Region 7-3A was one of the more competitive and fun playoff races to watch in 2022.
The 2023 campaign could be even better.
Virtually every team has strengths that could propel them into the playoff race. Every team also has some key question marks.
Defending region champion Dawson County lost most of its region-best defense and is hoping its usually-potent offense can find its former footing. Can Lumpkin County, fresh off a record-setting season, find the same magic now that they will be more of the hunted instead of the hunters? Can White County, who may have one of the more talented rosters in the region, bounce back after an injury-plagued 2022? Wesleyan may have the region's best quarterback but lost most of its offensive skilled players. Pickens graduated the bulk of its defense. West Hall may be the dark horse with young talent ready to break through.
Five teams finished within two games of each other for three playoff spots in 2022. It may be even tighter this season. Every game will have huge ramifications. This may be just the region for fans who like drama.
REGION 7-3A
2022 Champion: Dawson County
2022 Playoff Teams: Dawson County, first round; Lumpkin County, first round; Pickens, first round; Wesleyan, first round
2022 Region Standings: Dawson County (8-3, 6-0); Lumpkin County (8-3, 4-2); Pickens (5-6, 4-2); Wesleyan (4-7, 3-3); Gilmer (5-5, 2-4); White County (4-5, 2-4); West Hall (1-9, 0-6)
What to expect in 2023:
DAWSON COUNTY – Usually known for their offense, the Tigers were able to secure their first region title in seven years with statistically its best defense since the 2018 season, allowing just 18.5 points/game. However, the offense had its worst season since 2014. That is expected to change in 2023 with a slew of experience returning on the offensive side behind what is possibly their biggest offensive line in school history, averaging nearly 280 pounds (Sr. Simeon Welch, 6-foot-3, 310 pounds; So. Krew Moledor, 6-5, 290; Sr. Briggs Weaver, 6-2, 280; Sr. Anthony Garcia, 6-1, 250; Sr. Trenton Martinez, 6-2, 260). But the defense is rebuilding in a region that sports some high-powered offenses. How the defense holds up may decide their playoff fate. KEY GAMES: Home games vs. White County (Sept. 29), Wesleyan (Oct. 13), and Lumpkin County (Oct. 27).
LUMPKIN COUNTY – The Indians had a magical season in 2022, tying a program record in wins in a season (8; 1967, 1976, 2022), setting the program record in points scored (365), and securing their first home playoff game since 2014. Can they repeat that feat, especially after losing 7-3A Player of the Year Cooper Scott to graduation? That's what most everyone will be wondering as well. But they were young across the board last season and return 16 starters, including their entire offensive line. They also return Sr. RB Mason Sullens, who piled up over 1,000 yards rushing in 2022 and is poised for an even bigger season in 2023. Cal Faulkner will take over under center, and their fates may go as his progression at QB goes. KEY GAMES: Home tilts vs. Wesleyan (Sept. 29) and White County (Oct. 20), and a monster road game at rival Dawson County (Oct. 27).
PICKENS – The Dragons won their final four games in 2022 to finish third and grab their first playoffs since 2019. But they also gave up the third-most points in the region and graduated 5 of their top 7 tacklers, that amassed 51 TFL and 23 sacks. Offensively, they scored the second-fewest points (131, 21.8 ppg) in region play. Both of those numbers will have to improve to get out of the pack in 2023. KEY GAMES: Two huge home games to open region play vs. Lumpkin County (Sept. 22) and Dawson County (Oct. 6). Then they finish with two monster road games vs. White County (Oct. 27) and Wesleyan (Nov. 3).
WESLEYAN – The Wolves return the bulk of an offense that, at times, was explosive but also was prone to turnovers. Jr. QB Ben Brown (2,123 yards, 59% completions, 25 TD, 11 INT) is back to lead the offense and has their top 4 rushers back as well. But they lost 2 of their top 4 receivers to graduation. The defense, which allowed the second-fewest points in region play, graduated 4 of its top 6 tacklers with over 20 TFL in 2022. If Brown can find enough targets in the passing game, the Wolves could challenge for a playoff spot once again. KEY GAMES: A three-game stretch -- at Lumpkin County (Sept. 29), at home vs. White County (Oct. 6), and at Dawson County (Oct. 13) -- could decide their fate.
WHITE COUNTY – Injuries derailed what was expected to be a promising 2022 campaign for the Warriors. The defense gave up the second-most points in the region, as seven starters went down during the season. But the younger players got tons of experience and hope to make that a strength in 2023. Juniors Jon Scott, Jason Rewis, Bryce Dockery, Alex Johnson, and senior Carson Smith all return to anchor what could be the best LB group in the region. Despite turnover issues, the offense scored the third-most points in the region and Jr. QB Tripp Nix is back with a slew of receivers at his disposal. If they can stay healthy, they may be one of the more talented teams in the region and could make a serious playoff run. KEY GAMES: The Warriors will know a lot about their playoff chances quickly. They open region play with two huge road games at Dawson County (Sept. 29) and at Wesleyan (Oct. 6).
GILMER – The Bobcats finished 5-5 in 2022, their best record since 2014, but dropped their final four games, two by a field goal each, to miss out on the playoffs by a game. They could be in a rebuilding mode in 2023, however. In a triple-option offense, they graduated four of their top five rushers that racked up 1,783 yards (81% of their rushing yards) and 22 TDs. The defense graduated five of its top six tacklers as well. KEY GAMES: At Wesleyan (Sept. 22) and home vs. rival Pickens (Oct. 13).
WEST HALL – After winning eight games over the two previous seasons, the Spartans fell back to a tough 1-9 campaign in 2022. The good news is they played a slew of underclassmen who are ready to take that experience into 2023. They return 15 starters, including So. QB Brett Sturm and one of the area's more underrated players in Sr. Maliek Richardson, and should improve on both sides of the ball. A solid offensive line, led by Sr. Jay Nero (6-4, 325) and Jr. Cam Riojas (6-0, 265), could be one of the best in the region. With some uncertainty among several teams, they could be poised to make some noise if they can stay healthy. KEY GAMES: A huge 3-game road trip vs. Gilmer (Sept. 29), White County (Oct. 13), and Pickens (Oct. 20) could decide the playoff fate.
NOTES: If Dawson County is unable to repeat as champions in 2023, several teams could break long title droughts or claim first-ever titles. Lumpkin County and White County are a pair of programs looking for their first-ever region titles. The Warriors began playing in 1957, while the Indians opened in 1961. Gilmer has two region titles, but the last one came in 1997. The other was in the Bobcats' opening campaign in 1956. West Hall has claimed just one region title in its 34-year history, in 2014. Pickens also has just one region title in its history, which came in 2018 in Class 4A. Wesleyan, the only private school in the region, opened in 1998 and has three region crowns, the most recent in 2020 while in Class A Private.
