This is the sixth of eight GHSA football 2016 classification previews.

Tomorrow…6A classification

Wednesday August 17^th…7A classification

 

Championship favorites…

The Machine. Is it possible Buford could be the top favorite to win the 5A title? After much analysis, where we were subconsciously trying to find a reason to say “no”; we realized what we were doing and caved. The answer is yes. Simply, they return more talent to a state championship caliber squad than anyone in the class. Not all, just most. They have lost the entire regular starting secondary and four offensive linemen. Returning is: senior quarterback Mic Roof, senior athlete Josh Blackwell, and senior defensive back KJ Anderson. The list goes on and on of guys who played part-time or spot started the last two years and now will become the number one guy who will be “spelled” every once in a while. For instance, the time is now for top ten 2018 running back Anthony Grant. This is what Buford does. The Machine rolls on.

Plain old statistics could support an argument of Bainbridge being the most balanced offensive/defensive team in 2015. They scored 30-plus in nine of 14 games and held seven of 14 opponents to ten or less. The 2016 version should surpass those numbers. Returning is junior Dameon Pierce, the number three ranked running back in America for 2018, according the 247Sports composite rankings. Pierce is an Alabama commit. His emergence, and that of quarterback Brett McLaughlin, helped the Bearcats take opponents by surprise. McLaughlin, who set the program record for consecutive completions (22), will also have three returning offensive linemen up front in protection.

Each of the last two seasons Stockbridge could have been state champion. Both 2014 and 2015 ended at the hands of the miracle playoff story. They owned a 15-3 second half lead on Mays and lost in the 2014 semifinals. They led Glynn Academy 21-7 in the fourth quarter, gave up 205 on the ground and lost 24-21 in the state quarters. The 2016 group returns its starting defensive ends, senior running back and leading receiver. Finally, if Kendrick Duncan, who appears to be the new man under center, can produce like they hope, the Tigers are going to take that next step.

Contenders…

It is dangerous business in Georgia high school football when you try to outscore everyone. With a few key defensive losses to graduation, and past history as an indicator, one would wonder of that will be the attempt put forward by Jones County in 2016. Senior quarterback Bradley Hunnicut, who has combined for over 5,000 passing yards the last two seasons, is coming back with senior wide receiver Nick Singleton. Singleton has over 140 receptions in the last two seasons combined.

Kell could be the sleeper. Which is funny considering their level of success in program history. Perhaps it is more appropriate to say this could finally be the year they get over the hump and take home the title. Defense will once again be the obvious strength. Senior Solon Page is one of the more underrated linebackers in the state after amassing 110 tackles, 15 for a loss, three sacks, two interceptions (both of which he returned for scores), two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries (one of which he returned for a score).

Ware County still has Franklin Stephens as head coach. That is all. Well, alright, analysis. As always, the Gators will roll out a congregation of fine running backs, led by junior Jordan Turner. We should also watch out for freshman Keyonte Taylor. They will be physical, fast and disciplined; even if not as deep as last year.

Playoff bound, higher seeds beware…

Rome has as much talent in 2016 as it has since probably 2007 or 2008. Having said that, the Wolves did lose super wide receiver Jai Creamer; and a good deal of the aforementioned talent is young. They love the potential trio of junior running back Jaylen Sykes (#46 ranked RB for 2018 by 247Sports), sophomore quarterback Knox Kadum and sophomore back Jamious Griffin. Their success will be dictated by a defense that could be dominant at times. The front seven will lead the way behind Jaylen Griffin, Adam Anderson and Jaquon Griffin.

East Paulding played a slew of youngsters in 2014 and paid the price with a 4-6 record and a non-playoff season for the first time since 2009. Last season that strategy paid off as the Raiders jumped back to an eight-win season and the postseason. This year, Dylan Prater and Jalen Browner, now three-year starters, should carry this team to a similar, if not superior, result.

Woodland, Stockbridge could be one of the feel good stories of 2016. The Wolfpack return one of the top senior defensive backs in the state (Yusuf Corker), one of the top offensive linemen for 2018 (James Ohonba), a senior linebacker with nearly 150 tackles in the last two seasons (Tre Allen), and a veteran quarterback (Reid Larson). Plus, do not underestimate the pain this team has experienced after back-to-back seasons of 7-3, where in both seasons they lost a cross-over game to keep them out of the postseason.

Top Ten challengers…

Grady, Griffin, Carrollton, Loganville, Clarke Central, Thomas County Central, Warner Robins and Harris County