Uncertainty surrounds Dawson County in 2019

DAWSONVILLE — Dawson County may experience its most uncertain season in 2019 under fifth-year head coach Sid Maxwell.

The Tigers are coming off a program-best 10-win season in 2018 but almost all of the main pieces of a group that advanced to the second round of the Class 3A playoffs are gone.

However, Maxwell said this also could be the season where the Tigers show that they have reached the perpetual level of reloading, not rebuilding.

"Our goal is always to maintain a high level of excellence," Maxwell said. "I feel we have done that over my first four seasons. The good programs reload more than they rebuild. I think that's what we'll find out this season."

The biggest issue is on offense where they return just one starter -- junior wide receiver Dakohta Sonnichsen -- who is the leading returning receiver (14 rec. 231 yards, 2 TDs) and second-leading returning rusher (365 yards, 4 TDs). Maxwell will have several spots to fill along the offensive line. But the two biggest holes to fill will be at quarterback and running back.

The graduated dynamic duo of SeVaughn Clark and Ahmad Kamara combined for 2,275 yards and 32 touchdowns rushing in 2018. Clark also threw for another 936 yards and 9 TDs.

Talented senior Shawn Thomas (36 carries, 417 yards, 8 TDs) is the leading returning rusher and was highly productive in limited action behind Kamara in 2018. The quarterback spot is up for grabs with a three-way battle expected to emerge early. Junior Max Moon was the backup the past two seasons and is being pushed by sophomore Zach Holtzclaw and freshman Keegan Stover. Freshman Jaden Gibson also figures to get into the mix but was injured during spring practice and is just getting back into form.

"All three of those guys played in our spring game and all have something a little different they bring to the offense," Maxwell said. "Max has the most experience and is more of running-type. Zach and Keegan are probably the better passers, but it's all about who can move the offense consistently. That's what we'll be looking for -- whichever guy can help us win games the most will play."

Maxwell also felt they have a couple of potential breakout players on offense.

"Dakohta is a tremendous player and I think he's ready for a breakout season. Shawn is very talented so I'm also expecting him to have a big season as well," Maxwell said. "The big question is on the (offensive) line. We lost a lot of good players so if we can't find guys to block, it may not matter. It's a huge priority for us in the fall."

Defensively, the Tigers return five starters, led by senior linebackers Brody Howell and Daniel Brock. That unit also will have junior Kincade Weaver and senior D.J. Mitchell to anchor the middle. But they will be short on experience in the secondary, with just senior safety Riley Herndon returning.

"Howell is another guy who could have a breakout year and Brody can really fly around," Maxwell said. "We're just working on the other areas to find the right pieces to put around those guys right now."

A tough schedule awaits, especially in Region 7-3A, which should be even rougher with teams like Fannin County, East Hall and Cherokee Bluff expected to be much-improved. However, they play six of their first eight games at home, including three straight in Region 7-3A play in October (East Hall, Greater Atlanta Christian, Fannin County), following the region opener on the road at rival Lumpkin County. A home date with Denmark, an early-season Class 4A state title contender on Sept. 20, could be a showcase for both teams. The Tigers will close out the regular season on the road against North Hall.

"The region will be tougher this year so we're just going to have to find a way each week to do whatever we need to do to get a win," Maxwell said. "If we do that each week, I think we can be right in the middle of the playoff race again."