High School Sports
An early look at fall sports. ***Updated***
By Dave Whitaker
Jul 3, 2021, 11:34

Last year, Royals football made it to the elite eight for the first time since 2006. Both cross country teams won region, the girls finished third at state, boys sixth. Softball won region and just missed an elite eight berth. Competition cheerleading (extended into winter due to COVID), won region and finished state runner up.

What should fans expect this year? Here's a brief sport-by-sport breakdown.

Football: BCHS lost nine starters off last year's team including region offensive player of the year Amarius Mims, region defensive player of the year Willie Harris, as well as starting quarterback Dominic Sasser and starting running back Chuckie Stephens.

But the Royals do return some playmakers on both sides of the ball including running backs Jahvon Butler and Markeze Brown, tight end Eli Mullis, wideout Jaden Mobley, linebackers Quintatvis (Scooter) Slappy and Christian Newbern, as well as cornerback Tyler Wilcox and defensive tackle David Dent

Both Runnin' Royals cross country teams looked poised to continue their region dominance and do well at state. While losses to graduation for the girls included Molly Sims and Christa Hall, returning runners include Tristen Crosby, Johnna Bowen, and Piper Simpson.

Kyle Youngblood graduated, but Luke Churchwell and Kson Jones are among those returning for the boys.

Lady Royals softball was set to return their entire starting lineup from last year until a player decided to transfer to Warner Robins in June. Still, they bring back all other starters that was arguably one hit away from a quarterfinal berth.

The competition cheerleaders lost five seniors to graduation. However, everyone else returned and the squad added some freshmen from last year's middle school region championship team.

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