Gwinnett Daily Post

Photo by Christine Troyke

REGION 7-AAAAA

Collins Hill Eagles

Coach: Kevin Reach, second season

2010 record: 10-4

Key returning players: RB/WR Nick England, FB Iain Risk, WR/DE Andrew Everette, RB Jordan Parker, OT Alan Hinderleider, TE/DE Shawn Stachler, DL Sam Batiste, LB Jemichael Bailey, S Connor Boston, S Danisel Fish, DL Davis Bayles, K Mitchell Blanchard

Key newcomers: CB/RB Will Stewart, DL Kyle Scott, CB/WR Rhymere Thomas, LB/WR Justin Wyatt, CB Austin Lewis, MLB Sterling Alexander, LB Chris Madkins, C Chris Stewart, QB Bradley Johnson, QB Brett Sheehan

Spring surprises/standouts: Parker, Johnson, Sheehan, Stewart, Lewis

Key losses: QB Taylor Heinicke, WR Jeff Glover, WR Zay Howard, OL Jake Banta, LB Travis Parker

Outlook: Collins Hill reached the state semifinals with record-setting quarterback Heinicke last season. Heinicke is at Old Dominion now, leaving a major void under center. Johnson and Sheehan battled for the starting spot during spring and that will continue through summer passing league. With an inexperienced quarterback, the Eagles will rely on England and Jordan Parker, who added 20 pounds, in the running game more than they did last season. The Eagles are strong up front on the offensive line with Hinderleider leading the way. However, Collins Hill must find a way to replace three of the county’s top seven leading receivers from a year ago. Everette appears to be the Eagles’ next big threat, while Thomas and Wyatt add depth. On the defense, Collins Hill must replace the school’s all-time leading tackler in Travis Parker. That guy could be Alexander at middle linebacker. Boston and Fish will anchor the secondary, the biggest strength of the defense.

Duluth Wildcats

Coach: Corey Jarvis, second season

2010 record: 4-6

Key returning players: QB Anfernee Stewart, RB Henry Enyenihi, RB Michael Randle, WR Myles Campbell, WR Joshua Stanford, OL Mark Ruskell, OL Tim Mettile, OL Julian Williams, OL Grant Cole, LB Darnell Hart, DL Richard House, LB Brandon Wilson, DB Matthew Randall, DB Ahmad Muhammad, LB Joshua Johnson

Key newcomers: ATH Myron Burton Jr., DB Lou Cole, OL Davonte Johnson

Spring surprises/standouts: WR Jordan Nanrich

Key losses: LB Justin Dixon, DL Carnell Simon, WR/DB Xavier Walker

Outlook: Jarvis and his staff spent a lot of time during spring drills working on schemes and technique. It’s a stark contrast from last spring when Jarvis had to reshape the Duluth program. This year’s team is faster and stronger, but the Wildcats still have a lot to improve on from last year. Duluth brings back a solid core on offense in D-I prospect Stewart at quarterback, Enyenihi at running back and versatile Campbell at receiver. The trio should benefit from an experienced offensive line, one of the strengths of the team. The defensive line is very young and lacks depth, but has an experienced linebacker corps and secondary to help guide them. Nanrich emerged as a potential playmaker this fall, while Burton could see the field in a number of spots.

Meadowcreek Mustangs

Coach: Deario Grimmage, second season

2010 record: 0-10

Key returning players: DB RayQuan Sam, LB Julian Harris, CB Marnez Ogletree, DB/RB Kieon Rich, LB/FB Darryl DeWitt, OG Eduardo Moran, WR Clayton Smith, WR Chandler McCoy, LB/K Abel Odonez, LB Alex Steele

Key newcomers: QB Ridwan Issahaku, DE/TE Chris Herndon, RB/LB Ryan Moore

Spring surprise: Herndon

Key losses: RB Richard Williams, QB Ronald Rose

Outlook: It has taken some time, but Grimmage is finally beginning to see some positive changes in the Meadowcreek program. For the first time in four years, the team will have the same head coach for consecutive years and that brings some much-needed stability. Grimmage started several young players when he was the defensive coordinator two years ago and now those players are seniors. Guys like Sam, Harris, Ogletree and Steele, a 4.0 GPA student, are expected to lead the unit this fall. The offense is a major concern with the graduation of its starting quarterback and running back. Issahaku, who was the point guard on the basketball team, has emerged as the starting QB. He will need some help in front of him with Moran the only offensive lineman with playing experience.

