The Dragons are back-to-back State Runner-Up! No team has been as dominant over the past two seasons. Jefferson does jump two classifications, but that does nothing to alter the expectations. They’re as high as ever in 2026.

Head Coach: Travis Noland (5th Season)
2025 Record: 13-2; Region Champs; State Runner-Up

“Our team expectations for 2026 are the same as always – we work to stack day after day of hard work and preparation in the weight room and on the field. This team is very focused on getting better each day and building upon what have already established at Jefferson.”

2026 SCHEDULE – WHITE COUNTY

PERSONNEL & SCHEMES

Key Departures: Darren Pinkard, Chance Payne, Colton Grant, Mack Gaddis, Dalton Dye, Tripp Porter, Logan Edmunds, Vincent Ledbetter, Taylor McCall, Mikey Pauley, Clifton Williamson

Returning Starters: 7 on offense; 6 on defense

Key Returning Players: Max Brown, Dylan Berardinelli, Shyne Parham, Jacob Berardinelli, CJ Hays, Eli Primm, Courtland Tillery, Griffin Drake, Boone Horn, Carter Perrin, Gavin Simmons

Up & Coming Players: Carter Perrin, Boone Horn, Bo Parker

Offense: Multiple
Boone Horn will be QB 1 for the Dragons, and it also will be interesting to see how much Jefferson utilizes Max Brown at RB. CJ Hays had a breakout year as a freshman, and should be even better this season. It’ll be a RB-by-committee, with five guys getting totes – Brown, Hays, Eli Primm, Jake Berardinelli, and Sean Moon. At WR, the top three options from last year graduated. However, Carter Perrin had 18 catches for 148 yards, so he could be in for a breakout campaign. Zyon Peterson also will get plenty of targets.

Defense: Multiple 4-3, 3-4
This side of the ball is SPECIAL! Jefferson has two high-tier D1 players in Max Brown (Clemson commit) and Shyne Parham (Michigan State) anchor the defense, then you have Dylan and Jacob Berardinelli, who both were around the 100 tackle mark last year. Eli Primm is another leader there. Every play will be 11 blue helmets on the ball. Look out for Bo Parker at DB here too.

Trenches:
Courtland Tillery returns at center, and Jefferson expects big contributions from Clifford Willford, Britton Stephenson, and Gavin Simmons. They replace a good bit of depth on the DL, though it has been working hard this summer and JHS expects them to be a big part of team this season.

STRENGTHS & AREAS OF FOCUS

Strengths: Defense – again, this unit appears to be as special as it is every season. The Dragons are relentless, and they hang their hats on the defense.

Focusing On: Replacing the offensive production of Colton Grant at QB, Darren Pinkard at RB, and Dalton Dye and Logan Edmunds at WR.

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