. 14); Riverdale at Smyrna (Oct. 21); Smyrna at Oakland (Oct. 28)

Region football preview recap

Region tidbits

Region 2-6A went 6-2 in the opening round of the playoffs, with just Coffee County and Warren County losing. … Since 2009 when the TSSAA expanded to six classes, no Rutherford County 6A program has won back-to-back district/region titles. Oakland is the defending region champion. … Siegel defensive end Joseph Anderson (69) and Blackman wide receiver Trey Knox (84) were named to 247Sports’ initial Top 100 for the Class of 2019. … Three players in the region have committed to SEC programs in Oliver (Mississippi State), Stevens (LSU) and Taylor (Tennessee). … Turner, an MTSU commitment, threw for 2,077 yards as a junior. … Coffee County will share its kicker with the school’s girls soccer team. Mackenzie Anderson will kick PATs and field goals from inside the 20. Exchange student Pablo Sanz from Madrid will be the team’s kickoff specialist. … Cookeville senior Blake Ashburn has moved from receiver to running back to replace graduated Vic Johnson, who rushed for 1,923 yards in 2015. Ashburn, a three-year starter, last played tailback as a freshman.

Region football preview recap

Schedules

(2015 record in parentheses, * denotes region contest)

Blackman (10-3, 6-1, reached Class 6A quarterfinal): Aug. 26 at McCallie; *Sept. 2 at Riverdale; Sept. 9 vs. Shades Valley, Ala.; *Sept. 16 vs. Oakland; *Sept. 23 vs. Cookeville; *Sept. 30 at Smyrna; Oct. 7 at Jackson South Side; *Oct. 14 vs. Siegel; *Oct. 21 at Coffee County; *Oct. 28 vs. Warren County

Coffee County (3-8, 1-6, reached Class 6A first round): Aug. 19 at Tullahoma; Aug. 26: at Pope John Paul II; *Sept. 2 at Smyrna; Sept. 9 vs. Walker Valley; *Sept. 16 at Riverdale; *Sept. 23 vs. Oakland; *Sept. 30 vs. Cookeville; *Oct. 14 at Warren County; *Oct. 21 vs. Blackman; *Oct. 28 vs. Siegel

Cookeville (8-4, 4-3, reached Class 6A second round): Aug. 19 vs. Upperman; Aug. 26 at Livingston Academy; *Sept. 2 at Warren County; Sept. 9 vs. White County; *Sept. 16 vs. Siegel; *Sept. 23 at Blackman; *Sept. 30 at Coffee County; *Oct. 14 vs. Smyrna; *Oct. 21 at Oakland; *Oct. 28 vs. Riverdale

Oakland (12-2, 7-0, reached Class 6A semifinal): Aug. 20 vs. Jackson North Side; Aug. 26 vs. Hillsboro; *Sept. 2 at Siegel; *Sept. 16 at Blackman; *Sept. 23 at Coffee County; *Sept. 30 vs. Warren County; Oct. 7 at Haywood; *Oct.14 at Riverdale; *Oct. 21 vs. Cookeville; *Oct. 28 vs. Smyrna

Riverdale (6-6, 3-4, reached Class 6A second round): Aug. 20 vs. Ooltewah; Aug. 26: vs. Franklin; *Sept. 2 vs. Blackman; Sept. 9 at Hillsboro; *Sept. 16 vs. Coffee Co.; *Sept. 23 at Warren County; *Sept. 30 at Siegel; *Oct. 14 vs. Oakland; *Oct. 21 at Smyrna; *Oct. 28 at Cookeville

Siegel (3-9, 2-5, reached Class 6A second round): Aug. 18 vs. Ravenwood; Aug. 26 at Hendersonville; *Sept. 2 vs. Oakland; Sept. 9 at Wilson Central; *Sept. 16 at Cookeville; *Sept. 23 vs. Smyrna; *Sept. 30 vs. Riverdale; *Oct. 14 at Blackman; *Oct. 21 vs. Warren County; *Oct. 28 at Coffee County

Smyrna (9-4, 5-2, reached Class 6A quarterfinal): Aug. 19 vs. La Vergne; Aug. 26 at Stewarts Creek; *Sept. 2 vs. Coffee County; Sept. 9 vs. Independence; *Sept. 16 at Warren County; *Sept 23 at Siegel; *Sept. 30 vs. Blackman; *Oct. 14 at Cookeville; *Oct. 21 vs. Riverdale; *Oct. 28 at Oakland

Warren County (1-10, 0-7, reached Class 6A first round): Aug. 19 at DeKalb County; Aug. 26 vs. Lebanon; *Sept. 2 vs. Cookeville; *Sept. 16 vs. Smyrna; *Sept. 23 vs. Riverdale; *Sept. 30 at Oakland; Oct. 7 at Sequatchie County; *Oct. 14 vs. Coffee County; *Oct. 21 at Siegel; *Oct. 28 at Blackman

Reach Tom Kreager at 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Kreager.

