2016 Tennessee Preseason Football Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

Video: Landon Guidry junior year
See the Independence High safety in action last season


1. Independence (Thompson's Station)
Head coach: Scott Blade
2015 record: 15-0
Team preview

Independence starts the season as the defending Division 1 Class 5A state champion. The Eagles return arguably the top defense in the state and are soaring for a repeat.

Opposing offenses should struggle to put up points on the Eagles. Mississippi State commit and three-star safety Landon Guidry will spearhead the stout unit after posting 80 tackles, eight tackles for loss and three touchdowns last season. Linebacker Hunter Dupree shuts everything down and recorded 118 tackles, five interceptions, 11 tackles for loss and four fumble recoveries last year. Also look for fellow linebacker David Demke to make some noise after registering 75 tackles last season. Receiver Montray Steele should have a breakout year offensively.



Nov. 7 marks a big-time showdown with Centennial, a rematch of last year's state semifinal.

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2. Brentwood Academy
Head coach: Cody White
2015 record: 12-1
Team preview

Brentwood Academy begins the season as the reigning Division II Class AA state champion. The Eagles have arguably the best offense in the state and are poised to repeat.

The dynamic duo of three-star quarterback Jeremiah Oatsvall and four-star receiver Camron Johnson will be tough to stop. Oatsvall was an all-state selection last year, and the Austin Peay commit can sling it. Johnson was also an all-state honoree and the nation's No. 27 receiver in the 2018 class. Free safety Evan Beddoe was an all-state member and he'll head the defense.

Oct. 7 marks the highly anticipated matchup against Montgomery Bell Academy, a rematch of last season's thrilling state title game.

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3. Montgomery Bell Academy (Nashville)
Head coach: Marty Euverard
2015 record: 11-2
Team preview Montgomery Bell Academy ended last season with a heartbreaking double overtime loss to Brentwood Academy in the state final. But the Big Red return one of the top playmakers in the country and they're ready to embark on a championship run.

Good luck solving the riddle for containing Tykevius Chandler. The nation's No. 6 running back made defenses look like child's play and racked up 2,558 rushing yards, 37 total touchdowns and averaged 196 yards rushing per game last season. The breathtaking bullet should have another monster year. Look for middle linebacker Brett Starr to lead the defense after recording 44 tackles, seven tackles for loss and two interceptions as a junior. Safety Mac Lassing notched 35 tackles last season and will bolster the unit.

Oct. 7 is the long-awaited date for the Big Red, as they finally square off with Brentwood Academy with payback on their minds.

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4. Ravenwood (Brentwood)
Head coach: Richie Wessman
2015 record: 15-1
Team preview

Ravenwood finished last season by knocking off two-time defending state champion Maryville and nabbing the Division I Class 6A state title. The Raptors roar into this year with first-year head coach Richie Wessman and eye a repeat.

The Raptors return a heavy roster and two-way stud Carter Nelson will be vital to their success. The bruising back tallied a crucial score in last year's state title game to turn the tide and he's also a menacing linebacker. The experienced Raptors will be tough to contend with in 2016.



Sept. 9 marks a huge test against Centennial, the only team to beat the Raptors last season.

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5. Maryville
Head coach: George Quarles
2015 record: 14-1
Team preview

Maryville ended last season with a sour taste in its mouth after falling to Ravenwood in the Division I Class 6A state title game and failing to three-peat. But the Rebels return vital playmakers on both sides of the ball and are primed to reclaim the throne.

Things are looking merry at Maryville this season - especially with Dylan Hopkins back under center. The electric dual-threat quarterback was an all-state selection last year and he's tough to neutralize. Three-star outside linebacker TD Blackmon was also an all-state honoree last year and he'll steer the defense. All-star weak side defensive end Matt Young should wreak havoc in the backfield.

Sept. 9 is the date Maryville squares off with Alcoa, a bitter local rivalry.