CALHOUN, Ga. — The Calhoun football team’s record could include a zero heading into its open date on Sept. 19. But which side might it be on?

The Yellow Jackets have been one of Georgia’s most successful Class AA programs in recent years. They should also be a leading contender for the Region 7B championship again.

Defense of their title begins Oct. 3 when they play at crosstown rival Gordon Central. However, before they can think about that, they must get through games against four nonregion oppponents that should test them physically and mentally.

Calhoun opens on the road against Class AAAA Dalton’s revenge-minded Catamounts before hosting expected Class AAA powers Ridgeland and Cartersville. Yellow Jackets coach Hal Lamb called those “money games” and was at least happy two of them are at Calhoun.

“We could start out 0-3 and still be a pretty good team,” Lamb said. “Hopefully we won’t be in that position. We’re going to see where we’re at after the first three games. I think it’s going to be good for us in the long run. We’re going to have to be ready.”

The Yellow Jackets enter the season looking for a new rushing and passing tandem. Running back Adam Urbano signed with Georgia Southern, and quarterback Tre Lamb, the coach’s son, is now at Tennessee Tech.

Coach Lamb has juniors projected to play those positions. Kedron Aker is a 6-foot-1, 200-pound running back with 4.5 speed in the 40-yard dash. Michael Johnson is a 6-foot, 185-pound quarterback.

The upside is that the Yellow Jackets have seasoned performers in the trenches. Rhett Jackson and David Clemons each is 6-2 and helps the line average about 270 pounds per player.

Lamb said the defensive front could be as good as it’s been since he’s been at Calhoun. NCAA Division I prospect Eric McDaniel will anchor the middle.

“We can go as far as we want to go,” McDaniel said. “We have to work, and with a little bit of help from my senior class, we can be really good. I’m looking forward to it.”

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