Mill Creek Hawks

Coach: Shannon Jarvis, eighth season

2010 record: 7-6

Key returning players: QB John Russ, OL A.J. Reuchel, TE Joey Everette-St. Clair, WR Kyle Freiberger, DT Kelsey Griffin, DE Phillip LeConte, S Evan Cavaliere, CB Hayden Smith, LB Taylor Coleman, DB Alonzo Collins

Key newcomers: RB Jacory Lewis, RB Carter Governale, LB Brandon Holly

Spring surprises/standouts: WR/QB James Holder

Key losses: RB Devonte Lewis, FB Tyler Cierski, WR Brandon Hayman, OL Austin Hagan

Outlook: Mill Creek is coming off the best season in the school’s seven-year history and some of that success carried over into the offseason and spring practice. The Hawks had their most crisp and physical practices, which were needed to solidify some positions. The offense lost a record-setting receiver in Hayman and two college running backs in Cierski (Maryland) and Lewis (Georgia Southern). Russ is back for a third year at quarterback, but needs players around him at the skill positions and offensive line. Reuchel and Everett-St. Clair will be the biggest help up front and Freiberger and Deonte Holeman could be the next threats at receiver. The Hawks are solid on the defensive line with college prospect Griffin and LeConte up front. There’s a lot of experience in the secondary with Cavaliere, Smith and Collins, but the Hawks still have some holes in the defense.

Mountain View Bears

Coach: Tim Hardy, third season

2010 record: 2-8

Key returning players: RB Eddie West, RB Marvin Elam, WR Jon-Jon Hill, OL Michael Hayes, DL Cameron Tootle, DL Derek Petty, OLB Tyler Bethune, DB Josh Briggman

Key newcomers: WR/DB William Tuider, OL Blake Corry, DL Emmanuel Banjoko

Spring surprises/standouts: Tootle, DB Jonathan Barber

Key losses: QB Charlie Brower, LB Matt Kilgore, LB Matt Herman

Outlook: Mountain View is entering its third year and the young Bears are finally starting to look like football players. A tough offseason strength and conditioning program has benefited the team and has added speed, athleticism and competition. Defensive lineman Tootle was one of the major beneficiaries, adding 20 pounds to his frame. Along with Banjoko and Petty, the group is the strength of the defense heading into the summer. The offense will have to break in a new quarterback, so West and Elam will be important at running back.

Norcross Blue Devils

Coach: Keith Maloof, 13th season

2010 record: 9-3

Key returning players: WR J.T. Tolbert, WR Jason Croom, WR Anthony Autry, RB Alvin Kamara, OL Hampton Floyd, OG Danny Danh, OG Montorois Broughton, TE Domonique Mason, DL Isaiah Hinsley, LB/FB Tanner Maloof, S Martavius Edwards

Key newcomers: QB Joseph Wilber, QB Bo Swanson, DT Kris Beauchamp, CB Shon Akins, OT Matt Eller, LB Lavonte Cranford

Spring surprises/standouts: LB Tommy Tate, Eller, Beauchamp

Key losses: RB Kendrix Huitt, LB Seth Hinsley, DE Demetrius Alston, DT Ben Bradley, DE Silverberry Mouhon, DE O’Shae Bridges, LB/FB John McWilliams

Outlook: The Norcross offense was way ahead of itself during spring, but that’s a good thing. The unit will be relied on to carry the team early in the season as a young defense develops. The Blue Devils graduated their entire front seven, including four Division I signees. Isaiah Hinsley, Maloof and Edwards bring the most experience to the defense, but the Blue Devils still need to find bodies up front. Norcross has a talented group of skill position players back on offense led by major D-I prospect Croom. Kamara saw significant playing time at running back last year and has four members of the offensive line back to block for him. There will be competition at quarterback with Wilber battling 6-foot-6 Peachtree Ridge transfer Bo Swanson.

