Middle Tennessee Christian School's football team got a wake-up call in many ways a year ago when it was moved into a new region.
The Cougars managed to finish 6-4 overall and 4-4 in Region 5, but missed out on the postseason.
The region was very top heavy, led by state champion Nashville Christian, along with normal state powers Jo Byrns and Trousdale County.
"We knew what was coming, but it doesn't necessarily prepare you for," said MTCS coach Fred Shambaugh. It forces you to get better as a football program. You either swim, and you have to get better in the offseason.