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.

Jason Getz / AJC (ENLARGE)

Ronnie Smith (32) will try to bolster a Lions squad that's lost playmakers like Brandon Sanders (9, right).

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Young theft victims appear on NBC's 'Today'  Cobb cheerleader accused of theft out on bond  Victims' dad: Charge cheerleader's accomplices  Photos: A look at Ridge TEAM PAGE Peachtree Ridge This Week's Lineup • 4/21: ML King • 4/22: Valdosta • 4/23: Buford • 4/24: P'tree Ridge • 4/25: Tucker • 4/26: Fayette Co. • 4/27: Brookwood

Peachtree Ridge doesn't look like the powerhouse it was the last two years.

The Lions shared the 2006 state crown with Roswell and lost the rematch in controversial fashion in overtime in second round of the playoffs in 2007.

But the defense, led by LSU-bound Kevin Minter at linebacker, should be outstanding. Seven starters return.

Offense is another story. Peachtree Ridge must replace its dual-threat quarterback, Asher Clark, running back Brandon Davis and wideout Derrick Bryant, all Division 1 college signees. Only four starters return on offense.

"Our front seven is experienced, and there's a lot of talent in the secondary," coach Bill Ballard said. "Offensively we're going to have to grow and mature. We've got a tough opening part of the season, which ought to get us ready for the region. That's what our plan is anyway."

The Lions open at home against Harrison, then visit defending Class AAAAA champion Lowndes before starting region play. They finish against region powers Norcross and North Gwinnett.

Entering his second season at Peachtree Ridge after a successful run at Tucker, Ballard said he's dealing with a familiar challenge.

"Every year you're probably going to have one side of the ball that has to be rebuilt," he said. "We have a lot of guys who we feel got a lot of experience last year, on JV and on varsity, who will be ready to play when the season comes around."

Peachtree Ridge Lions

Region 7-AAAAA

Spring practice dates: May 6-17.

Last year's record: 8-4, lost in second round of state playoffs.

Reclassification challenge: Does not apply.

Working on: Coaches are looking for offensive playmakers at quarterback, running back and wide receiver. Senior Chris Brunatti, last year's backup quarterback, appears to have the edge over juniors Sterling Jones and Nick Lombardo for the starting spot. "We're going to see who can hit and who wants to get in there and mix it up," coach Bill Ballard said about his defense, which returns seven starters.

Key starters lost: QB Asher Clark; WR/DB Derrick Bryant; DB Brandon Sanders; RB Brandon Davis.

Key starters returning: LB Kevin Minter (6-1, 235, Sr.); DL Michael Pate (6-0, 240, Sr.); TE Connor Orr (6-4, 235, Sr.); WR Mitchell Williford (6-4, 200, Sr.); OL Trevor McBurnett (6-4, 295, Jr.).

2008 strengths: Linebacker Kevin Minter and defensive end Michael Pate pace an experienced front seven that should keep the Lions in every game. Cornerback Connor Norman will anchor a talented, but inexperienced, secondary.

2008 weaknesses: The Lions won't be as explosive as they were last year, when quarterback Asher Clark (Air Force) posed a dangerous dual threat and wideout Derrick Bryant (LSU) was a game-breaker. Running backs Ronnie Smith, Chris Sawdey and Micah Lampton will try to replace Brandon Davis (Central Florida).

This season's projection: Based on the defense alone, this is a playoff team. How well the offense develops will determine how far the Lions go.

Comment: "We've got more question marks on offense, but we do get some guys back who were banged up last year and didn't get to finish the season," coach Bill Ballard said, referring to two starting offensive linemen who suffered season-ending knee injuries in the first two weeks of 2007. "That will be big for us."

Last Week's Lineup

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

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