In the midst of a dynasty, Ensworth debuts as the state's No. 1 team. Watch for Whitehaven, Maryville, Brentwood Academy and Baylor.
Ensworth is a relatively new force on the Tennessee scene, and is our pick to end up as the top team when it's all said and done.
Photo by Randy Sartin
12-1
Head coach: Ricky Bowers
Team previewBowers has the makings of a dynasty with Ensworth, the relative newcomer on the Nashville private school scene. His 2012 squad should be the program's finest, as it's ranked
No. 22 in the Preseason Xcellent 25. It features quarterback
Andrew Bowers, running back
Cornelius Elder and receiver
Myles Pasley. Ensworth is loaded with talent among its young players. Sophomore
Rico McGraw already has an offer from Alabama and
Donovan Sheffield is already committed to Vanderbilt. Ensworth is listed twice on our list of
Tennessee state football champions for the past 10 years.
2. Whitehaven (Memphis)2011 finish: 14-1
Head coach: Rodney Saulsberry
Team previewLike Ensworth, Whitehaven is overflowing with talent. And in 2011, the Tigers put it all together in a remarkable run that fell just short of a Class 6A state title. Ole Miss commit
Mark Dodson Jr. will lead the offense, while
Patrick Smith will make plays from the quarterback position. The team has a slew of quality receivers, but needs to rebuild its offensive line. Whitehaven will need to replace four players from the list of
Tennessee Class of 2012 Division 1 signees.
3. Maryville2011 finish: 15-0
Head coach: George Quarles
Team previewMaryville enjoyed perhaps its finest season last year, finishing 15-0 and earning a No. 8 spot in the Xcellent 25. Gone is quarterback Pat Robinette and several key offensive linemen, so there are clear holes on offense. Having junior running back
Shawn Prevo and senior receiver
Brian Coulter returning will help ease the transition of a new signal-caller. Five starters, including defensive end
Taylor Spivey, return on defense. Maryville tops our June, 2011 list of the
Top 10 Tennessee football dynasties.
4. Brentwood Academy2011 finish: 9-3
Head coach: Cody White
Team previewFirst-year head coach Cody White takes over the reins of one of Tennessee's top programs by way of Texas. He'll have plenty of tools to work with in his maiden season, including quarterback
Max Staver, running back
D'montre Wade and athlete
Jalen Ramsey, who is committed to USC.
Amos Mason, a star wrestler, is back at defensive end. Brentwood Academy ranks No. 2 on our list of
Tennessee's Top 10 most consistent football programs.
5. Baylor (Chattanooga)2011 finish: 11-2
Head coach: Phil Massey
Team previewBaylor was the only team to beat Ensworth, heading the Tigers a 42-14 defeat in the regular season. This offseason, they received a gift in the form of 6-foot-5 junior quarterback
Michael O'Connor, who moved from Canada to enroll at the school. With receiver
Reggie Upshaw and several capable running backs, Baylor has the skill players to be potent on offense. It will need to replace four starters on the defensive line. Linebacker
Colton Upshaw is back on defense along with three other returning starters. Search for Baylor players on our list of
2011 Tennessee All-District football teams.
