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.

Erik S. Lesser / Special (ENLARGE)

Even with star QB Michael Tamburo (9) returning, North Gwinnett has many holes to fill on offense and defense.

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When a program sends 10 seniors to play college football, there's bound to be a dropoff.

That's the case at North Gwinnett, which made the Class AAAAA championship game last year.

The Bulldogs were hit especially hard on defense. Strong safety Zach Humphrey is the only returning starter.

"We may have to score 100 to start the season," coach Bob Sphire said. "Being the head coach and the offensive coordinator, it's not so bad for me, but [defensive coordinator] Mo Dixon may not be able to sleep much."

While the defense will be smaller and less experienced, the offense will be potent.

Quarterback Michael Tamburo (2,311 passing yards, 19 touchdowns; 594 rushing yards, 10 touchdowns) is entering his third year as a starter and he has most of his key players returning - running back Tyler Jarry, wideout Cordero Dixon and tight end Kenny Barnes.

Sphire said Tamburo and Jarry will have a whole lot to carry. "But at the same time, I don't think our offense is successful being one-dimensional. We're working to develop guys and have a bunch of people step up."

After going 24-4 in Sphire's first two seasons, North Gwinnett might take a step back. The Bulldogs lost more than 30 seniors.

"We look like a JV team right now," Sphire said. "There are so many things we've got to find out, it's unbelievable. I hardly know where to start.

"I swear, I feel like we're almost back at square one," he added. "We've got some great kids coming back, but it's really a rebuilding mode, if there ever was one."

North Gwinnett Bulldogs

Region 7-AAAAA

Spring practice dates: May 5-17.

Last year's record: 13-2, lost to Lowndes in state championship game.

Reclassification challenge: Does not apply.

Working on: The Bulldogs must rebuild their defense after losing every starter except strong safety Zach Humphrey. "We've got a whole lot of kids who look like linebackers," coach Bob Sphire said. "Some of these guys are going to have to become linemen, and some will have to become more skilled, defensive back types."

Key starters lost: DE Eric Eberhardt; DB Marquese Quiles; LB Eloka Anyaorah; DE Robert Pritchard; DT Steve Buffington; OL Clint Duggan.

Key starters returning: QB Michael Tamburo (6-1, 185, Sr.); RB Tyler Jarry (5-11, 180, Sr.); C Jake Thomas (6-2, 240, Sr.); WR Cordero Dixon (6-0, 170, Jr.); OL Austin Shepherd (6-4, 310, Jr.); TE Kenny Barnes (6-3, 220, Sr.).

2008 strengths: If they can get any blocking, the Bulldogs will score points because of Tamburo, Jarry, Dixon and Barnes. No team has a better offensive conductor than Tamburo, who is entering his third year as a starter.

2008 weaknesses: The Bulldogs will be small and inexperienced on the defensive front. With only one returning defensive starter, North Gwinnett could play a lot of close games.

This season's projection: The Bulldogs, who open against South Carolina power Byrnes and Brookwood, will be hard-pressed to duplicate last season's run to the state final. But Sphire will find a way to get them to the playoffs.

Comment: "We've got a small upcoming senior class," Sphire said of his 17 seniors. "There are going to be a lot of juniors and sophomores vying for playing time."

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