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.

After experiencing three consecutive winning seasons and a long playoff run last fall, Chamblee is facing a bigger challenge for the upcoming season.

Jessica McGowan / Special (ENLARGE)

Chamblee speedster Malcolm Beyah (left) has graduated, but starting RB Darrius Jones and QB Garrett Williams return.

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The Bulldogs will move from Class AAA to Class AAAA and has been placed in traditionally tough Region 6-AAAA.

Jim Showfety, the AJC Class AAA coach of the year, also moved on. After leading the Bulldogs to the AAA semifinals, he took over at Northview.

Mike Collins was hired to continue the success at the North DeKalb County school, after three years at Pebblebrook.

"They have had some success in the program the last few years," Collins said. "It is definitely a program on the rise. We were fortunate to get things back rolling at Pebblebrook; hopefully we can go to a new level of success here."

Collins will have six starters returing on offense, six on defense. Although three offensive linemen graduated, the Bulldogs return a backfield that averaged 308 yards rushing per game. Running backs Norman Warren and Darrius Jones and quarterback Garrett Williams return.

"We are really excited about what we have seen of Garrett on film," Collins said.

Chamblee Bulldogs

Region 6-AAAA

Spring practice dates: May 5-16.

Last season: 12-2, lost 26-24 to Carver-Columbus in Class AAA semifinals.

Reclassification: Moves up in class and will play in Region 6-AAAA with Marist, Tucker and Southwest DeKalb.

Working on: After weeks of watching the players on film and during conditioning drills, Collins finally will get a chance to evaluate his talent on the field.

Key starters lost: OL Omoregie Uzzi (Georgia Tech); Taylor Loftley (Vanderbilt); Malcolm Beyah (Middle Tennessee State); Ryan Smith (Valdosta State).

Key starters returning: RB Norman Warren; RB Darrius Jones; QB Garrett Williams; OL John Napier; CB Dakaral Penn.

2008 strengths: The Bulldogs will have a strong backfield with Norman, who rushed for 1,558 yards and 27 touchdowns. Jones is also back after rushing for 788 yards and 13 touchdowns. Williams has experience running the offense.

2008 weakness: The Bulldogs graduated both offensive guards and all-state tackle Uzzi. Speedster Beyah also graduated. Finding some help in the secondary and at linebacker will be key. Collins is looking to add some depth.

This season's projection: Chamblee has made steady improvement the last two seasons, but the team will be under its third coach in as many seasons. Moving up to tough Region 6-AAAA will be a challenge, but the team has enough skill players to compete. If the team can find some linemen and depth, it should again be a playoff contender.

Comment: "I'm very excited about getting started," Collins said. "I think the region is a good fit for us, but it will be tough with Tucker, Marist, Southwest DeKalb and Miller Grove. You just got to come out each week and bring your best game."

Week Three Lineup

• 4/28: Lowndes • 4/29: Parkview • 4/30: Mays • 5/1: Marist • 5/2: Northside-WR • 5/3: Lovett • 5/4: St. Pius

Week Two Lineup

• 4/21: ML King • 4/22: Valdosta • 4/23: Buford • 4/24: P-Ridge • 4/25: Tucker • 4/26: Fayette • 4/27: Brookwood

Week One Lineup

• 4/14: Roswell • 4/15: Norcross • 4/16: Walton • 4/17: Harrison • 4/18: Camden • 4/19: Newnan • 4/20: Stephenson