Well-deserved. That could be what the ‘W’ in Westlake stands for this football season if the Lions find themselves in discussions about who are some of the best teams in South Fulton.

Westlake (7-4) moved from Region 4-AAAAA in 2009 to Region 2-AAAAA where it will still face Newnan (13-1) and East Coweta (7-4) while being scheduled to now battle Stephenson (11-1) and M.L. King (10-2).

Before senior defensive backs Ronnie Harris and Chris Tavarez — both three-star rated athletes according to rivals.com — senior linebacker Amir Mustafaa and the rest of the Lions begin region play they could have a tough test on the road against Colquitt County (11-3) on September 10.

In Class AAAA, Banneker (7-4), Creekside (6-4) and Tri-Cities (5-5) will once again duel amongst each other while all of their outside competition will be against teams from Clayton county.

Because of their mix of talent, the Seminoles and Bulldogs could position themselves in the top spots of Region 4-AAAA alongside Mount Zion (8-3) and North Clayton (10-3). Leading the way for Creekside is senior defensive tackle Corey Redwine, Marcus Robinson (defensive lineman) and Josh Freeman (DL) along with juniors Josh Holsey (defensive back) and Rodney Garvin (linebacker). Tri-Cities will try to earn its first winning season since 2005 behind senior dual-threat quarterback Jonte Davis, running back GreMichael Scott, who is rated as a two-star athlete by rivals, defensive back DeAnthony Ridgeway and safety Jairus Hollman.

Even though Banneker doesn’t have many players on this year’s watch list like last season, seniors Charles Booker (defensive end), Justin Anthony (linebacker) and Amon Bridges (running back) along with juniors Larry Jefferson (wide receiver) and Chaz Elder (WR) will compete to keep the Trojans headed in the right direction.

In Class AAA, Woodward Academy (8-4) seeks its third straight winning season. Senior running back Marcus Polk will lead the way on offense while 6-foot-4 junior defensive end Jordan Watkins — who has already received four D-I scholarship offers — will bring pressure from the outside.

In Class A, senior quarterback Carson Barnett, who has committed to Elon, will hook up with junior wide out Cantrell Frazier as Landmark Christian attempts to record another successful campaign.

Meanwhile, Julius Moses and James Roberson begin their final season trying to help South Atlanta end a 12-game losing streak dating to last year and Langston Hughes will play its first full schedule of varsity games.