North Gwinnett Bulldogs

Coach: Bob Sphire, sixth season

2010 record: 11-1

Key returning players: QB Scotty Hosch, OL Austin Parker, OL Alex Stoehr, RB Joe Jones, RB Donnie Miles, DL Jordan Washington, DL Justin Alabi, DL Jon Jones, DL Joseph Dillard, LB Carl Rider, LB Justin Thomas, LB Steven Burger, DB Malcolm Jackson

Key newcomers: WR Chad Scott, WR Alex Boyd, WR Nate Brown, WR Jabril Jones, WR Robert Pucciarello, CB/RB Will Harris, S Christopher James, LB Jalen Brooks, DB Austin Kehr, WR/DB Bobby Young

Spring surprises/standouts: Harris, Brown, Stoehr, Jones, Nemic

Key losses: QB C.J. Uzomah, OL Manrey Saint-Armour, OL Garrett Clark, LB Brandon McGowan, K/P Jeff Hatley

Outlook: North is the two-time defending Region 7-AAAAA champ, but a three-peat will be tough for the Bulldogs to accomplish. North graduated a talented senior class, leaving a lot of holes on both sides of the ball. Hosch saw plenty of action last year as a backup and has Jones and Miles returning in the backfield. The offensive line is inexperienced and Tyler Nemic was North's top returning receiver, but the wideout will miss his senior year after tearing his ACL in a 7-on-7 passing tournament at UGA. Stoehr has shown promise along the line, while Brown should see plenty of action at receiver. The Bulldogs’ defense returns all four starters along the line, led by college prospect Washington and sack leader Alabi. That should help a defense that needs to replace its leading tackler in McGowan, but has three other starters back. Jackson led the team in interceptions last season and the senior will be relied on to lead the secondary. But wideout Tyler Nemic, North’s top returning receiver, will miss his senior year after tearing his ACL in a 7-on-7 passing tournament at UGA.

Peachtree Ridge Lions

Coach: Mark Fleetwood, first season

2010 record: 6-4

Key returning players: OL Alex Jauregui, RB Diandre Atwater, WR Ahmaad Harris, QB Billy Best, FB Raham Dixon, FS Alex Gray, CB Ray Buchanan, CB Christian Goodlet, SS D’Aron Hill

Key newcomers: WR Joe Horn, WR/QB Stanton Truett, OL Alex Smith, LB Clay Fortin

Spring surprises/standouts: Horn, OL Daniel Stephens

Key losses: LB Tyler Botts, LB Tanner Botts, K/P Justin Watts, RB Tanner Mack

Outlook: Fleetwood was Peachtree Ridge’s offensive coordinator last season and takes over as head coach after Bill Ballard left for White County. Fleetwood took out the Lions’ triple-option offense and put in a multiple-I. Best returns at quarterback and has several talented players around him to make the offense run smoothly. Atwater and Dixon will power the running game, while Harris is the top returning receiver and Horn has shown a lot of potential. Fleetwood’s biggest relief of the spring was the improvement of the offensive line from last year. The group is led by major college prospect and 6-foot-7 Jauregui. The defense will remain a 50 front and the secondary is the clear strength of the unit. All four defensive backs return, led by college prospect Buchanan. Linebacker is a concern with the graduation of the Botts brothers, but Fortin could be the next leader of the group.

REGION 8-AAAAA

Archer Tigers

Coach: Andy Dyer, third season

2010 record: 2-8

Key returning players: QB Jarvis Holley, RB Jermaine Morris, OL Romauld Kugbila, OL Kieran Williams, LB Derrick Parker, LB Ernest Alexander, DL DeSean Harris, FS Deondre Singleton

Key newcomers: RB Sean Fowler, LB Keith Radford

Spring surprises/standouts: OL Romauld Kugbila

Key losses: RB Mychael Hines, WR Martin Williams, WR Laolu Sanni

Outlook: This was the third spring practice in Archer history, but it was the first time Dyer felt it was like a real spring practice. The past two years have been adjustment years with players learning about the program. This spring was the most physical two weeks in Archer’s brief history. Holley is back to run the offense at quarterback after throwing for 1,272 yards, while Kugbila and Williams have gotten stronger and more experienced on the offensive line. The Tigers return their leading tackler with Parker back at linebacker, while Singleton is the top returning cornerback.

