Henry Daily Herald

Photo by Derrick Mahone / Strong Rock coach Mark Miller and the Patriots are off to a surprising 3-1 start this season.

With the season at the midway point, the Henry Daily Herald sports staff takes stock of area teams in terms of meeting preseason expectations and goals.

Most teams are making that final approach to securing postseason playoff berths. We take a look at what teams are making the grade, and which needs some improvement for the second half of the season.

Dutchtown (4-1)

So far the only blemish on the Bulldogs is an awful second half against Griffin in their 42-16 season-opening loss. But since then Dutchtown has won four straight. What’s particularly encouraging is the defense’s improvement. Take out the Griffin game and the Bulldogs are allowing 12.3 points per a game compared to 20.8 last season. Dutchtown’s 18 returning starters and 30 returning players with varsity experience appear to have grown up.

Our grade: Pass

Eagle’s Landing (0-5)

If this was arena football, the Golden Eagles would be king. That’s how good their offense has been through the first five games. A team that averaged 10.9 points a game last season is scoring 29.2 this season and suddenly looks loaded with weapons — Bradley Dewberry, Corey Holloway, Bill Teknipp, Warren Wright, Uriah Horne, Malik Mackey, etc. But giving up 41.4 points a game isn’t going to cut it, especially with Stockbridge, Dutchtown and Locust Grove still left to play.

Our grade: Needs improvement

ELCA (4-1)

A couple offensive miscues and a special teams breakdown cost the Chargers the opportunity to be undefeated. While the top-ranked Chargers are No. 4 in the Georgia High School Association/MaxPrep Power Rankings, they are still considered the top contender for the Class A private school title. When he is healthy, senior Keyante Green has shown that he is a leading candidate for player of the year honors.

Our grade: Pass

Henry County (1-4)

This was expected to be a rebuilding season for the Warhawks with new coach Joe Dupree. The first-year coach inherited a team that graduated 28 seniors off a second round playoff team. It has been hard to replace quarterback Chris Moody (now at South Carolina), who rushed and passed for over a 1,000 yards each. A last-second win over winless Luella has been the highlight of the season so far.

Our grade: Needs improvement

Locust Grove (4-1)

The young Wildcats look all grown up now. Led by senior quarterback Keenan Wise and junior wide receiver/safety Cortez McDowell, Locust Grove has already doubled its win total from last season. Now, can they keep it going? With an explosive offense and improving defense, Locust Grove should be in the playoff hunt right until the very end.

Our grade: Exceeds expectations

Luella (0-5)

Not a lot has gone right for the Lions, who entered the season with plenty of optimism. They were entering a region without East Coweta, M.L. King, Newnan, Stephenson, Union Grove and Westlake. But the Lions are scuffling, though some poor luck hasn’t helped. Junior running back Trae Bonner and linebacker Mannie Lowrey have been bright spots.

Our grade: Needs improvement

Ola (1-3)

It was a great first two weeks for the Mustangs with a win against Eagle’s Landing and last-second loss at Locust Grove. JoJo Spann was electric, especially against Locust Grove, scoring four touchdowns. But the Mustangs have lost three straight with a defense that’s already given up 30 points or more three times. Games against Forest Park, Mount Zion and Mundy’s Mill should give Ola fans hope. A win against Union Grove tonight would really put the season on firm footing.

Our grade: Needs improvement

Stockbridge (4-1)

Senior quarterback Trenton Earl proved he could lead the team last year as a backup and part-time starter. With the leadership reins fully in his hands this season, Earl has been spectacular. The Tigers got the program’s — and perhaps county’s — signature win last week against highly-ranked Griffin. With some added confidence, the Tigers should be able to take it to the next level come playoff time.

Our grade: Exceeds expectations

Strong Rock (3-1)

With the development of quarterback Zach Moss, the Patriots look to be a playoff team in their third season in the Georgia High School Association. The team is two wins away from tying the most in a single season. Big tests against last season’s state runner-up Landimark Christian and top-ranked Eagle’s Landing Christian will give the Patriots a true measuring stick of their progress. For now, it appears that second-year coach Mark Miller has the program headed in the right direction.

Our grade: Exceeds expectations

Union Grove (3-1)

Wolverines coach Paul Burgdorf entered the season unsure about how his roster’s young talent would come together. It’s come together well, especially a running game led by Derrick Craine and Miles Vaughn that’s getting great blocking from a re-configured offensive line. Is Union Grove elite yet? It’s 39-0 loss at Whitewater suggests not. Is it a playoff contender? In Region 4-AAAAA, absolutely.

Our grade: Satisfactory

Woodland (1-4)

The Wolfpack have been victims again of a brutal early season schedule. After a solid season-opening win, Woodland faced Union Grove (3-1), Woodward Academy (3-2), Griffin (4-1) and Jonesboro (4-1). It didn’t go well. One bright spot has been the quarterback-wide receiver combo of junior Taylor Poff and Justin Strozier. But the Wolfpack need more from its defense to contend against the offenses of Region 4A-AAAA.

Our grade: Needs improvement