The Peach State is simply loaded in 2013 with Norcross, Sandy Creek and Gainesville leading the way.
MaxPreps 2013 Georgia Preseason Fab 5 presented by the Army National Guard
Norcross is the No. 3 ranked team in the country and the top team in Georgia heading into the 2013 season.
Photo by Dennis Carter
Keith Maloof
2012 finish: 15-0; Class AAAAAA state champion
Team previewLast year Norcross simply dominated its competition en route to a dream season. With plenty returning from last year’s squad, a national title is within sights. Superb defensive end
Lorenzo Carter leads a loaded defense that also features Tennessee recruit
Kevin Mouhon. The offense boasts dynamic athlete
Myles Autry. The entire offensive line returns, including 320-pound
Horatio Walker. Transfer
A.J. Bush could be the man at quarterback.
See the Top 15 Georgia football dynasties2. Sandy Creek (Tyrone)Head coach: Chip Walker
2012 finish: 15-0; Class AAAA state champion
Team preview
Over the last five seasons, Sandy Creek has been about as consistent as it gets in Georgia. The alma mater of Calvin Johnson could have its best team in 2013, one that would compete with teams of any size in both the state and the country. Quarterback
Cole Garvin and receiver
Demarre Kitt figure to connect often.
Eric Swinney and
Delvin Weems comprise a very talented backfield.
Chris Williams, a massive tackle, highlights the defense.
See our Georgia football professional photo galleries3. GainesvilleHead coach: Bruce Miller
2012 finish: 12-3; Class AAAAA state champion
Team previewLast year, Gainesville overcame a rocky regular season, losing its last two games before the playoffs. It rebounded to capture a state title but in 2013, the Red Elephants will now be a favorite, not an underdog. That’s because the state’s all-time leading passer,
DeShaun Watson, returns. He was the
MaxPreps National Junior of the Year last year and could win overall player of the year honors this year. However, any injury to Watson would be devastating to Gainesville’s hopes of repeating.
See last season's Georgia football playoff brackets4. Colquitt County (Moultrie)Head coach: Russ Propst
2012 finish: 10-4
Team preview
Each of Colquitt County’s regular season losses last year was by three points or fewer. With games against Grayson, Hoover and Lovejoy on the schedule to open the season, the Packers could certainly use a few breaks going their way.
Daniel Mobley will take over at quarterback for Cole Segraves. The defense returns an impressive nine starters. In a recent scrimmage, Colquitt County hung tough with top-ranked Norcross, a sign that the Packers will be back in the title hunt in 2013.
See last season's final Georgia football rankings, presented by the Army National Guard5. North Gwinnett (Suwanee)Head coach: Bob Sphire
2012 finish: 11-2
Team previewThere’s plenty of talent on both sides of the ball for North Gwinnett, highlighted by defensive end
Dante Sawyer and offensive tackle
Mitch Hyatt, the
No. 1-ranked recruit in the 247Compositie for the Class of 2015. Sphire’s son
Hayden should excel at the quarterback spot.
Nate Brown, a 6-foot-3 receiver, provides a spark to the offense, as does running back transfer
C.J. Leggett. Sawyer is extremely disruptive on defense and ranks among the nation’s best at his position. If the offensive line comes together, North Gwinnett will be extremely difficult to beat.
See every Georgia FBS football signee from 2013 National Signing Day
