In upcoming weeks, teams throughout the state will spend 10 days on the practice field preparing for the 2008 football season. In a series of stories, ajc.com will provide an offseason outlook for 25 of the top teams in the metro and state.

Jenni Girtman / AJC (ENLARGE)

King's Joel Kight (left, with ball) and the Lions are focused on topping their '07 success.

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M.L. King's motto going into next season is not orginal, but it seems to be a perfect fit for the DeKalb County school.

Lions coach Corey Jarvis admits to borrowing "Finish the Drill" from Georgia coach Mark Richt. Jarvis said that he and his coaching staff have reminded the players throughout the off-season conditioning program about last season's loss to Walton in the Class AAAAA quarterfinals.

"We have got to finish everything we do strong," Jarvis said. "We talk about the Walton game and how we didn't finish the game. We talk about finishing strong. We are sort of piggy-backing off of what Georgia says."

Last season, King won the school's first football region championship and completed its first unbeaten regular season. But the Lions must replace seven starters on offense and five on defense. The Lions return linebacker Joel Kight, who was named the Class AAAAA defensive player of the year after recording 153 tackles.

Offensively, King has to replace 1,000-yard rusher Cordellaro Jones and quarterback Jarad Dorsey. Jarvis is confident that a group of reserves and junior-varsity players will be able to fill the void.

"Our JV was pretty good the last couple of years," Jarvis said. "We have a lot of kids working hard. We had some kids that got some spot play on varsity, so we do have some experience."

M.L. King Lions

Region 2-AAAAA

Spring practice dates: April 28-May 9.

Last year's record: 12-1, lost in the quarterfinals.

Reclassification challenge: Does not apply.

Working on: The emphasis will be finding a replacement at quarterback and wide receiver. The Lions will add a few wrinkles to their offense during the 10-day practice period. Sophomores Cameron Myers (6-1, 185) and Jack Lester (6-2, 190) go into the spring as the leading candidates to replace QB Jarad Dorsey. Although Joel Kight will get the majority of the work during the spring, sophomore Eian Williams (5-9, 170) and junior Artravious Boyd (5-10, 200) will see a lot of reps. Replacing three starters on the offensive line will be crucial.

Key starters lost: WR Daniel McKayahan (Georgia Tech), OL Aaron Hawkins (Mississippi), DE Tyran Golden (Western Kentucky), DB Lyndrez Leslie (Gardner-Webb), Jarad Dorsey (Howard), OL Darryn Davis (Marshall), OL Xavier Morgan (Stillman), OL Kevin Lalor (Stillman), DL Kami Warner (Virginia State).

Key returning starters: LB Kight, OL Bryce Bell, OL Darryl Martin, SS Fred Barnes, CB Rodriguez Lowe, LB Rashaun Quiovers.

2008 strengths: The Lions will have to rely on their defense until the offense gets it together. Kight, who has drawn interest from several colleges, will team with Quiovers to give the Lions a solid linebacker group. The secondary is expected to be strong with a couple of returning starters back. Last season, the Lions gave up 151 yards and 11 points a game. King should have another fast and athletic defense that will make them region contenders.

2008 weaknesses: The lack of experience on the offensive line will be a major concern with a new quarterback running the offense. Kight will get plenty of carries, but the other backs must step up. The Lions will have plenty of talent, but it is inexperienced.

This season's projection: Since the school opened in 2002, King has compiled a 56-18 record. There shouldn't be a letdown. The Lions should be in the region championship hunt and make another playoff run, if the new players produce.

Comments: "It will be hard to tell about this team until we step on the field," Jarvis said. "We have had a lot of kids make that commitment to the weight room. We have some sophomores and freshmen who have really bulked up over the off-season. We have some teaching to do this spring. We just have to make sure that we understand what we are trying to accomplish."

Last Week's Lineup

4/14: Roswell • 4/15: Norcross • 4/16: Walton • 4/17: Harrison

4/18: Camden Co. • 4/19: Newnan • 4/20: Stephenson