Eight Greats Around the State Week-1: The Wait Is Over Part II

Posted on August 19, 2026 by admin

The GHSA Football season gets kicked off in earnest this week with a handful of games on Wednesday and Thrusday and a full slate on Friday night into Saturday. We had an apetizer last week as the Dave Hunter – Corky Kell Classic kicked off the season in the Benz. This is Part 2 of our feature, Eight Greats Around the state.

Woodward Academy vs Marist:Two Atlanta-area powerhouses meet in a matchup featuring teams coming off deep playoff runs and plenty of questions to answer. Woodward Academy advanced to the quarterfinals last season, while Marist reached the state semifinals. Both teams return talented players along the line of scrimmage, but Woodward appears to have the advantage at quarterback heading into this matchup.

Benedictine vs Toombs County: Two teams coming off state championship game appearances meet in what should be one of the most entertaining matchups of the week. Benedictine and Toombs County both return plenty of talent from their 2025 runs, but both will also be breaking in key pieces. The Cadets have a new quarterback to settle in, while Toombs County enters a new classification with an experienced offense ready to make another deep playoff run.

Calhoun vs Jefferson: Two programs with recent deep playoff experience meet in a matchup that could come down to which team adjusts fastest. Calhoun returns a veteran quarterback and plenty of offensive firepower but must replace significant production on defense. Jefferson enters the season coming off a state runner-up finish and will turn to a new quarterback while relying on an experienced stable of running backs.

Milton vs North Cobb: Milton and North Cobb meet in a matchup that already had plenty of intrigue before adding one of the biggest storylines of the week. The Eagles welcome back quarterback Derrick Baker after an injury ended his 2025 season in the opener, while North Cobb will turn to former Milton quarterback Ben Halevi. Both teams return plenty of experience, setting up what should be a tightly contested matchup.

As always, thank you to the Georgia Helmet Project for the artwork. You can find them here: https://www.gahelmetproject.com/As well as the High School Football Historians Association for all of their historical data. You can find them here:https://hsfha.org/

The Woodward Academy War Eagles are coming off a run to the quarterfinals last year and are looking for similar success in 2026. The War Eagles averaged 32.6 points per game a season ago and at one point reeled off nine straight wins before being derailed in the quarterfinals.

Woodward returns its starting quarterback, Ryan Harrigan, who threw for more than 2,000 yards last season. Harrigan will have some new targets to work with, however, as the War Eagles lose their top four receiving targets from a year ago.

Woodward does return its top running back in Princeton Woods, who ran for 640 yards on 123 carries and led the team with 10 rushing touchdowns. Woods also caught 14 passes for 156 yards out of the backfield, giving the War Eagles a versatile weapon to complement Harrigan.

Woodward’s strength might be its defense, particularly along the defensive line. The War Eagles return three All-Region performers in Myles Tate, Tory Clark, and Jack Wilson. Elijah Lyles also returns as the team’s leading tackler and is primed for another standout season.

The Marist War Eagles will be replacing plenty of talent themselves after making a run to the semifinals a year ago. The strength for Marist should once again be along the line of scrimmage, where Cooper Martenson and Hayes Remsbergwill anchor the unit.

The Marist offense is traditionally run-heavy and will likely lean on Hudson Kalb, regardless of who takes the snaps for the War Eagles when game time arrives. Defensively, Owen Hare and Lucas Rosser return to anchor the unit, along with linebacker Jack Weeks.

Marist also returns All-State kicker Tyler Baradel, who could prove to be a difference-maker if this game comes down to a few critical possessions.

Keys to the Game

Woodward Academy War Eagles

  • Protect Harrigan: With the top four receivers from last season gone, Ryan Harrigan will need time to develop chemistry with his new targets.
  • Feed Woods: Princeton Woods gives Woodward a proven weapon in both the running and passing games. Establishing him early could take pressure off Harrigan.
  • Win at the line of scrimmage: Myles Tate, Tory Clark, and Jack Wilson give Woodward plenty of experience up front. They will need to control Marist’s physical rushing attack.
  • Create pressure: Elijah Lyles and the War Eagles defense will need to force Marist into passing situations and make the quarterback position a factor.

Marist War Eagles

  • Run the football: Marist’s best path to victory may be controlling the clock and keeping the Woodward offense on the sideline.
  • Protect the quarterback: With questions still surrounding who will take the snaps, Cooper Martenson and Hayes Remsberg will be critical in keeping pressure away from the Marist quarterback.
  • Limit Woods: Princeton Woods is one of Woodward’s most versatile weapons. Marist cannot allow him to consistently create explosive plays.
  • Win the special teams battle: Tyler Baradel gives Marist a proven weapon in the kicking game. In what could be a close matchup, his leg could be the difference.

This should be another physical matchup between two programs that expect to make deep playoff runs. Marist has the ability to shorten the game and make Woodward work for every possession, but the War Eagles appear to have fewer questions to answer heading into the season.

Woodward Academy is certainly more settled at the quarterback position, while Marist is still searching for answers under center. We expect Marist to keep this game close with its ability to run the football and control the clock.

Woodward’s stability at quarterback and its experienced defense give the War Eagles the slight advantage.

Prediction: Woodward Academy by 6

The Benedictine Cadets enter the season coming off a run to the state championship game. The Cadets will have plenty of shoes to fill, perhaps none more important than at quarterback. Benedictine will turn to Omari Burse, who was efficient in limited action last season.

Burse will have a strong supporting cast around him. Eron Mallard returns as one of the state’s top big-play receivers after hauling in 32 receptions for 657 yards and nine touchdowns last season. Joining Burse in the backfield will be 1,000-yard rusher Stanley Smart, giving the new starting quarterback plenty of experience around him. The offensive line also features Noah Brainard and Collyn Ward.

Defensively, the Cadets will look to Isaac Scott to anchor the defensive line and help lead a unit that will be tested by a talented Toombs County offense.

The Toombs County Bulldogs are also coming off a run to the state championship game in 2025. The Bulldogs return a host of talent as they move up to Class 3A this season.

Quarterback Joseph Owens returns after throwing for more than 2,400 yards last season. His receiving corps remains largely intact, with Nick Carroll returning after catching 46 passes for 722 yards and seven touchdowns and Brandon Stevens coming back after recording 25 receptions for 506 yards and four touchdowns.

The Bulldogs will have some production to replace in the running game, but Donterrius Mincey, Zay Walton, and Alex Scott are expected to lead the rushing attack.

Toombs County’s defense has been one of the program’s biggest strengths in recent years. The Bulldogs allowed just 13.6 points per game last season, marking the third consecutive season they held opponents below 14 points per game. Jamarcus Johnson is a load along the defensive line, while Hayden Bullard also returns to wreak havoc up front.

Keys to the Game

Benedictine Cadets

  • Get Burse comfortable: Omari Burse doesn’t need to do everything himself, but the Cadets need him to settle in quickly against an experienced Toombs defense.
  • Establish Smart: Stanley Smart gives Benedictine a proven 1,000-yard rusher. If the Cadets can run effectively, it will take pressure off Burse.
  • Get Mallard the football: Eron Mallard is a proven big-play threat. Benedictine needs to find ways to get him opportunities in space.
  • Win the line of scrimmage: Noah Brainard, Collyn Ward, and Isaac Scott will be critical in a physical matchup against Toombs County’s front.

Toombs County Bulldogs

  • Let Owens attack: Joseph Owens returns with plenty of experience and needs to take advantage of a Benedictine defense breaking in some new pieces.
  • Feed the receivers: Nick Carroll and Brandon Stevens give Owens two experienced targets who can stretch the Cadets’ secondary.
  • Find production on the ground: Mincey, Walton, and Scott will need to help replace last year’s rushing production and keep the offense balanced.
  • Win the defensive front: Jamarcus Johnson and Hayden Bullard need to make life difficult for Burse and prevent Benedictine from establishing its ground game.

This should be one of the better games on the schedule, with both teams bringing championship-level experience and plenty of returning talent. Toombs County may have the more experienced offense, but Benedictine’s ability to run the football gives the Cadets the slight edge in what could be a high-scoring affair. How quickly Burse can take command of the Benedictine offense will certainly dictate the Cadets’ success Friday night.

Prediction: Benedictine by 6

The Calhoun Yellow Jackets enter the 2026 season looking to build off their playoff run a season ago. The Jackets were hit hard by graduation, especially on defense. Calhoun recorded three shutouts last season and allowed opponents just over 15 points per game.

Drew Huff and Hudson Chadwick will be counted on to lead the defense. Huff recorded 75 total tackles and six tackles for loss last season, while Chadwick finished with 35 tackles and two tackles for loss.

The Jackets should be just as prolific offensively as they were a year ago. Quarterback Trace Hawkins returns after throwing for 2,442 yards, 24 touchdowns and just three interceptions. Chadwick also returns at running back after rushing for 1,009 yards and 16 touchdowns. Isaiah Nalls added 421 rushing yards and five touchdowns, while Tony Reidcontributed 412 yards and three touchdowns.

