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South Atlanta football has taken
a backseat to its nothern counterparts during the past decade. However,
this may be the year teams from the southern metro area get noticed. Starr's
Mill drops from Class AAAAA and is not only the region favorite but a
state title contender as well. The Panthers' offense will be in good hands
with the return of senior quarterback Robby Davis (6-0, 190), who has
drawn considerable college interest because of his academic qualities
and his athleticism. Senior cornerback Branden Lewis (5-7, 160) anchors
the defensive secondary.
Just because Westlake is moving
up in class, don't think the Lions won't be successful. The team returns
a pair of four-star college prospects by scout.com in senior quarterback
Cameron Newton (6-6, 225) and cornerback Addison Williams (5-9, 170).
Newton can do a little of everything and will have a strong supporting
cast on offense with the return of running back Mychaal Harrison (5-7,
170) and wide receivers Tim Pope (6-2, 190) and Deshon Lawrence (6-1,
190), all seniors.
Creekside breezed through its region last year, then lost its first-round
playoff game. The Seminoles will contend for the region title and boasts
the state's top prospect in cornerback Eric Berry (6-0, 195), a five-star
prospect by scout.com.
Keep a watch for Northgate,
which is poised to have one its better seasons in school history. A wealth
of talent returns including senior quarterback Andre Morris (6-2, 170)
and running back Mike Davis (6-1, 225). The Vikings showed promise last
year but also were inconsistent. They were good enough to beat Haralson
County, a playoff team but failed to beat Woodward Academy and Chapel
Hill.
Woodward Academy hopes to break
a streak of back-to-back 5-5 campaigns. The War Eagles missed the playoffs
for the second straight season.
Banneker moves up from Class
AAA and competed well. However, the Trojans will find competing in a higher
classification a bit harder. McIntosh, Fayette County and Whitewater should
improve but not enough to be a factor in the region standings.
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