Moving up in classification can be uncomfortable for many schools. It may be a blessing for Chapel Hill.
The Panthers have spent the last four seasons in Region 5-AAAA, but by moving up into a higher classification, they’re going be able to avoid annual games against state powers Cartersville, Sandy Creek and Troup. The new opponents awaiting Chapel Hill in Region 6-AAAAAA may or may not be as talented, but at least they’ll be different
“We’re just happy to see some new faces,” Chapel Hill coach Justin DeShon said. “It will definitely be a new flavor. It’s going to be a challenge for us. We’ve definitely got our work cut out for us.”
Chapel Hill made the playoffs in 2016 and 2017, but came up a game short the last two seasons by losing to Cedartown in the final game. Chapel Hill went 5-5 in 2019. With an experienced nucleus returning on both sides of the ball, it would not be surprising to see the Panthers back in the mix.
The program’s emphasis is again on defense, where six starters return but the team has a huge hole to fill with the graduation of Bradyn Swinson, the AJC’s Class AAAA Defensive Player of the Year and University of Oregon signee.
“We put our best 11 guys on defense,” DeShon said. “We feel like our defense will be there again.”
Top returners include defensive lineman Jayden Smith (6-2, 240) and linebacker Bradley Turner (6-0, 205). Derrick Von Hubbard, a starter on the offensive line, has been moved to defense to provide additional strength.
The offense returns four linemen, with three-year starter Drake Hudson, a 260-pounder at left guard, serving as the anchor.
“That’s where we put our money,” DeShon said. “In our old league, you had to be good up front or you had no chance.”
There will be a new quarterback, with Alex Makosky stepping into the role. Makosky has spent the off-season getting up to speed in the team’s spread attack and DeShon complimented the junior’s intelligence.
He will be helped by the return of juniors Rudolph Paul and Michael Perkins, who both have experience and will help offset the loss of 1,000-yard rusher Imani Davis.
The new Region 6 alignment includes fellow Douglas County schools Lithia Springs and New Manchester, Villa Rica, North Springs and City of Atlanta schools Grady and Maynard Jackson. In addition to those six opponents, Chapel Hill has picked up non-region opponents Alexander (another Douglas County school they haven’t played over the last four years), South Paulding, Paulding County and Class AAAA power Marist.
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