This is the fourth of eight GHSA football 2016 classification previews.
Tomorrow…4A classification
Monday August 15th…5A classification
Tuesday August 16th…6A classification
Wednesday August 17th…7A classification
Championship favorites…
Pace Academy has a chance at history. The defending 2A champions could be the defending 3A champions in next year’s preview article. This team is absolutely loaded. Their roster looks like a 5A team. Trey Blount is one of the top wide receivers in America. Andrew Thomas is one of the top offensive linemen in America. Junior Jamaree Salyer is one of the top offensive linemen in America for 2018. Senior’s Jordan Payne and Deon Jackson are two of the more underrated potential two-way players in the classification. This year, Gunner Faulk is primed to be one of the top five dual-threat signal callers in the state. Yes, they did lose seven defensive starters, but they also have perhaps the best collection of offensive weapons in the entire state…regardless of classification.
One would think, by the way we were loving on them, that Pace is our clear-cut favorites to win the state title. Untrue. Cedar Grove, our preseason pick in 2015 to reach the state finals, will play with that “unfinished business” moniker in 2016. The Saints have the talent to beat Pace. In fact, they could have more. In fact, they sort of mirror each other. CG also has two of the top offensive linemen in America, Netori Johnson and Justin Schaffer, and like Thomas from Pace, they are both headed to UGA. Both feature an emerging dual-threat quarterback. Jelani Woods is a commit to Oklahoma State. One thing some may not realize: former Decatur running back Grant Walker, a tremendously underrated ball carrier, transferred in. Unless something happens, this team is a stone cold lock for the state semifinals.
The 2015 Westminster Wildcats became the first team to ever win five straight road/neutral site playoff games. That made us look smart as we predicted a deep run; while others were writing them off. Now, it isn’t brought up to merely brag. Some think without three-year starting quarterback Rankin Woley, the champs will be in trouble. We aren’t so sure, again. Most importantly, Zay Malcome is back. The diminutive senior running back (5’5/ 165) is one of the toughest men to corral in the state. The all-time leader rusher in school history has scored touchdowns a myriad of ways: rushing (38), receiving (three), returning punts (five) and returning kickoffs (three). He has also thrown a touchdown pass. Also returning will be their top three defensive leaders: senior defensive end Cortez Alston, senior linebacker Chase Williams and senior defensive back Ian Ude. The Wildcats could shock us all and repeat with a recipe of ground game and solid defense.
Contenders…
Believe it or not, falling below the cut line is none other than the Northeast Georgia dynasty, Calhoun. The amount of talent lost over the last two years is staggering. Yet, Baylon Spector can take over a ballgame no matter where Hal Lamb has to put him. They could need him under center. Seven-year senior running back Olico Dennis just turned twenty-five and can also dominate. Of course, we are kidding, but seriously, it feels like he has been there forever. Back to reality, this is Calhoun we are talking about. The Jackets simply reload. Although, it isn’t debatable to say this version will be far more thin, and inexperienced, than it has been in probably ten years.
As the first week of the season draws near, word of perhaps the most impactful injury in Georgia high school football has dominated the preseason storyline in 3A. Senior Davis Mills could be the best quarterback in Georgia. Unfortunately, it seems we will not see him play another snap as a high schooler in this state. With his apparent knee injury, the future now seems cloudy for Greater Atlanta Christian. The Spartans were hit hard by graduation, but were still fairly confident in their new weapons, scant returners and the future Stanford quarterback. Now, of course, they need to find a new signal caller just days before game one. On the bright side, the aforementioned “new” weapons are very talented young players or former part-time starters. The men from Indian Trail return one of the best kickers in the state in Brooks Buce, and three, of their top five, secondary members. Also, watch for the son of former Falcons offensive lineman Chris Hinton. The sophomore of the same name is just about ready.
Peach County may have lost Ty McGhee, now at UGA, but they have a whole slew of returning men that combined to lose three games in 2015 by a grand total of 17-points. Junior Kearis Jackson will lead the offense, linebackers Fletcher Hooks and Kyle Nixon will lead the defense; and Omar Cervantes will lead the special teams. Still they will need to figure out the quarterback situation and hope that their depth holds. Plus, they are not taking early playoff exits the last few years very lightly.
Playoff bound, higher seeds beware…
Lovett returned only two starters in 2015 and it showed. The Lions started 0-4 with losses to Pace Academy, Westminster, Marist and Woodward Academy. Then, they won five straight, reached the playoffs and narrowly lost in the playoffs to Benedictine, 41-40. Now, they have that needed experience.
Last season, Westside-Macon looked like a state title contender early. Seminole faithful were very proud when the season shifted and the team stayed together after losing three of four at midseason; eventually the ‘Noles reached the state quarterfinals. In 2016, WM will do what they do every year: win eight or nine games. The question is can they put that deep playoff run together.
Morgan County could have been the best team in their classification last season to not reach the playoffs. The region was absolutely brutal. This year, that label will most likely not fall on the Bulldogs as they should reach the post season. Head Coach Bill Malone’s squad features senior defensive end MJ Webb and a fine junior linebacker Quin Williams.
Entering the final week of the 2015 season, Pierce County’s Stetson Bennett led the state in passing. He finished with over 3,000 passing yards and more than 600 rushing yards; combining for 35 touchdowns. Plus, his top receiver, all-state senior Chase Royer, is coming back.
Crisp County could be the surprise of the season in 3A football. Most folks know their star, senior defensive end Markaviest Bryant. Watch out for 6’4, 218-pound junior linebacker Quay Walker and senior defensive back Brandon Dowdell.
Of course, we cannot fail to mention one of the top athletes in America, Liberty County’s Richard LeCounte. The future Georgia Bulldog will have some help and they could pass last year’s eight-win mark.
Chris Mooneyham 