Berkmar Patriots

Coach: Jonathan Sanks, second season

2010 record: 3-7

Key returning players: QB Deion Perry, S Mikel Sessions, CB Roger Seton

Key newcomers: WR Zorren Miller, OT/DT Deshawn Green, DL Christopher Trumper

Spring surprises/standouts: Perry, WR Shakeem Powell, ATH Rashard Hall

Key losses: QB/WR Xaviier Briggs, CB Rashaud Lewis

Outlook: When Sanks took over the program last summer, he knew it would be a rebuilding job. He’ll face his biggest challenge this season. The Patriots had more than 100 kids out for spring ball. The only problem is that 17 of them were upperclassmen. Berkmar will have a very young team, including five sophomores along the offensive line. At 6-foot-4, 270 pounds, Green is the most promising of the group. After getting injured early in the season, Perry is back at quarterback. The senior looked good during spring but will need players around him to make the offense run smoothly. Michael Shaw, Malachai Hargrove and Jaden Le are battling for the running back spot, while Miller and Powell showed promise at receiver. Sessions and Seton will anchor the defense.

Brookwood Broncos

Coach: Mark Crews, 10th season

2010 record: 14-1

Key returning players: RB/DB Nick Tompkins, RB Jamaal Cole, OL Jackson Buonamia, OL Adam Ledford, OL Michael Gouge, LB Eric Maples, LB Connor Hennessey, FS Zach Jackson

Key newcomers: QB Joey McLane, QB Zach Moon, WR Brandon Sammon

Spring surprises/standouts: RB/CB Josh Brown

Key losses: LB Cameron Lynch, DB Nick Moore, WR A.J. Sims, QB Ben McLane

Outlook: Brookwood won the Class AAAAA state championship last season and Crews is ready for the program to move on. The head coach did not allow players to wear their championship rings during the two weeks of spring practice in hopes it would get their heads out of clouds from last season. That title team graduated several talented players. Ben McLane is gone after guiding the offense for three years at QB. His younger brother Joey and Moon will battle for the top spot this summer. Whoever gets the starting job will benefit from the county’s top running back tandem in college prospect Tompkins and Cole. An experienced offensive line, which could be the biggest and strongest in recent years, will also help. The Broncos are young on defense, especially along the line. Maples and Hennessey will anchor the defense at linebacker. Jackson and Tompkins will be keys in the secondary.

Central Gwinnett Black Knights

Coach: Todd Wofford, second season

2010 record: 4-6

Key returning players: QB Eman Westmoreland, RB George Morris, LB Trey Johnson, S Aaron Taylor

Key newcomers: RB Adam Riley, OL Braden Glover, DB Charles King

Spring surprises/standouts: DE Francis Kallon, OLB Chase Brown

Key losses: TE Ozzie Exume, CB Cameron Olds

Outlook: Wofford was hired last spring, so he didn’t have much time installing his offense this time last year. His focus was primarily on getting coaches and players used to his system, which resulted in slower spring drills. It’s been a world of difference this spring as the tempo of practice was a lot faster. The Black Knights have five back on offense, including Westmoreland at QB. The junior is the top returning passer in the county. Running back Morris, who rushed for 705 yards, is the top returning receiver in the county. The defense has six back and is led by major Division I prospect Johnson. The junior is the county’s top returning tackler after making 152 stops last year. The addition of Kallon, a 6-foot-5, 250-pound defense end, who moved to the U.S. from London last fall, should help the defense. Central, which moved to the spread under Wofford last season, will participate in several 7-on-7 passing tournaments this summer. The Black Knights will take part in the prestigious tourney hosted by North Gwinnett and one in Flowery Branch.

