AllRegion

I like Oak Ridge by 14+ in this one. They have been on a roll recently and with McMinn missing their QB, I think the Wildcats will be too much for the 'Kees.

Bearden is way down this year, I look for Maryville's second and third teamers to get some playoff experience in the second half

RamRowdy, how is Grace looking for next season? Do you lose a lot of seniors off this 10-0 team, or do you guys have a lot coming back? I've seen Grace play a couple times this season and you all have first class facilities, and the people have been really nice as well.

It's the fall air just starting to get crisp on a sunny day as players take the practice field... It's the grass, which was fully green in August, turning yellow in November to signal you that the playoffs are here... It's these senior nights coming up tomorrow, where players who have given their time, blood, sweat, and hearts to their schools and teammates for the past four years are honored as they step onto their home field for the last time... It's the highest thrill of victory and the lowest feeling of defeat...both of which serve to turn these young players into men as they walk off the field and into the rest of their lives... There is nothing like high school football, and there is nothing like a fall Friday night!

I'm going to go with Hardin Valley in a mild upset...24-19

I completely agree that LC is a team on the rise and will be good next year, but I don't foresee much of a drop off with the Rebels, though

Oakland has also impressed me this season. Losing 40 seniors and still posting a 6-3 record through 9 games is extremely impressive. I look for you guys to be back to your usual high standards next season, even though no one can knock you all for losing 3 games in a "down" year. Maryville is going to be very interesting next season. I believe that they have a pretty good sophomore quarterback waiting in the wings, but they lose a lot of huge contributors this year. GQ and staff never seem to miss a beat, so I'm looking forward to seeing if next year's squad can dominate and run the table like this year's. West is the only team in their district that I believe will be able to potentially challenge them, though. Their matchup with Alcoa next year will be one to watch, as it always is. I also think you're right about the Oakland/Arlington opening game being huge next season. I think both of those teams will be contenders in the 6A picture.

Yes, I am aware that Smyrna has a lot of seniors this year. However, I also expected them to struggle this season after losing Bryson and they've surprised me with their level of competitiveness. Despite the loss of major contributors after this season, I still expect a new crop of playmakers to step up next year. I could be wrong though, so that's why I enjoy threads like these. Anyone care to chime in further?

Since it's Week 10 of the 2011 football season, the majority of the teams in Tennessee will be putting the pads up after this Friday. I realize that everybody's minds are on the playoffs and on who can make a state championship run THIS year, but I think it's interesting to go ahead and chat a little about who will be the teams to beat next year! This could be a good chance for fans of teams who didn't do as well as expected this year to get excited about the development of your younger players, and for fans of teams who have done well this year to discuss who will fill the shoes of your playmakers in the future! So there you have it, who will be the surprises of 2012? Who will be able to sustain their success of 2011? As a disclaimer, this is all in fun and just something to keep the fans busy and isn't meant to be taken too seriously! We aren't playing the game, so there's no harm in looking ahead and having a little fun with predictions. Here's my personal list of teams to watch in 2012, based on what I've seen this year and who is coming back: Maryville- Completely dominant this year, and appear to show no signs of letting up next year Smyrna- This was supposed to be a rebuilding year for the Bulldogs, but they've surprised me and been competitive in every single game this season. I look for Smyrna to be extremely strong next year Dobyns-Bennett- The Indians are having an extremely strong 2011 season, and their group of players coming back for next year looks impressive as well Whitehaven- The Tigers are the class of Memphis this year. I expect them to reload and be stellar again in the future Siegel- The Stars appear to be a team on the rise, and I would be surprised if they do not have a strong team again in 2012 Lenoir City- This is my sleeper team for next year! The Panthers have been improving every season under Coach Zeller, and next year could be the year that they breakout and surprise a lot of folks Last are two 3A teams, but they also appear to be in extremely good shape for the future, so I had to include them in my list Alcoa- Down year by their standards, but they still may win a state championship this year and look to be even more loaded for next season CAK- Also contenders to win a state title this season, and appear to have a lot coming back for another run in 2012

As for Maryville, there has been a lot of talk that this year's team is GQ's best ever. There are a lot of good Rebel teams from the past that may have something to say about that, but there is no doubt that Maryville is dominant this year. To all Rebel fans: how are your young players coming along this year? Do you expect this level of dominance to continue next season as well? Good luck to all Blount County teams for the remainder of the season!

It's extremely exciting to see two local teams get this kind of national exposure! I see teams from FL, AL, OH, CA, etc. on television all the time, so it's going to be nice to see familiar teams for once! Hoping for a great game

What a terrible accident...prayers to her family, friends, and the whole McKenzie community

My pick for 1A is Perry County and my pick for 2A is Trousdale! I had Boyd Buchanan before last week, though, and they will definitely have something to say about who gets the AA gold ball

This game has the potential to be a great one! With Alcoa getting some of their injured players back, the edge goes to the Tornadoes, but I wouldn't be surprised at all to see Fulton walk away with a win.

Unfortunately for Clinton, I don't believe this one will be close. Oak Ridge is starting to gain momentum, and they win by as many as they want this week!

Congratulations to Karns! This group made history for the Beavers and they should be extremely proud of themselves. Here's to a nice playoff run as well