Football Season is upon us and it’s time for me to throw in my two cents. These rankings are based on my projections on how teams will do in their respective classifications. I’m not declaring Team A would beat Team B, but rather that they will perform better inside their own classifications.
- Brunswick High Pirates– With the arrival of former Pierce County Bears head coach, Sean Pender, and his high flying offense, I predict that this team, filled with college prospects, will win the Region 2-6A championship and find success in the playoffs this year.
- Liberty County Panthers– The 2016 Panthers, led by 5-star prospect Richard LeCounte, made it all the way to the Elite 8 last year, losing a heartbreaker to GAC in Triple OT. I expect no slump due to the emergence of other college prospects. I’m calling it early: The Liberty County Panthers, back to back region champs.
- Ware County Gators– With Coach Franklin Stephens’ first full senior class and a stout defense that bares three D-1 prospects, how could you not see the Gators going back to back as region champs and marching their way back into the playoffs?
- Glynn Academy Red Terrors– With the departure of D-1 athlete, Deejay Dallas to Miami, I predict a drop off from Glynn, but with senior college prospects Randon Jernigan and Hunter Hall leading the charge, I project a Region 2-6A runner up title and return to the playoffs.
- Richmond Hill Wildcats– With Coach Matt LeZotte entering his third year as a head coach armed with D-1 WR prospect Sam James and one of the top kicking prospects in the country, I expect big things from the Wildcats projecting a third place (or higher) finish in Region 2-6A and a second straight trip to the playoffs.
- Frederica Academy Knights– Coach Brandon Derrick and his Knights were expected to win it all in GISA 3A last year but fell short by being ousted in the second round. However, with 2019 college prospects JaShawn Sheffield and Jaylin Simpson, Frederica is once again projected to win it all. I feel like 2017 could finally be the Knight’s season.
- Appling County Pirates– With the arrival of new coach Jon Lindsey at the helm of the ship, I see great things for the Pirates. A former Camden County Legend Jeff Herron disciple, Lindsey has helped turn two programs around into powerhouses. I see no reason he can’t do it in Baxley.
- Charlton County Indians– With Coach Rich McWhorter entering his 28th year as head coach down in Folkston armed with a stout offense including quarterback A.J. Bell and athlete Raykwon Anderson, I project another playoff experience for McWhorter in the 1-A Public playoffs.
- Camden County Wildcats– When Welton Coffey moved from head football coach to AD this past offseason so did the Wing-T offense. For the first time ever, new coach Bob Sphire will have his Wildcats running a spread offense. I expect some growing pains but not enough that would prevent Camden from making the playoffs in 7-A.
- Pierce County Bears– With the departure of UGA walk-on quarterback Stetson Bennett and New Brunswick Head Coach Sean Pender, I think there will be learning curve for Pierce County. However the arrival of former Fitzgerald head coach Jason Strickland, whose teams played for the last two State Championships in AA, will have the Bears ready to compete for a Region 2-AAA title and keep the playoff streak alive.
2017 Preseason Football Rankings
By Evan Smoak
