GHSA approves new regions; changes cemented for area schools

MACON -- Get ready for some tough competition in Region 8-AAAA. For the next two years, it may be one of the toughest leagues in the state.

After a lengthy session of the GHSA's Executive Committee on Tuesday in Macon, the new regions for the 2014-15 and 2015-16 school years were approved, including an 8-AAAA that includes Buford, Chestatee, Johnson, Madison County, Monroe Area, North Hall, North Oconee, Stephens County and White County.

There were some last-minute appeals heard -- and approved -- for Thomas County Central, Cook and Pike County, but the new classes and regions set for northeast Georgia's schools remained the same as those proposed by the GHSA's Reclassification Committee in December.

The changes for area athletic programs for the next two school years include:

-- Habersham Central will move from Region 7-AAAAAA to Region 6-AAAAAA, shifting from a Gwinnett County-based region to a Forsyth County/north Fulton County-based region.

-- Region 8-AAAAA added Lanier (the only change to the current set-up).

-- Region 7-AAA added Lumpkin County and Franklin County after losing Buford, North Hall and White County.

-- Region 8-AAA will consist of three schools in Jackson County (East Jackson, Jackson County and Jefferson).

-- Region 8-AA's only change is the loss of Jefferson.

-- Region 8-A's only change is the loss of Pincecrest Academy (moved to Region 6-A).

http://accesswdun.com/article/2014/1/269905