We take a look at the preliminary Week 1 lines by Calpreps.com, with commentary. These are not final and will be updated August 11th but that gives us time to ponder, argue and question.
Cedartown Bulldogs at Rockmart Yellow Jackets:
Cedartown by 22 points
NwGAFootball Take: This seems like a lot of points especially at Rockmart. Both teams come into ’22 loaded, especially at the skill positions. Harlem Diamond and Patrick Gardner vs that Yellow Jacket LB core will be fun to watch. I would take Rockmart and the points in this heated rivalry.
Blessed Trinity Titans at Calhoun Yellow Jackets:
Calhoun by 14 points
NwGAFootball Take: A rematch of last years SemiFinal, which I can say was one of the best high school atmospheres I have experienced. They get the rematch out of the way early in ’22. Fourteen seems like a lot but when you consider BT lost their star RB, Justice Haynes, to Buford this spread maybe just right. Look for large doses of Caden Williams from the Jackets. The rising JR RB has been tearing up the camp circuit this Summer.
LaFayette Ramblers at Chattooga Indians
LaFayette by 10 points
NwGAFootball Take: This one has to be classified as “Until Further Notice”. Don’t know much about these 2 on the field until later this Summer other than standout Indian WR Nic Hester is now a Rome Wolve.
’22 Corky Kell at Barron
Creekside Seminoles at Rome Wolves
Rome Wolves by 27
NwGAFootball Take: Big spread against a very good Seminole team that won the UGA 7 on 7 this Summer. I like Creekside +27 but if Rome covers the Wolves maybe on their way to a State Title in ’22.
’22 Corky Kell at Barron
Cass Colonels v Kennesaw Mtn Mustangs
Kennesaw Mtn by 30
NwGaFootball Take: Tough task on the big stage for the Colonels taking on Kennesaw Mtn from AAAAAAA. The Mustangs are coming off a 10-2 year. “Starred” WR’s all over the place in this one. I like Cass +30.
Murray Co Indians at Coahulla Creek Colts
Coahulla Creek by 35
NwGaFootball Take: Coahulla Creek is no longer the Cinderella as they are expected to compete for a playoff spot this season. We here good things out of Murray Co under 1st year Head Coach Napier. I like Coahulla to win by I will take Murray Co +35.
Athens Academy at Dade County
Athens Academy by 6
NwGaFootball Take: Interesting 1st week pairing. Dade is coming off one of their best seasons in recent memory as they host the Spartans who were 8-4 last year in Single A. A game to keep an eye on for our 7AA schools as odds are one of them will be heading to Athens in Round 1 of the playoffs. Long bus ride for Athens Academy here…give me Dade +6.
SE Whitfield Raiders at Coosa Eagles
SE Whitfield by 5
NwGaFootball Take: 2 teams looking to get off on the right track in ’22. If you close games are the thing for you then make your way West on Hwy 20 opening night. Going to be a close one but I like the SE OL..I will take SE -5.
NW Whitfield Bruins at Pepperell Dragons
NW Whitfield by 13
NwGAFootball Take: The #1 returning passer in NwGA, Owen Brooker (NW) vs the #2 returning rusher in NwGA, DJ Rogers (Pepp), square off in Lindale opening night. This comes down to how good the Pepperell pass defense is and how good Northwest rush defense is. I like Northwest to win behind Senior Brooker but I will take Pepperell and the points. Pick Pepperell +13.
North Murray Mountaineers at Dalton Catamounts
North Murray by 11
NwGaFootball Take: 1st ever meeting between these next door neighbors. North Murray returns Seth Griffin at QB who accounted for over 3000 yards offense in ’21. Question will be can the Mountaineers defense stop Tyson Greenwade and the Catamount offense? Future big rivalry, opening night at home, give me Dalton +11.
Rabun County Wildcats at Haralson Co Rebels
Rabun County by 4
NwGaFootball Take: We are a year too late to see Gunner Stockton v Clay Hyatt but there will be a lot of other guys trying to make a name for themselves opening night 2022. Haralson will put up a good fight but I like the boys from the NE corner of the State to win a close one. Rabun -4.
Trion Bulldogs at Gordon Lee Trojans
Trion by 20
NwGaFootball Take: 88th meeting between these two programs takes place opening night. Trion is coming off their best season in close to 20 years and still have a lot of gas left in the tank. The Trojans will fight hard but I like Trion -20 in this one.
Pickens Dragons at Sonoraville Phoenix
Sonoraville by 14
NwGAFootball Take: Very interesting game for high school football fans around the Area. Both teams return their QBs from ’21 and both teams have high expectations for 2022. Not only could they both make the playoffs but we would not be surprised if they both hosted 1st Round games. I like the Phoenix to win at home but the Dragons keep it close . Pickens +14.
Gordon Central Warriors at Armuchee Indians
Armuchee by 27
NwGAFootball Take: Armuchee is coming off their best year in a decade but will be looking to replace some guys in key skill positions. I like the Indians at home but I think this game will be a lot closer then 27. I would take Gordon Central +27.
Gilmer Bobcats at LFO Warriors
LFO by 9
NwGAFootball Take: New coaching staff at LFO has the faithful excited. Gilmer made some leaps forward last year under Paul Standard and look to continue their progress in ’22. Should be a close game. I like Gilmer and the points.
Cherokee Co Alabama at Model Blue Devils
Cherokee Co by 2
NwGaFootball Take: Cherokee Co was a 7-4 playoff team last season in AAAA. They have to replace their stud at QB but still bring back some experience. Model has all the talking heads scratching their heads in ’22. We are anxious to see what they bring this season. I like Model +2 at home.
Heritage Generals at Ringgold Tigers
Ringgold by 12
NwGAFootball Take: This is the game everyone hated we missed last season. Ringgold is coming off one of their best season in quite awhile but graduated a lot of guys from that ’21 team. Heritage has a big Senior class in ’22. I like Heritage here +12.
Fannin Co Rebels at Union Co Panthers
Fannin Co by 27
NwGaFootball Take: Fannin opens ’22 looking to 3 Peat as Region Champs. The Rebels have to replace Seth Reece at QB and that might take a few weeks to get in stride but the Defense should be stout. I like Fannin Co to get it done 28-0 and cover that -27.
Manchester Blue Devils at Bowdon Red Devils
Bowdon by 15
NwGaFootball Take: Manchester was a 2nd Rd playoff team in ’21 and for us locals we remember them knocking off Haralson Co early in the season but I think Bowdon is about to have a season to remember. I like the Red Devils at home -15.
Bremen Blue Devils at Heard Co Braves
Heard Co by 14
NwGaFootball Take: Interesting game as both teams graduated a good Senior class in ’21. Bremen is moving to AAA and Heard is now in Class A with the new realignment. I like Heard to win at home but I will take Bremen +14.