Dacula Falcons

Coach: Jared Zito, first season

2010 record: 6-4

Key returning players: QB/RB Rocky Capobianco, RB/WR Marcus Cox, OT Corey Levin, OT Diego Rodriquez, OG/DL Sam Hurst, WR/DB Brandyn Bartlett, DE Durum Alarms, LB Alex Armah, LB Morgan Loyd, DE Chris Camarata, CB Juanye Roberts, DB/WR Davian McEwan, DB Roman Schnaak

Key newcomers: WR Zentavius Cobb, QB/WR Brandon Goodson, WR/CB B.J. Clay, DB/RB Javin Webb

Spring surprises/standouts: Bartlett, Webb, Capobianco, Goodson, Camarata

Key losses: RB/DB Dexter Walker, DL Baiyembi Abange

Outlook: For the first time in 21 years, Dacula will have a new head coach. Kevin Maloof resigned at the end of the season with health issues and Zito was hired from North Forsyth. Zito inherits a talented squad with 32 seniors and nearly all of them are starters. That kind of experience should help the transition in Zito’s first year. He scrapped the Falcons’ predominately running offense and put in a version of the spread. Capobianco is back at quarterback and has a senior-laden line in front of him. Four of them started last season, led by two-year starter Levin. Cox showed promise as a sophomore last year will take the reins at running back. The biggest concern is depth at wide receiver, but Bartlett will be the go-to guy. The defense will remain a 4-3 scheme and the linebackers will be the strength with Armah and Loyd anchoring the unit.

Grayson Rams

Coach: Mickey Conn, 12th season

2010 record: 10-4

Key returning players: QB Nick Schuessler, OL/DL Fred Zerblis, RB/WR Korey Jones, RB/S Devin Gillespie, OL Garrett Gorringe, DL Robert Nkemdiche

Key newcomers: RB/LB Wayne Galluman, WR/DB Casey Gaines, CB Shattle Fentige, TE Matt Moon, RB/WR/LB Austin Meadows, LB Jay Strickland, LB Jordan Germany, S Ryan Carter

Spring surprises/standouts: Fentige, Galluman

Key losses: LB Denzel Nkemdiche, OL Michael Young, LB Mitchell Tiah, DB Camen Marshall

Outlook: Grayson has built itself into one of state’s premier programs over the last four years. There shouldn’t be any dropoff with a talented squad returning. The most noticeable is Robert Nkemdiche at defensive end. The junior has picked up scholarship offers from just about every major program in the country. The county’s returning sack leader will anchor an inexperienced defense, which has to replace all of its linebackers in the 3-4 scheme. Most of the offense is intact led by Schuessler at quarterback. Jones has proven to be a threat running or catching the ball, but there are a handful of players that could see significant carries. Zerblis anchors the line and will have help from Gorringe and Moon.

Parkview Panthers

Coach: Cecil Flowe, 19th season

2010 record: 5-6

Key returning players: DB Rob Youngblood, LB Patrick Flowe, DE Kyle Williams, LB Micah Finley, TE Colby Smith, OT Bryce Golsby, RG Michael Sun, QB Jack Esmonde, FB Hunter Thorton

Key newcomers: S Shaq Green, OT Wyatt Hammond, DT Brandon Manuel, DB/WR Chris Carson, RB Micah Reed

Spring surprises/standouts: Green, Carson

Key losses: RB/DB Joe Anderson, DE Kendrick Adams, DE Ike Onike, LB Kenny Flowers, OL Clayton Truitt

Outlook: After missing the playoffs in 2009 for the first time in 16 years, Parkview started a new run last year. That success pumped a little life in the program with 94 players, not including freshmen, participating in spring drills. The Panthers were without several key players, though. Quarterback Esmonde was helping the baseball team to a state championship. That forced Parkview to get creative on offense and try various formations like the Wildcat and Pistol. The unit is still a work in progress, but Flowe likes the direction they are headed. Parkview has an experienced group back on the offensive line led by Smith and Golsby. Reed, a track star, will add explosiveness at running back. On defense, Parkview was without Patrick Flowe, who was injured during a combine workout. The senior will be back for summer workouts and is the leader along with Williams on the defense. Youngblood, who also missed spring while on the baseball team, anchors the secondary and Williams is the top guy on the line.