Nalls has also proven to be a dangerous weapon out of the backfield, catching 14 passes for 147 yards last season. With Hawkins and several key skill players returning, Calhoun should once again have one of the more dangerous offenses in their region.

The Jefferson Dragons are coming off a state runner-up finish in 2025. The Dragons will lean on a new signal caller as Boone Horn takes over at quarterback. Horn saw limited action last season, completing 11 of 18 passes for 187 yards and a touchdown.

While the quarterback position is new, Jefferson has plenty of experience in the backfield. C.J. Hayes, Max Brown, and Eli Primm all return, with the trio combining for 1,603 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns last season.

Defensively, the Dragons will rely on Brown, Dylan Berardinelli, Jacob Berardinelli, and Primm to set the tone. Shyne Parham will lead the secondary after tying for the team lead with three interceptions last season.

Keys to the Game

Calhoun Yellow Jackets

  • Stop the run: Drew Huff and Hudson Chadwick will have to lead a defense that faces one of the state’s deepest backfields.
  • Keep Hawkins in control: Trace Hawkins was outstanding last season, and Calhoun needs another efficient performance from its veteran quarterback.
  • Establish the ground game: Chadwick, Nalls, and Reid give Calhoun plenty of options. If the Jackets can run effectively, it will take pressure off Hawkins.
  • Avoid defensive fatigue: Jefferson’s ground game is built to control the clock. Calhoun needs to get off the field and avoid allowing long, time-consuming drives.

Jefferson Dragons

  • Protect Horn: Boone Horn has limited varsity experience, so Jefferson needs to avoid putting the young quarterback in obvious passing situations.
  • Feed the backfield: C.J. Hayes, Max Brown, and Eli Primm give Jefferson three proven options. The Dragons should lean on that experience early.
  • Slow down Calhoun’s rushing attack: Brown, Dylan Berardinelli, Jacob Berardinelli, and Primm will need to control the line of scrimmage and keep Calhoun from establishing its ground game.
  • Create turnovers: Shyne Parham and the Jefferson secondary should look for opportunities to make Hawkins uncomfortable and create extra possessions.

This should be a physical matchup between two teams with legitimate playoff aspirations. Calhoun has the more experienced quarterback and plenty of offensive weapons, but Jefferson’s depth in the backfield gives the Dragons a major advantage in what should be a battle at the line of scrimmage.

The Dragons may have some questions at quarterback, but we believe their defense and running game will be enough to overcome them.

Prediction: Jefferson by 6

The Milton Eagles had a relatively early exit from the playoffs last season after winning back-to-back state championships. The Eagles lost highly touted quarterback Derrick Baker in the first game of the season, but Baker is back and healthy and will lead an offense that churned out more than 359 yards per game last season.

Baker will have a couple of big-time targets at receiver, including Jordan Carrasquillo, who caught 33 passes for 586 yards and seven touchdowns, and tight end Grant Haviland, who added 24 receptions for 343 yards and four touchdowns.

Sheldon Atchison also returns at running back after finishing second on the team with 522 rushing yards and four touchdowns last season. Atchison is a physical runner who has shown the ability to break arm tackles and create yards after contact.

Defensively, Blaize Battaglia returns as the team’s leading tackler after recording 121 total tackles, including 8.5 tackles for loss. Christian Hunter and Roman Tumminia return as key pieces along the defensive front.

The North Cobb Warriors closed out their 2025 season with a run to the second round of the playoffs. The Warriors return one of the top junior running backs in the state in Zach Belyeu, who rushed for 1,244 yards and 25 touchdowns while splitting time with Quevy Echols, who has since graduated.

North Cobb will have a new signal caller this season, and ironically, it will be Ben Halevi, who led Milton last year after Baker went down. Halevi was an All-Region performer who threw for 1,541 yards, 19 touchdowns and just two interceptions last season.

Halevi will have the luxury of throwing to Micah Billingsley, who led the Warriors with 62 receptions for 693 yards and six touchdowns last year. Expect Iago Guimaraes to also take another step forward in the receiving game.

Defensively, C.J. Williams will anchor the defensive line, while linebackers Jayden Harris and Jayden Hamlette return as the team’s top tacklers from a year ago. Trey Shaw and Marcus Singleton provide plenty of experience in the secondary for Coach Queen’s defense.

Keys to the Game

Milton Eagles

  • Protect Baker: After losing Derrick Baker in last year’s opener, keeping the quarterback upright will be priority No. 1 against a talented North Cobb defense.
  • Establish Atchison: Sheldon Atchison gives Milton a physical presence in the running game. A strong performance from him would keep pressure off Baker.
  • Win the matchup outside: Jordan Carrasquillo and Grant Haviland give Baker two proven targets. Milton needs to take advantage of those weapons.
  • Contain Belyeu: Blaize Battaglia and the Milton defense must find a way to slow Zach Belyeu, who is capable of taking over a game.

North Cobb Warriors

  • Let Halevi settle in: Ben Halevi knows the Milton system and has proven he can run an offense. Keeping him comfortable early will be critical.
  • Feed Belyeu: Zach Belyeu is one of the most dangerous running backs in the state. North Cobb needs to establish him early and often.
  • Protect Halevi: Milton has enough talent up front to make life difficult for the quarterback. C.J. Williams and the North Cobb offensive line will need to keep pressure away from Halevi.
  • Win the turnover battle: With two experienced teams and plenty of offensive firepower, an extra possession could be the difference in a three-point game.

This game was already a big-time matchup, but the storyline of Halevi facing his former team adds another layer of intrigue. Both teams have plenty of experience on both sides of the football, so this could come down to the battle at the line of scrimmage.

Most importantly, protecting the quarterback will be critical. We believe Halevi picks up where he left off for North Cobb, but Milton and Baker find a way to close out the Warriors in a tightly contested game.

Prediction: Milton by 3

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Eight Greats Around the State Week-1: The Wait Is Over Part I

Posted on August 19, 2026 by admin

The GHSA Football season gets kicked off in earnest this week with a handful of games on Wednesday and Thrusday and a full slate on Friday night into Saturday. We had an apetizer last week as the Dave Hunter – Corky Kell Classic kicked off the season in the Benz. This is Part 1 of our feature, Eight Greats Around the state.

Rome vs Carrollton: Rome opens the Bill Stewart era Friday night with a challenging matchup against a loaded Carrollton team. The Wolves return enough talent to make some noise this season, led by playmakers on both sides of the ball, but they will have their hands full against a Trojans squad loaded with depth and talent. C.J. Cypher leads a Carrollton offense surrounded by weapons, while the Trojans also boast plenty of playmakers defensively. 

Douglass vs Carver: Two of Georgia’s top Class 3A & 4A programs square off in what could be one of the most intriguing games of Week 1. Douglas is coming off a quarterfinal appearance and returns plenty of offensive firepower, while Carver enters the season as the defending 3A state champion. Both teams lost significant talent to graduation and transfers, but both appear capable of making another deep playoff run.

Trion vs Gordon-Lee: One of Georgia’s oldest high school football rivalries takes center stage Friday night as Trion and Gordon Lee renew a series that dates back to 1933. The Bulldogs have been a postseason fixture in recent years, while the Trojans are coming off the best season in program history. With both teams replacing significant production, this year’s rivalry could come down to which team adjusts the quickest.

Sandy Creek vs Grayson: The Patriots enter the matchup with plenty of returning talent, led by quarterback Caleb Hill, while Grayson will look to rebound after a disappointing opening week loss to North Gwinnett. With both teams looking to establish their identity early in the season, this one could come down to which team is able to control the line of scrimmage and avoid costly mistakes.

As always, thank you to the Georgia Helmet Project for the artwork. You can find them here: https://www.gahelmetproject.com/#google_vignette As well as the High School Football Historians Association for all of their historical data. You can find them here: https://hsfha.org/

The Bill Stewart era of Rome football begins Friday night as the Wolves face one of the state’s most talented teams in the Carrollton Trojans. Rome will be replacing several key pieces from a squad that made a run all the way to the state semifinals last season, but there is still plenty of talent returning to the field.

The defensive line should be a strength for the Wolves, with A’zyuis Adams and Jy’Quice McCrary anchoring the unit. Tylan Simpson will likely play both ways, providing experience at receiver and in the secondary alongside Greg Evans. Offensively, the Wolves will likely turn to Zayden Winston at quarterback. When Rome looks to go to the air, Winstonwill lean on Simpson and Kaiden Waters.

Meanwhile, the Carrollton Trojans may be as deep as they have ever been. They also have another highly touted young quarterback in C.J. Cypher. Cypher threw for 2,178 yards and 26 touchdowns while splitting time last season. Zach Watts will join Cypher in the backfield after putting up impressive numbers as a freshman at Carver-Columbus. Keaires Miller at tight end and Rontre Welch will provide Cypher with experienced targets in the passing game.

Defensively, the Trojans have playmakers all over the field. Junior Jamir Lee may be the best of the bunch along the line of scrimmage. Kamari Butler leads the linebacking corps, while Tyler Boyd patrols the secondary and looks to build on his first-team All-Region sophomore season.

