Here is a look at the new regions for the 2020 season, which we hope will start on time.
PRIVATE
Region 1: Deerfield-Windsor, First Presbyterian, Mount de Sales Academy, Stratford Academy, Strong Rock Christian, Tattnall Square Academy
The Skinny: Deerfield-Windsor, located in Albany, becomes yet another school to make the jump from the Georgia Independent Schools Association (GISA) to the GHSA. The Knights finished 6-6 in 2019 in the highest classification in the GISA (AAA), where they have been competing since 1970, winning 15 region titles (the last one in 2015) and four state titles (the last one in 2012). The league features four Macon-area schools – FPD, Mound de Sales, Stratford and Tattnall Square – and Strong Rock in Henry County.
Region 2: Eagle's Landing Christian, Landmark Christian, Our Lady of Mercy, Whitefield Academy
The Skinny: ELCA had its streak of consecutive Region 5 titles snapped last season at nine but should have no problem starting a fresh streak in the new Region 2. The Chargers are 35-7 all time against the other schools in the league.
Region 3: Aquinas, Calvary Day, Savannah Christian, Savannah Country Day
The Skinny: Augusta-based Aquinas joins the three Savannah-area schools in the new Region 3. Savannah Country Day went undefeated during the regular season to win the region crown last season.
Region 4: Brookstone, Heritage-Newnan, Pacelli, Trinity Christian
The Skinny: Heritage-Newnan joins Deerfield-Windsor as a team moving over to the GHSA from the GISA's largest classification. The Hawks won five region crows after starting their football program in 2006. All five league championships, including back-to-back titles in 2018 and 2019, have come in the last eight seasons. Trinity Christian begins its third season in the GHSA.
Region 5: Hebron Christian, Holy Innocents', Mount Vernon Presbyterian, Providence Christian, Wesleyan
The Skinny: With ELCA moving to Region 2, Holy Innocents' – the defending Region 5 champs – and Wesleyan will battle for the title. But Hebron Christian, coming off its best season (8-5) since beginning region competition in 2012, could play spoiler.
Region 6: Fellowship Christian, King's Ridge, Lakeview Academy, Mt. Pisgah Christian, Pinecrest Academy, St. Francis
The Skinny: Fellowship Christian is the defending champion of this region that has half the teams it did last season (15). The Paladins are still the team to beat.
Region 7: Christian Heritage, Darlington, Mount Paran Christian, North Cobb Christian, Walker
The Skinny: Walker was the only team in this new Region 7 that did not advance to the playoffs last season.
Region 8: Athens Academy, Athens Christian, George Walton Academy, Loganville Christian, Prince Avenue Christian
The Skinny: Loganville Christian is the third team (Deerfield-Windsor and Heritage-Newnan) making the leap from the GISA to the GHSA this season. The Lions went 5-7 last season and have won one region championship (2015) since starting its football program in 2008. Athens Academy has dominated the region the last three seasons with three titles while compiling a record of 37-3 with two appearances in the private final in 2017 and 2018.
PUBLIC
Region 1: Baconton Charter, Calhoun County, Miller County, Mitchell County, Pataula Charter, Pelham, Randolph-Clay, Seminole County, Terrell County
The Skinny: Stewart County and Chattahoochee County moved to Region 5. Baconton is still looking for a new head coach. Mitchell County and Pelham will keep their rivalry going.
Region 2: Atkinson County, Brooks County, Charlton County, Clinch County, Irwin County, Lanier County, Turner County
The Skinny: Brooks County drops down, fresh off an appearance in the Class AA title game. The Trojans haven't faced Irwin County, the defending public champions, since 2003. Whenever they schedule their matchup this fall, it will be standing room only.
Region 3: Bryan County, Claxton, Emanuel County Institute, Jenkins County, McIntosh County Academy, Metter, Portal, Screven County
The Skinny: Metter drops down after going 11-2 and winning the Region 2AA title. The Tigers look like the favorite this fall. Screven County, which went 7-4 in Region 4AA, will be in the mix. After a couple of seasons below their traditionally high standards – the Bulldogs have gone 13-11 the past two seasons, 22-3 the two seasons prior to that – look for ECI to challenge as well.
Region 4: Dooly County, Dublin, Hawkinsville, Johnson County, Montgomery County, Telfair County, Treutlen, Wheeler County, Wilcox County
The Skinny: Dublin, the Class AA state champs, are the odds on favorites.
Region 5: Central-Talbotton, Chattahoochee County, Greenville, Macon County, Manchester, Marion County, Schley County, Stewart County, Taylor County
The Skinny: In what was essentially Region 4 last season, look for Marion County, the Region 4 champs, and Manchester to be the favorites. Schley County and Macon County, which finished first and second on the opposite side of the sub region from Marion and Manchester, will challenge as well.
Region 6: Armuchee, B.E.S.T. Academy, Bowdon, Gordon Lee, Mt. Zion-Carroll, Trion
The Skinny: This shapes up to be one of the most competitive leagues in the classification, made up of nearly all schools in northwest Georgia. Dropping down from Class AA is B.E.S.T. Academy, an all-boys public school located less than 10 miles from downtown Atlanta.
Region 7: ACE Charter, Crawford County, Georgia Military College, Glascock County, Hancock County, Twiggs County, Warren County, Wilkinson County
The Skinny: Coming off its best season since 2007, Warren County, which finished 8-5 and advanced to the public quarterfinals, looks to be the favorite.
Region 8: Commerce, Green County, Lincoln County, Social Circle, Towns County, Washington-Wilkes
The Skinny: Commerce and Towns County are the only holdovers from a subdivided league that featured eight private schools last season. Social Circle drops down from Region 8AA, where the Redskins went 2-8 in 2019.
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