Memphis-area Class 6A high school football preview
The Tennessee high school football season is just over a week away.
As we count down the days to kickoff, the Commercial Appeal is breaking down each class with a series of previews featuring key players, big games, and hot takes among other things.
The series begins with Class 6A.
Three hot takes for 2021 SCS teams won't miss a beat
Not only did the Shelby County Schools teams in this class miss the entire season last year, the school district's largest schools moved into a new redesigned Region 8-6A, which now includes eight Memphis area teams instead of dividing them up into 7-6A and 8-6A. Even so, look for Whitehaven, Germantown and White Station to finish near the top of the standings.
Region 8-6A up for grabs
Last year, Bartlett quickly established itself as the dominant team in the region. But the Panthers lost a lot of talent, including all-state running back
Robert Giaimo.
Sophomore stars may emerge
Region 8-6A features a pair of the Commercial Appeal's 2021 Dandy Dozen members in Germantown's Tahj Shabazz and Kody Jones. But keep an eye on two sophomores. Whitehaven running back Joe Williams and Houston defensive end Kavion Benton both have SEC offers and could make an immediate impact.
Key players to watch
Kavion Benton, Houston, So.: The solidly-built 6-foot-3, 245-pound defensive end has offers from Florida and Louisville.
Shamari Covington, White Station, Sr.: The speedy receiver is one of the fastest hurdlers in the state. He has an offer from Ut-martin.
Christian Crew, Houston, Sr.: The three-year starter was a first-team allregion selection in 7-6A last year.
Hudson Hollenbeck, Collierville, Sr.: One of the state's top kickers, Hollenbeck has offers from Miami (Ohio) and Charleston Southern.
Kody Jones, Germantown, Sr.: The Michigan commitment is the No. 11 prospect in Tennessee and the No. 16 athlete in the nation in the 2022 class.
Troy Martin, Collierville, Sr.: Martin, who rushed for 565 yards and six touchdowns in seven games, was a firstteam all-region selection in 7-6A last year.
Luke Needham, Houston, Sr.: The 6foot-5, 300-pound offensive lineman was a first-team all-metro selection and has an offer from Eastern Kentucky.
Braylen Ragland, White Station, Jr.: The 6-foot, 185-pound quarterback has offers from Memphis, Tennessee, Auburn and Jackson State, among others.
Tahj Shabazz, Germantown, Sr.: The 6-foot-2, 220-pound receiver is ranked No. 40 in Tennessee for the Class of 2022. He has offers from Army, Kansas and Baylor, among others.
Will Stegall, Houston, Sr.: The defensive back, whose twin brother Ben plays running back, was a first-team allregion selection last year.
Joe Williams, Whitehaven, So.: The sophomore athlete has blistering speed that's earned him offers from Memphis, Tennessee and Arkansas State among others.
Taylor Williams, Whitehaven, Sr.: Williams started as a sophomore on the 2019 Whitehaven team that made the Class 6A quarterfinals. This year, he anchors the Tigers' offensive line.
Five must-see region games
Whitehaven at Germantown (Sept. 3): Germantown coach Gene Robinson, who starred at Whitehaven, coaches his first 8-6A region game against the perennial powerhouse Tigers. Michigan commitment Kody Jones, Dandy Dozen selection Tahj Shabazz and sophomore standout Joe Williams give this game plenty of star power.
Houston at Collierville (Oct. 8) These rivals have split their last four meetings, including last year's 21-14 Collierville victory. Each team has a pass rusher in Kavion Benton (Houston) and Jaden Mckinney (Collierville) with Power-5 offers.
Bartlett at White Station (Sept. 24) The defending region champs hit the road to take on a talented White Station team that is led by one of the top quarterback prospects in the area in Braylen Ragland.
Germantown at Houston (Sept 24) An intriguing midseason matchup that could end up impacting the standings. The winner of this rivalry game has scored 35 points or more every year since 2016.
Whitehaven at Bartlett (Oct. 29) Whitehaven closes out the regular season on the road against last year's Class 6A semifinalists. A late-season clash on the last field to host a Memphis-area high school playoff game.