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Hendersonville High junior Sydney Cason (left)

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White House junior Madisson Davis (14).

Soccer ball

The 2016 high school girls soccer season officially gets under way on Monday. Here’s a look at some of the Midstate’s top teams, players and story lines heading into the 2016 campaign.

CLASS A/AA

Favorite: Greeneville

Contenders: Christian Academy of Knoxville, Christ Presbyterian Academy and Page

CLASS AAA

Favorite: Houston

Contenders: Brentwood, Hendersonville, Ravenwood

DIVISION II-A

Favorite: Evangelical Christian

Contenders: Battle Ground Academy, St. George’s, University School of Jackson

DIVISION II-AA

Favorite: Briarcrest

Contenders: Father Ryan, Baylor

10 PLAYERS TO WATCH

• Tally Bishop, Sr., Father Ryan: The forward and Western Kentucky commitment scored 17 goals with three assists during an injury-shortened junior season.
• Sydney Cason, Sr., Hendersonville: All-state midfielder posted 14 goals and 10 assists in just 14 matches for the Class AAA quarterfinalist Lady Commandos.
• Madisson Davis, Jr., White House: District 9-A/AA offensive MVP tallied 42 goals and 17 assists at forward for Lady Blue Devils last season.
• Peyton DePriest, Sr., Franklin: The forward and East Tennessee State commitment scored 13 goals and provided six assists for the Lady Rebels last season.
• Julie Garst, Sr., Independence: The forward and Belmont commitment tallied 33 goals and eight assists for the Region 6-AAA runner-up Lady Eagles a season ago.
• Megan Henry, Jr., Page: All-state midfielder scored 18 goals and provided eight assists for the Class A/AA semifinalist Lady Patriots.
• Karlie Paschall, Sr., Ravenwood: The midfielder and Duke commitment scored 10 goals with four assists during an injury-shortened 2015 campaign.
• Kendall Powell, Sr., Cookeville: The District 6-AAA MVP scored 23 goals and provided 13 assists at forward for the Lady Cavaliers last season.
• Chloe Tremblay, Sr., BGA: The midfielder and Lehigh commitment tallied 23 goals and four assists for the Division II-A runner-up Lady Wildcats.
• Jenna Rolfe, Sr., Ensworth: All-Midstate second-team goalkeeper posted five shutouts with a 0.55 goals-against average with five shutouts in nine matches last season.

All-Midstate girls soccer teams

3 NOTES TO KNOW

11-AAA bounce-back?
Last season marked the first time in more than two decades that a Class AAA Williamson County school failed to reach the state tournament as Region 6-AAA champion Independence and runner-up Brentwood suffered season-ending sectional defeats.

Senior debut
Clemson commitment Ashley Lawson is entering her senior year at Siegel, yet she’s still never played in a single match for the Lady Stars. Lawson, who played two seasons of club soccer before committing to Clemson last June, missed the 2015 high school season with a foot injury, and she’s finally ready to suit up for Siegel, which is led by first-year coach Michael McGoffin.

Instant contender
Nolensville might be new, but expect the first-year Williamson County school to be contenders in District 12-A/AA, which includes 2015 state tournament qualifiers CPA and Page. And first-year Lady Knights coach Eric Shelton is no stranger to starting from the ground up. Shelton, 42, started Siegel’s soccer program in 2003, leading the Lady Stars to a 181-74-29 record with a state championship and eight state tournament appearances.

3 MUST-WATCH TOURNAMENTS

CPA-Lipscomb Tournament, Aug. 18-20

Franklin County Rebelette Classic, Sept. 10-11

Ladies’ Tournament, Sept. 14-17

Reach Michael Murphy at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports.

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Summit football players aren’t very specific in regard to expectations for the upcoming season.

“We play the season for a reason,” Spartan senior running back/outside linebacker Christian Snyder said. “One of the main goals is just working hard and getting as many wins as we can, whether that’s 10 or two. I don’t think it’s going to be two.”