Keys to the Game

Rome Wolves

  • Win the line of scrimmage: Adams, McCrary, and the Rome defensive front must find a way to disrupt Carrollton’s offensive rhythm.
  • Protect the football: Winston cannot give Carrollton extra possessions or short fields against a team with this much offensive firepower.
  • Create explosive plays: Rome will need Simpson, Waters, and its other skill players to take advantage of opportunities in the passing game.
  • Hang around early: Avoiding early mistakes and keeping the game close through halftime could give the Wolves confidence and put some pressure on the favored Trojans.

Carrollton Trojans

  • Establish the run: Watts and the ground game can help Carrollton create balance and keep Rome’s defense from focusing solely on Cypher.
  • Let Cypher settle in: A strong running game and quick, high-percentage throws could allow the young quarterback to find his rhythm early.
  • Control Rome’s playmakers: Carrollton must prevent Simpson, Waters, and the Wolves’ other skill players from creating explosive plays.
  • Use the depth advantage: The Trojans are loaded on both sides of the football and should look to wear Rome down as the game progresses.

This Rome team will be really good, and really soon. Teams may want to get the Wolves while they can. Rome is a proud program, and Stewart’s group will compete.

Carrollton, however, is built to compete for a state championship right now. The Trojans simply have too much talent and depth for Rome to keep this one close.

Prediction: Carrollton by 24

The Douglass Astros are coming off a season in which they advanced to the quarterfinals. Jahlil Roderique is poised to take over full time as the starting quarterback. As he continues to get settled into the position, Douglass welcomes back a pair of backs the offense can rely on. Jecori Anderson and Janarius Gooden combined for 1,266 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns last season. Zalen Green returns as the team’s leading receiver after catching 28 passes for 288 yards and three touchdowns. Defensively, John Amofah and Prince Cooper will lead the charge for the Astros.

The Carver Tigers enter the season as the defending Class 3A state champions. While the Panthers lose their leading running back to graduation and one of the state’s top young backs to a transfer, they do return a talented quarterback in Sebastian Heard. The sophomore threw for 1,715 yards, 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions last season. T.J. Woodson, who caught 14 passes for 335 yards and seven touchdowns, and Marte Sears, who had 15 receptions for 211 yards and two touchdowns, return as the team’s leading receivers.

Defensively, Jaedon Taylor returns as one of the top defenders in Class 3A. He spearheads a defense that allowed just 5.5 points per game and recorded eight shutouts last season. Daijon Daniels and Kingston Brown also return as two of the Panthers’ top defensive playmakers.

This may be one of the best matchups in the state, regardless of classification. It’s hard to believe that both of these teams lost so much talent to transfers this offseason and still appear capable of making deep playoff runs.

For Douglas, Roderique will have his hands full navigating the Carver defense. The Astros may be best served by leaning heavily on Anderson and Gooden and using their talented backfield to try to wear down the Panthers defense. That’s easier said than done against a unit that was one of the best in the state last season.

Keys to the Game

Douglass Astros

  • Lean on the running game: Anderson and Gooden give Douglas a proven combination in the backfield. Keeping the ball on the ground could take pressure off Roderique and help control the game.
  • Protect Roderique: The first-year full-time starter will face a major test against one of the state’s best defenses. Douglas needs to keep him out of obvious passing situations.
  • Create explosive plays: Green will need to make the most of his opportunities and give Douglas a way to stretch the Carver defense vertically.
  • Keep Carver off the scoreboard: The Astros cannot afford to get into a shootout with a Carver defense that allowed just 5.5 points per game last season.

Carver Tigers

  • Protect Heard: Heard returns with valuable experience, but Douglass will look to make the sophomore quarterback uncomfortable. Giving him time to work with Woodson and Sears will be critical.
  • Find a new identity in the running game: With significant production gone from the backfield, Carver will need to establish a reliable ground game to complement Heard.
  • Let the defense lead: Taylor, Daniels, and Brown are among the Panthers’ top defensive playmakers. If they can control the line of scrimmage, Carver will be in a strong position.
  • Avoid the big play: Douglas has enough offensive talent to change the game quickly. Carver’s defense must force the Astros to sustain long drives.

This is a game that could come down to the final few possessions. Douglass has enough talent to challenge the defending state champions, but Carver’s experience and defensive strength give the Panthers a slight advantage.

Prediction: Carver by 6

The Trion Bulldogs have not missed the postseason in consecutive seasons since 1989 and have now made the playoffs in each of the last five seasons. The Bulldogs return All-Region quarterback Linc Allen, who threw for 1,340 yards and 15 touchdowns with 13 interceptions last season. Most of his receiving corps from a year ago will need to be replaced, but Dawson Crane returns after catching 19 passes for 187 yards and a touchdown.

Versatile running back Landon Kimball will also be a key piece of the Trion offense. Kimball caught 11 passes for 231 yards and four touchdowns while adding 597 rushing yards and six touchdowns on the ground. Defensively, Hudson Thomas and linebacker Coleman Lee will be counted on to lead a unit that will need to improve if the Bulldogs hope to make a playoff run beyond the first round.

The Gordon Lee Trojans are coming off one of the best seasons in school history, advancing to the quarterfinals and collecting a program-record 12 victories. The Trojans will have to replace much of their offensive production from last season. Braxton Daniel is set to take over at quarterback, while Logan Price looks to build on a season in which he rushed 12 times for 80 yards.

Daniel will also be counted on defensively, as he is the team’s leading returning tackler. Sean Harms-Benafel returns along the defensive line after recording 37 tackles, including 10 tackles for loss and five sacks last season. The Trojans will need players like Daniel and Harms-Benafel to help carry a defense that will be tested by Trion’s experienced backfield.

There may be more intriguing matchups on the Week 1 schedule, but we wanted to make sure we covered one of the state’s oldest rivalries. These teams have been playing each other since 1933 and have only failed to meet during World War II.

Gordon Lee’s senior-laden team from a year ago was exactly what the doctor ordered to end the Trojans’ losing skid against Trion. This year, however, the Bulldogs appear to have the edge in the backfield and at receiver. We believe that will be enough to swing the momentum back in Trion’s direction.

Keys to the Game

Trion Bulldogs

  • Let Kimball carry the load: Landon Kimball gives Trion a proven threat both running and receiving. Getting him involved early could help the Bulldogs control the game.
  • Protect Allen: Linc Allen returns with valuable experience, but Trion needs to avoid turnovers and give him favorable situations as the Bulldogs replace several receivers.
  • Find new playmakers at receiver: Dawson Crane is the most experienced returning target, and Trion will need its new receivers to step up around him.
  • Improve defensively: Hudson Thomas and Coleman Lee will lead a defense that needs to make enough stops to allow the Bulldogs’ offensive talent to decide the game.

Gordon Lee Trojans

  • Find offensive production: With much of last year’s production gone, Braxton Daniel and Logan Price will need to help establish a new identity for the Trojans.
  • Make Daniel’s experience count: Daniel is the team’s leading returning tackler and will have to be a leader on both sides of the ball.
  • Pressure Allen: Sean Harms-Benafel and the Gordon Lee defensive front need to make Allen uncomfortable and prevent him from finding a rhythm.
  • Win the rivalry’s momentum: Gordon Lee ended Trion’s recent dominance last season. The Trojans will need to avoid allowing the Bulldogs to regain control of the rivalry.

This rivalry has produced plenty of memorable games over the years, and this year’s matchup should be another physical battle. Gordon Lee is coming off a historic season, but Trion appears to have more returning firepower at the skill positions.

The Bulldogs have the edge in the backfield and at receiver, and we believe that will be enough to put them back on top in one of Georgia’s oldest rivalries.

Prediction: Trion by 13

The Sandy Creek Patriots begin their 2026 campaign with perhaps one of the toughest two-game stretches for any team in Class 4A. The defending Class 3A state champions welcome back quarterback Caleb Hill, who passed for more than 2,600 yards a season ago. Hill will return two of his top receivers as Khaylin Stevenson and Rylan White begin their senior campaigns. The duo combined for 61 catches, 651 yards and three touchdowns last season.

Perhaps the biggest hole to fill is that of Amari Latimer, who is now taking reps in a West Virginia Mountaineers jersey. Omari Jackson will look to help fill the void left by Latimer’s departure.

Defensively, the Patriots return plenty of talent, including Corey Hadley and Nathan Holston in the secondary, along with J.T. Austin and Noah Reid along the defensive front. Sandy Creek’s defense recorded 33 sacks and forced 19 turnovers last season, and that unit will once again be a major strength for the Patriots.

The Grayson Rams will look to bounce back after getting ambushed by North Gwinnett in Week 1. Quarterback Deuce Smith put up big numbers despite the loss, throwing for 304 yards and three touchdowns. His primary target was Saif Bin-Wahad, who hauled in eight passes for 154 yards and a touchdown.

The Rams struggled to move the ball on the ground, managing just 26 total rushing yards. Statistically, the defense was not as bad as the final score might have indicated. Grayson held North Gwinnett to fewer than 100 rushing yards and 189 yards through the air. However, the defense was repeatedly put in difficult situations because of short fields, leaving the Rams’ defenders on their heels for much of the night.

