REGION 3-1A OUTLOOK

Team to beat: Until someone knocks South Pittsburg from its perch atop the region, it will remain the standard. The Pirates return seven starters on each side of the ball from a team that reached the state semifinals for a second straight year.

Watch out for: Whitwell had South Pittsburg on the ropes late in their regular-season meeting last year, coming close to tying or even going ahead in the final minute. The Tigers bring back 13 total starters from an 11-win squad that has confidence it can play with anybody in Class 1A. Best game: When Whitwell hosts South Pittsburg on Oct. 12, the region championship will almost certainly be on the line. Also on the line in that showdown will be homefield advantage for a likely rematch in the state quarterfinals. Dream schedule: Lookout Valley has six home games, and the four times they travel will be to teams that had a combined 10-31 record last season. The Yellow Jackets play just two teams (South Pittsburg and Whitwell) that had winning records last season and will host both of those region foes. Nightmare schedule:

Whitwell has a stretch midway through the season in which it will travel for five consecutive weeks, including trips to three playoff opponents from larger classifications — 3A’s Signal Mountain and 2A’s Polk County and Trousdale County. Players to watch: South Pittsburg fullback/middle linebacker Garrett Raulston was a state Mr. Football semifinalist last season, and he simply wears on opponents with his size and strength. Joining him in the backfield is junior wing Ronto Tipton, who is expected to be a big-play threat. Running back and defensive back Hudson Petty is a two-time all-state player for Whitwell who, along with Josh Wingo, makes up one of the most talented backfields in 1A. Tigers linebacker Thundur Roberts ranked among the area’s leaders in tackles last season.