The newly released Top 10 features newcomers, old favorites and a mix of teams from around the state.

Teams that moved into 3A after reclassification made a significant impact on the preseason rankings -- No. 3 Carver-Columbus (from 4A), No. 6 Calvary Day (A Private), and No. 9 Dougherty (4A).

But there’s one consistent – like death and taxes -- highlighting the new poll. Cedar Grove begins the season at the top.

The Saints will open the season Friday at Class 4A No. 7 Bainbridge, which signals the start of a brutally difficult pre-region stretch. After competing against Bainbridge, the Saints will face Class 7A Westlake, Class 7A No. 6 Collins Hill, Class 7A No. 5 Mill Creek, Class 7A No. 3 Colquitt County and Washington D.C. program St. John’s.

Talk about a chance for some statement-making victories for the sitting champions.

Arguably the best matchup of Week 1 is No. 5 Oconee County hosting Class 4A No. 2 North Oconee. The Warriors have beaten North Oconee each of the past three seasons, including a 35-28 victory in 2021.

Crisp County starts the season at No. 2 and will host Class A Division I team Dooly County to open the season. Carver-Columbus will travel to Class 4A Hardaway on Thursday. Carver-Atlanta is ranked No. 4 and will travel to Class 6A South Cobb.

Calvary Day, ranked No. 6, will travel to Class 4A Islands for a chance to upend a higher-classed team. Sandy Creek, ranked No. 7, will host Class 6A Newnan. Peach County is ranked No. 8 and faces a road trip to Class 4A Baldwin. Dougherty enters the season ranked No. 9 and will host Class 4A Westover. Monroe Area is ranked No. 10 and travels to Class 5A Loganville.

Class 3A top 10

1. Cedar Grove (12-3) Friday at 4A No. 7 Bainbridge

2. Crisp County (9-3) Friday vs. A Div. I Dooly County

3. Carver-Columbus (13-2) Thursday at 4A Hardaway

4. Carver-Atlanta (11-3) Friday at 6A South Cobb

5. Oconee County (10-2) Friday vs. 4A No. 2 North Oconee

6. Calvary Day (12-1) Friday at 4A Islands

7. Sandy Creek (9-2) Saturday vs. 6A Newnan

8. Peach County (8-4) Friday at 4A Baldwin

9. Dougherty (10-3) Friday vs. 4A Westover

10. Monroe Area (11-1) Friday at 5A Loganville

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The city of Brookhaven's mayor and City Council last week decided to remove the colored panes of glass from the dome of Brookhaven's new City Centre after residents objected to the brightness of the colors, seen here Friday, June 27, 2025. (Reed Williams/AJC)

Credit: Reed Williams/AJC