Stephenson will try to do what no other metro Atlanta team has done this decade —- beat Ware County in Waycross.

Since 2000, the Gators have beaten four visiting teams from the metro area in the postseason. Stephenson was left with a void in its schedule when Columbus backed out.

Jaguars coach Ron Gartrell said the team will play both games in Waycross instead of the traditionally home-and-home series.

This season's game is scheduled for Sept. 19 at Memorial Stadium. Last season, Ware lost to Northside-Warner Robins 20-14 at home in the Class AAAA final.

"I think it is a good situation for us," Gartrell said. "We are going to treat it like it was playoff game. We are looking forward to it."

Tucker star chooses Hokies

Tucker all-state guard/forward Manny Atkins has committed to play for Virginia Tech following his graduation next year.

The 6-foot-6 senior was a member of the school's Class AAAA 2007 basketball championship team. He averaged 20.5 points and 10.4 rebounds last season while shooting 54 percent from the field.

"From what I saw from my visits, I thought Virginia Tech had a lot to offer," Atkins said. "I liked my [future] teammates and the coaching staff."

Atkins will join former AAU teammate Terrell Bell, a former standout at Stone Mountain, at Virginia Tech. Bell was a freshman last season for the Hokies.

"Terrell showed me around up there and told me what to expect," Atkins said. "I was able to get a lot of information from him."

Coaching changes

Westlake principal Byron White has tabbed former assistant Greg Minnis as the new coach of the southwest Atlanta school.

Minnis, who served as linebacker and special teams coach the past two seasons, replaces Dallas Allen.

Allen, who had coached at the school since its inception in 1988, moved into an administrative position at the school. He finished with a 110-66 record and had 40 players to make all-state, with numerous receiving college scholarships.

Allen also had six players to play in the NFL.

In his new role, Allen will become assistant athletics director and help with college recruiting.

"We see it as a win-win situation," White said. "We are looking to expand our program here. We are looking to grow leaders within.

"You will be hard-pressed to find someone of coach Minnis' caliber."

> Rodney Cofield was informed two weeks ago that he had to vacate his football coaching position at Washington after signing an assistant principal contract during the spring.

During his 13-year tenure, Cofield turned the once-proud but downtrodden program into a consistent winner. He was three wins shy of reaching his 100th victory at the school. Cofield had sent more than 100 players to college on scholarships and never had a sub-.500 season at the school while making eight playoff appearances.

"This definitely wasn't by choice," Cofield said. "If I had been given a choice before signing the contract, I would have chosen football. I definitely want to coach football."

> Ed Gosa, who had two successful stints as Banneker's baseball coach, replaces Benny Crane, who resigned to pursue other opportunities. Gosa will serve as interim coach this season.

"I was surprised when [Banneker principal] William Bradley offered it to me," Gosa said. "I know he will re-evaluate the situation at the end of the year. I'm treating it as if I'm the head coach for the long term. My gut feeling is that we will do well."