The high school football season started on Saturday with the U.S. Army/Corky Kell Classic in the Georgia Dome. The Starr’s Mill Panthers took on the Etowah Eagles and lost 21-14 in the first match of the day. The Panthers will look at the tape and practice this week and the coaches will have an open Friday to go off to scout their opponents as high school football kicks off for everybody else.

Fayette County Tigers vs Stockbridge Tigers
Last year’s records: (1-9) vs. (1-9)
It’s Tigers vs. Tigers this Friday as an improved Fayette County team hopes to open 2009 with a win. Fayette County returns their entire offensive line, has some talented players throughout the offense and moved the ball well and scored in a scrimmage against Jonesboro. If they can continue to move the ball well and if they can stop Stockbridge from doing the same, Fayette County can start the season on the right foot.

Stockbridge topped Fayette County 27-14 last year and then lost nine games in a row. They are most likely better than last year as well and just as eager to prove it.

Players to watch for Fayette County: Eric Lauderdale, Armani Cato, Martinek Adamson

McIntosh Chiefs @ Forsyth Central Bulldogs
Last year’s records: (2-8) @ (5-5)
The McIntosh Chiefs, like Fayette County, are an improved bunch, but nobody knows how that will translate in their record. With some talented players on defense and a ton of receivers, McIntosh has the ability to stop their opponents in their tracks and quickly move down the field. Forsyth Central most likely has this game circled for revenge. The Chiefs won this game 28-7 last year in Peachtree City and kept the Bulldogs from a record better than .500.

Players to watch for McIntosh: Sean Carney, Andrew Graham

Sandy Creek Patriots @ East Coweta Indians
Last year’s records (11-1) @ (7-4)
Everyone has said it, although Sandy Creek head coach Chip Walker likes to downplay it, the Patriots look like the team to beat in region 5-AAAA. They have a good quarterback who will look great with top tier receivers and running backs to use at his disposal. While the offensive line is without some of last year’s starters and the defense also graduated some great players, Sandy Creek should be just fine.

East Coweta, which traditionally has a program similar to Sandy Creek, should give the Patriots a good game, especially in front of a home crowd at Garland Shoemake Stadium. The Indians lost to Sandy Creek in overtime in the first game of the season last year.

Players to watch for Sandy Creek: Rajion Neal, Isaiah Johnson, Alex Chisum

Whitewater Wildcats @ Douglas County Tigers
Last year’s records (7-4) @ (3-7)
Whitewater has established itself as a perennial playoff contender and they would like nothing more than to start 2009 with a win. The Wildcats have a solid defense, although some of last year’s big time linebackers have moved on to college, and an offense that should be able to drive the ball and put it in the endzone.

Douglas County has some talented athletes and would love to avenge last year’s 42-17 loss in front of a home crowd this Friday. This one may come down to a battle of the offensive and defensive lines and Whitewater has the edge in talent and experience.
Players to watch for Whitewater: Jeffrey Ashley, Joshua Clemons, Blake Jaurigue

Landmark Christian War Eagles @ Brookstone Cougars
Last year’s records (6-5) @ (11-1)

Brookstone romped over Landmark 34-14 at William Thorn Stadium last year and will try to do it again in front of a home crowd this Friday. Landmark will try to use their size to slow down the Cougars but it won’t be easy. The War Eagles graduated a number of playmakers but head coach Kenny Dallas typically has no problem finding new players to fill roles in his winning program. Who will step up and lead Landmark this year? That question will start to be answered this Friday.

Our Lady of Mercy Bobcats vs. Jackson County Panthers
Last year’s records (2-8) vs. (1-8-1)

The Our Lady of Mercy Bobcats are a work in progress. It seems like that’s how they are described every year but head coach Chad Flatt sees some light at the end of the tunnel and for good reason. The program’s numbers are up and the team has had excellent participation in off-season practices, weight training and team building. Work on getting good at just a few things will have Our Lady of Mercy look a little different from teams in the past and Flatt hopes that translates into a few more wins and a clear statement of movement in the right direction. The Panthers topped the Bobcats 16-10 last year and avenging that loss would certainly be a great start for the team.

Players to watch for Our Lady of Mercy: Daniel Alexis, Daniel Wesley