Public schools aren’t the only ones that will soon be starting their football seasons — there are several private schools in west metro Atlanta which field teams as well.

These schools include Grace Baptist Christian School in Hiram; Colonial Hills Christian School in Lithia Springs; and Harvester Christian Academy in Douglasville.

Colonial Hills and Harvester are part of the Independent Christian Schools of Georgia and Alabama Athletic Association. Grace Baptist is part of the Glory for Christ league, which includes Christian school and homeschool teams.

Notable players for the Eagles from 2011 included Cacey Blankinship, who signed a scholarship to play football at Shorter University, and Adam Hardy, who was selected to compete in a U.S. Army national combine in January.

Grace Baptist and its league members play the traditional game involving 11 players on either side of the ball. However, in the Independent Christian Schools league, football is played with only eight players per team.

According to Sean Bruce, head football coach at Colonial Hills, the players are more athletic and “it’s definitely a speed game.”

“It’s a little faster. In general, you need kids who are more athletic. There are no big linemen. You need someone who can run sideline to sideline,” Bruce said.

The difference for Colonial Hills is also in the focus of the athletes, he said.

“These students are more focused on academics than sports. They are Christians first, students second and athletes third,” Bruce said.

Even though the game of football is played differently at some area private schools, there are still scouts attending games, searching for new talent to fill their rosters. Among those at Colonial Hills colleges and universities are considering are LB/TE Sydney Carter, DT Christian Jallah, OL/DE Elias Johnson, QB Darrell Moore, RB/CB Doug Murry and LB Nick Petrosky.

Bruce said he and his team are ready for the upcoming season.

“We have an exciting team this year. Lots of dedication,” Bruce said.