Summit third-year coach Brian Coleman can attest to the hard work, pointing out that was what made the difference from the winless 2014 campaign and last year’s 4-6 season.

Brian Coleman

“They really committed in the offseason,” Coleman said. “They decided in December they were not going to be 0-10 again. That made the difference. It’s because of the kids. They work hard, and our coaches are on them constantly.

“It’s that (type of work ethic) if not better (now). We have 12 seniors. They’ve really carried the torch. They’ve been leading us throughout.”

Those Spartan seniors point out that they had their fill of losing as sophomores.

“It was our attitude on the field,” Summit senior outside linebacker Jake Geasley said. “When a negative play would happen, we would just come out and fight. We just got tired of losing and want to fight the entire game.”

Snyder added, “It’s not like we were dogging it our sophomore year. Then, last year, it started to click. We started understanding what it takes to be successful. We play together. All we want to do is win. We’re excited.”

While 12 seniors isn’t a large number, 21 is more impressive. That’s the number of returning starters, including the Spartans’ entire defensive unit.

Among those returnees are senior quarterback Michael Zakrzewski and the team’s top three rushers — junior Tai Carter, senior Tyler Palmer and Snyder.

Tai Carter

“It’s definitely encouraging,” Geasley said. “We have confidence in each other. We’ve worked hard this offseason. We’re just trusting our coaches and trusting each other.”

The wealth of experience has made the preseason run considerably smoother.

“Installation has been a cinch,” said Coleman, who coached for one season at Forrest. “It’s been more of a review. It enables us to add on a whole lot more. The other stuff, we brushed up on it in the spring.”

Summit was one win away from earning a playoff berth last season, finishing one game behind four teams who were in a 4-3 logjam for second place in 5-5A. That leaves the program expecting a playoff berth this fall.

“With all this experience, we expect a better record,” Coleman said. “At 4-6, we were one game away from it last year.”

Region 5-5A preview: State champ Independence looks to repeat

The Spartan program has won just eight games over its first five seasons.

“We gained so much experience, and just from the summer alone, we are doing so well,” Snyder said. “We’re not satisfied, but we’re on track to be successful.”

Reach Craig Harris at 615-259-8238 and on Twitter @CHTennessean. 

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Goodpasture’s Jordan Jones, left, was the District 8-A MVP last season.

The 2016 high school girls volleyball season gets under way on Monday. Here is a look at some of the Midstate area’s top teams, players and story lines heading into 2016.

Volleyball on indoor volleyball court, elevated view

Class A

Favorite: Goodpasture,

Contenders: Concord Christian, South Greene

Class AA

Favorite: Page

Contenders: Knoxville Catholic, Sullivan South

Class AAA

Favorite: Brentwood

Contenders: Farragut, Franklin

Division II-A

Favorite: Knoxville Webb

Contender: Harding Academy

Division II-AA

Favorite: Briarcrest

Contenders: Baylor, Harpeth Hall

Harpeth Hall’s Lauren Bars (16) has committed to Ole Miss.

10 PLAYERS TO WATCH

• Lauren Bars, Harpeth Hall, Sr.: The Ole Miss commitment leads the Bears offense.
• Tricia Brown, Ensworth, Sr.: The outside hitter is the Lady Tigers’ top offensive weapon.

Franklin High senior Breanna Carlton returns for the Lady Rebels

• Breanna Carlton, Franklin, Sr.: Carlton dished out 962 assists as the Lady Rebels’ setter.
• Logan Eggleston, Brentwood, So.: The outside hitter has been chosen to compete for the U.S. Girls Youth National Team in Puerto Rico from Aug. 31-Sept. 8.

Brentwood outside hitter Garrett Joiner (20) helped lead the Lady Bruins to the 2015 Class AAA state championship.

• Garrett Joiner, Brentwood, Jr.: The Virginia commitment and outside hitter had 498 kills with 107 aces last season.
• Jordan Jones, Goodpasture, Sr.: The middle hitter was the District 8-A and Region 4-A MVP last season.
• Mackenzie LePage, Franklin, Sr.: The middle hitter had 272 kills a year ago.
• Leah Poarch, Siegel, Sr.: The outside hitter had 489 kills to help lead the Lady Stars to a Class AAA third-place finish.
• Maggie Thompson, Father Ryan, Sr.: The setter is one of two starters back from last year’s Division II-AA championship team.
• Sara Grace Wilson, Mt. Juliet, Sr.: The Troy commitment and libero headlines the Lady Bears’ defense.

