Lovett coach Mike Muschamp knows exactly what to expect from Marist on Friday -- an option offense that features a deep passing attack and a physical defense that will do anything to make opposing offensive linemen blink.
That's why Class AAAA No. 4 Marist should be the toughest pre-region opponent Lovett will play this season. The Lions defeated Greater Atlanta Christian 30-29 in overtime last weekend. It will be Marist's opener.
"Marist is a different kind of football team because of what they do on offense," Muschamp said of Marist's option-based attack. "You have to be prepared for stuff they do, both option-wise and now, because they've added more of a down-the-field throwing game to their offense. It's a whole lot to prepare for."
Against GAC, Lovett quarterback Blaine McAllister was 28-of-38 passing for 357 yards and two touchdowns. He added a rushing touchdown, passed for a two-point conversion and ran for another. McAllister, a 6-foot-3, 201-pound three-star recruit, committed to Princeton. His skill-set will be tested against the Marist defense.
"We are also trying to get ready for all of the different stuff they do on defense," Muschamp said. "They are pretty active defensively -- a lot of blitz, a lot of line stunts up front, and they are as physical team as you are going to find in the state of Georgia. You have to be prepared for all three phases and playing against a high-level of intensity and a physical brand of football that Marist brings each week."
Lovett and Marist have played each season since 2012, with Marist holding a 5-2 margin. Each of Lovett's victories against Marist came in double-overtimes -- 29-28 in 2016 and 41-38 in 2013. Last year, Marist won 40-20, the largest margin of victory in the series.
Here are some other Class AAA games worth monitoring:
-- No. 1 Peach County vs. Class AAAAAA No. 4 Northside-Warner Robins (Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at McConnell Talbert Stadium in Warner Robins): Peach County opened last season with a 27-24 victory against Northside at Mercer University. Peach has yet to play a down, but the Trojans are the talk of AAA with a lot of talent returning from a team that lost the state title game in 2018. Northside is coming off a 46-13 victory against Centennial.
-- No. 2 Cedar Grove vs. Central Phenix, Ala. (Saturday at 8 p.m. at Lakewood Stadium): Cedar Grove's 26-16 victory against Class AA No. 2 Hapeville Charter last week likely created more questions than answers for the defending state champions. The Saints will face Central-Phenix in the Cam Newton C1N Foundation Classic. Central is coming off a 17-14 loss to Hoover, Ala.
-- No. 8 Greater Atlanta Christian at No. 10 Westminster (Friday at 7:30 p.m.) --Westminster and GAC met twice last season – once in the regular season and once in the second round of the playoffs. Westminster won 22-21 in the regular-season game and 44-34 in the playoffs. GAC holds an 8-6 advantage in the series, which dates to 2002. Both teams are trying to right the ship. Westminster has yet to score a touchdown in 2019 after losing to Woodward 19-0 last week, and GAC is coming off a 30-29 loss to Lovett.
Here's a look at the Class AAA top-10 schedule:
1. (1) Peach County (0-0) vs. Class AAAAAA No. 4 Northside-Warner Robins on Saturday
2. (2) Cedar Grove (1-0) vs. Central Phenix, Ala., on Saturday
3. (3) Calhoun (1-0) off. Will play host to Therrell on Sept. 6.
4. (8) Pierce County (1-0) at Bacon County on Friday.
5. (NR) Lovett (1-0) vs. Class AAAA No. 4 Marist on Friday.
6. (7) Pace Academy (1-0) at Class A-Private No. 1 Eagle's Landing Christian on Friday.
7. (10) Crisp County (1-0) vs. Class AAAA West Laurens on Friday.
8. (6) Greater Atlanta Christian (0-1) at No. 10 Westminster on Friday.
9. (5) Benedictine (0-1) off. Will travel to Class AAAA No. 5 Blessed Trinity on Sept. 13.
10. (4) Westminster (0-1) vs. No. 8 Greater Atlanta Christian on Friday.
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