We expect a bounce-back performance from Grayson this week. The biggest question is whether the Rams can get the ground game going. Sandy Creek, meanwhile, will have to continue developing its offensive identity without a proven back to pair with Hill.

We believe the Patriots will stay with the Rams for three quarters, but Grayson has enough offensive firepower to close out a tightly contested game in the fourth quarter.

Keys to the Game

Sandy Creek Patriots

  • Establish the passing game: Caleb Hill returns with plenty of experience, and getting Stevenson and Whiteinvolved early will be important.
  • Replace Latimer’s production: Omari Jackson and the rest of the Patriots’ running game must find a way to replace the production left behind by Amari Latimer.
  • Create turnovers: Sandy Creek’s defense was opportunistic last season, and Hadley, Holston, Austin, and Reidwill need to create problems for the Grayson offense.
  • Avoid giving Grayson short fields: The Patriots cannot afford to give the Rams extra possessions or easy scoring opportunities.

Grayson Rams

  • Get the ground game going: After managing only 26 rushing yards in Week 1, Grayson needs to establish some balance and take pressure off Deuce Smith.
  • Let Smith attack: Smith showed he can produce through the air. Getting him into a rhythm with Saif Bin-Wahadcould give the Rams a major advantage.
  • Finish drives: Grayson moved the ball through the air against North Gwinnett but struggled to consistently turn opportunities into points. The Rams need touchdowns instead of field goals or stalled drives.
  • Stay off the field defensively: The defense cannot continue defending short fields. If Grayson can force Sandy Creek to drive the length of the field, the Rams should have opportunities to make stops.

Sandy Creek has enough returning talent to make this a difficult game for Grayson, particularly with Hill leading the offense and a defense that has proven capable of creating turnovers.

Still, we expect Grayson to respond after its Week 1 setback. If the Rams can find some production on the ground and Smith continues to make plays through the air, they should have enough to pull away late.

Prediction: Grayson by 4

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GHSA Football Rankings: Our Pre-Season/Week-1 Top-1o in the state of Geogia

Posted on August 16, 2026 by admin

This week, we release our T0p-10 in each classifiaction for Georgia High School Football. As we do each season, we will update our rankings each Sunday. As you all know by now, the GHSA has gone to the PSR rating system to determine post season participants and seeding. That means every game really does count as we enter the 2026 season.

Special thanks to the Georgia Helmet Project for providing the artwork. You can find their work here: www.gahelmetproject.com

We would also like to thank the work from the folks at the High School Football Historians Asosciation. You can find their work here: https://hsfha.org/w/Special:GA

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Week 12 TFR GHSA Rankings: Final Whistle as GHSA Regular Season Closes with Region Titles and Playoff Momentum

Posted on November 2, 2025 by admin

The GHSA regular season has come to a close, and the playoff picture is taking shape across Georgia. With region titles secured, rivalries renewed, and a few surprise shakeups in the final poll, the final week of regular-season action didn’t disappoint. From Carrollton’s dominant Region 2-6A title to Sequoyah’s long-awaited championship moment, teams statewide are building momentum for what promises to be an exciting postseason.

Class 6A

The top four teams in Class 6A took care of business, but there was plenty of movement behind them. Valdosta knocked off previous No. 5 Lowndes in the Winnersville Classic, sending Lowndes down three spots to No. 8 while Valdosta climbs to No. 7. Carrollton cruised past Douglas County to claim the Region 2-6A crown, dropping the Tigers to No. 10. Marietta’s brief stay in the Top-10 ended after a loss to North Paulding, opening the door for Harrison, who debuts at No. 9.

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Class 5A

Houston County secured a key win over Lee County, locking up the No. 2 seed in Region 2 and avoiding an early playoff trip to Metro Atlanta. Lee County slides to No. 9 after the loss. In another marquee matchup, Roswell edged longtime rival Milton, climbing to No. 3 while Milton falls to No. 8. And in one of the state’s best feel-good stories, Sequoyah claimed its first region title since 2003 with a 31–14 road win over rival Creekview.

Class 4A

No surprises at the top, as North Oconee, Creekside, and Central-Carroll all capped off perfect regular seasons with Halloween-week victories. In a Top-10 showdown, Cambridge edged Blessed Trinity, flipping their positions in the poll — Cambridge rises to No. 8 while Blessed Trinity drops to No. 9.

Class 3A

Sandy Creek rallied from an early deficit to defeat Troup and capture the Region 2-AAA title, completing its first undefeated regular season since 2013. Troup falls to No. 7. North Hall also finished unbeaten for the first time since 2007 after topping Dawson County. Meanwhile, West Laurens made history — earning its first region crown since 2017 and its first-ever undefeated regular season by defeating Westside Augusta.

Class 2A

Two Top-10 matchups shook up the standings this week. Morgan County beat Callaway, while Rockmart took down North Murray — sending Callaway and North Murray to No. 9 and No. 10 respectively. Appling County continued its remarkable turnaround, winning its sixth straight game and the region title after starting 1–3. The Pirates climb to No. 6.

Class A – Division I

The top eight teams held steady, but there was movement at the back of the rankings. Fitzgerald took down Jeff Davis in a Top-10 clash, knocking Jeff Davis from the poll and making room for Lamar County at No. 10. The Trojans finished undefeated for the first time since 2013 and earned their third region crown in four years. Also notable: Gordon Leecaptured its first region title since 1978, holding strong at No. 8.

Class A – Division II

Screven County edged Emanuel County Institute (ECI) by a single point to claim the region championship and remain one of only five unbeaten teams in Class A-DII. Screven rises to No. 6, while ECI drops to No. 9.

Class 3A – Private

In a clash of giants, Hebron Christian rolled past Prince Avenue 43–6 in a rematch of the 2024 state title game. Prince Avenue slips one spot to No. 3, while Fellowship Christian moves up to No. 2 behind top-ranked Hebron. Savannah Christian also slides a spot after a loss to Toombs County, and Whitefield Academy remains at No. 9 despite a loss to Fellowship.

Special thanks to the Georgia Helmet Project for providing each team’s helmet. You can find all of their work here: http://gahelmetproject.com

Historical records are provided by the Georgia High School Football Historians Association. (ghsfa.org)

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TFR Georgia High School Football Rankings: Week 11 – Marietta Crashes the Class 6A Top-10 as Region Races Hit the Home Stretch

Posted on October 26, 2025 by admin

The final week of the GHSA regular season is here, and the playoff picture is heating up fast. Teams across Georgia are making their last pushes for region titles and postseason positioning. Marietta made the biggest statement of the week, storming into the Class 6A Top-10 after five straight wins, while Thomas County Central, Roswell, and Kell all tightened their grip on region races as the chase for playoff seeding hits its peak. Here is our take on the Top-10 in each classification.

Class 6A

The Top-9 teams in Class 6A all took care of business, each winning by at least two scores. Hillgrove dropped from the rankings after a loss to Harrison, opening the door for one of the hottest teams in Class 6A — the Marietta Blue Devils. After a slow start, Marietta has caught fire, reeling off five straight wins and moving within one victory of its first region title in 20 years. The Blue Devils debut at No. 10 this week.

Class 5A

Thomas County Central picked up a crucial win over Houston County to strengthen its claim to the Region 1 title. The loss sends the Bears tumbling from No. 4 to No. 8, though they still have a chance to host a playoff game when they face Lee County this week. In another Top-10 clash, Roswell outlasted Gainesville, and can clinch the region outright with a win over Milton on Friday. Gainesville slips to No. 5, while Roswell climbs to No. 4.

Class 4A

Kell made a move this week after defeating Cambridge — the two teams swapped spots in the rankings, with Kell up to No. 7 and Cambridge down to No. 9. Kell also laid a claim to the Region title with the victory. Meanwhile, Ware County was upset by Warner Robins and dropped out of the Top-10 entirely. That opened the door for Eastside, which reenters the rankings at No. 10 after closing its season with a win over Cedar Shoals.

Class 3A

Cairo was the big winner in Class 3A, earning a key Region 1 victory over Peach County. The Syrupmakers have now won seven straight and can secure the region title with a win over Westover this week. Cairo climbs to No. 7, while Peach County drops to No. 9. Sandy Creek and Troup both rolled to wins, setting up a massive Region 2 title showdown this Friday in LaGrange Between the Tigers and Patriots.

Class 2A

There were no major surprises in Class 2A, as all Top-10 teams earned wins. However, this coming Friday promises plenty of excitement with two Top-10 matchups that will decide region titles: Morgan County hosts Callaway for the Region 2 crown, while Rockmart welcomes North Murray for the Region 7 championship.

Class A – Division I

In the week’s only Top-10 matchup, Worth County took down Jeff Davis 26–14. Meanwhile, Swainsboro fell to Class 3A-A Private Top-10 program Savannah Christian, causing Swainsboro to slide to No. 10. Fitzgerald continues its late-season surge, jumping to No. 5, while Jeff Davis remains at No. 9 entering the final week of play.

Class A – Division II

It was business as usual in Class A Division II, with all Top-10 teams notching wins and no changes in the rankings this week.

