LARGE SCHOOLS
(Classes 4A-6A, Division II-AAA)
1. Baylor: Junior QB Lorenzo White could be in for a breakout season, but even if not, he can hand the ball to Brendon Harris to make plays. Harris, a Tennessee commitment, and fellow senior Jaylon Baker also help give the Red Raiders one of the state's top secondaries.
2. Rhea County: The Eagles return 11 starters, including QB Zach Pemberton and RB Christian Simon, and there's plenty of depth for the team to make yet another deep playoff run. Pemberton's ability to throw the ball could add needed balance to an offense that has pounded opponents the past few seasons.
3. Ridgeland: The Panthers have progressed quickly in Wesley Tankersley's first two seasons as coach, winning a region title a year ago. They have speedy playmakers, including RB Jalyn Shelton and WR/DB Markeith Montgomery, and a fast, aggressive defense.
4. Bradley Central: With 18 of the 22 starters back, including LB Jay Person and WR Lameric Turner - two of the area's top college prospects - the Bears can play with anybody in the state. The biggest question will be replacing two-time Mr. Football finalist QB Cole Copeland, but Dylan Standifer is athletic enough to get the job done.
5. Northwest Whitfield: The Bruins were runners-up to Ridgeland in Georgia's Region 6-AAAA last year and return all-state QB Luke Shiflett, who has committed to Middle Tennessee State, and bruising RB Dominique Sistrunk. The defense, led by DE Jon Tant, is strong up front.
Others to watch: Cleveland, McCallie, Ooltewah, Red Bank
SMALL SCHOOLS
(Classes 1A-3A, Division II-A & AA)
1. Calhoun: Hal Lamb's team has received little preseason love in state previews, but with a solid QB in Gavin Gray, a slew of receivers and the usual stout defense, the Yellow Jackets should still be the Georgia 6-AAA favorites.
2. Notre Dame: Area scoreboards likely will get a workout when the Irish are on the field. They are switching to an "Air Raid" offense that will showcase the wealth of talent and playmakers they have, including junior WR Cameron Wynne, a Tennessee commitment.
3. Ringgold: The Tigers are loaded on the offensive side, led by junior QB Cole Kibler, who threw for more than 2,000 yards last year, TE Drake Starks and junior WR Andre Tarver, who has a shot at rewriting state records.
4. Tyner: With 13 starters back and a deep group of skill-position talent, the Rams appear ready to derail Marion County from ownership of the Region 3-2A title. Two-way lineman Tracey Justice (6-2, 280) will be tough to do business with on either side of the ball.
5. Marion County: No other program in the area can match Marion's big-game experience. The Warriors have played in 15 playoff games the past three years, and with all-state RB Jacob Saylors returning, they should add quite a bit to that total this season.
Others to watch: Meigs County, Red Bank, South Pittsburg, Whitwell