Ann Mullins is in her first season as Father Ryan’s volleyball coach. She is a former Lady Irish standout.

Changing of guard

New Father Ryan coach Ann Mullins returns to her alma mater, replacing longtime coach Jinx Cockerham, who led the Lady Irish to five state championships and 10 runner-up finishes. Mullins, a 2003 graduate, was a libero at  Tennessee and Lipscomb. She is one of five sisters who were standout players at Father Ryan.

Mullins recently coached at Ensworth and had been at Siegel.

“Just to be at a place with so much pedigree from coach Cockerham is cool,” Mullins said. “But it’s a lot to take on.”

Siegel’s Leah Poarch (21) is one of two starters returning off last year’s third-place team at state.

Siegel reloads

Siegel must replace five starters off a team that finished third in the Class AAA state tournament in 2015 for the third consecutive season. However, the Lady Stars lineup will likely include a freshman and three sophomores. That freshman, Sophie Bossong, is a 6-foot setter.

New identity

Three-time defending Class A state champion Goodpasture will have a new identity this season, coach Lynn Dearing said. The Lady Cougars, who won the 2012 Class AA state title before being reclassified to Class A, return just three starters from last season’s squad.

“We’re a different team,” Dearing said. “We’ve had times when we were a powerhouse and at times we relied on our defense.

“This year we’re a mix of both. We’re not a super defensive team or really overpowering. I expect long volleys.”

3 must-watch tournaments

Smyrna Bulldog Bash, Aug. 19-20

WILLCO Volleyball Tournament, Sept. 23-24

Mid-Tenn Classic, Sept. 30-Oct. 1

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PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH

1. Franklin

2. Wilson Central

3. Mt. Juliet

4. Overton

5. Ravenwood

6. McGavock

7. Lebanon

8. Antioch

Overton senior and Tennessee commitment Theo Jackson (5)

TOP RETURNEES

Blake Wiggins, Sr., TE/LB, Antioch; D.J. Delfendahl, Sr., OL, Mt. Juliet; Justin Satterfield, Sr., OL, Mt. Juliet; Max Wray, Jr., OL, Franklin; Mitch Rossi, Sr., FB/LB, Franklin; Patrick Leitten, Sr., OL, Ravenwood; Ray Coggins, Sr., DB, Wilson Central; T.J. Minnifee, Sr., OLB, Wilson Central; Tahj Williams, Sr., LB, Ravenwood; Theo Jackson, Sr., QB/DB, Overton.

Region football preview recap

TOP GAMES

Franklin at Ravenwood (Sept. 16); Mt. Juliet at Wilson Central (Sept. 23); Overton at McGavock (Sept. 23); Ravenwood at Overton (Oct. 14); Franklin at Mt. Juliet (Oct. 21).

Ravenwood offensive lineman Patrick Leitten (60) is one of the few starters returning from last season’s Class 6A championship squad.

REGION TIDBITS

Ravenwood, led by first-year coach Richie Wessman, is faced with the task of replacing the bulk of its starters from last season’s Class 6A state championship team. The Raptors welcome back just five starters from last year’s senior-laden Class 6A state championship squad. … Franklin returns four starters along its offensive front, including Wray, a Georgia commitment, and seniors Caden Williams, Vaughn Hamill and Ben McClendon. … Senior Hunters Lane transfer Jamarius Smith is penciled in as McGavock’s starting quarterback.… Second-year Lebanon coach and seven-time Kentucky state champion Sam Harp has compiled 331 career wins — the most among active Midstate coaches. … After three years away, coach Mike Woodward returns for his second stint at Antioch, which has struggled to an 8-24 record since his 2012 departure. … Jackson, a three-star defensive back and the state’s No. 16-ranked prospect according to 247Sports, will start at quarterback for the Bobcats this fall.

Mike Woodward back at Antioch trying to rebuild football program

Franklin coach Donnie Webb

SCHEDULES

2015 record in parentheses, * denotes region contest

Antioch (0-10, 0-6, reached Class 6A first round): Aug. 19 at Cane Ridge; Aug. 26 at La Vergne; *Sept. 2 vs. Wilson Central; *Sept. 16 vs. Overton; Sept. 23 vs. Stewarts Creek; *Sept. 30 at Franklin; *Oct. 7 vs. Mt. Juliet; *Oct. 14 at Lebanon; *Oct. 21 vs. McGavock; *Oct. 28 at Ravenwood.

