Memphis area high school football Class 3A and 4A preview

The Commercial Appeal continues its high school football preview series with a look at Class 4A and Class 3A. There will also be previews of Class 6A and 5A, Class 1A and 2A, DeSoto County and Division II. 

Top players

John Jones, Wooddale, Sr.: Jones was a first team all-region selection at quarterback in 8-3A last season. 

Marcus Hayes, Covington, Jr.: Hayes was a finalist for Class 3A Mr. Football last season. The all-state selection rushed for 2,120 yards and 23 touchdowns.

Caleb Winfrey, Covington, Sr.: The all-state linebacker selection made 95 tackles, including 11 for loss, recovered two fumbles, and picked off a pass last season. 

Charles Jones, Wooddale, Jr.: Jones had 1,500 all-purpose yards and returned two kicks for touchdowns last season. 

Tommy Clifton, Millington, Sr.: Clifton was a first-team all-region selection at quarterback last year. 

Mike Cashaw, Craigmont, Jr.: Cashaw was a first-team all-region selection at running back last season. 

Top games

Raleigh Egypt at Wooddale, Sept. 5, 7 p.m., at Halle Stadium

These two teams represented 8-3A in the playoffs last season. When they played during the regular season, Wooddale prevailed with a 16-12 win. 

Raleigh Egypt at Melrose, Sept. 19, 7  p.m. 

Raleigh Egypt shut out Melrose 27-0 last season, but all-state running back Romal Webb has transferred to Southwind. This one may be a little closer if Melrose can find a way to put up points. 

Covington at McNairy Central, Nov. 1, 7 p.m.

This regular-season finale is a rematch of last year's Class 3A second round, which Covington won 35-30 on the way to making the state title game. 

Storylines to watch

Nowhere to go but up for 8-4A

Each of Region 8-4A's teams finished under .500 last season. Millington had the best record of the four teams at 4-7. East finished winless and dropped down to Class 1A. Region newcomer Bolton was winless at the 5A level last season. 

Can Covington's Marcus Hayes win Mr. Football?

Hayes was a Mr. Football semifinalist in Class 3A last year as a sophomore and helped lead the Chargers to their second consecutive appearance in the state title game. Will the Chargers be back for a third time? Covington returns all-state selections in Hayes and linebackers Caleb Winfrey and Lareko Burton. 

Will Wooddale or Raleigh Egypt win a playoff game?

Wooddale and Raleigh Egypt both fell in the first round of the playoffs last year. The Cardinals lost to South Gibson 20-18 and the Pharoahs lost to McNairy Central 22-7. 

Region predictions

Region 7-3A

1. Covington

2. Milan

3. McNairy

4. South Gibson

5. Westview 

6. Bolivar

Region 8-3A

1. Wooddale

2. Raleigh Egypt

3. Melrose

4. MLK Prep

5. Sheffield

Region 8-4A

1. Millington

2. Fayette Ware

3. Craigmont

4. Bolton