The Tiger Middle School football team began practice last week under fifth year head coach Benjie Edwards.
The team had an impressive season last year.
The team finished 6-0, but was upset in the first round of the playoffs by White County.
Dawson County has a strong nucleus of players returning this season. Shawn Thomas and Denver Arnold at running back, Bryson Broadway, Kristian Kelley and Seth Adams on the offensive and defensive lines.
"We are in the process of putting in the same offense the high school will be running," Edwards said. "It is more of a spread offense like Auburn [University] runs."
He said the same thing is planned for the team's defensive scheme.
"We are also in the process of putting in the same defense the high school will be running. It is similar to the 4-4 that we ran in the past with some different lingo."
Edwards said that his expectations remain high for this year's team.
"I always have high expectations. We are looking to make another run at the playoffs and hopefully be a contender for the championship.
"It looks like we are going to have some good skilled players on the team this year. Our numbers on the offensive and the defensive line are low this year, so we are counting on the three returning linemen to carry us on the line."
Numbers are low for the middle school with only 29 players on the roster.
Dawson County will travel to Chestatee Middle School for a preseason scrimmage tomorrow.
Kickoff will be at 5:30 p.m.