Franklin (8-4, 5-2, reached Class 6A second round): Aug. 19 vs. Centennial; Aug. 26 at Riverdale; *Sept. 2 at Overton; Sept. 9 vs. Brentwood; *Sept. 16 at Ravenwood; *Sept. 30 vs. Antioch; *Oct. 6 vs. Wilson Central; *Oct. 14 at McGavock; *Oct. 21 at Mt. Juliet; *Oct. 28 vs. Lebanon.

Lebanon (3-8, 1-6, reached Class 6A first round): Aug. 26 at Warren County; *Sept. 2 vs. McGavock; Sept. 9 at Summit; *Sept. 16 vs. Mt. Juliet; Sept. 23 vs. Portland; *Sept. 30 vs. Wilson Central; *Oct. 7 at Ravenwood; *Oct. 14 vs. Antioch; *Oct. 21 vs. Overton; *Oct. 28 at Franklin.

McGavock (7-5, 5-2, reached Class 6A second round): Aug. 19 vs. Hendersonville; Aug. 26 vs. Spring Hill; *Sept. 2 at Lebanon; Sept. 9 at Cane Ridge; *Sept. 16 at Wilson Central; *Sept. 23 vs. Overton; *Sept. 30 vs. Ravenwood; *Oct. 14 vs. Franklin; *Oct. 21 at Antioch;*Oct. 27 vs. Mt. Juliet.

Mt. Juliet (6-6, 4-3, reached Class 6A second round): Aug. 19 vs. Gallatin; Aug. 25 vs. Cane Ridge; *Sept. 2 vs. Ravenwood; Sept. 9 at Franklin County; *Sept. 16 vs. Lebanon; *Sept. 23 at Wilson Central; *Sept. 30 at Overton; *Oct. 6 at Antioch; *Oct. 21 vs. Franklin; *Oct. 27 at McGavock.

Overton (7-5, 4-3, reached Class 6A second round): Aug. 19 vs. Stewarts Creek; Aug. 26 at Marshall County; *Sept. 2 vs. Franklin; Sept. 9 vs. Lipscomb; *Sept. 16 at Antioch; *Sept. 23 at McGavock; *Sept. 30 vs. Mt. Juliet; *Oct. 14 vs. Ravenwood; *Oct. 21 at Lebanon; *Oct. 28 at Wilson Central.

Ravenwood (14-1, 7-0, won Class 6A championship): Aug. 18 at Siegel; Aug. 26 at Brentwood; *Sept. 2 at Mt. Juliet; Sept. 9 vs. Centennial; *Sept. 16 vs. Franklin; *Sept. 30 at McGavock; *Oct. 7 vs. Lebanon; *Oct. 14 at Overton; *Oct. 21 vs. Wilson Central; *Oct. 28 vs. Antioch.

Wilson Central (6-7, 2-5, reached Class 6A quarterfinals): Aug. 19 at Beech; Aug. 26 vs. Station Camp; *Sept. 2 at Antioch; Sept. 9 vs. Siegel; *Sept. 16 vs. McGavock; *Sept. 23 vs. Mt. Juliet; *Sept. 30 at Lebanon; *Oct. 6 at Franklin; *Oct. 21 at Ravenwood; *Oct. 28 vs. Overton.

Reach Michael Murphy at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports. 

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Let’s be honest. We like rankings.

We like seeing where folks think our favorite sports teams are listed. It provides water cooler fodder for the upcoming week.

Well, we took that to heart for high school football in the Midstate.

Tennessean high school sports coordinator Tom Kreager

A group of eight high school sports writers from news outlets in the USA Today Sports network for Middle Tennessee met last week and ranked all 126 prep football programs eligible for the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association postseason within The Tennessean’s coverage area.

It was one of three football rankings that we as a group chose to take on for the start of the 2016 season, which kicks off Thursday with a couple games and a full slate on Friday.

Ranking Middle Tennessee’s prep football teams No. 1 to 126
Midstate football top 10: Large schools
Midstate football top 10: Small schools

The other two rankings, which will be updated all season, are a Midstate large-school poll and a small-school poll. There has been chatter over the years of a need for a smaller poll. After all, the chance of a Class 1A program ever making it to the No. 1 spot of the past Midstate poll wasn’t really ever feasible.

