SPRING SPORTS ROUNDUP: Georgia teams dominate national polls

In baseball, Parkview is garnishing national attention, ranked seventh in the ESPN Fab 50, and will be attempting to repeat as Class AAAAA state champions. The Panthers defeated Collins Hill 8-6 in their opener. … Columbus is another team in the national spotlight, No. 21 in the Fab 50, and they are looking for a three-peat of the Class AAA state title. The Blue Devils have gotten off to a strong 3-0 start, dominating opponents by a combined 26-4 margin, and the prospects look good for another championship run. Other teams attempting to repeat as champions are Marist in Class AAAA, Buford in Class AA and Hebron Christian Academy in Class A.

Boys soccer features a number of nationally ranked teams and the competition in the state of Georgia will be some of the best in the country. Lassiter comes into this year ranked No. 1 in the preseason ESPN Fab 50 boys’ soccer programs. The Trojans return a number of key contributors off last season’s state semifinalist squad, and are a favorite in Class AAAAA after a 5-0 start. … Centennial is second just behind Lassiter in the Fab 50 and have started the year 4-0 beating a few solid teams early. … St. Pius X is fourth on the Fab 50 and will look for yet another state championship after winning it last year. The Golden Lions also were named national champions in 2011 by ESPN Fab 50 so they have a rare opportunity to repeat. They are replacing their stud goalie Andrew Wolverton, now at Penn State, and that is the lone question mark for the Golden Lions. … Starr’s Mill is Georgia’s fourth team in the top 10 at No. 9 and they’ve started strong going 3-0 and already defeating last year’s state Class AAAAA champs in Walton. … McIntosh, No. 14 in the Fab 50, will be looking to avenge last year’s loss in the state championship to Chattahoochee and reassert itself as the dominant team in Class AAAA.

Girls’ soccer has a number of quality teams as well, with Harrison (Class AAAAA), McIntosh (Class AAAA), St. Pius X (Class AAA), Blessed Trinity (Class AA) and First Presbyterian (Class A) coming into the year looking to repeat. St. Pius X has won three straight Class AAA girls state titles and are the favorites to make it four this season. … Harrison has been strong lately winning the title in 2011 and they were runner-up in 2009 and 2006, so the Hoyas will be a force to be reckoned with in Class AAAAA along with North Gwinnett, Walton and Mill Creek.