Harlem coach Jimmie Lewis knows his team will face the same obstacle it has many times in the past.

The Bulldogs find themselves with depth issues again, and Lewis knows it won't get much better when Columbia County is rezoned next year. Lewis is trying to keep his focus on this year, and at least one of his players likes the team's prospects.

"We're looking really good," running back Seth Hill said. "Our intensity is the best it's been in three years."

Hill said this year's team has a chance to make the playoffs. The Bulldogs finished 3-7 last year and made the jump to Region 3-AAAA this season.

Gone are Mike Leverett and Trey Crain, two of the team's anchors from last season. Lewis said he expects fewer than 10 seniors on his final roster.

If the Bulldogs are to turn their fortune this season, it likely will require a heavy dose of Hill, a shifty back who knows how to find holes.

"He's the go-to guy," Lewis said. "We're glad to have him."

Bulldogs players and coaches are hoping the race for a Region 3-AAAA title remains tight and they have a chance to finish among the top four teams and sneak into the playoff picture.

"I'm hoping there are no teams that can dominate the region," Lewis said. "There's a lot of parity in the region. We're just glad to have a shot."

The new region means less driving for Harlem. Region 3-AAA, where the Bulldogs resided last year, required some long trips.

The new region will keep its travel itinerary primarily in the Augusta area.

The Bulldogs will be led at quarterback by a pair of juniors, Tyler James and Zach Morris, both of whom played for the junior varsity last season.

Lewis didn't sound enthusiastic about the lack of experience at the position. But, as with nearly everywhere else on the field, the Bulldogs will be left to deal with a lack of depth.

"They're the best we got, and we're going with it," Lewis said. "We have a few solid players. We don't have an overabundance."

Hill believes the Bulldogs' less-experienced players will do what it takes to step up. The junior said he liked what he saw from his surrounding cast during preseason camp.

Hill said the ultimate goal, the playoff berth, is realistic.

"We have more young guys stepping up," he said. "We'll be good. We've been focused."

Reach Stephen Fastenau at (706) 863-6165 ext. 116 or stephen.fastenau@augustachronicle.com.