Top 5 teams in Class AAA that exceeded Calpreps Preseason Predictions:
#5) SE Bulloch Yellow Jackets: +13
SE played in Region 3AAA that was hit hard by Covid cancellations. They were able to win the Region with a 1-0 Region record and finished 6-4 on the season after a 1st Rd playoff loss to 4 seed Upson Lee. Preseason ranked #45 and ended up 13 spots at #32.
#3T) Stephens Co Indians: +15
Stephens Co was ranked #32 Preseason after going 1-9 in AAAA in 2019. The Indians finished the season at 5-3 but missed the playoffs finishing 5th in Region 8AAA. Signature wins over Habersham Cent (AAAAAA) and North Hall boosted the Indians ranking to #17 in AAA to end the season.
#3T) Franklin Co Lions: +15
Another team from 8AAA. The Lions were ranked #37 preseason after coming off a 2-8 season in 2019. Franklin finished 2020 with a 7-3 record and the 4th playoff spot in the Region giving them a #22 ranking.
#2) Richmond Academy Musketeers: + 17
The Musketeers entered the season ranked #30 in AAA after going 4-6 in 2019. They went 10-2 and won the 4AAA Region Title. It was the 1st Title and 10 win season for Richmond Academy since 1976. They defeated Brantley Co 28-0 in the 1st round of the playoffs and advanced to the 2nd round for the 1st time since 2009.
#1) Ringgold Tigers: +19
Maybe more of a product of not meeting expectations in 2019, but the Tigers entered 2020 ranked 52nd in AAA after going 0-10 last season. The Tigers finished the season at 5-5 and 5th in Region 6AAA. A 3 point loss to Sonoraville in week 9 spoiled their playoff hopes. The Tigers ended the season ranked #33. Note: Ringgold has most of their production returning in 2021. Would not be shocked to see another 19 place jump in their ranking next season.