The Georgia Boys High School state championships kick off Saturday with the chance for a shakeup in the hierarchy.

Defending champions Alpharetta Phoenix, who have long been the strongest team in the state, will play Mill Creek in the semis, while the Lassiter Trojans, who beat Phoenix, and everyone else, on the road to an undefeated league season, will play the Norsemen. Phoenix and Trojans are strong favorites to meet in the final next weekend in a repeat of last year's game, which was won by Phoenix. But the Trojans shocked a few by beating Phoenix earlier, although there's reason to believe Phoenix was hit by some inuries at the time. Certainly both look to be at full strength this weekend.

For the Trojans it has been a dream season so far, and they remember well last year's final, where they led into the final 15 minutes before seeing two mistakes lead to Phoenix winning 15-11.

Up front the Trojans are quite strong, with prop Kyle Munsey a powerhouse despite his small stature, and an extra attacking option, as well. Hooker Cameron Tibbetts has handled the shift from prop to the #2 jersey well. Lock Jacob Champers is a senior in his first year of rugby and he is a good open field runner, while back-rowers Colin Cooper and Brett Horton have been very good.

In the backs, the halfback combination of scrumhalf Freddy Purdy (a six-foot transplant from Leeds in England) and flyhalf Shea O'Hanlon (a snappy-kicking transplant from Newcastle in England) have the attack moving. Centers Josh Inglis and JP Gouin work well together. At fullback is a player who has rededicated himself to the team. Bryton Dickey is an exciting attacker and strong tackler.

It all comes together now, as the Trojans look to making the final, and perhaps putting the Phoenix back into the ashes. It won't be easy. Phoenix has plenty to prove.