Most teams have already played two games. Some have played three. Fans can already get the lay of the land when it comes to the top echelon of teams. There were no new teams who entered the rankings this week.
But as the season continues, there are bound to be some changes in the new world order of Class AAAAA football. Here’s a look at five of the outsiders who are knocking at the door. Not that any of these are ready to beat Buford, but they deserve consideration if someone falters -- or if they continue to rise up.
Arabia Mountain (3-0): The Rams have been easy winners in their first three games, most recently a 35-20 victory over Redan. It is the first time the program has won its first three games. Quarterback Samad Noble has been consistently good all season for Arabia Mountain and Michael Miller has been his favorite target.
The Rams clinched the win over Redan when running back Brandon Snowball scored on a 12-yard run to complete a 15-play, 69-yard scoring drive that took nearly eight minutes in the fourth quarter. Snowball finished with 98 yards and two touchdowns and Noble threw for 146 yards and 40 yards rushing, with two touchdowns.
Arabia Mountain they take a huge step in weight division when they host Class AAAAAAA Dacula at Adams Stadium on Saturday. The game was originally scheduled to be played at Avondale, but was switched early this week.
Credit: Stan Awtrey
Credit: Stan Awtrey
Cedar Shoals (2-0): The Jaguars have responded under first-year coach Leroy Ryals and looked good in their first two games against overmatched opponents. Ryals coached rival Clarke Central from 2006-12 and took the Gladiators to the state championship game in 2009. Last week's 35-17 win over Decatur marked the first time the program has recorded wins in consecutive games since 2013. More will be known about the Jags after the next two games when they travel to North Oconee and host Oconee County.
Griffin (2-0): The Bears appear to be back after roaring to two impressive wins. Griffin hammered LaGrange 51-0 last week and has totaled 104 points in its first two games. In a Region 3 race that is considered wide open, the speedy Bears have emerged as one of the teams to beat. Griffin will get a test on Thursday when it hosts Class AAAA Upson-Lee (2-0), which wins over Shaw and Columbus.
Statesboro (0-2): How can a winless team be considered a potential addition to the rankings? Look at Statesboro's schedule. The Blue Devils have lost to Class AAAA No. 7 Burke County (3-0) and Class AAA No. 5 Liberty County 21-7. In each loss, Statesboro had the lead in the final period of both games. The defense has allowed some long drives and the offense has really yet to kick in gear, but if anyone can emerge to challenge Ware County, it might be Statesboro. Statesboro travels to Screven County (1-1) on Friday.
Stockbridge Woodland (1-1): For a team that has scored 114 points in their first three games, the real strength of the Woodland team may be defense. They have allowed only 15 points against any team not named Valdosta. Defensive back Yusuf Corker, linebacker Tre' Allen and defensive lineman JayQuan Coles make up a strong core. They host improved Hampton this week before traveling to play at No. 6 Jones County.