Class 3A – Private

Lovett suffered another setback, falling to Class 2A No. 6 Carver (Atlanta) and dropping to No. 10. Whitefield Academy moves up to No. 9. The rest of the rankings remain unchanged. This week, all eyes turn to Region 8-AA, where No. 1 Hebron Christian hosts No. 2 Prince Avenue Christian in a showdown that could preview the private school state championship matchup later this year.

Special thanks to the Georgia Helmet Project for providing each team’s helmet. You can find all of their work here: http://gahelmetproject.com

Historical records are provided by the Georgia High School Football Historians Association. (ghsfa.org)

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TFR Georgia High School Football Rankings: Week 10 – McEachern Rolls, Pierce County Stumbles as Teams Head Into Season’s Final Stretch

Posted on October 19, 2025 by admin

Week 10 of the GHSA football season brought a mix of predictability and pivotal results across the classifications. McEachern made a statement in Class 6A with a decisive Top-10 win, while Pierce County’s surprising loss in 2A shook up that poll. Elsewhere, top-ranked teams across most divisions held firm, setting the stage for crucial late-season matchups that will determine playoff positioning and region championships. Here are some notable results in each classification.

Class 6A

In the only Top-10 matchup of the week, the McEachern Indians earned a convincing 21-point victory over Hillgrove. The win puts McEachern in strong position to host a playoff game and potentially secure a region title with wins in their final two matchups—both against teams they’ll be heavily favored to beat. Hillgrove remains at No. 10 despite the loss, while the rest of the Top-10 teams in action were victorious.

Class 5A

There were no major surprises in Class 5A this week. Lovejoy dropped out of the Top-10 after a 10-point loss to Newnan, making room for Woodward Academy to re-enter the rankings at No. 10. All other ranked teams in Class 5A picked up wins.

Class 4A

No changes this week in Class 4A. Top-ranked North Oconee and No. 2 Creekside were both off, while No. 4 Benedictine impressed with a 75-point outburst against Wayne County. Every other ranked team in action also notched victories.

Class 3A

The Troup Tigers triumphed over rival LaGrange in a key region showdown, moving up to No. 6 in the rankings while LaGrange slips two spots to No. 8. Troup faces Spalding next before a likely region title clash against Sandy Creek. The rest of the Top-10 teams took care of business this week.

Class 2A

There was one notable upset in Class 2A, as Crisp County handed Pierce County a surprising loss. Unranked Appling County now leads the region at 2-0 and will face Pierce in two weeks to close the regular season. Pierce falls four spots to No. 8, while all other Top-10 teams earned wins.

Class A – Division I

Nine of the Top-10 teams in Class A Division I were victorious. Bleckley County fell out of the rankings after a 23-point loss to No. 7 Dublin, opening the door for Fitzgerald to rejoin the poll. The Purple Hurricanes earned a win over Berrien and also own a victory over ranked Thomasville.

Class A – Division II

It was business as usual in Class A Division II, as all ranked teams won their games. No changes were made to the Top-10 this week.

Class 3A – Private

Whitefield Academy enters the rankings for the first time this season after defeating previous No. 10 Landmark Christian. Meanwhile, Lovett drops three spots following a 21-point loss to Hapeville Charter.

Special thanks to the Georgia Helmet Project for providing each team’s helmet. You can find all of their work here: http://gahelmetproject.com

Historical records are provided by the Georgia High School Football Historians Association. (ghsfa.org)

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TFR Georgia High School Football Rankings: Week 9 GHSA Rankings Shakeups, Surprises, and Statement Wins

Posted on October 12, 2025 by admin

Week 9 of the GHSA football season delivered a mix of dominance and drama across the classifications. While several top teams coasted through region play with decisive wins, others were pushed to the brink — and a few highly ranked programs saw their playoff hopes take a hit. From Gainesville’s statement win in Class 5A to major upsets in Class A Division I, this week’s rankings saw both stability at the top and fresh faces breaking into the mix.

Class 6A
There were no Top-10 matchups this week in Georgia’s largest classification. All nine ranked teams in action rolled to convincing wins, while No. 6 North Gwinnett enjoyed a bye. With everyone holding serve, the Class 6A Top-10 remains unchanged heading into next week.

Class 5A
The Gainesville Red Elephants claimed a key Region 7 victory over Milton, moving up two spots to No. 5. Milton slides three spots to No. 6 after the loss. Meanwhile, Brunswick was upset by Statesboro, knocking the Pirates out of the rankings entirely. That loss opens the door for Lovejoy, who makes their season debut at No. 10.

Class 4A
No changes in Class 4A this week. Top-ranked North Oconee survived a major scare from Eastside-Covington, pulling out a one-point win to stay unbeaten. Every other ranked team either took care of business or had the week off, leaving the Top-10 intact.

Class 3A
It was a clean sweep in Class 3A as all nine ranked teams in action notched victories. Among those winners were rivals LaGrange and Troup, who will meet next week in what should be a pivotal region showdown with major playoff implications.

Class 2A 

Top-ranked Carver-Columbus survived a tough road test at Sumter County, escaping with a one-point win. Despite the loss, Sumter County holds steady at No. 5 after pushing the defending champs to the brink. All other ranked teams in Class 2A picked up wins to maintain their positions.

Class A – Division I
There was plenty of shakeup in Division I as Oglethorpe County stunned Rabun County, and Fitzgerald edged Thomasville in another thriller. Thomasville drops three spots to No. 6, while Rabun County falls out of the Top-10 entirely. Bleckley County enters the rankings for the first time this season at No. 10.

Class A – Division II The lone Top-10 matchup in Division II saw Clinch County win a hard-fought 6–0 defensive battle over Brooks County. Clinch remains at No. 3, while Brooks slips one spot to No. 5.

Class 3A – Private
There was notable movement in the private school rankings as Aquinas, Greater Atlanta Christian, and Holy Innocents’ all suffered losses. Aquinas drops out of the Top-10, while GAC slides to No. 8 and Holy Innocents’ falls to No. 9. Landmark Christian makes its first appearance of the season, debuting at No. 10.

Special thanks to the Georgia Helmet Project for providing each team’s helmet. You can find all of their work here: http://gahelmetproject.com

Historical records are provided by the Georgia High School Football Historians Association. (ghsfa.org)

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Eight Greats Around the State Week-9: Key Region Races Take Shape in Week 9 Across the Georgia High School Football Landscape – Part II

Posted on October 8, 2025 by admin

Week 9 of the GHSA Football season features four marquee matchups packed with talent and playoff implications. Marietta and North Cobb will battle in a physical slugfest, with the Blue Devils trying to slow a powerful Warriors rushing attack. Undefeated Sumter County faces a tough test against Carver-Columbus’ balanced and opportunistic squad, while Greater Atlanta Christian meets North Hall in a matchup defined by explosive plays and quarterback skill. Finally, Northwest Whitfield hosts Calhoun in a high-scoring contest where dual-threat quarterbacks and deep receiving corps could dictate the outcome. Each game promises drama and key performances that could shape the postseason picture. Here is Part II of our look at eight of the more intriguing matchups around the state. 

Marietta vs. North Cobb – Marietta’s late-season momentum meets North Cobb’s punishing ground game in a clash of region heavyweights, where every yard and turnover could decide the winner.

Sumter County vs. Carver-Columbus – Undefeated Sumter County tries to topple a 19-game winning streak as Carver-Columbus brings a high-powered offense and relentless defense to a showdown of state-title caliber teams.

Greater Atlanta Christian vs. North Hall – GAC’s balanced attack and dual-threat quarterback face a North Hall team that can light up the scoreboard in a matchup that could swing on a few explosive plays.

Northwest Whitfield vs. Calhoun – High-flying offenses collide as Gavin Nuckolls leads the Bruins against Calhoun’s aerial assault, promising a fast-paced, high-scoring thriller under the Friday night lights.

Special thanks to the Georgia Helmet Project for providing each team’s helmet. You can find all of their work here: http://gahelmetproject.com

Historical records are provided by the Georgia High School Football Historians Association. (ghsfa.org)

The Skinny

Since opening the season with four straight losses, the Marietta Blue Devils have turned things around, winning their last three games to climb into a tie for the region lead. Last week, Marietta survived an overtime thriller against Walton and now turns its attention to another region contender in North Cobb. The Blue Devils have been balanced offensively, averaging 142.6 passing yards and 135 rushing yards per game, with those numbers jumping to 239 passing yards and 188.6 rushing yards over the last three games.

The ground game has been a committee effort, led by Titus Grant (63 carries, 261 yards, 9 TDs) and Landon Mannery(41 carries, 192 yards, 1 TD). At quarterback, Jayden Whiteside has thrown for 988 yards and 11 touchdowns, while Semaj Anderson leads the receiving corps with 22 receptions for 354 yards and five scores. Defensively, Alec Huffleads the team with 54 tackles, and Merrick Ham has 9 tackles for loss and a team-high 5 sacks. Marietta has totaled 9 sacks and forced 6 turnovers on the season.

