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.

Pouya Dianat / AJC (ENLARGE)

St. Pius comes into 2008 seeking a QB replacement for last year's starter, Dylan Knight (15).

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After eight years in Class AAAA - the past two in what was arguably the toughest region in any classification - St. Pius will be dropping down to Region 5-AAA to compete against unfamiliar foes.

Washington is the only region opponent that returns to the Lions' 2008 schedule, while the annual Fish Bowl matchup with Marist shifts from the end of the season to the beginning, this time without region title implications.

The changes on the schedule will be major, but coach Paul Standard says there are similarities.

"For the most part, it's a totally new region, but I do believe it's going to have the same characteristics as the last region we were in with a lot of great athletes and speed," Standard said. "We have some knowledge of these teams, but for the most part, we haven't competed with Grady, North Atlanta and the others. I feel like this is going to be a tough region, but it remains to be seen."

St. Pius will make the transition while trying to fill major holes, most notably on the offensive line, where five starters graduated.

St. Pius conducted spring practice in January.

"Some of these kids did start for us on junior varsity, and they have played in varsity games, so we know they can play," Standard said. "I thought we made good strides. We feel like we came away with what we think is a good two-deep lineup. We're actually going to have a senior-oriented offensive line."

St. Pius X Golden Lions

Region 5-AAA

Spring practice dates: January.

Last year's record: 8-4, lost in the second round.

Reclassification challenge: The Lions move from Region 6-AAAA to 5-AAA and will face unfamiliar opponents.

Worked on: St. Pius must replace its entire offensive line, so much of January's work was spent on previous backups and fostering communication within that unit.

Key starters lost: QB Dylan Knight; LB Greg Foster; K/DB Chris Philpott; OL Kent Cleveland; OL/DE Jonathan Roberts; WB/LB Michael Kolshak.

Key starters returning: DT Jamie Slaughter; DE Andrew Butler; LB Robert Lucisano; QB/CB P.G. Standard; RB J.C. Carter; FB Cole Moon.

2008 strengths: Linebackers, secondary, offensive backfield.

2008 weaknesses: Offensive line experience, defensive end, defensive line.

This year's projection: If the offensive and defensive lines can make a smooth transition to varsity play, the Lions could be one of the teams to beat in Class AAA. Pius has won eight or more games four of the past five years.

Comment: "We had a good number of juniors who played last season because of some injuries to our senior class," coach Paul Standard said. "Who was going to be ready to step in and play for us as juniors? I think we found a number of kids who are ready."