As football kickoff inches closer around the country, MaxPreps forecasts the top five teams in the state of Tennessee for the 2009 season.
Chris Evans
Barry Brunetti and the Memphis University Owls had much to
celebrate last season.
1. Memphis University
The defending Division II-AA state champions return seven offensive starters from a 13-0 team, led by West Virginia University recruit Barry Brunetti. The 6-foot, 205-pounder passed for 1,251 yards and 18 touchdowns last year while running for 704 yards and 18 touchdowns. Speedsters Keith McBride (6-0, 215) and Stephond Allmond (5-10, 175) combined to rush for over 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns. Christian Kauffman kicked 63 of 64 extra-point tries. Linebacker Harrison Martin (5-10, 220) made 110 tackles, but he is the only returning starter on defense.
2. Oakland
The Patriots return seven starters on each side of the ball from their 14-1 Class 5A state champs. “We learned how to win last year,” coach Thomas McDaniel told MaxPreps. Two-way tackle Tim McAdoo (6-3, 320) had 85 tackles last year, including 18 for losses, and forced four fumbles. DB Zach Barnes (5-11, 186) had three interceptions. Junior quarterback Christian Adams (6-1, 165) and fullback Dre Fraiser (6-0, 220) will lead the offense.
3. Ensworth
The Tigers, who were 11-1 last year, have 16 starters back, including 10 on defense. Two-way end Sam Cooper (6-5, 230), a Clemson recruit, made 49 tackles and is a superb blocker. Linebacker Myers Beaird (5-9, 185) recorded 86 tackles. Two-way lineman Antonio Richardson (6-5, 310) bench presses 405 pounds and broke all the school strength records. He is a major Division I recruit. Orleans Darkwa (5-11, 200), who ran 215 times for 1,952 yards and 21 touchdowns last year, will trigger the offense.
Moeller, OH vs MBA, TN 08
MBA vs. Moeller
4. Montgomery Bell Academy
The Big Red have some excellent size in Gordon Stauffer (6-3, 290) and Alexander Hornbuckle (6-3, 240). Two-way end Brad Bars (6-3, 220) made 114 tackles last year. WR William Tanner (6-0, 175) made 65 catches for 886 yards and 10 touchdowns, while FB-LB Fitz Lassing (6-3, 225) scored six touchdowns and made 53 tackles. Andrew Fletcher was 41-of-42 on extra point kicks and 8-of-12 on field goal tries. Luke Colbert (6-3, 215) is ready to take over at quarterback after backing up Spencer Wise for three years.
5. Farragut
None of the 11 returning starters are more important than quarterback Reese Browning. The 6-foot, 220-pounder passed for 2,534 yards and 24 touchdowns last year, but broke his foot in the spring and currently is doing light jogging. He has a great target in 4.5 WR Lee Van Dyne (6-2, 185), who made 54 catches for 977 yards and nine touchdowns. RB De’Andre Purty (5-11, 210), another 4.5 speedster, rushed for 1,265 yards and 13 touchdowns. Tackle Jacob Gilliam (6-3, 250) anchors the offensive line.