The North Cobb Warriors enter fresh off a bye week and are riding a two-game win streak. Their offense relies heavily on the ground attack, averaging 186.5 rushing yards per game. Zach Belyeu (657 yards, 9 TDs) and Quevy Echols(362 yards, 6 TDs) lead the backfield, while quarterback Teddy Jarrard has thrown for 925 yards and six touchdowns. Micah Billingsley (31 receptions, 298 yards) and Sebastian Easley (20 receptions, 238 yards) are North Cobb’s top receiving threats.

Defensively, the Warriors allow 19.6 points per game. Jayden Harris leads with 35 tackles, and Jayden Hamlette has 22 solo stops. In the secondary, Marcus Singleton has 4 interceptions while Trey Shaw has 2. North Cobb has recorded 7 sacks and forced 12 turnovers this season.

Keys to the Game – Marietta Blue Devils

  1. Limit North Cobb’s rushing attack and force the Warriors to pass.
  2. Stay balanced offensively and sustain drives to control the clock.
  3. Protect the football against a defense that thrives on takeaways.

Keys to the Game – North Cobb Warriors

  1. Lean on the run behind Belyeu and Echols to control tempo.
  2. Stay disciplined defensively against Marietta’s balanced attack.
  3. Win the turnover battle to create short fields for the offense.


Marietta has been in a groove lately and will make this a close game, but North Cobb’s physicality and running game should prevail in a hard-fought contest.

Prediction: North Cobb by 5.

The Skinny

The Sumter County Panthers come into this matchup undefeated at 7-0 for the second consecutive season, averaging 175 rushing yards and 148 passing yards per game while scoring a staggering 47.5 points per game during their win streak. Running backs Aaron Kearse (493 yards, 10 TDs) and Quay’shaun Tatum (328 yards, 3 TDs) lead a balanced ground attack, while senior quarterback Ishmael Jones has thrown for 1,014 yards and 14 touchdowns and added 196 rushing yards with 7 scores. The receiving corps is led by Omari Woodard (15 receptions, 314 yards, 6 TDs) and Ayden Robinson (16 receptions, 246 yards, 4 TDs).

Defensively, the Panthers have been stingy, allowing just 7 points per game, recording three shutouts, and never surrendering more than 15 points. Kendall Thomas leads the defense with 41 total tackles and 11 tackles for loss, while Jaquaveus McKenzie has tallied 4 sacks. Sumter has combined for 18 sacks and 11 turnovers forced this season.

The Carver-Columbus Tigers enter with a 19-game winning streak, boasting a dominant offense that averages 50.1 points per game. The Tigers generate 364.5 yards per game, including 246.4 on the ground. Seniors Kelston Tarver(840 yards, 13 TDs) and Jakobe Caslin (479 yards, 10 TDs) lead the rushing attack, while freshman Zach Watts has added 379 yards and 8 touchdowns. Freshman quarterback Sebastian Heard has thrown for 1,061 yards and 11 TDs, connecting often with Caslin (15 receptions, 247 yards, 2 TDs) and Keimaurri Miles (9 receptions, 309 yards, 3 TDs).

Carver’s defense has been equally dominant, allowing only 6.2 points per game with four shutouts. Jadean Taylorleads the team with 70 tackles, while Taylor, Nic’quayvion Simmons, and Tristian Givens share the team lead with 5 sacks each. The Tigers have totaled 27 sacks and forced 18 turnovers on the season.

Keys to the Game – Sumter County Panthers

  1. Protect the football against an opportunistic Carver defense.
  2. Establish the run to control the clock and keep Carver’s offense off the field.
  3. Stay composed and patient against a talented, high-scoring opponent.

Keys to the Game – Carver-Columbus Tigers

  1. Force Sumter into passing situations to create turnovers.
  2. Maintain offensive balance and exploit mismatches on both lines of scrimmage.
  3. Stay disciplined on defense to prevent big plays from Jones and the Panthers’ receiving corps.


Sumter County is battle-tested and should make this a close contest, but Carver-Columbus’ balance, depth, and defensive dominance should allow them to escape with a tight win.

Prediction: Carver by 3.

The Skinny

The Greater Atlanta Christian Spartans have won their last five games and are averaging 31.6 points per contest. GAC boasts a balanced offense, producing 199 yards per game on the ground and 186.2 through the air. Running back Pierce Wilson leads the rushing attack with 492 yards and 7 touchdowns, while quarterback Michael Miller has thrown for 1,122 yards, rushed for 479 yards, and accounted for 14 total touchdowns. Eleven different receivers have contributed this season, with Adrian Hughes (25 receptions, 369 yards, 4 TDs), Pierce Wilson (23 receptions, 294 yards), and Jack Griggs (13 receptions, 85 yards) leading the way.

Defensively, C.J. Ohuabunwa anchors the Spartans with 43 tackles and an interception, while Connor Carothers and Denzell Watkins each have 23 solo stops. GAC is allowing 24 points per game and has forced 7 turnovers.

The North Hall Trojans have been nearly unstoppable, scoring 46.4 points per game and never less than 38 in a contest. Their offense is led by junior quarterback Alex Schleiman, who has thrown for 1,788 yards and 13 touchdowns while completing 72.1% of his passes. Receivers Ty Kemp (39 receptions, 702 yards, 8 TDs) and Cole Cable (32 receptions, 539 yards, 2 TDs) have been the primary targets, while the running game has been a committee effort. Wyatt Tumlin leads the backs with 334 yards and 3 TDs.

Defensively, the Trojans allow 18 points per game and recorded their first shutout in their last outing. Buddy Clark leads the defense with 56 tackles, and North Hall has tallied 14 sacks while forcing 7 turnovers.

Keys to the Game – Greater Atlanta Christian Spartans

  1. Pressure Schleiman and disrupt North Hall’s passing game.
  2. Stay balanced offensively to control the clock and keep the Trojans’ offense off the field.
  3. Win key third-down situations to extend drives and sustain momentum.

Keys to the Game – North Hall Trojans

  1. Protect Schleiman and maintain a clean pocket for their high-powered passing attack.
  2. Lean on the running game to complement the passing attack and keep GAC’s defense honest.
  3. Continue forcing turnovers and capitalize on mistakes to widen the gap.

The game may hinge on whether GAC’s front seven can get consistent pressure on Schleiman. If the quarterback has time, North Hall’s explosive offense will likely dominate.

Prediction: North Hall by 12.

The Skinny

The Northwest Whitfield Bruins have been on a tear, winning five straight games and scoring at least 42 points in each of those victories. Over the season, Northwest Whitfield is averaging 42.8 points per game, gaining 235.1 yards through the air and 202.3 yards on the ground, making them one of the most balanced and explosive teams in the region. Senior quarterback Gavin Nuckolls has been outstanding, throwing for 1,616 yards and 21 touchdowns while completing 61% of his passes with only two interceptions. Nuckolls also leads the team in rushing with 644 yards and 9 TDs, giving Northwest Whitfield a dual-threat weapon who can hurt defenses both in the air and on the ground. Gage Parker has added 576 yards and 4 rushing touchdowns, and the Bruins’ running game has been complemented by a diverse group of backs.

At receiver, Kade Mitchell has been the go-to target, catching 30 passes for 704 yards and 11 touchdowns, while ten other players have contributed to the passing attack, keeping opposing defenses off balance. Defensively, the Bruins have been solid, allowing 16.8 points per game and recording one shutout. Their defense has done a good job limiting big plays, though they will face a major challenge against Calhoun’s high-flying offense.

The Calhoun Yellow Jackets have been equally impressive this season, winning their last two games after dropping two straight earlier in the year. The Jackets average 37.6 points per game, with their offense heavily skewed toward the passing attack, producing 258.5 passing yards and 177 rushing yards per game. Sophomore quarterback Trace Hawkins has emerged as one of the region’s top signal-callers, throwing for 1,371 yards and 14 touchdowns while completing 68.8% of his passes and throwing just one interception.

Calhoun’s receiving corps is led by Justin Beasley, who has caught 43 passes for 912 yards and 9 touchdowns, and a total of thirteen players have caught passes for the Jackets this season. The running game has been a committee effort, with Hudson Chadwick leading with 367 yards and 7 TDs, while Isaiah Nalls has added 300 yards and 4 touchdowns, but did not play last week due to an injury. Calhoun’s offense has the potential to stretch the field both vertically and horizontally, making them a dangerous matchup for any defense.

Defensively, Calhoun allows 18.3 points per game and is anchored by Blake Hammett, who has 48 tackles, and Sager Quinn, who has been disruptive in the backfield. Hudson Chadwick, Ayden Parrish, and Jaden Perkins also play key roles in both stopping the run and defending against the pass. The Jackets have 14 sacks and 7 turnovers forced this season, and they’ll need to bring consistent pressure to contain Nuckolls and the Northwest Whitfield offense.

Keys to the Game – Northwest Whitfield Bruins

  1. Utilize Nuckolls’ dual-threat ability: Keep Calhoun off balance with a mix of passing and rushing plays.
  2. Control the clock with the run game: Rushing behind Nuckolls and Parker will limit Calhoun’s offensive opportunities.
  3. Protect the football: Avoid turnovers against a Jackets defense capable of generating game-changing plays.

