Calhoun tops the poll as coach Hal Lamb’s squad has been the most consistent AA program in the state in recent years, boasting five straight finals appearances. Quarterback Taylor Lamb has graduated, but senior Fields Chapman and junior Matt McHan are poised to fill his shoes under center. Running back Alex Urbano returns after a sensational junior year.
Brooks County edged Fitzgerald to win uber-competitive Region 1 last year, and didn’t lose until a quarterfinals shellacking by Calhoun. This year, the Trojans return one of the most dynamic QB-WR duos in the state in Malcom Parrish and Deric Herring.
GAC made the semifinals last season and quarterback Rafe Chapple returns along with receivers Chris Wilson and Darius Slayton from the Spartans’ dynamic passing offense. Running back Kyle Scales is gone, but leading tacklers Ross Wood and Paul Carothers are back.
Fitzgerald came the closest of anyone in the playoffs to beating Jefferson, as a three-overtime thriller ended with the Purple Hurricanes on the short side of a 53-51 affair. Coach Jason Strickland returns for his second year at Fitzgerald after a solid 10-3 campaign.
Jefferson won the state title last year in legendary coach T. McFerrin’s final season. Quarterback Bryant Shirreffs signed with N.C. State, but brother Evan will take over this year and will be helped along by 14 returning starters. The Dragons will start the season outside the top five until we see how they adjust to losing their QB and head coach.
Franklin Stephens’ Lamar County squad will be a team to watch again, as the Trojans rolled to a 12-1-1 record last year and a close semifinal loss to Calhoun. Quarterback Lance Austin and running back Lawrence Austin (brothers) return to guide the offense.
1. Calhoun
2. Brooks County
3. GAC
4. Fitzgerald
5. Lamar County
6. Jefferson
7. Cook
8. Washington-Wilkes
9. Lovett
10. Vidalia
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