It should come as no surprise to the state that defending Class A-Private champion Aquinas returns in 2014 as the top-ranked team in the classification. Coach James Leonard went undefeated in his first season heading up the Irish.
ELCA rolled through last season largely unchallenged before getting edged by Calvary Day in the semifinals. Coach Jonathan Gess has another talented squad that looks like an elite contender once again.
Mount Pisgah, like ELCA, was undefeated last year prior to getting beat by one point in the semifinals by Aquinas. Mike Forester’s program looks like one of the top up-and-coming teams in the state and the Patriots will challenge again in A-Private.
Savannah Christian, Athens Academy and Savannah Country Day are all teams in the top 10 that were not ranked after last season.
Marion County lost to Hawkinsville last year, then bounced back to win out, including a 40-7 revenge win over Hawkinsville in the playoffs, to claim the state title, the first in program history. The Eagles look strong again this season and are the favorites to win the championship again. Dooly County and Hawkinsville join Marion in the top 10 from Region 4.
Region 2-A has been the dominant region in recent years among Class A-Public schools, and has three teams in the preseason top 10 in Irwin County, Charlton County and Clinch County.
ECI made the top 10 after finishing last season unranked.
CLASS A-PRIVATE PRESEASON POLL
1. Aquinas
2. ELCA
3. Mt. Pisgah
4. Calvary Day
5. Mt. Paran
6. Landmark Christian
7. Savannah Christian
8. Prince Avenue Christian
9. Athens Academy
10. Savannah Country Day
CLASS A-PUBLIC PRESEASON POLL
1. Marion County
2. Irwin County
3. Charlton County
4. Clinch County
5. Hawkinsville
6. Johnson County
7. Lincoln County
8. Emanuel County Institute
9. Dooly County
10. Commerce
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