Dawson County is entering the 2012 season with arguably higher expectations than the program has ever experienced. Perennial powerhouse Buford is the runaway favorite to win the new-look Region 7-AAA, but the senior-laden Tigers are the trendy pick to join the Wolves at the top. East Hall, which is not without its own aspirations of a playoff berth, would like nothing more than to spoil Dawson County’s rise before it even lifts off when the teams meet in a region battle to open the season Friday night.