The Tennessean's Midstate Top 10: Small schools
Tom Kreager
A look at the top small high school football teams in the Nashville area, as ranked by the USA TODAY Network — Tennessee. Small schools consist of teams from Class 1A, Class 2A, Class 3A, Division II-A and Division II-AA.
1. Pearl-Cohn — A Class 4A semifinalist a year ago, the Firebirds enter Class 3A with loads of experience including quarterback Xavier Shepherd and running back Jay Parker. This week: Friday vs. RePublic.
2. CPA — The Lions join Division II-AA on the heels of a Class 3A semifinal run. Linebacker Kane Patterson, a junior with 10 FBS offers, leads CPA's defense. This week: Friday vs. Stratford.
More:Ranking the Nashville area football teams 1-129
3. BGA — Quarterback Drew Martin leads the Wildcats into Division II-AA a year after advancing to the DII-A quarterfinals. This week: Friday at Forrest.
4. Giles County — UT Martin commitment John Bachus threw for 3,307 yards a year ago in Class 4A. The Bobcats drop down to Class 3A this season. This week: Friday vs. Lawrence County.
5. Stratford — Former defensive coordinator Jerrell Cogmon takes over the program with former coach Maurice Fitzgerald now at Hillsboro. This week: Friday at CPA.
6. Fairview — Coming off an undefeated regular season, the Yellow Jackets could be even better this season — especially with the addition of Sycamore transfer Darius James. This week: Friday vs. Page.
7. Lipscomb Academy — The Mustangs enter Division II-AA on the heels of a region title in 2016 and a beefed up schedule. This week: Friday at Ensworth.
8. Nashville Christian — Tennessee commitment Brant Lawless leads NCS into the Division II-A era as it searches for its first state title since 2015. This week: Friday at Columbia Academy.
9. Davidson Academy — Quarterback Stone Norton headlines an offense after throwing for 2,637 yards with 26 touchdowns and a first-round playoff appearance. This week: Friday at Franklin Road Academy.
10. Waverly — A Class 2A state semifinalist a year ago, the Tigers enter the season again as one of the favorites after 2016 state champion Trezevant moved up to Class 3A. This week: Friday at Camden.
Reach Tom Kreager at tkreager@tennessean.com and 615-259-8089 or on Twitter @Kreager.