Dougherty's stiffest competition will once again come from Cairo, who should be even better than it was last season when the Syrupmakers finished the season 7-4. If Cairo can survive an early non-region schedule that includes Thomasville, Bainbridge and Thomas County Central and be healthy before opening region play against Westover on Oct. 13, the Syrupmakers have a strong chance to improve on last season's record. The Syrupmakers don't play Dougherty until Oct. 27, a game that should decide the region champion.
Cairo plans to get the ball often in the hands of senior wide receiver Cameron Wade (6-6, 190), a strong prospect who has verbally committed to Florida State. After Dougherty and Cairo, the remainder of the region isn't as clear. Crisp County hopes to rebound from a dismal 2005 campaign, one in which the program finished an uncharacteristic 2-9 and lost its final two games to Cairo and Shaw by a combined score of 83-0. Several underclassmen started for the Cougars last season, and there is enough talent for the team to contend for a playoff spot.
Westover started off last season with two straight wins, then lost seven of its last eight and missed out on the postseason. Monroe lost a wealth of talent from last season's playoff team and the Tornadoes likely won't contend for a playoff berth this season.
Worth County welcomes new coach Harris Rainbow who is expected to turn around a program that went 1-9 in 2005. The school is a combined 10-30-1 during the past four seasons and hasn't made the playoffs in three years.