The annual prep football special section produced by the Times Free Press sports team is live online and available as an 80-page tabloid in Friday's print edition of the Times Free Press.
View the Times Free Press preseason polls for the 2019 season below:
LARGE SCHOOLS
(Classes 4A-6A, Division II-AAA)
1. McCallie: After falling just one step shy of reaching the 2018 Division II-AAA title game, the Blue Tornado return nearly all their offensive stars as well as arguably the state's top-rated defensive prospect in lineman Jay Hardy.
2. Dalton: There is talent and experience everywhere for the Catamounts, including Georgia Tech running back commitment Jahmyr Gibbs, strong-arm quarterback Landon Allen and four very large offensive linemen. A trio of linebackers return and the secondary, led by Malachi Gregory and Parker Adams, is a major strength.
3. Baylor: The Red Raiders added three impact transfers - quarterback Neyland Jean, athlete Elijah Howard (a Tennessee commitment) and two-way lineman Sam Christensen - to a roster that already had several college prospects.
4. Heritage: The Generals return a 2,000-yard passer in Nick Hanson, an experienced offensive line led by Kobe McAllister and a new weapon in receiver/defensive back Sam Randolph. If the defense shows expected improvement, another trip to the postseason is in order.
5. Bradley Central: This might be the fastest group of athletes the Bears have put on the field. Among the eight returning starters on offense are receivers Saylor Clark and Tray Curry, who's rated as one of the state's top junior prospects.
Red Bank quarterback Madox Wilkey (7) passes the ball to a teammate during the Red Bank High School vs. Loudon High School at Red Bank High School Friday, Oct. 27, 2017, in Red Bank, Tenn. SMALL SCHOOLS
(Classes 1A-3A, Division II-AA & A)
1. Red Bank: Madox Wilkey is back at quarterback for his third season as the starter, having helped the team average 40 points per game last year. He'll have plenty of weapons around him as the Lions look to build on last year's 11-win, region-title season.
2. Meigs County: After reaching the No. 1 ranking in the state's 2A polls each of the last two seasons, the Tigers are looking finally to get back to play for a state title after a nearly 25-year absence.
3. Calhoun: Coach Hal Lamb and his 18 consecutive region championships are gone, as is one of the most accomplished graduating classes in the area. Still, new coach Clay Stephenson has terrific sets of lines to build around and plenty of talent ready to step up.
4. Tyner: There's a sense of having something to prove despite winning 10 games and the Region 3-2A title last year. The Rams might have the best collection of athletes in the city.
5. Notre Dame: With seven starters back on both sides, including speedster Jeffrey Watkins, last year's Division II-AA East region champs are looking to get to a state title game for the second time in three years.