Region 8-2A is top-heavy again this season with perennial playoff powers Fellowship Christian and Athens Academy.
The Paladins most likely will be the early-season favorites to repeat as champs, with Athens Academy not too far behind.
However, there could be one public school in the region that could put a wrinkle in the top-two private school’s plans: Union County.
The Panthers return several key skill positions and could have the firepower to challenge for a home playoff game.
East Jackson showed improvement last season, making the playoffs for the first time since 2009, and Banks County, who started the 2022 campaign on fire but burned out by season’s end, could challenge for a playoff spot
In the end, however, it’ll be defending region champ and 2022 Class 2A semifinalist Fellowship Christian’s title to lose.
REGION 8-2A
2022 Champion: Fellowship Christian
2022 Playoff Teams: Fellowship Christian, semifinals; Athens Academy, first round; Union County, second round; East Jackson, first round
2022 Region Standings: Fellowship Christian (10-4, 5-0); Athens Academy (8-3, 4-1); Union County (8-4, 3-2); East Jackson (5-6, 2-3); Banks County (5-5, 1-4); Providence Christian (2-8, 0-5)
What to expect in 2023:
ATHENS ACADEMY – The Spartans will be replacing half of its offensive production in 2023 with the graduation of All-Region quarterback Sam Bush. It could be a heavy dose of the rushing attack with Austin McGee, son of Georgia running backs coach Dell McGee, returning for his senior season. KEY GAMES: Fellowship Christian and Union County
BANKS COUNTY – The Leopards started the 2022 season 4-0, but injuries sent them in a downward spiral, losing five straight to fall out of playoff contention. This season, the Leopards return Kolby Watson at quarterback but lost leading rusher Andrew Shockley to graduation. Watson took over for injured Conner Griffith last season and tossed for 554 yards and five TDs. Aaron Scott also returns. He led the team in receiving yards last season with 623 and seven TDs. He also was the second-leading rusher (330 yards, 5 TD). On the defensive side, the Leopards return a boatload of varsity players, including leading tackler Robert Walker (37 tackles). The Leopards have a favorable non-region schedule but a tough region slate. KEY GAMES – East Jackson, Union County and Providence Christian.
EAST JACKSON –The Eagles return Drew Richardson at quarterback but lost leading rushing Greg Maddox to graduation. The good news for the Eagles, however, is Dekan Williams (91-527 yards, 3 TD), second-leading rusher, returns as well as Quay Hill (49-321 yards, 4 TD). Richardson will have his leading wideout back in Talan Jackson (14-301 yards, 3 TD). Defensively, the Eagles will have to replace Maddox III’s 88 tackles. Nate Heiss will be that guy. He recorded 61 tackles in his junior season. Also back are Corvin Gillespie (49 tkls), Aaron Blackmon (48 tkls) and Javon Huff (46 tkls). KEY GAMES: Union County, Providence Christian, Banks County
FELLOWSHIP CHRISTIAN – The Paladins' balanced attack last season led them to the Class 2A semifinals. In 2023, they will be looking to replace almost 2,000 yards of offense in their quarterback room. Now at Houston, Caleb McMickle passed for 1,906 yards and 17 TDs. The other half of the offensive output is back; however, with 1,000-yard rusher sophomore CJ Givers (201-1,150 yards, 16 TD) in the stable, the rushing attack shouldn’t miss a beat. And whoever is up next at QB will have leading receiver Josh Milholin (52-838, 5 TD) and third leading receiver Evan Haynes (12-247) to target. Defensively, the Paladins will be looking to replace their three top tacklers from a year ago, but no worries, as Jonathan Granby, TJ Lester and Givers should pick up the load. KEY GAMES: Athens Academy and Union County
PROVIDENCE CHRISTIAN – The Storm’s roster is littered with returning starters, including quarterback Ben Klassen, who passed for 1,600 yards and 17 TDs last season. They also bring back their top two running backs, along with most of the receiving corps. The question for the Storm is defense. They gave up almost 37 yards per game last season. If they can shore up the defense, they might be a playoff contender. KEY GAMES: East Jackson and Banks County
UNION COUNTY – The Panthers have a slew of returning talent, including quarterback Caiden Tanner (242-354, 2,893, 24 TD, 8 INT), leading receiver Jensen Gobles (87-1,016, 9 TD) and top-two rushers Braylen Raider (130-805, 9 TD) and Connor Schuknecht (100-504 4TD). Will it be enough to push the region’s top-two teams, Fellowship and Athens Academy? Maybe. On defense, the Panthers lose Gage Barnes, the team’s leading tackler in 2022, but return Seth Rutan (88 tkls), Kooper Ashcraft (77 tkls), David Heredia (59 tkls) and Lane Lance (52 tkls). KEY GAMES: Fellowship Christian, Athens Academy and East Jackson
NOTES: The biggest question could be can Union County push for a home playoff spot and even their first region title since 1972. With a load of talent returning in Blairsville, the Panthers could be the dark horse to challenge region juggernauts Fellowship Christian and Athens Academy … Athens Academy is seeking its first region title since 2019 … East Jackson, Providence Christan and Banks County are vying for their first-ever region titles.
