It will be difficult to top the performances many of the girls turned in last week at the girls state track and field championships, but the boys will have a go at it starting today in Jefferson at the 2015 Georgia High School Association Boys Track and Field Championships, a.k.a. the Georgia Olympics. Here’s a preview.
AAAAAA
The skinny: Westlake was the clear favorite but several injuries to key performers and a transfer by another late in the season appears to have derailed the Lions’ title hopes. McEachern could be in line to win the program’s fourth championship.
Favorites: McEachern, Newton County, Archer, Marietta
Other teams to watch: Kennesaw Mountain, Brookwood
Athletes to watch: Robert Dunning, Kennesaw Mountain, Jr. (110- and 300-meter hurdles); Miles Yapp, Brookwood, Sr. (1,600 and 3,200 meters); Tyson Spears, Roswell, Jr. (100, 200, Long jump)
AAAAA
The skinny: Standout senior Ryan Clark, who has committed to Florida, hopes to lead Banneker to its first state title, but Southwest DeKalb, one of the state’s most historic programs, is in the mix to win its first championship since 2007.
Favorites: Southwest DeKalb, Banneker
Other teams to watch: Stephenson, Kell, Union Grove
Athletes to watch: Ryan Clark, Banneker, Sr. (100, 200); Jonathan Mays, New Manchester, Sr. (High jump); Logan Poteet, Brookwood, Sr. (1,600, 3,200)
AAAA
The skinny: Marist’s boys will try to match the girls program by winning a third consecutive championship. But Sandy Creek is the in the mix and Eagle’s Landing could be a dark horse as well.
Favorites: Marist, Sandy Creek
Other teams to watch: North Oconee, Redan, Hampton, Eagle's Landing
Athletes to watch: Barnett Bailey, Henry County, Sr. (100, 200); Frank Pittman, Marist, Jr. (1,600, 3,200); Daniel Roberts, Hampton, Jr. (110-, 300-meter hurdles, Triple jump); Kenneth Brinson, Marist, Sr. (Discus)
AAA
The skinny: Washington County senior Quintaveon Poole, who has committed to Mississippi State, will go after the state record in the 400 meters (46.62 seconds), set in 2008 by Sandy Creek alum Christian Taylor, the current Olympic champion in the triple jump.
Favorites: Cedar Grove, East Jackson
Other teams to watch: Oconee County, Central-Carrollton
Athletes to watch: Quintaveon Poole, Washington County, Sr. (200, 400); Chase Kennedy, East Jackson, So. (1,600, 3,200); Tyler Terry, Central-Carrollton, Jr. (110-, 300-meter hurdles, Long jump); Mitt Conerly, Central-Carrollton, Jr. (Pole vault)
AA
The skinny: Two of the state’s most highly recruited football players, Darius Slayton (Auburn) and Micah Abernathy (Tennessee), will look to lead Greater Atlanta Christian to the program’s first state title since 1981. Fitzgerald is in the mix to win its first since winning four straight from 1987 to 1990.
Favorites: Fitzgerald, GAC
Other teams to watch: Bleckley County, Holy Innocents', Thomasville, Lovett
Athletes to watch: Darius Slayton, GAC, Sr. (100, 200); Nathan McBride, Vidalia, So. (100, 200); Micah Abernathy, GAC, Sr. (400); Miller Kettle, GAC, Sr. (1,600, 3,200);
A - Private
The skinny: Athens Christian is a heavy favorite to win its fourth title in a row. Savannah Christian junior Demetris Robertson, considered among the state’s top uncommitted football players after de-committing from Alabama, could win the overall performer award.
Favorites: Athens Christian
Other teams to watch: First Presbyterian Day, Athens Academy, Landmark Christian
Athletes to watch: Demetris Robertson, Savannah Christian, Jr. (100, 200, Long jump); Robby Keough, Whitefield Academy, Sr. (800, 1,600); Justin Brooks, Athens Christian, Sr. (400)
A - Public
The skinny: Terrell County appears to be a heavy favorite to win the program’s first title.
Favorites: Terrell County
Other teams to watch: Montgomery County, Georgia Military College, Commerce
Athletes to watch: McKinley West, Mitchell County, Sr. (100, 200); Jay Acker, Commerce, Sr. (800, 1,600); Jakyron Young, Irwin County, Sr. (Triple jump)
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