The 2026 Tennessee high school baseball season is quickly approaching and, as usual, excitement is abound throughout the state. Players and coaches have been working in preparation for the upcoming season and, as is the case each year, there are some very talented players and teams across Tennessee.

Teams across the state have goals and aspirations to finish their seasons in Murfreesboro at the state tournament championships – but there is plenty of work to be done before that becomes reality. We hope to familiarize our readers with many of the teams across the state as we preview individual teams across Tennessee. We will take you right up to first pitch this season with these team previews, eventually releasing our Preseason Power 25 rankings that’ll carry us into the opening week of action.

Please keep checking back throughout the season as we will be your one-stop shop for everything related to high school baseball across the state. Each week we will be releasing our Players of the Week and updating the Power 25 rankings.

Our 2026 preseason coverage continues today.

Please note that all Team Previews were submitted by High School Coaches.

High School: Forrest Rockets
Head Coach: Andy Burkett
TSSAA Classification: AA
District: District 9
2025 Record (Playoff Finish): 26-10

 

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ROSTER PREVIEW

+ Top Returning Position Players:

• OF Branham Haynes (2026)
• OF Matthew Morgan (2026)
• 1B Blaze Bourne (2026)
• C Lane Smith (2027)
• SS Reid Gentry (2026)
• CF Houston Matlock (2026)
• 3B Travis Porter (2027)

+ Top Returning Pitchers:

• Reid Gentry
• Houston Matlock
• Luke Perry
• Matthew Morgan
• Jordan Northam
• Travis Porter
• Colton Johnson
• Elliott Hutton
• Rylan Anderson
• Teagan Warner
  

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2026 OUTLOOK

+ Forrest enters the 2026 season coming off a strong 26–10 campaign with the pieces in place to remain one of the more competitive clubs in Class AA, District 9. Under head coach Andy Burkett, the Rockets return a veteran-heavy lineup and a deep pitching staff that logged meaningful innings during last year’s successful run.

Offensively, Forrest brings back experience across nearly every spot in the field. Branham Haynes (2026) and Matthew Morgan (2026) headline the outfield group, giving the Rockets athleticism, gap-to-gap range, and proven production at the plate. Houston Matlock (2026) anchors center field and adds another dynamic piece who can impact the game both offensively and on the mound.

In the infield, Reid Gentry (2026) returns at shortstop as a key two-way presence. His defensive stability up the middle and ability to handle innings on the mound make him one of the central figures in Forrest’s identity. Blaze Bourne (2026) provides strength at first base and middle-of-the-order run production, while Travis Porter (2027) brings versatility at third base and factors into the pitching mix. Behind the plate, Lane Smith (2027) gives the Rockets continuity and leadership, helping manage a deep and interchangeable pitching staff.

On the mound, depth is the defining characteristic. Gentry and Matlock headline the returning arms, but Forrest features a long list of contributors capable of taking innings. Luke Perry, Morgan, Jordan Northam, Porter, Colton Johnson, Elliott Hutton, Rylan Anderson, and Teagan Warner all factor into the staff, giving the Rockets the ability to mix and match based on opponent and game situation. That level of pitching depth is a major asset in district play, where managing workloads and winning midweek matchups can separate contenders.

With experience at premium defensive positions, a balanced offensive attack, and one of the deeper pitching staffs in the classification, Forrest enters 2026 positioned to build on last year’s 26-win season. If the Rockets can maintain consistency on the mound and continue to get production from the heart of the lineup, they have the profile of a team capable of making another strong postseason push in AA.

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Find more information on Forrest’s 2026 season below:

+ Follow them on X: @FHS_Rocket_Boys
+ Find more 2026 team previews on our TSSAA Season Preview page

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