Brentwood Academy tops preseason Midstate Top 10
1. Brentwood Academy — The Eagles are one of the most talented teams in the state on paper, boasting three Division I commitments up front in Bryce Mathews (Ole Miss), Ryan Johnson (Tennessee) and Brandon Adams (Vanderbilt). Next: at Olive Branch (Miss.) Saturday.
2. MBA — The defending DII-AA champions bring back six starters to each side of the ball this season, including one of the area’s top running backs in junior Ty Chandler. Next: at Hewitt-Trussville (Ala.) Friday.
3. Oakland — In addition to welcoming a new coach — three-time state champion Kevin Creasy from Trousdale County — the Patriots will also be breaking in several new starters this fall. Experience may not be in abundance at Oakland, but talent is. Next: vs. Hoover (Ala.) Saturday.
4. Ravenwood — The Class 6A runner-up Raptors’ offense might look a little different this fall — more run-oriented than last season’s air-it-out approach — but expect the squad’s defense to be similarly strong. Next: vs. Siegel Thursday.
5. CPA — The defending Class 3A champion Lions are in the midst of a 15-game winning streak, but CPA, led by senior quarterback Zack Weatherly, will face a much tougher schedule this fall. Next: at Peachtree Ridge (Ga.) Saturday.
6. Riverdale — Transfer quarterback Brandon Bea has a big arm, and he’ll have plenty of talented receivers to throw to, including 2014 all-district selections Marquise Cantrell and Gentry Bonds. Next: at Ooltewah Friday.
7. Centennial — The former District 11-AAA Defensive MVP (Tyrel Dodson) and Lineman of the Year (Nathan Wilkinson), both return for the Cougars, who are coming off their most successful postseason run in school history. Next: vs. Franklin Friday.
8. Ensworth — The DII-AA runner-up Tigers, who’ll play a 10-game regular-season schedule for the first time in program history, will be breaking new starters at several positions this fall, including quarterback. Next: at Trinity (Ky.) Friday.
9. Hillsboro — The Burros appear poised to make another deep postseason run despite losing a handful of key pieces from last year’s Class 5A runner-up campaign. Next: vs. Pearl-Cohn Saturday (at Vanderbilt).
10. Pearl-Cohn - Workhorse running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn is gone, but expect the Firebirds offense to be just as dynamic in 2015 with the return quarterback Jimmy Ferrell and wide receiver Rontavius Groves. Next: vs. Hillsboro Saturday (at Vanderbilt).