Top 5 teams in Class AA that beat their Calpreps preseason projections by the largest margin:
# 5) Lovett Lions: +11
The Lions were ranked #19 preseason, low in my opinion, and finished the season ranked #8 at 7-3. Lovett gave eventual State Champ Callaway all they could handle in the 2nd round of the playoffs, losing 16-9. Their 3 losses this season were to perennial powers Callaway, GAC, and Pace by a combined 19 points.
#4 Heard Co Braves: +13
After a 4-7 season in 2019 the Braves entered 2020 Ranked #29 in AA. They finished 7-5 this season and 2nd in 5AA and were ranked #16 to end 2020. Four of their 5 loses came to playoff teams and the other was in OT to Region rival Temple.
#2T Early County Bobcats: +14
The Bobcats, behind 4th year Head Coach Joel Harvin, finished 7-3 and made it to the 2nd round of the playoffs for the 1st time since 2015. They entered the season ranked #23 and finished in the Top 10 ranked #9. Losses were to State runner up Fitzgerald, Thomasville, and in the playoffs at #5 Bleckley County.
#2T Cook Co. Hornets: +14
After going 7-16 in AAA the last two seasons 2nd year Head Coach Jamie Rodgers got the Hornets back to .500 and get this, their 21st straight playoff appearance. After a 4-8 2019 they entered the season ranked #31 and finished #17. Their signature win this season was a 21-20 win over eventual Class A State Champ Irwin Co.
#1 Westside Augusta Patriots: +15
The Patriots finished 6-5 in 2020, their 1st winning season since 2006, behind 2nd year Head Coach Jon Wiley. Preseason #44, Westside finished 3rd in Region 4AA and finished the season ranked #29. Note: Reports are Coach Wiley stepped down at seasons end and the Westside job is now open.