5 things: Williamson high school football programs kick off new season

Kickoff is finally here.

The 2017 high school football season tees off Friday across Tennessee.

Here are five things to know about Williamson County programs entering Week 1.

Brentwood's Shacklett develops timing with Dreier

Brentwood's Carson Shacklett and Kaden Dreier split time at quarterback a year ago in leading the Bruins to the Class 5A state semifinals.

However, Shacklett has the duties to himself this year with Dreier moving to tight end. Dreier could be one of Shacklett's top targets this season. 

"Two really good football players," said Brentwood coach Ron Crawford of the two. "Every day after practice, Kaden and Grant Yocam stay with Carson and get throws in.

"When they spend that extra time, executing our stuff it gets to be a better feeling."

Can Independence reach Cookeville again?

Independence has reached the Class 5A state championship game the past two seasons, winning the 2015 title and runner-up in 2016.

How they do in Class 6A this season may depend on its high-powered offense under first-year starter Nathan Cisco, who will attempt to be the third straight Independence quarterback to throw over 3,000 yards in a season.

Sisco has juniors Kendrell Scurry and T.J. Sheffield back as his top targets.

Who moved where?

The TSSAA reclassification moved the majority of Williamson schools up in class.

Brentwood, Centennial and Independence bumped up from 5A to 6A and join Franklin and Ravenwood in Region 6-6A with Dickson County.

Page moved from Class 4A to Class 5A and joins Summit in Region 5-5A.

Nolensville, which is playing in its first year of varsity play, is in Region 4-4A.

Brentwood Academy is now in Division II-AAA, which is comprised of all of its former opponents from DII-AA

BGA, which had been in DII-A, is now in DII-AA with private school rivals Franklin Road Academy, Christ Presbyterian Academy, Lipscomb and Goodpasture.

Tai Carter leads Summit's hopes

Running back Tai Carter ran for 1,293 yards and scored 14 touchdowns a year ago to help Summit reach the playoffs for the first time in school history.

If Summit wants to win their first postseason contest in 2017, Carter will need to have an even better season.

Carter joins Independence running back Troy Henderson as one of the top backs in Williamson County.

Can Fairview duplicate 2016?

Fairview finished 10-0 in last year's regular season. A schedule that includes Williamson County foes Page and Ravenwood will make it hard to accomplish that feat a second straight year.

However, the late addition of Sycamore transfer Darius James may be a boost at running back for the Yellow Jackets. James was Sycamore's top athletes a year ago. 

He will make a big impact if he can get comfortable with the offense.

Reach Tom Kreager at tkreager@tennessean.com or 615-259-8089 and on Twitter @Kreager.

Friday's Games

Hillsboro at Brentwood Academy

Brentwood at Franklin

Centennial at Ravenwood

Page at Fairview

BGA at Forrest

Mt. Juliet Christian at Grace Christian

Fayetteville at Nolensville

Independence at Oakland

Summit at Spring Hill