Class A-3A Private Blog: Lovett looking ahead to region title run

The Lovett defense is leading the way for the Lions as they head into region play. Riding a three-game winning streak, the Lions boast one of the best defenses in the state, allowing just 7.75 points per game.

Lovett’s defense has been consistently strong in head coach Mike Muschamp’s 21 seasons at the helm. Over the past 10 seasons, the unit has surrendered only 18.3 points per game, one of the best marks in the state.

The Lions have made the playoffs every season since 2001. They were one of the state’s top programs in the late 2000s and early 2010s. From 2006 to 2014, Lovett reached the quarterfinals or better eight times, advancing to the finals twice and winning the 2013 Class 2A state title. Since then, they’ve remained solid,making it out of the first round in all but one season, but have yet to get past the second round since 2014.

This year, the Lions are aiming for their first region title since their 2013 state championship season. The region is winnable, but it won’t be easy. Next week, they face KIPP Atlanta in a game they should win. After that comes one of the biggest showdowns of the year against Holy Innocents’. The Golden Bears, led by head coach Nick Perrotta, have grown into one of the top private-school programs in the state. Two weeks later, Lovett hosts Hapeville Charter.

The defending region champs are 0-2, but those losses came against powerhouses Lee County and Cartersville. Finally, the Lions will square off with region-title favorite Carver-Atlanta. Last season, Carver dominated the matchup 47-17. This year, however, Lovett’s defense looks much improved and should give them a real chance to compete for the crown.

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