From top to bottom, this region may be the toughest in Class AAA. For the
past two seasons, Carrollton has been the team to beat and in 2006, it shouldn't
be any different. After a first-round exit from the playoffs last year,
the Trojans are anxious for a return trip.
Carrollton has some holes to
fill on offense, but the defense should keep them in every game. The defensive
line and linebackers will be a strength, but the biggest asset to this
team will be in the secondary. Keep an eye on senior cornerback Jerrard Tarrant (6-0, 185), a verbal Georgia Tech commitment, who will anchor
this unit.
Not far behind will be Cartersville, another program that is a regular
in the playoffs. The Purple Hurricanes' strength will be their offense.
Division I quarterback prospect Lyle Allen (6-4, 200) will be a three-year
starter and should guide Cartersville back to the postseason. Senior Joseph Gilbert (6-5, 280) will anchor the offensive line for the Hurricanes.
One team that has the rest
of Region 6 concerned is Sandy Creek, dropping down from Class AAAA. The
Patriots had success in higher classes and will continue in Class AAA.
Central-Carrollton surprised
many last season when it made the playoffs and won its first-round game
before falling to Flowery Branch in the second round. The Lions have enough
returning talent to do the same this season.
Since finishing as the state
runner-up to LaGrange in 2001, Cedartown hasn't experienced the same success
it had during the 1990s, which established the school's football program
as a state power. The Bulldogs are hoping that changes this season. There
is solid talent which should have Cedartown in the postseason chase.
Watch out for Haralson County,
who should make noise in this region. There are no star players but coach
Frank Vohun has a knack for turning programs into winners and the team
wants to build off last season when the Rebels made the state playoffs.
Dropping a class should help
Villa Rica, which struggled to compete in a higher classification. Cass,
meanwhile, will likely finish at the bottom of the region.
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