There are fewer games in Class AAA than in any other classification this week. Most school will be jumping into action on Aug. 28. But there are enough games to quell the thirst of those dying to see some high school football.
Here are five of this week’s top games:
Jefferson at Rabun County: This could be a pretty fun game to watch when No. 5 Jefferson travels to Class AA No. 8 Rabun County. The Dragons have beaten Rabun County 16 straight times, including last year's 50-14 win.
Credit: Stan Awtrey
Credit: Stan Awtrey
But Jefferson lost most of the skill players it had a year ago, including quarterback Evan Shirreffs, but will benefit from a deep roster of experienced linemen on both sides. The quarterback spot is still in flux; sophomore Bryce Moore and junior Lane Sorrow are both in contention for the starting job.
Jefferson (12-1 last year) features veteran offensive linemen Jackson Bowen, Caleb Chandler and Dontae Wilson.
Cedar Grove vs. Southwest DeKalb (Panthersville Stadium): No. 6 Cedar Grove is loaded with ability. The Saints feature running back LaBron Morris, offensive lineman Netori Johnson, linebacker Elysee Mbem-Bosse, defensive back Tre Shaw and defensive lineman Antwuan Jackson, who was an AJC Super 11 selection. All five were on the preseason all-state team.
The Saints finally broke through against neighborhood rival Southwest DeKalb a year ago, winning 34-6 for the first time in seven meetings.
Dublin at Laney: Laney has been one of the most consistent teams in the state, with 15 consecutive seasons at .500 or better. The Wildcats will feature a new head coach, as Rodney McFadden took the reins when Lemuel Lackey took the job at Evans. McFadden has been with the program since 2002.
Laney is led by the versatile Vincen’te Thompkins, who plays quarterback, receiver and defensive back. Another returnee is Danye Washington, who had 707 yards in receptions and made 51 tackles and was named All-Area by the Augusta Chronicle. Andre James, another defensive back, also returns.
Laney has won the last three meetings with Dublin, including a 22-13 victory in 2014. Dublin leads the series 7-4.
Callaway at LaGrange: Callaway has a lot of holes to fill this year, with four-year starters Terry Godwin and Eddie Culpepper gone but hardly forgotten. But coach Pete Wiggins begins his 11th season at the school with high expectations. Much is expected from a program that has won at least seven games each year since 2007.
Braylon Sanders has been moved to quarterback and spent the summer learning the system; he had been a wide receiver. Dre Martin, who started the first five games at quarterback last season, has developed into a quality wide receiver. The top running back will be Cedric Maynard, who was Culpepper’s primary backup last year.
The Callaway defense features four-year starter Dre Martin, lineman J.T. Wortham and linebacker Javoski Leveree, who broke his leg in preseason and got back in time to play in the state playoffs.
Callaway defeated LaGrange for the first time a year ago, winning 20-14 in overtime. LaGrange leads the series 2-1.
Adairsville at Ridgeland: Adairsville, picked by most to finish second behind defending state champion Calhoun, meets northwest Georgia rival Ridgeland for the fourth time in six years. Adairsville leads the all-time series 3-1 and won last year's contest 28-14.
Adairsville lost quarterback Marcus Childers, but returns all-state running back Sidnee Jackson, who tallied more than 1,600 yards in 2014. Roger Redd, best known as a baseball player, will be the quarterback. The Adairsville defense is led by Drake Green, Will Rose, Daelan Harrison and Dallas Cannon.
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