MaxPreps 2015 Tennessee preseason high school football Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

Video: Maryville (TN) 2014 highlights
See some top moments from Maryville's title-winning 2014 season.


1. Maryville
Coach: George Quarles
2014 finish: 15-0
Team preview

It took overtime, but coach Quarles' team captured the Division I Class 6A state title a season ago without a blemish in the loss column, and finished the season ranked No. 22 in the MaxPreps Xcellent 25. Maryville loses some significant leadership and production as quarterback Tyler Vaught and a handful of others have moved on.

The makeup of this year's Rebel team may be slightly different, but the winning ways aren't likely to change. Coach Quarles will likely be using a tandem of quarterbacks when the season opens, highlighted by Austin Ensley. The strength of the offense will lie in the skill positions. A combination of seniors Kelby Brock and Joel Hopkins should provide plenty of excitement.

The biggest question for coach Quarles' squad may be the defensive makeup. The Rebel defense loses nearly its entire defensive line from a season ago but all is not lost. Junior linebacker T.D. Blackmon will be the name to remember for the defensive unit.

An early contest with Fulton will be a measuring stick for the Rebels, but either way this team will be in the thick of things when the playoffs roll around, as always.

See the Top 10 teams with the most all-time Tennessee state titles

2. Ensworth (Nashville)
Coach: Ricky Bowers
2014 finish: 10-2
Team preview

The Tigers lost a heartbreaker in last season's state title game, falling to Montgomery Bell Academy, 10-7. The bitter taste from a season ago should have coach Bowers' boys fired up and ready for redemption. Ensworth has loaded its schedule with difficult opponents with the likes of Kentucky state power Trinity, Alabama's Madison Academy, as well as typical in-state stalwarts.

Leading the charge for the Tiger offense in 2015 will be senior quarterback Coleman Goodwin. He will stand behind  a sizable offensive line that is led by two-way starter Blake Mitchell. Providing a host of options for Goodwin will be Darius Morehead, who lines up in the backfield and contributes defensively as well. A depleted defense will need new faces to step up, but coach Bowers has a proven track record and this season should be no different.

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3. Christ Presbyterian Academy (Nashville)
Coach: Ingle Martin
2014 finish: 15-0
Team preview

The reigning Class 3A state champions enter the 2015 season out to prove they belong in the conversation with other state powers. Yes, they play in Class 3A, but their talent and coaching staff have proven they can compete with the best. In 2014, coach Martin's defense posted a shutout four times, including a shutout of Alcoa in the state championship game. As for the offense, the Lions were held under 30 points just twice a season ago.

The thought of being an even better team after an undefeated season and a state title victory is scary. However, that may be the case for the Lions. Quarterback Zack Weatherly returns for his senior season after accounting for 38 total scores as a junior. He will be flanked by Joseph Richard and Price Perdue, each of whom will cause problems for opposing defenses.

Defensively, this team should pick up right where it left off from a season ago. Jay Hockaday, who led the team in tackles a year ago, is not someone who can easily be replaced, but John Orr looks to be the new anchor for the defense.

Coach Martin has set up a matchup with Peachtree Ridge from Georgia in what should shape up to be an interesting bout early in the season.

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4. Fulton (Knoxville)
Coach: Rob Black
2014 finish: 15-0
Team preview

Like aforementioned Maryville and CPA, Fulton finished the 2014 season with a state championship trophy in hand and a zero in the loss column. The Falcons were hit hard by graduation and return just three starters on both the defensive and offensive sides of the ball, respectively. That being said, coach Black brings back some of his most important pieces from a year ago.

The combination of Hayden Willard and De'Ontay Tate will be a lethal one. Willard takes over the reigns at quarterback and Tate returns in the backfield after racking up 17 scores on the ground. Both will also be key contributors for the defense.

Experience may be lacking on both sides of the ball for the Tigers, but with key production returning they will be no pushover.

See last season's Tennessee football computer rankings

5. Montgomery Bell Academy (Nashville)
Coach: Marty Euverard
2014 finish: 11-2
Team preview

Euverard's squad marks another that closed its 2014 season with a state championship victory. Maybe more than any other team, the Big Red were hit hard by graduation. It looks like there will be a quarterback competition between two youngsters up until the season begins.

Whoever lands the starting role will have a huge target in UCLA commit Jordan Wilson, who checks in at 6-foot-5, 215 pounds. Complementing Wilson will be junior Ty Chandler, who rushed for 1,348 yards and racked up 22 touchdowns as a sophomore. For an offense that will lack experience, Euverard will lean heavily on the talent of Wilson and Chandler to carry the load.

Despite the talent on offense, the defensive unit might actually be the strong point for the Big Red. The unit returns some key contributors from last year, including David Gaw and Karlton Bruton.

Playing in Division II Class AA never results in an easy schedule, and coach Euverard's team will face a tough road.