Brentwood Academy quarterback Jeremiah Oatsvall (4) and Brentwood Academy is ranked No. 1 in The Midstate large-school poll.

The large-school poll will consist of teams in Class 4A-6A as well as Division II-AA. Brentwood Academy is the top-ranked team in the large-school pool. The small school includes teams from Class 1A-3A along with Division II-A. Christ Presbyterian Academy is ranked first in the small-school pool.

No, we didn’t ask if any small school wanted to move up to the large-school poll. And we didn’t look to see if we have the same amount of schools in each poll. Our heads spin enough during the TSSAA’s reclassification meetings to consider such a thing.

Coach Ingle Martin has compiled a 67-6 record in five seasons at CPA

Each Monday, like in past years, we’ll update both Midstate polls using input from our reporters across Middle Tennessee.

But our rankings of all 126 programs won’t be updated as the season goes on. The debate around our dry erase board was lively enough. I’m not sure we can handle that on a weekly basis.

However, we will meet one more time after the state championships are won in Cookeville in December to do a final poll for all schools.

Reach Tom Kreager at 615-259-8089 and on Twitter @Kreager.

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The Westmoreland High football program has consistently been in the playoffs in recent seasons.

Senior Corey Gardner receives a handoff during a recent scrimmage. Gardner should see time at tailback for the Eagles’ offense.

However, the Eagles weren’t quite able to achieve their goals in last year’s sub-.500 campaign.

Living up to those expectations was a tall task, as Westmoreland was coming off three consecutive nine-win seasons that included a playoff victory in each campaign.

“Our goal every year is to be in the playoffs,” Eagle fifth-year head coach Steve Harris said. “That’s obviously one of our goals.

“We feel like we can be as good as they want to be … it’s (a matter of) how hard they want to work. If we can stay relatively free of injury, we feel like we can have a successful season.”

Westmoreland was 5-5 during the regular season – placing third in Region 4-2A – but suffered a 42-0 loss at eventual state runner-up Marion County in the opening round of the Class 2A playoffs. It was the Eagles’ fourth consecutive postseason appearance.

Westmoreland lost 14 seniors from last season.

Ten seniors will attempt to lead the Eagles during the upcoming campaign as they attempt to remain near the top of the region standings.

Personnel

Westmoreland suffered its greatest loss in the offensive line, as senior center Ryan York is the lone returning starter.

“(York) had a good year for us last year,” Harris said. “He’s had a good fall camp. He’s our lone returning starter, so he’ll have to lead the offensive line.”

Junior Drew Gregory and sophomore Chris Birchfield are expected to start at the guard spots.

Senior Blake Carter is expected to be Westmoreland’s starting quarterback for head coach Steve Harris.

Seniors Logan Carter and Zach Taylor, junior Drake Neal, sophomore Alex James and freshman Garrett Crouch are all options at tackle.

Senior John Wright will serve as the tight end, though sophomore Chris Wix should also see action there.

Westmoreland’s run-oriented wing-T offense is hoping to experience greater productivity with its passing game after throwing for 875 yards and 10 touchdowns over the last two seasons combined.

Senior Blake Carter is the frontrunner to start at quarterback, with junior Blake Eakle likely serving as the backup.

“We put a lot of time into trying to develop our passing game,” Harris said. “It’s still not where we want it to be. We’re going to continue to work on it and hope to get better in that area so that we can keep people from crowding the box.”

Carter will be joined in the backfield by junior fullback Ryin Raney, sophomore tailback Tate Sloan and senior wingback Lucas James.

“(Sloan) runs the ball extremely hard,” Harris said. “He knows something about getting pad level down. Football is real important to him, and he has a good head for the game.”

Senior Corey Gardner will also see action at tailback, and senior Hunter Crowson will play at various positions after averaging 9.1 yards per carry last season.

“We feel like we have a good, solid group at running back,” Harris said. “Any depth we have, that’s where it is. A lot of those guys are interchangeable. We’re excited about our running backs.”

Junior Chris McLennan will be at split end.

Junior Michael Graves will serve as the placekicker, and Sloan will punt and will also return kickoffs. Sloan averaged 32.7 yards per punt last season.

Crowson will serve as the long snapper, and Gardner is expected to return punts.

The three down linemen in the Eagles’ 50 defense – consisting of a 5-2 front – are a battle between Raney, York, Drew Gregory and Tiyler Watson. Watson is a returning starter, having compiled 53 tackles and four quarterback sacks last season.

