From top to bottom, this region could be the toughest in the Class AAAA
classification. Three teams which will compete in this region during the
next two years - Baldwin, Griffin and Northside-Warner Robins - made the
state semifinals last season. Just making the postseason in this region
will be a statement. The A subregion will consist of Forest Park, Griffin,
Jonesboro, Lovejoy, Mt. Zion-Jonesboro, North Clayton and Riverdale, while
the B subregion is made up of Baldwin, Eagle's Landing, Jones County, Northside-Warner
Robins, Stockbridge, Upson-Lee and Westside-Macon.
Griffin, which competed in
Region 3 last season, caught fire in the postseason and made its first
appearance in the state semifinals this decade. The Bears return a strong
nucleus that could have them approaching last year's success. The only
weakness appears to be finding some interior offensive and defensive linemen.
As many as five Division I prospects return at the skill positions, including
wide receiver Sidney Harris (6-0, 165) and running back Bobby Rainey (5-8,
180).
Griffin's biggest obstacle
in subregion A could come from Riverdale, which is dropping down from
Class AAAAA. The Raiders have a wealth of talent, including wide receiver
Rashad Tukes (6-3, 170) and defensive lineman Jonathan Muhammad (6-3,
230), both seniors. The Raiders took Class AAAAA powerhouse Valdosta to
the limit in the first round of the state playoffs before falling.
North Clayton and Mt. Zion-Jonesboro
will also contend, however, some underclassmen will have to step forward
to approach last year's success. Lovejoy, which had success in Class AAAAA,
is dropping down and should also contend. Forest Park and Jonesboro will
continue to struggle.
Northside-Warner Robins has
had its share of success this decade but has yet to win a state title.
The Eagles should once again go deep in the postseason.
Baldwin could give Northside
a run, especially if some offensive and defensive lineman step forward.
There is plenty of skill talent returning, including senior wide receiver
Wayne Bonner (6-4, 180) and senior running back Darius Marshall (5-10,
185).
Look for Upson-Lee, which finished
9-3 last year, and Westside-Macon to contend. Eagle's Landing went 6-4
last season but will find competing in this subregion a bit tougher. Stockbridge
and Jones County won't figure into the subregion race.
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