Augusta Christian coach Bruce Lane said he thinks Jackson Whitley's setback last year was a blessing in disguise.

Whitley has returned from a broken collarbone he suffered as a freshman quarterback and competed with the varsity this summer during passing leagues. He has earned the starting spot as a sophomore, and Lane said he would like to shield him from the pressure that comes with it.

Whitley is replacing two-year starter Tyler Bourdo.

"There's definitely big shoes to fill," Whitley said.

Whitley won't have to fill them alone.

Lane said his goal is to build a program where each piece carries its own weight, and with the team -- not one or two players -- bearing the responsibility.

Whitley will have the support of senior Will Banks, whose brother, Lee, quarterbacked the Lions to a state championship in 2005. The younger Banks was the leading receiver last season and is their top returning rusher. He'll be the starting tailback this season but could line up at quarterback.

"It's nice," Banks said of his move to tailback after two seasons as a receiver. "You get the ball (and) do what you want with it."

Banks said the Lions will probably have packages utilizing his running skills at quarterback. Whitley will probably welcome the support. On Thursday, he will participate in his first competitive game since his injury.

Hurt in last year's game against Ben Lippen, Whitley remembers the play like it happened yesterday. He tucked the ball, ran and tried to hurdle a defender but was tripped up and landed awkwardly.

Lane said June's passing drills and preseason camp helped the sophomore probably more than finishing the junior varsity season would have.

"We feel like he's right on target -- maybe a little further ahead," Lane said. "He's worked against Greenbrier, Harlem and Evans (in the passing league). It's made him better."

Lane is hoping the new crew has what it takes to lead the Lions to a state title after consecutive runner-up finishes in SCISA Class AAA.

Three starters return on offense and seven are back on defense.

The Lions open the season at Orangeburg, S.C., on the campus of South Carolina State University, the site of this year's state championship game.

Orangeburg Prep will get the concessions proceeds, but Lane is content for his team to get experience on that stage.

If the Lions make it back for a second game later this season, it will mean Lane's goal of building a consistent program is on track, and that his quarterback has overcome the pressure.

"We're trying to build a competitive program from the sixth grade on up," Lane said. "So that the names change, but the results don't."