Shiloh Generals

Coach: Brian Montgomery, first season

2010 record: 1-9

Key returning players: OL/DL Jonathan Gardner, RB Desean Taylor, FB Fred Moorig

Key newcomers: WR/DB Donald Clark

Spring surprises/standouts: Clark

Key losses: LB Sam Muse, DL Josh Williams, RB Derrick Butts

Outlook: Montgomery was hired in the offseason from North Atlanta and this was his first chance to evaluate the team during spring drills. Shiloh had more than 130 players participating in spring drills, but many of them were underclassmen. The Generals only had eight seniors during practice, so this will be a young squad. Montgomery likes the depth at running back with Desean Taylor and receiver with Clark, a move-in from Miami.

South Gwinnett Comets

Coach: John Small, seventh season

2010 record: 9-3

Key returning players: LB Azziz Higgins, OL Austin Clark, OL Dennis Edwards, OL Darren Russell, OL/DL Orlando Griffin, WR/DB Nick Hilton, WR/CB L.J. Gainey, WR/S Coray Keel

Key newcomers: RB/LB Phillip Love, WR/OLB Blake Brown, WR/CB Brandon Bazwueye, QB Jordan Ramey, S Mason Hart, OLB Jarrell Slate

Spring surprises/standouts: Gainey, WR/DB Mark Watts

Key losses: QB Kent Rollins, WR Kevin Gary, RB Aaron Wimberly, RB/LB Trevon Walker, CB Adrian Ranson, LB Edward Muldrow, LB Justin Smith, DL Chris Sledge

Outlook: South has to replace a lot of talented players, especially on offense. The Comets graduated record-setting QB Rollins and receiver Gary, while running backs Wimberly and Walker are gone. Ramey will take the reins at quarterback and the dual threat has looked good in spring drills. Ramey will have four experienced lineman in front of him, led by Clark and Russell. Gainey was the most impressive during spring practice and the skilled athlete will see time on both sides of the ball. The secondary will be a strength with experienced players Hilton and Keel back.

REGION 8-AAA

Lanier Longhors

Coach: Billy Wells, second season

2010 record: N/A

Key returning players: OL/DL Chauncey West, OL/DL Brian Krause, OL Hendhi Agenor, LB Isidore Sam, CB/WR Onyx Barrios, DE Jake North, DB Brandon Ramos

Key newcomers: QB Michael Diaz, QB Taylor Grant, RB Donte Borders

Spring surprises/standouts: Krause, West

Outlook: Lanier has grown up quite a bit in just one year. This time last year the program had to have its inaugural practice at a field off campus in shirts and shorts. This season the Longhorns went through true spring drills and a year in the weight room helped as well. Lanier’s numbers nearly doubled to 125, but the team is still thin with upperclassmen. Diaz will battle for the starting QB spot with Grant after injuring his knee in last year’s scrimmage. Borders is also back at running back after injuring his ankle in the season opener.

REGION 8-AA

Buford Wolves

Coach: Jess Simpson, seventh season

2010 record: 14-1

Key returning players: DL Kurt Freitag, DL/FB Rick LeGrant, DL Dequan Clark, DL Devonte Mack, LB Andre Johnson, LB/FB Nathan Staub, LB Dillon Lee, DB C.J. Moore, DB/WR Paris Head, DB Ryan Dillard, OT Vadal Alexander, C Tyler Burge, OG Robert Hill, OT Josh Cardiello, RB Darrian Smith, LS Reed Ferguson, K/P David Petroni

