Class A has been torn in half with its private-public divide, but the ability of teams to play each other in the regular season regardless of Public or private standings makes the classification unique. Today, we look at the Publics and which ones face the toughest roads in 2013.

5.  Irwin County - The Indians rotate road and home games throughout the entire season, similar to the Atlanta Falcons' slate last year. Irwin County, ranked No. 3 preseason, faces notable games against Fitzgerald (No. 4 in AA) and Wilkinson County (No. 4, A-Public). The Indians also face Wilcox County (No. 2) and Charlton County (No. 9) in Region 2 play.

4. Charlton County - Another brand of Indians, these from Folkston, also hail from Region 2 and also face a rough agenda this season. The four-time state champs play Class 5A's No. 10 team, Ware County, as well as Class AA No. 4 Fitzgerald prior to region play. The Indians also have games against Irwin and Wilcox in region play. Of the four ranked teams on their schedule, the Indians play three of them on the road. 

3. Wilcox County - The No. 2 Patriots open with road games at No. 4 Wilkinson County and 2012 playoff squad Monroe-Albany, which ironically has the toughest schedule in Class AAAA. Wilcox then hosts No. 10 Dooly County in Game 3. In region play, the 2009 state champs get No. 10 Charlton County and Irwin.

2. Wilkinson County - The No. 4 ranked team in Class A-public plays five ranked teams this season, including Wilcox County (No. 2), Landmark Christian (No. 5, A-Private), Irwin County (No. 3) and First Presbyterian (No. 7, A-Private) in non-region action. In Region 7 action, the Warriors face none other than No. 1 Lincoln County.

1. Clinch County - The Panthers play in arguably the toughest Class A region (2) so it makes sense that they also face the hardest "row to hoe" in the public classification. Clinch County faces Brooks County (No. 2 in AA), ELCA (No. 1 in A-Private) and Seminole County (No. 5 in A-Public) in non-region games while also having to play Irwin County (No. 3), Wilcox County (No. 2) and Charlton County (No. 9) in Region 2 action. 

In Class AAAAAA, Gwinnett County dominates the poll with four teams in the top six. Archer shortstop Alesha Mann has been a four-year starter and will head to Georgia Southern after her senior season. Mann has a career .396 batting average and earned Gwinnett Daily Post 2013 Super Six Softball selection. Mill Creek senior Morgan Bell drove in 45 runs last season for the No. 4 Lady Hawks.

Class AAAAA has defending champion Union Grove at No. 1 with Pope coming in as a sleeper at No. 2. The Greyhounds had an early exit in the 2012 postseason, but return a stout defense and have great pitching in junior Kelly Barnhill.

Northwest Whitfield lost its ace in Emily Boyd, but the defending Class AAAA champs still come in at No. 1. Junior Brileigh Baggett could be the next standout to take the mound for the Lady Bruins.

Buford won its sixth straight GHSA title and comes in as a clear No. 1 in Class AAA. At the end of the season the Lady Wolves finished with a top 10 ranking in the nation. Junior Bria Bush is committed to Tennessee and returns as last year's GACA's Class AAA Pitcher of the year. Buford went 22-2 with Bush on the hill. Senior Niki Cook finished with a .469 batting average as a junior and stole 44 bases. The leadoff hitter was named Georgia Dugout Club's AAA state player of the year.

Dade County won its first state title since 2004 last season, but comes in at No. 2 behind Class AA poll leader Wesleyan. UGA commit Landyn Duley returns to her senior season carrying a .417 career batting average for the Lady Wolves.

Class A features a pair of defending champions in the top two spots. Gordon Lee won a third straight state title with the Class-A Public crown, and Mt. Pisgah claimed the private bracket.