With practice in full pads under way and the regular season beginning Aug. 22, here are the keys to success for each Murfreesboro area high school football team in the 2024 TSSAA season:
Blackman
Find some footing in Matt Kriesky's second year: The Blaze not only had a new coach in Kriesky last season, but were in a massive rebuilding mode as well. A now strong senior class led by DL Archie Roseman and WR/DB Ethan Carson need to put that experience to the test in Year 2.
Cannon County
Offset lack of size with athleticism: Coming off a 2-8 season, the Lions will try to get back to the playoffs for the third time in four seasons under first-year coach Andy Bartsch . Cannon County is small, but athletic up front and has some star power in junior QB Eli Garrett and senior WR/DB Zae Odom, who is getting noticed by college programs.
Eagleville
Control the trenches: The perennial playoff contenders have some good, young skill players, but how the Eagles control the offensive and defensive line of scrimmage should dictate their season.
La Vergne
Get physical: With five returners on defense, led by safety Cam Williams and linebackers E.J. Robinson and Cam Samuel, the Wolverines have a good blend of youth and veterans. Physicality will be key with that group in an improved Region 5-6A.
Middle Tennessee Christian
Rebuild or reload? MTCS is coming off the program's first DII-A state title, but lost a wealth of talent off that squad, including OL Jesse Perry (now at Tennessee) and Mr. Football semifinalist Eli Wilson. Players like sophomore athlete Shy Murphy aren't expected to duplicate the success of Wilson and others, but how well they close that gap will be key.
Oakland
Let the stars shine: The Patriots, off a fourth straight 6A BlueCross Bowl appearance, need to ride the superstars, including senior RB and USC commitment Daune Morris , junior RB/DB and Tennessee target Craig Tutt , senior DE Quentin Norfolk. Keeping senior QB Kyler Creasy healthy and the play of the offensive line also will be key.
Providence Christian
Stay on course: The Lions likely surprised some by reaching the DII-A playoffs in their first year as a TSSAA program. A team that was dominated by underclassmen and is growing in numbers, PCA needs to simply stay on path to building a program that could consistently compete on a statewide level.
Riverdale
Plug in the offensive holes: Riverdale had a prolific offense last season, but lost a majority of Division I college talent. A team that should have one of the area's best defenses, the Warriors can make another deep 6A playoff run if they fill in holes around senior RB D.J. Taylor. Transfer QBs Donte Cameron and Malachi Telin are keys to that, as well as transfer WR Cam Booker.
Rockvale
Offense needs to match defense: Rockvale returns a strong defense from last year's playoff squad, including senior DB and Georgia commitment Jaylan Morgan and senior DB KeVantae Porter. An offense that struggled to run last year also lost several QBs. The Rockets need to find success on offense behind 6-5, 300-pound OL Bo Bryan.
Siegel
Don't take a step backward: Siegel not only made the playoffs for the first time since 2016 but did it with a relatively young squad. A strong junior class led by WR/DB Drew Hostetler and QB Tristan Thornton and a big offensive line need to continue that momentum after losing stars Tarrion Grant and Thomas Santel.
MORE: Why staying healthy is even more important for Oakland football QB Kyler Creasy in 2024
Smyrna
Stick with what has worked: Defense has been a staple of numerous region title teams over recent years, and the Bulldogs need to continue that success behind senior LB Adin Augustine, junior DL Jerry Martin and junior DB Tyreque McCarver.
Stewarts Creek
Consistency on offense: The Red Hawks should be strong defensively and have talent back at the skill positions, including senior RB Caleb Floyd . Consistency at quarterback, whether it's returning starter Jacob Jones or junior Jerry Taylor, is a key for an offense that scored 26 points or more seven times, but was also held to two TDs or less five times.
This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: What each Murfreesboro high school football team needs for success in 2024 TSSAA season
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