Key newcomers: DB/WR Shawn Reynolds

Key losses: QB Alex Ross, RB Seon Jones, WR Eric Barr

Outlook: Buford won its fourth consecutive Class AA state title last season and the Wolves appear loaded for an unprecedented fifth straight crown. More than 100 college coaches attended the two-week spring drills to scout Buford players. The defense has the potential to be one of the best in school history, The group returns 10 starters led by Alabama commitment Lee at linebacker. The secondary features three college prospects with 100-meter state champ Moore, Head and Dillard. Freitag anchors the defensive line. The Wolves have to replace Ross at quarterback. Sam Clay, a left-handed pitcher on the state champion baseball team, and sophomore Taylor Mitchell are battling for the spot. Darrian Smith is back at running back after being injured last year, while Johnson, Moore and Dillard could also see time at running back. The group will run behind Alexander, who has scholarship offers from just about every major college program in the country.

GAC Spartans

Coach: Tim Cokely, second season

2010 record: 9-3

Key returning players: OL Chase Roberts, RB/DB Lavondre Nelson, LB/RB DaSean Daniels, DL Parker Fair, DB Kyle Scales, LB Jonathan Ford

Key newcomers: NG Trent Jenkins, DB Chris Smith

Spring surprises/standouts: FB/LB George Thomas, WR Kaliff Raymond

Key losses: S David Harber, K Matt Carothers

Outlook: In his second year as head coach, there was less uncertainty for GAC as Cokely revamped the program. Cokely put some new wrinkles in the offense with the quarterback run game in his spread offense. Chapple and McTier will once again split time at QB. The duo will have track standout Nelson returning at running back. Georgia Tech commitment Roberts leads the offensive line. Cokely continues to put his best players on defense and the group is led by Daniels and Ford at linebacker. Fair, a standout wrestler, is a top lineman.

REGION 8-A

Hebron Lions

Coach: Sal Battaglia, first season

2010 record: 9-1

Key returning players: OT John Adams, LB/FB Tyler Smith, DT/FB Ty Johnson, LB/TE, Jay Wallo, LB Jimmy Hawkins, DT/C Jack Calie, WR/CB Lou Stevens

Key newcomers: QB Marshall Williams, DB/RB Hunter Johnson

Spring surprises/standouts: Johnson and Smith

Key losses: QB Christian Davila, Matt Stephens LB/RB, DB Paul Stinespring

Outlook: Hebron is coming off the best season in the program’s four-year history. Now it’s first-year coach Battaglia’s turn to keep the success going. The former North Oconee assistant will have to do it with a young team. One of the first things Battagila had his players do was read the book “17 Essential Qualities of a Team Player.” He requested his 30 players write a report about it and got 100 percent participation. The Lions lost 13 seniors, including standout QB Davila. Williams will be the new QB and has picked up Battaglia’s pro style offense nicely during spring drills. Only part of the defensive package was put in during spring, but Battaglia likes where the unit is headed, especially with Tyler Smith leading the way at linebacker.

REGION 5-A

Wesleyan Wolves

Coach: Franklin Pridgen, sixth season

2010 record: 12-2

Key returning players: RB/WR Zander Yost, TE/LB Eric Rappe, OL/DL Josh King, WR/LB Rodney Morris, RB/DB Erik Gossett

Key newcomers: QB Josh Dobbs, QB Will Anderson, OL/DL Will Moody, OL/DL Alex Raabe, OL/DL Fendall Laughlin, OL/DL Barry Sutlive, DB/WR Charles Mack, OL Stuart Johnson, OL Hank Masters, TE/DE Mason Colquitt, RB/WR/DB Andrew Farrell, LB Jamie Stark

Spring surprises/standouts: Johnson, OL/LB Michael Armstrong

Key losses: RB Kyle Karempelis, OL David Andrews, QB Andrew Frerking, LB Merritt Hall, DL Jordan Pope

Outlook: For the last three years, Wesleyan has been one of the top programs in Class A. That was partly due to a talented senior class that just graduated with Karempelis, Andrews and Hall. The Wolves lost 18 seniors total. They have a strong group of talented, but unproven, players coming back. Dobbs and Anderson are battling to replace record-setting Frerking at QB. Yost and Gossett will see significant carries. The offensive and defensive lines are inexperienced, but have size, strength and mobility.