Junior Ryan Raney is expected to start at fullback in Westmoreland’s wing-T offense.

“He’s probably our strongest player,” Harris said of Watson. “He’s going to have to do a better job of being in shape, especially early in the year. We need him to lead us in the defensive line.”

Carter and Crowson are expected to start at defensive end, with juniors Mason Gregory and Robert Hall providing depth there. Crowson had 60 tackles, four quarterback sacks and three fumble recoveries as a junior, and Carter made 43 tackles and had two sacks.

The linebackers – James and Sloan – are returning starters, though Sloan is moving there from defensive end. James made a team-high 107 tackles last season, while Sloan recorded 77 tackles.

“Those two can be as good of a pair as we’ve had here,” Harris said. “(Sloan) had a big year for us last year as a freshman, and he’s had a really good fall camp.”

Garnder and junior Cody Eakle are expected to start at cornerback, with juniors Blake Eakle and Daniel Mizrahi at safety. Carter, McLennan and Wright will also play in the secondary.

Gardner is a returning starter who had 49 tackles and two interceptions last season.

“We have a young secondary, and I’m concerned with depth along the defensive line,” Harris said. “We have to stay healthy. We just don’t have much depth at all. We have a couple of positions where we’re very thin. We can’t afford injuries that will keep people out for any length of time.”

Outlook

The Eagles suffered league losses to region champion Forrest and second-place Watertown last season, and behind senior quarterback Seth Price, Watertown could be the team to beat in 4-2A this fall. Price was the 4-2A Co-Offensive Player of the Year last fall.

Westmoreland junior Blake Carter works with a blocking dummy during a preseason practice session.

“Watertown has a lot of people coming back,” Harris said. “Forrest does a great job of coaching the people they have. Eagleville was really young last year. I look for them to make a big jump this year.

“I think the region from top to bottom is going to be a lot stronger than it was last season.”

Westmoreland’s three non-region foes – Trousdale County, Macon County and White House Heritage – had a combined record of 21-13 last season, with White House Heritage reaching the Class 3A quarterfinals.

The Eagles open the season by facing Trousdale County, Macon County and Forrest.

“I don’t know if it gets any tougher than starting the season going to Trousdale,” Harris said. “They have almost all of their football team returning from last season. Then, we go to Macon, and they expect to have one of the best teams they’ve had in a long time. They have an outstanding quarterback (Seth Carlisle). Then, we play one of the top teams in our region.

“The first three ballgames are going to be a big test for us.”

Follow Craig Harris on Twitter @CHTennessean.

WESTMORELAND (5-6)

7…vs. Trousdale County…13

15…vs. Macon County…33

7…at Forrest…35

35…vs. Community…0

48…at East Robertson…19

35…vs. Jackson County…7

34…at Eagleville…7

0…at White House Heritage…37

41…vs. Cascade…14

6…at Watertown…42

Class 2A Playoffs

0…at Marion County…42

2016 SCHEDULE

August

Aug. 19 @ Trousdale County – 7 p.m.

Aug. 26 @ Macon County – 7 p.m.

September

*Sept. 2 Forrest – 7 p.m.

*Sept. 9 @ Community – 7 p.m.

*Sept. 16 East Robertson – 7 p.m.

*Sept. 23 @ Jackson County – 7 p.m.

*Sept. 30 Eagleville – 7 p.m.

October

Oct. 7 White House Heritage – 7 p.m.

*Oct. 21 @ Cascade – 7 p.m.

*Oct. 28 Watertown – 7 p.m.

* – denotes Region 4-2A game

Reporters from the USA Today Sports network for Middle Tennessee met last week to rank all 126 high school football teams that participate in the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association’s postseason in The Tennessean’s coverage area. Here are our rankings from 1-126.

School enrollment classification is in parentheses.

American footbal ball

1. Brentwood Academy (Division II-AA)

2. Oakland (Class 6A)

3. Ensworth (Division II-AA)

4. Blackman (Class 6A)

Who has the best prep football team in Middle Tennessee?

