Ringgold Tigers
Coach: Robert Akins (35-27 in six seasons here; 262-155 in 36 years overall)
Last year: 6-5, 4-3 in 5-AAA; lost 37-14 to North Oconee in the first round of the GHSA playoffs
’13 dreams: The Tigers hope to ride a retooled offense back to the playoffs, and they have the tools to get there. Three-year starting quarterback Slade Dale gives Ringgold one of the region’s elite playmakers, but he’s not alone. Running back/receiver Kile Sholl and receiver Christian Plott each averaged better than 20 yards per reception a year ago. Coach Akins and his staff have tweaked the option attack to better protect Dale and to cut down on turnovers. Any deep playoff run will hinge on the defense’s improvement. The Tigers allowed an average of 33 points in their five 2012 losses.
13-for-13 contenders: Dale passed and ran for 1,000-plus yards each and led several late-game rallies. Akins is counting on his senior to take better care of the ball. Junior defensive end Zach Morris, who is drawing attention from SEC and ACC schools, is one of the region’s top pass rushers.