Subregion 6A-A Outlook

Team to beat: Darlington, a state quarterfinal team a year ago, is the heavy favorite. The Tigers have the region’s best player in RB/DB Tijai Whatley, who is committed to Georgia Tech.

Watch out for: Trion has the region’s top QB in senior Jarret Gill and enough playmakers around him to be dangerous.

Best game: The state’s longest-running rivalry is again the marquee game. Gordon Lee hosts Trion on Oct. 27, and the fact the Bulldogs have owned the Trojans lately will only raise the intensity level at Billy Neil Ellis Stadium.

Dream schedule: Gordon Lee has a very favorable first month with nonregion games against Dade County, LaFayette and Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe. The Trojans also get to host Trion, part of an October schedule that has no road games.

Nightmare schedule: Christian Heritage opens the season against 2016 Class AAA playoff team North Murray, six-win AAA team Murray County and AAAA’s Southeast Whitfield, a stretch last season that did not go well. The Lions also have to play at Gordon Lee and end with Darlington and Mt. Zion-Carroll.

Players to watch: Darlington’s Whatley (6-2, 195) is a physical runner who is also used extensively in the pass game, while DL Jacob Hunt (6-4, 260) and Elijah Bell (6-3, 290) can dominate in the trenches. Trion’s Gill (6-3, 195) is already the program’s career passing leader, while Gordon Lee RB Braden Jarvis (6foot, 170) and 6-7 Christian Heritage WR Christian Koneman are among the league’s top playmakers.

Predicted order of finish: Darlington, Bowdon, Trion, Gordon Lee, Mt. Zion, Christian Heritage, North Cobb Christian.