View the rest of our Best of Preps pre-season coverage here

Head coach: Chad Grabowski (17-23 here; 79-63 overall)

Last year's record: 2-7 overall, lost in Class 1A first round

Key players: Addison Hook (6-3, 255) Sr. OL/DL, Cadan Williams (6-1, 170) Sr. WR/OLB, Cade Dean (5-11, 170) So. QB/CB, Krus Soto (5-11, 220) Sr. OL/DL, Isaac Deal (5-11, 160) Sr. WR/OLB

Season outlook: The good news is almost half of last year's starters return. Beyond that, though, there is very little game experience and this could be one of the thinnest rosters (22 players) the program has had in some time.

"We are young and inexperienced on both sides of the ball," Grabowski said. "Staying healthy is always the key for us, but that's especially true this year."

The Cougars have reached the playoffs each of the past three seasons since Grabowski took over but have not advanced past the first round since 2014.

Three starters are back on the offensive line, and Grabowski believes the defensive front will be solid. Dean was moved from receiver and gives the Cougars a dual threat, while Williams and Deal form a good receiving tandem.

"Cade is a smart kid who played quite a bit at receiver last year because we just wanted to have his athleticism on the field," Grabowski said. "He'll make mistakes just because of his inexperience at the position, but we know he'll get better with every snap.

"We're working to keep our playoff streak going and want to finally get past the first round. We just have to keep working to get better each game."

Choose a school from the list to see related news coverage

Copyright © 2022, Chattanooga Times Free Press, Inc.

This document may not be reprinted without the express written permission of Chattanooga Times Free Press, Inc.

Material from the Associated Press is Copyright © 2022, Associated Press and may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. Neither these AP materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and noncommercial use. The AP will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions therefrom or in the transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages arising from any of the foregoing. All rights reserved.