Following its 3-7 season in 2010, Dallas County High School is looking to rebound fast.

The 2011 season will not be the easiest, however.

With a combined record of 50-59 the Hornets’ opponents boast a powerful .458 winning percentage, second only to the schedule faced by county and region foe Southside High School. Unlike the rest of the schools so far though, the Hornets will have an even balance of games home and away. Playing away from home is always tricky and Dallas County’s schedule lends it no favors. The Hornets will go on the road to face powerhouse Bibb County and playoff teams Calera and Greensboro as well as on the road to a confident Southside team.

The Choctaws of Bibb County will be a particularly fearsome opponent, having made the Class 4A South semifinals.

Home games against three other playoff contenders make the schedule that much harder to navigate in order to make it to the playoffs. The Hornets will also face a new look Livingston team who has merged with 3A Sumter County at home. The merger can give new life to the Cougars who take talent to both programs and mold it into a difficult team to face. The Hornets spring boasted a young, but talented group that could be ready in the future, but also has senior leaders that are excited to play.
The new infusion of talent will be needed to replace defensive standout Keymiya Harrell.

Harrell, who is moving on to the SEC to play for Auburn, suffered an ankle injury last season and allowed other people to get valuable playing time, which can only help the Hornets in the coming season.

For Dallas County to make the playoffs this season, it looks like their young talent will have to come in and grow up fast, adjusting to the speed of high school play.Attempts to reach Hornets’ head coach Darryl Burns for comment on this story were unsuccessful.