After announcing the new class designations last month, the Georgia High School Association moved forward in the next phase of reclassification, slotting teams into regions during last Wednesday’s meeting in Thomaston.

Dawson County High School will compete in Region 8A-AA if the proposed realignment is approved by the GHSA executive committee at its meeting on Jan. 12.

The committee is also expected to approve an amendment that would shrink the reclassification cycle from four years to the traditional two-year period.

East Hall, which is stepping down to Class AA due to a decrease in enrollment, will play in Region 8-AA, which will also be subdivided.

Banks County, Dawson County, East Hall, Fannin County, Rabun County and Union County will compete in 8A-AA, while East Jackson, Elbert County, Hart County, Jackson County, Jefferson, North Oconee and Oglethorpe County will make up 8B-AA.

Despite speculation to the contrary, Buford will remain in an expanded version of 6-AA.

Schools may appeal region placement and request a lateral transfer to another region in its classification. The appeal meeting will be held Dec. 16 at the GHSA office in Thomaston.