Keys to the Game – Calhoun Yellow Jackets

  1. Pressure Nuckolls: Disrupt his rhythm in both the passing and rushing game.
  2. Exploit the secondary: Use Hawkins’ accuracy and a deep receiving corps to challenge the Bruins’ defensive backs.
  3. Balance the offense: Keep Northwest Whitfield’s defense guessing with a combination of run and pass.

Both teams enter this game with strong offenses and capable defenses, making a high-scoring, fast-paced game likely. Northwest Whitfield will fight hard at home and can keep the game close, but Calhoun’s balanced attack, efficient passing game, and ability to pressure the quarterback give the Jackets a slight edge.

Prediction: Calhoun by 3.

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Eight Greats Around the State Week-9: Key Region Races Take Shape in Week 9 Across the Georgia High School Football Landscape – Part I

Posted on October 8, 2025 by admin

Week 9 of the GHSA football season brings a slate packed with playoff implications as region battles heat up across the state. Several top contenders look to strengthen their postseason positioning — from Carver-Atlanta’s quest to stay unbeaten in region play to Milton and Gainesville’s highly anticipated clash with championship stakes. With October football in full swing, every possession, every stop, and every score could shape the road to November. Here is Part I of our look at eight of the more intriguing matchups around the state.

Carver-Atlanta vs. Holy Innocents’
Carver-Atlanta looks to extend its win streak to eight behind a stingy defense and balanced offense, while Holy Innocents’ hopes to control the clock and limit turnovers against the red-hot Panthers.

Bowdon vs. Mt. Zion
In a battle of surging offenses, Bowdon’s explosive attack meets Mt. Zion’s opportunistic defense as the Eagles chase their first win over the Red Devils since 2018.

Milton vs. Gainesville
Two of Class 5A’s heavyweights collide as Milton’s physical ground game and elite defense try to slow Gainesville’s Clemson-bound quarterback Kharim Hughley and his high-powered offense.

Brooks County vs. Clinch County
Brooks County aims to stay unbeaten in region play and fend off a much improved Clinch County team that’s found its rhythm on both sides of the ball.

Special thanks to the Georgia Helmet Project for providing each team’s helmet. You can find all of their work here: http://gahelmetproject.com

Historical records are provided by the Georgia High School Football Historians Association. (ghsfa.org)

The Skinny

The Carver-Atlanta Panthers have already avenged all three of their regular-season losses from a year ago and now have their sights set on Holy Innocents’ as they look to extend their winning streak to eight games. The Panthers have been one of Class 3A’s most complete teams, averaging 173 yards per game through the air and 187.6 on the ground, while scoring 35 points per contest.

Sophomore quarterback Corey Fletcher has been steadyl, throwing for 1,091 yards and nine touchdowns with a 67.5% completion rate — and no interceptions. His top target, Terrious Favors, has been dynamic, catching 31 passes for 713 yards and eight scores. On the ground, Lataious Stepp Jr. powers the rushing attack with 667 yards and four touchdowns.

Defensively, Carver has been dominant, giving up just six points per game and recording three shutouts. Michael Johnson Jr. anchors the defense with 40 total tackles, 27 tackles for loss, and seven sacks, while Favors also stars on defense with five interceptions. The Panthers have 11 sacks and have forced 18 turnovers this season.

The Holy Innocents’ Bears saw their four-game winning streak snapped in an overtime heartbreaker last week. Despite modest offensive numbers — 70 passing yards and 91 rushing yards per game — the Bears still average 24.5 points per contest thanks to efficient play. Denm Stevens leads the ground game with 469 yards and six touchdowns, while quarterback Ryan Woods has thrown for 492 yards and eight scores. Sam Chasteen leads the receiving corps with nine receptions for 131 yards.

Defensively, Holy Innocents’ has been outstanding, allowing only 9.1 points per game and recording three shutouts of their own. Finn Ferrero leads the team with 52 tackles, while Jordan Mayes has been disruptive up front with nine tackles for loss. The Bears’ defense has seven sacks and nine forced turnovers through seven games.

Keys to the Game — Carver Panthers

1. Win the Turnover Battle:
Carver’s defense has thrived on takeaways. If they can continue to create short fields and momentum swings, it could put this game out of reach early.

2. Stay Balanced Offensively:
The Panthers are at their best when both the passing and running games are in rhythm. Keeping Stepp Jr. and Favors involved will prevent Holy Innocents’ from loading the box or keying on one phase.

3. Start Fast:
Jumping out to an early lead could force the Bears to play from behind — something they haven’t done well this season with their limited passing attack.

Keys to the Game — Holy Innocents’ Bears

1. Control the Clock:
The Bears need to sustain long, methodical drives to keep Carver’s explosive offense on the sideline. Establishing the run early with Stevens will be crucial.

2. Protect the Football:
Carver’s defense is opportunistic and punishes mistakes. Holy Innocents’ must value every possession and avoid giving the Panthers extra chances.

3. Pressure the Quarterback:
Fletcher has been poised all season, but consistent pressure from Mayes and the defensive front could disrupt his rhythm and limit big plays to Favors.

This matchup features two of the stingiest defenses in the classification, but Carver’s balance and ability to generate turnovers could prove to be the difference.

Prediction: Carver by 14.

The Skinny

The Bowdon Red Devils are eyeing their second straight region win after avenging one of last season’s losses a week ago. Bowdon continues to showcase a balanced and explosive offense, averaging 37 points per game with 142.3 yards through the air and 160.4 on the ground.

Quarterback Joshua Hopkins has been the engine behind the Red Devils’ attack, throwing for 951 yards and 14 touchdowns while completing 62.4% of his passes with just one interception in 101 attempts. Hopkins also leads the team in rushing with 577 yards and seven touchdowns, while Connor Daniel has added 366 yards and six scores on the ground. Kaden Prothro leads all receivers with 21 catches for 405 yards and eight touchdowns.

Defensively, the Red Devils are giving up 19.8 points per game. Lucki Bailey leads the team with 63 total tackles, while Daniel and Mykah Patterson each have two interceptions.

The Mt. Zion Eagles, meanwhile, are flying high after back-to-back wins and have already reached the seven-win mark for the first time since 2001. The Eagles have leaned heavily on their ground game, averaging 194.8 rushing yards per contest while throwing for just 76.3 yards per game. They’re averaging a strong 33.2 points per game overall.

Rashad Montgomery leads the way with 525 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, while quarterback Knox Israeladds 253 rushing yards and one score. Through the air, Israel has been efficient, completing key throws for 419 yards and seven touchdowns without an interception. Xavier Buckner has been his favorite target, catching 17 passes for 236 yards and five touchdowns.

Defensively, the Eagles have been opportunistic, forcing 15 turnovers — including seven interceptions and eight fumble recoveries. Jordan Smith leads the defense with 23 tackles, and Mt. Zion’s front has recorded seven sacks this season while holding opponents to limited scoring chances.

Keys to the Game — Bowdon Red Devils

1. Protect the Football:
Mt. Zion’s defense thrives on takeaways, so ball security will be crucial. Limiting turnovers will keep momentum on Bowdon’s side and prevent easy scoring chances for the Eagles.

2. Contain the Run:
The Red Devils must focus on shutting down Montgomery and forcing Mt. Zion into third-and-long situations, where their limited passing game is less effective.

3. Keep Hopkins in Rhythm:
Hopkins’ dual-threat ability is Bowdon’s biggest weapon. Maintaining balance between the run and pass will keep the Eagle defense off-balance and open up big plays downfield.

Keys to the Game — Mt. Zion Eagles

1. Win the Turnover Battle:
The Eagles’ path to an upset runs through takeaways. If they can create extra possessions, it could swing the game in their favor.

2. Establish the Ground Game Early:
Mt. Zion’s offense depends on tempo and physicality. Sustaining drives with Montgomery and Israel will keep Bowdon’s offense on the sidelines.

3. Limit Explosive Plays:
Bowdon has multiple home-run threats in Hopkins, Prothro, and Daniel. The Eagles’ secondary must avoid giving up long touchdowns and force Bowdon to earn every yard.

This matchup features two teams that can score in bunches but also rely on disciplined, opportunistic defenses. Expect a tight battle that comes down to execution and turnovers.

Prediction: Bowdon by 4.

The Skinny

The Milton Eagles have been on a roll since their opening-week loss to Buford, reeling off six straight victories to surge back into the state spotlight. Milton is averaging 30.4 points per game, while producing  139.6 yards through the air and 182.3 yards on the ground.

Senior Bentley Hickman (515 yards, 8 TDs) and junior Sheldon Atchison (448 yards, 3 TDs) lead the Eagles’ rushing attack. At quarterback, Milton has used a rotation, but sophomore Ben Halevi has emerged as the leader in recent weeks, throwing for 605 yards and 7 touchdowns without an interception while completing 64.8% of his passes.

Halevi’s favorite target, Jordan Carrasquillo, has been reliable and explosive with 24 receptions for 396 yards and 6 touchdowns. Tight end Grant Haviland (11 catches, 97 yards) and Aedyn Meintzer (10 catches, 165 yards, 2 TDs) round out a versatile receiving corps.

