Augusta Chronicle High School Football Power Rankings, Aug. 23
1. Barnwell
Barnwell didn’t lose a game until the state championship last year. Head coach Dwayne Garrick returns a senior quarterback in Craig Pender and experience in the trenches. Another state run for the Warhorses seems all but inevitable.
2. Washington County
The Golden Hawks have seen continued success under head coach Joel Ingram. This year’s squad returns a lot of talent on defense, including versatile lineman Jabari Brooks. They’ll face another tough region schedule this season, but the Aug. 30 game against Jefferson County will reveal a lot about this team.
3. Jefferson County
Filling the shoes of Jaden Jenkins is no small task, but depth on offense will make the transition for the Warriors that much smoother. Look for senior Markel Bonner to carry the load on offense behind a seasoned group of linemen. Along with Hephzibah, Jefferson County will be one of the favorites in a crowded region.
4. North Augusta
This season for North Augusta is about re-tooling, not rebuilding. While there will be a new signal-caller under center, an explosive running game and speed on the perimeter will make the Yellow Jackets a tough draw for any defensive coordinator. Don’t be surprised when a few little-known players on defense become household names before season’s end.
5. Hephzibah
After finishing last season with the best record in school history, the sky's the limit for Hephzibah this year. A senior-heavy defense, along with playmakers on the offensive side of the ball, is a recipe for success for head coach William Harrell.
6. Strom Thurmond
Strom Thurmond looks to return to the playoffs with Jequan Harris, a three-year starter under center. With an explosive rushing attack and veteran leadership in the trenches, the Rebels will likely be the favorite in the region once again.
7. Aquinas
Senior AJ Williams will look to carry the load on offense as Aquinas looks to make another run. On the other side, defensive end Jaden Blount will look to disrupt things for opposing offenses. The Fightin’ Irish have made the GHSA playoffs every season under head coach James Leonard, dating back to 2013.
8. Burke County
The Bears will look to senior quarterback Juanya Dove to lead the rushing attack this year. The combination of Dove and running back Leon McGee produced nearly 2,300 yards of offense a year ago. Burke County also returns a strong group of upperclassmen on defense, planting the seeds for another playoff run.
9. Grovetown
The Warriors look to build on a region title with leadership on both sides of the ball. A defensive front that will spend as much time in the backfield as opposing running backs, coupled with experience at the quarterback position, should put the Warriors right back in contention in 2019.
10. Lakeside
Lakeside returns a large group of seniors on both sides of the ball. This group of linebackers is arguably the best in the area and this team features a number of playmakers on offense, led by the dynamic Jaden Taylor at quarterback. If there was ever a year for a deep playoff run for the Panthers, this is it.