Region 4-5A outlook

Team to beat: Knoxville Catholic is a team loaded with college prospects, none more touted than lineman Cade Mayes, son of former Tennessee standout Kevin Mayes and a Vols commitment himself.

Watch out for: Walker Valley has a standout quarterback in Kolten Gibson and has reloaded with receivers. If the Mustangs defense can slow opponents, its offensive cohorts should be able to score handily.

Best game: Rhea County plays at Knoxville Catholic, which was once home to current Rhea coach Mark Pemberton, on Sept. 28.

Dream schedule: While not an easy schedule by any means, Soddy-Daisy faces only one Class 6A team (Bradley Central). Its other nonconference opponents are rivals Red Bank (3-3A favorite) and Hixson (2-4A), East Hamilton (2-4A) and Signal Mountain (3-3A). Region games at home are against Knoxville Catholic and Walker Valley.

Nightmare schedule: Rhea County fans will get their money’s worth. Beyond their region schedule, which includes perennial state power Catholic, the Eagles’ dance card is filled with numerous programs that have been part of the postseason more often than not. Those include Blackman, Ravenwood and Cane Ridge along with Region 2-6A members Bradley Central, McMinn County and Cleveland.

Players to watch: Rhea’s Logan Sullivan (6-4, 310) is one of the region’s bigger linemen, and he’ll be among those paving the way for QB Zach Pemberton (5-11, 170) and R Christian Simon (5-8, 160). Catholic QB Jack Sompayrac (6-2, 190) will operate behind the region’s biggest line, which includes Mayes (6-6, 315), his younger brother Cooper (6-2, 250) and Bryn Tucker (6-5, 300). Irish receivers include Cam Blakely (6-5, 195). Walker Valley’s Gibson is a true dual threat at QB and already holds all of the Mustangs’ passing records. Soddy-Daisy’s Ty Boeck (6-1, 210) is expected to focus on RB and LB, leaving WR and QB duties to others this season. He’ll help the young QBs, as will WRs Hunter Burke (6-4, 180) and Beau Blaylock (5-11, 165).

Predicted order of finish:

Knoxville Catholic, Rhea County, Walker Valley, Soddy-Daisy, Lenoir City.