Defensively, Milton has been dominant, allowing just 8.5 points per game and pitching two shutouts in their last three contests. Blaize Battaglia leads the team with 65 tackles, while Tristan Lester has 8 tackles for loss, and Roman Tumminia tops the unit with 4 sacks. Sophomore Keelan Wonsley has been a standout in the secondary with 4 interceptions. The defense has combined for 15 sacks and 10 total takeaways on the season.

The Gainesville Red Elephants come in winners of three straight region games, and this matchup is widely viewed as the de facto Region 7-5A championship. Gainesville’s only loss came to Class 6A powerhouse Carrollton. The Red Elephants have been lighting up scoreboards, averaging 43.2 points per game, while the defense has held opponents to 16.4 points per outing, including a shutout on September 26.

Offensively, Gainesville is led by junior quarterback Kharim Hughley, a Clemson commit, who has already thrown for over 1,400 yards and 18 touchdowns. Running back Nigel Newkirk adds balance to the attack with over 750 rushing yards this season.

Defensively, Xavier Griffin leads the Red Elephants with 40 total tackles (25 solo) and 10 tackles for loss, while Jamarion Matthews is tops with 11 tackles for loss. Matthews, Griffin, and Kadin Fussing each share the team lead with 4 sacks, and Darryn Williams leads the secondary with 3 interceptions. Gainesville’s defense has been disruptive, recording 17 sacks and forcing 9 turnovers.

Keys to the Game — Milton Eagles

1. Control the Line of Scrimmage:
Milton’s offensive line must set the tone early. Establishing Hickman and Atchison on the ground will keep Gainesville’s explosive offense watching from the sideline.

2. Pressure the Quarterback:
Getting to Hughley is critical. If Milton’s front seven can collapse the pocket and disrupt his rhythm, they can limit Gainesville’s big-play potential.

3. Ball Security:
With Gainesville’s ability to score quickly, Milton can’t afford turnovers or wasted possessions. Keeping Halevi comfortable and mistake-free will be key.

Keys to the Game — Gainesville Red Elephants

1. Slow Down the Run:
Milton thrives on balance, but if the Red Elephants can bottle up the Eagles’ rushing duo, they can force Halevi into predictable passing situations.

2. Keep Hughley Clean:
Gainesville’s offensive line must give their star quarterback time to operate. If he’s protected, the Red Elephants’ array of weapons will eventually find space to exploit Milton’s defense.

3. Maintain Offensive Tempo:
When Gainesville plays fast and efficient, few can keep pace. Sustaining drives while finishing in the red zone will be crucial in what could become a possession battle.

This clash of region heavyweights features two of the most complete teams in Class 5A. Milton’s toughness and defensive discipline will keep things close, but Gainesville’s firepower and playmaking ability should carry the day.

Prediction: Gainesville by 6.

The Skinny

The Brooks County Trojans have found their stride, winning three of their last four games heading into this week’s key region matchup. Since entering region play, the Trojans have been dominant — winning two straight and shutting out both opponents.

Quarterback Junior Burrus has led the way through the air, throwing for 942 yards and 10 touchdowns with just two interceptions on 109 attempts. His favorite target, Taeviss Stevenson, has been explosive, hauling in 29 receptions for 595 yards and five touchdowns while averaging 20.5 yards per catch. Anton Graham has also been an efficient scoring threat with six receptions for 146 yards and four touchdowns.

On the ground, Damari Baynard powers the running game with 622 yards and five touchdowns. Defensively, the Trojans have been stout, allowing zero points in their last two outings. Caden Cobb leads the unit with 49 total tackles, while Demarrion Washington has been a force up front with 13.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. Overall, Brooks has recorded 13 sacks and 10 forced turnovers this season.

The Clinch County Panthers bring plenty of offensive punch, averaging 36.1 points per game. The Panthers have been balanced, producing 162 passing yards and 226.3 rushing yards per game. The ground game is powered by Xavion Johnson (77 carries, 469 yards, 4 TDs), quarterback Travian Miller (51 carries, 411 yards, 8 TDs), and Jaiden Reed (52 carries, 345 yards, 2 TDs). Miller has also proven dangerous as a dual threat, keeping defenses guessing with his legs and arm.

Through the air, Kamarion Johnson leads Clinch County with 17 receptions for 524 yards, averaging over 30 yards per catch. Defensively, the Panthers allow just 16.4 points per game and have been opportunistic, forcing 17 turnovers this season. Safety Fred Causey leads the secondary with five interceptions, while Johnson has added three more. Westone Bennett leads the team in total tackles (24).

Keys to the Game — Brooks County Trojans

1. Maintain Offensive Balance:
With Burrus spreading the field and Baynard pounding the ground, Brooks’ ability to keep Clinch guessing will be crucial. Establishing rhythm in both phases will open up big plays downfield.

2. Win the Trenches:
The Trojans’ defensive front has been disruptive, and continuing that pressure against Miller and the Panthers’ rushing attack could swing momentum early.

3. Finish Drives:
Clinch’s defense has been opportunistic all year. Brooks must capitalize in the red zone and avoid costly turnovers that could flip the game.

Keys to the Game — Clinch County Panthers

1. Control the Clock:
The Panthers’ best chance is to sustain long, methodical drives behind Johnson, Miller, and Reed to limit Brooks’ possessions and keep their defense fresh.

2. Take Advantage of Turnovers:
With 17 takeaways already this season, Clinch needs to continue forcing mistakes and turn them into points.

3. Limit Explosive Plays:
Brooks’ playmakers can score from anywhere on the field. Clinch must keep everything in front of them and prevent big gains through the air.

This matchup has all the makings of a classic Region battle. Clinch County has closed the gap since last season’s lopsided result, and their balanced offense gives them a real shot. But at home, Brooks County’s experience and defensive edge may be just enough.

Prediction: Brooks County by 2.

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TFR Georgia High School Football Rankings: Week 8 GHSA Rankings See Power Shifts Across Classifications

Posted on October 5, 2025 by admin

Week 8 of the GHSA football season brought a mix of statement wins and subtle shakeups across the state. Several Top-10 matchups delivered high drama, as contenders like Colquitt, Cartersville, and Kell strengthened their playoff resumes, while others—like Cass, Monroe Area, and Burke County—tumbled after tough losses. With region play in full swing, every Friday night result is starting to carry postseason weight, and next week’s slate promises even more clarity in the chase for region titles and playoff seeding.

Special thanks to the Georgia Helmet Project for providing each team’s helmet. You can find all of their work here: http://gahelmetproject.com

Historical records are provided by the Georgia High School Football Historians Association. (ghsfa.org)

Class 6A

There was one Top-10 matchup this week as Colquitt County defended home turf and edged Valdosta by a single point. The win pushes the Packers up to No. 7, while the Wildcats drop two spots to No. 8. All other ranked teams in the classification picked up wins on Friday night.

Class 5A

There were no surprises this week as all of the ranked teams held serve. However, things could shake up soon with a major Region 7 showdown on the horizon as Milton hosts Gainesville this coming Friday.

Class 4A

Two Top-10 matchups highlighted the week in Class 4A. Cartersville dominated Cass, keeping the Purple Hurricanes firmly at No. 3, while Cass drops out of the rankings. Meanwhile, Kell outlasted Blessed Trinity in a defensive slugfest. The win vaults Kell back into the Top-10 at No. 9, while Blessed Trinity slides four spots to No. 10.

Class 3A

There was one Top-10 matchup this past week as Jefferson defeated Monroe Area. The loss drops Monroe Area from the rankings, making room for West Laurens, who enters at No. 10 for the first time this season. West Laurens now sits tied for first in region play with Westside Augusta, setting up a potential late-season clash for the region title.

Class 2A

The Thomson Bulldogs downed region rival Burke County by 10 points. That victory propels Thomson into the rankings at No. 9 after being unranked all season. Burke County slides five spots to No. 10. The rest of the rankings remain unchanged. A key matchup to watch this week features Carver-Columbus traveling to face No. 5 Sumter County.

Class A – Division I

Toombs County and Worth County continued to impress, both earning big wins over region opponents. Toombs rolled past Swainsboro by 27, while Worth County edged Thomasville by one. Toombs now sits atop the rankings while Worth County is up to No. 2. Thomasville falls two spots to No. 3 despite the narrow loss. Swainsboro drops two spots to No. 6, and Northeastfalls two to No. 7 after being upset by Bleckley County. Interestingly, despite the win, Bleckley County remains just outside the Top-10.

Class A – Division II

No changes this week in the Class A-Division II rankings. However, there’s plenty of intrigue ahead as Brooks Countyhosts No. 3 Clinch, while Screven County faces a midseason test at home against Metter.

Class 3A – Private

Hebron Christian cruised past Hart County, winning by 44 in a dominant performance. Meanwhile, Holy Innocents’fell to Hapeville Charter, dropping the Bears to No. 7. Greater Atlanta Christian benefits from the shuffle, moving up one spot to No. 6.

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