Good enough that many across the state are ready to start the engraving process on a second consecutive Class 2A championship.
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To say expectations are high would be an understatement; to say the Tornadoes know how to handle them would be right on the money.
"As far as expectations, it's been on them in a different level since they entered the school," coach John Reid said. "First they were a talented class, then it was as sophomores it was they're going to be even better as juniors."
This might just be the most-talented team in the state, regardless of class.
Brandon Warren (Florida State) and Dustin Lindsey (Tennessee) have already made commitments to major Division I programs and quarterback Joei Fiegler isn't far behind. PrepXtra's leading rusher, Chris Shiverdecker moved to Alcoa during the offseason. Defensive back Logan Love and lineman Martin White are also D-I prospects.
It's a good thing the Tornadoes are loaded -- they face defending Class 4A champ Maryville in their second game of the season, defending Class 3A champ Fulton on Sept. 9 and Division II power McCallie on Sept. 23.
An undefeated season might be a bigger accomplishment than another Class 2A title, which could be on its way come December if this group stays healthy and plays up to its potential.
2. Oak Ridge
Stanton Stevens is no stranger to high expectations.
This season Oak Ridge's new head coach finds himself with a team that's expected to challenge for a state title in Class 5-A -- and it's not a surprise for the former Wildcat.
"I develop my mentality from growing up and playing here," Stevens says. "We were expected to win every game and win the state championship. These expectations grow on you."
This year, like most, there's a good reason for those expectations.
Oak Ridge returns most of its defense and a stellar running back in Spencer Gulmire. A new offensive scheme should help the Wildcats become a little more multiple and a little less predictable.
Stevens' shoulders aren't the only ones wide enough to shoulder the high hopes surrounding Oak Ridge.
Gulmire, who rushed for 1,990 yards last season, has shown the ability to carry Oak Ridge and will play a big part on offense -- and in his limited snaps at linebacker -- in helping the Wildcats make a deep run into the playoffs.
"He's really the heart and soul of the team on both sides of the ball," Stevens said of Gulmire. "He's going to make plays for you, keep the offense moving."
The expectations are for that offense to keep moving all the way to Murfreesboro, and this is an Oak Ridge team that could definitely live up to them.
3. Central
The big hurdle facing Central this year is the same as it's always been -- finding a way to beat Maryville.
Bobcats' coach Joel Helton may have found that extra boost in an unlikely place with kicker Lones Seiber.
Two years ago, Central had a chance to get by the Rebels but missed a field goal with 13 seconds left to play. If the Bobcats are in the same position this year, they'll be in a lot better shape -- as long as they're inside of 50 yards.
Seiber has proved to be accurate from as far as 60 yards in practice and drilled a 56-yarder during the summer passing league.
He's just as good on kickoffs, meaning opponents could find themselves starting deep in their territory.
"One of the strongest points we've got is a kicker who can hit from 60 yards deep and kick it 8 yards into the end zone," Helton said. "That's a big strength for us."
Add Seiber to a team that returns a potential All-State quarterback in Joel Helton and a talented tailback in David Gaston, and Central just might have the right mix to capture a 3-4A championship, and perhaps more important, a playoff win over a Maryville team hit hard by graduation.
Expectations surrounding Central this year are high, with good reason. If the Bobcats can replace two starters on the offensive line and play to their potential on defense, it just might be the year.
4. Maryville
Don't look now, but George Quarles and his Maryville team is getting defensive.
With five starters gone from last year's offensive line and All-State quarterback Cade Thompson off to South Carolina, Maryville's defense will drive the Rebels' quest for their fifth Class 4A state championship in the last six seasons.
Led by defensive tackle Gary Tucker, the Rebels return nine starters on defense, including all four linemen and all three linebackers.
The Rebels have allowed more than 24 points just once in the past two seasons and have recorded eight shutouts over that span. On the flip side, though, they've averaged more than 35 points a game.
That foundation and talented running back Ryan Tallent likely means a more-conservative approach on offense than in years past.
"We might have to control the ball and play defense and win that way," Quarles said. "That's fine."
5.Fulton
With four starters coming back on offense and a 6-7, 317-pound addition at guard, the Falcons will have plenty of daylight.
And plenty of running backs.
Dennis Rogan, Ashford Johnson and Terry Minor will have some big holes to run through this season. So will All-State linebacker Tyrone Cobb, who should get the ball more in the backfield as well.
"I think we've got really good running backs," Fulton coach Buck Coatney said.
That offensive front and stable of running backs should help ease some of the pressure as the Falcons break in a new quarterback for the second consecutive season.
Sophomore Jack Wagner has looked impressive at times during the preseason, but Jock Stinson and Jonathan Blair could see time there as well.
Another big addition has been defensive tackle Karlton Mills, who at 6-2, 341 pounds should be able to plug some holes on the defensive front.
Fulton's size is a good thing, too.
Region 2-3A newcomers Livingston Academy and Catholic make a usually tough region even tougher.
Fulton's newcomer, Charles Gatewood, the aforementioned 6-7 guard and younger brother of Lady Vols Sa'de Wiley-Gatewood who transferred to Knoxville from California, knows what could lie ahead of the Falcons and what will line up behind him in the backfield.
"We've got some real good running backs," Gatewood said.