5. Montgomery Bell Academy (Division II-AA)

6. Independence (Class 5A)

7. Smyrna (Class 6A)

8. Hendersonville (Class 5A)

9. Franklin (Class 6A)

10. Henry County (Class 5A)

11. Hillsboro (Class 5A)

12. Cane Ridge (Class 5A)

13. Riverdale (Class 6A)

Midstate football top 10: Large schools

14. Wilson Central (Class 6A)

15. Mt. Juliet (Class 6A)

16. Cookeville (Class 6A).

17. Marshall County (Class 4A)

18. Overton (Class 6A)

19. La Vergne (Class 5A)

20. Pearl-Cohn (Class 4A)

21. Ravenwood (Class 6A)

Midstate football top 10: Small schools

22. Christ Presbyterian Academy (Class 3A)

23. Gallatin (Class 5A)

24. Brentwood (Class 5A)

25. Centennial (Class 5A)

26. Siegel (Class 6A)

27. Stewarts Creek (Class 5A)

28. Lipscomb Academy (Class 4A)

29. Springfield (Class 4A)

30. Father Ryan (Division II-AA)

31. Kenwood (Class 4A)

32. Stratford (Class 3A)

33. Coffee County (Class 6A)

34. McGavock (Class 6A)

35. Beech (Class 5A)

36. Northeast (Class 5A)

37. Dickson County (Class 5A)

38. Summit (Class 5A)

39. Clarksville (Class 5A)

40. Pope John Paul II (Division II-AA)

41. Giles Co. (Class 4A)

42. Nashville Christian (Class 1A)

43. Franklin Road Academy (Division II-A)

44. Northwest (Class 4A)

45. Station Camp (Class 5A)

46. Davidson Academy (Division II-A)

47. East Nashville (Class 3A)

48. Friendship Christian (Divsion II-A)

49. Fairview (Class 3A)

50. Page (Class 4A)

51. Rossview (Class 5A)

52. Macon County (Class 4A)

53. Lebanon (Class 6A)

54. Maplewood (Class 4A)

55. Spring Hill (Class 4A)

56. Shelbyville (Class 5A)

57. DeKalb County (Class 3A)

58. Lincoln County (Class 5A)

59. Waverly (Class 2A)

60. Upperman (Class 3A)

61. Antioch (Class 6A)

62. Watertown (Class 2A)

63. Livingston Academy (Class 4A)

64. Hillwood (Class 4A)

65. Montgomery Central (Class 4A)

66. White House-Heritage (Class 3A)

67. Franklin County (Class 5A)

68. Columbia (Class 5A)

69. Portland (Class 4A)

70. Wayne County (Class 1A)

71. West Creek (Class 5A)

72. Donelson Christian Academy (Division II-A)

73. Forrest (Class 2A)

74. Battle Ground Academy (Division II-A)

75. Columbia Academy (Class 1A)

76. Smith County (Class 3A)

77. Whites Creek (Class 3A)

78. Greenbrier (Class 3A)

79. White House (Class 3A)

80. Trousdale County (Class 1A)

81. Warren County (Class 6A)

82. Lewis County (Class 2A)

83. Sycamore (Class 3A)

84. Fayetteville (Class 1A)

85. Clarksville Academy (Class 1A)

86. Hunters Lane (Class 5A)

87. Westmoreland (Class 2A)

88. Huntland (Class 1A)

89. White County (Class 5A)

90. Harpeth (Class 3A)

91. Jo Byrns (Class 1A)

92. Eagleville (Class 2A)

93. Cheatham County (Class 3A)

94. Creek Wood (Class 4A)

95. Middle Tennessee Christian (Class 1A)

96. Hickman County (Class 2A)

97. Glencliff (Class 5A)

98.  Mt. Juliet Christian (Division II-A)

99. Tullahoma (Class 4A)

100. Goodpasture (Class 2A)

101. Lawrence County (Class 4A)

102. Ezell-Harding (Division II-A)

103. Monterey (Class 1A)

104. York Institute (Class 3A)

105. Houston County (Class 1A)

106. Mt. Pleasant (Class 1A)

107. East Robertson (Class 2A)

108. Moore County (Class 1A)

109. Jackson County (Class 2A)

110. East Hickman (Class 3A)

111. Collinwood (Class 1A)

112. Cascade (Class 2A)

113. Grace Christian (Class 1A)

114. Gordonsville (Class 1A)

115. McEwen (Class 1A)

116. Community (Class 2A)

117. Cornersville (Class 1A)

118. Loretto (Class 2A)

119. Richland (Class 1A)

120. Clay County (Class 1A)

121. Perry County (Class 1A)

122. Cannon County (Class 3A)

123. Stewart County (Class 3A)

124. Summertown (Class 1A)

125. Pickett County (Class 1A)

126: Red Boiling Springs (Class 1A)

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