With Rogan, Johnson and Minor shouldering the load behind a big offensive line, the Falcons could again find themselves in the BlueCross Bowl for the fourth season in a row.
6. Powell
Powell might just have its most talented team in a long time. And it just might have its toughest schedule.
The Panthers will once again contend for a Region 3-4A title against the likes of Maryville and Central. Not only that, but they face Webb, McCallie and Farragut out of conference as well.
"We've definitely got a real hard schedule," defensive end and tight end Lee Smith said. "One of the toughest in the state."
But Smith, a Tennessee commitment, thinks the Panthers have the talent to match.
Cody Watts returns at quarterback, and despite the loss of Marshall signee Zane Bruhin on the offensive line, he still has one of the best offensive lines in the state in front of him.
Six-foot-5, 275-pound Jared McGaha and Zane's "little" brother, 6-4, 310-pound John Bruhin, are potential all-state candidates up front and both could see action on both sides of the line. Depth is a concern for Larry Stephens' team, but talent is one thing the Panthers aren't too worried about.
"There's no weak pieces," Smith said. "We've got the best line, the best quarterback. We don't have any real big weaknesses."
7. Austin-East
If there's one thing first-year coach Kwayu Graham isn't worried about at Austin-East, it's finding a running back.
All-PrepXtra running back Albert Harris is gone, but in his wake are several players who can help fill the void.
And there's not just one.
"We won't have the one big-name back who can beat you on one play, but we'll have several backs that can make plays," Graham said. "We have plenty of athletes."
And if he has his way, those backs will have plenty of different ways to beat opponents as well.
A longtime A-E assistant mostly at defense, Graham was the architect of the Roadrunners' spread offense that helped them to a state title in 2001. This year his vision is to utilize his running backs in a West Coast-style offense that sends plenty of short passes in their direction.
Dominque Flanningan has been the surprise of that bunch so far, and Graham could need a couple more surprises to head his way if A-E expects to challenge Fulton, Anderson County and region newcomer Catholic for the 2-3A title.
Tennessee walk-on Anthony McAlister, last year's PrepXtra defensive player of the year, leaves big shoes on defense, just like Harris. There's still some work to be done in the secondary, but with a stable of running backs, the Roadrunners already have the foundation laid.
8. Farragut
It might sound like a cliche, but Farragut coach Eddie Courtney says his team's 9-3 season in 2004 was due in large part to its week-by-week attitude.
"We really developed that attitude last year," he said. "With the schedule we play, you can only take them one week at a time."
Central is a daunting opponent in Week 1, but the Admirals' schedule is decidedly back-loaded. The Admirals finish against Ooltewah, Soddy-Daisy and Oak Ridge, but that might be a blessing in disguise or a curse waiting to happen.
With a tough end to the season, quarterbacks Tyler Powell and Michael Lawrence will be game-tested and ready for the challenge. But the Admirals also need some depth at key positions on the offensive line and secondary, and seven games is plenty of time to develop or suffer a key injury.
As for Powell and Lawrence, Courtney expects to have a starter picked by the Aug. 26 opener against Class 4A Central, but won't rule out a platoon if his team can gain an advantage.
One definite is that Farragut will be able to play some defense.
9. Catholic
The Irish can forget the long bus rides this year.
Gone are the Division II days of trips to Chattanooga and the mid-state for region games.
And if coach Mark Pemberton's team has its way, gone will be the misconception that a D-II team can't compete in the public school league.
"A lot of people say Division II is weak," Pemberton says. "They need to go play Montgomery Bell Academy, they need to play McCallie, they need to play BGA when they had their really good teams. I'll put those guys against anybody in this state."
Catholic couldn't have found a better proving ground.
Region 2-3A just might be one of the toughest in the state with two-time defending Class 3A champion Alcoa, Austin-East and a revamped Anderson County team.
Behind a strong offensive line and a solid front seven on defense, Pemberton is ready for the challenge.
Six-foot-2, 270-pound Davis Bodie is among Catholic's best up front and lanky tailback Harrison Smith has deceptive speed.
A major key to Catholic's success this season could be another common misconception about the Irish: wideout Jay Faris' speed.
The senior caught just 13 passes last year, but averaged more than 40 yards a catch. Seven of those 13 receptions went for touchdowns.
"He gives us a vertical stretch and we can throw the ball down the field," Pemberton said. "He's got tremendous speed. People look at him and don't think he's that fast, but I guarantee he's that fast."
And the Irish just might be that good.
10. Webb
Some high school coaches are afraid to rotate quarterbacks, preferring the consistency that comes with having a set starter. Webb School's David Meske isn't one of those guys.
The Spartans have three senior quarterbacks, all of whom will see time this season.
"It doesn't bother me at all," Meske said. "If you rotate in practice, you see that each one does something well."
Tom Dolinak, last year's starter, has the rifle. Jordan Wormsley, back playing football this season after a one-year break, can run and throw equally well. Hunter Candela is the consistent one, with great touch on his passes.
All three will come in handy for the Spartans, who are looking to build on a 6-6 season that ended in a second-round loss to Evangelical Christian School in the Division II playoffs.
With its three-headed approach at quarterback, Dolinak is convinced the Spartans can make a deeper playoff run this year.
"It's very realistic," he said. "I think there's an advantage. It all depends on the down and distance."
