Georgia high school football hits the midpoint of the season, and while most playoff races have not started taking shape, teams are settling into their identities. As we do each week, here is a preview of some of the more intriguing matchups across the great state of Georgia. Here are this weeks matchups:
Gainesville vs Carollton
Two unbeaten powers collide Friday at City Park Stadium as Gainesville hosts Carrollton in a matchup featuring two of Georgia’s top young quarterbacks. Both offenses have been rolling and both defenses have been stingy, setting the stage for a high-stakes, mid-season showdown. Expect a fast, physical game where big plays and turnovers could swing the outcome.
Heard County vs Bowdon
Two high-powered offenses collide as Heard County visits Bowdon in a clash of early-season Class-A contenders. The Braves have been rolling behind a balanced attack and a stingy defense, while the Red Devils have found their rhythm after a slow start with dual-threat QB Joshua Hopkins leading the charge. This matchup should provide fireworks and an early measuring stick for both teams.
Lee County vs Colquitt County
Two South Georgia heavyweights square off Friday night as Lee County hosts Colquitt County in Leesburg. Both programs lean on powerful ground games and stingy defenses, setting the stage for a physical, low-scoring battle. With young quarterbacks on each side, execution and turnovers could decide who comes out on top.
Milton vs Blessed Trinity
Two perennial powers meet after a week off as Milton hosts unbeaten Blessed Trinity. Both programs have leaned on young quarterbacks and productive ground games to navigate early-season injuries and stay near the top of their respective classifications.
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 Gainesville Red Elephants return from their bye week to face perhaps their toughest challenge yet as Class 6A powerhouse Carrollton visits City Park Stadium. Gainesville has rolled through its first three opponents, winning by an average of 29.6 points. The offense is humming at 39 points per game while the defense has allowed just 9.3 points.
Junior quarterback Kharim Hughley has picked up right where he left off last season, throwing for 587 yards and 9 touchdowns so far. As a sophomore, Hughley racked up 2,542 yards and 22 scores, and he looks on pace to eclipse those numbers. On the ground, Nigel Newkirk powers the attack with 388 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns. Defensively, Xavier Griffin and Jamarion Matthews anchor a front seven that’s already proven capable of wrecking passing games.
Carrollton enters undefeated and looks just as explosive. The Trojans average 45 points per game, most of it through the air—303.3 passing yards per contest compared to 106.3 on the ground. Freshman quarterback C.J. Cypher has been a revelation, completing 72.7% of his passes for 712 yards, 8 touchdowns, and no interceptions. He’s spreading it around to playmakers like Ryan Mosley (17 catches, 419 yards, 5 TDs) and Peyton Zachary (15 catches, 196 yards, 2 TDs), while Cameron Wood provides balance with 229 rushing yards and 6 scores. Carrollton’s defense has been stout as well, allowing 12.2 points per game and pitching a shutout last week.
Keys to the Game
1. Gainesville’s Pass Rush vs. Carrollton’s Freshman QB
The Red Elephants’ front seven, led by Xavier Griffin and Jamarion Matthews, has thrived at collapsing pockets. If they can consistently hurry C.J. Cypher and force him off his spot, Gainesville’s defense gains a major edge.
2. Containing Kharim Hughley
Hughley has been hyper-efficient and mistake-free so far. Carrollton must disguise coverages and get pressure with its defensive line to keep him from picking apart the secondary.
3. Ground Game Balance
Nigel Newkirk gives Gainesville the ability to control tempo. If the Red Elephants can run effectively, they’ll shorten the game and keep Carrollton’s high-octane offense on the sideline. Conversely, Carrollton needs Cameron Wood to keep Gainesville’s defense honest so Cypher isn’t in obvious passing downs.
4. Big Plays Over the Top
Both teams have explosive receivers. Limiting chunk plays — especially Ryan Mosley’s deep shots for Carrollton — will be crucial for Gainesville’s secondary, while Carrollton can’t allow Hughley to hit play-action strikes behind them.
5. Turnovers & Short Fields
In a tight matchup, the winner of the turnover battle and special teams hidden yardage will likely come out on top. Neither quarterback has thrown an interception yet — that streak may decide the game.
Prediction: Red Elephants by 7.
The Skinny
Heard County has quietly been one of Georgia’s most efficient teams to start 2025, averaging 48.6 points per game behind a punishing ground attack and sharp quarterback play. Running back Darience Coleman leads the charge with 255 yards and 5 touchdowns, while dual-threat quarterback Ethan Tisdale has completed nearly 80% of his passes for 500 yards and 9 scores with no interceptions, adding 249 rushing yards and 2 more touchdowns. Nine different players have caught passes, with Brody Buc Cofield, Zaiden Moreland and Max Lasseter combining for 331 yards and 8 touchdowns. Defensively, the Braves are allowing only 7.3 points per game, with Lasseter pacing the unit at 24 tackles, 12 for loss and 2.5 sacks.
Bowdon, after a shutout loss in Week 1, has responded with three straight wins, scoring 36.2 points per game over that stretch. The Red Devils average 181 rushing yards and 140 passing yards per game, powered by dual-threat quarterback Joshua Hopkins, who’s thrown for 560 yards, rushed for 440 yards and accounted for 13 total touchdowns. Connor Daniel adds punch to the ground game, while 6’6” senior Kaiden Prothro is a matchup nightmare with 14 receptions for 331 yards and 5 scores. Bowdon allows 19.2 points per game but has forced 12 turnovers, including 7 interceptions, with Lucki Bailey (36 tackles) and Jonah Wilson (24 tackles, 4 TFL) anchoring the defense.
Keys to the Game
1. Containing Joshua Hopkins
Heard County’s defense must find ways to keep Bowdon’s dual-threat QB from breaking big plays on the ground or extending passing plays.
2. Handling Kaiden Prothro
At 6’6”, Prothro is a major red-zone threat. The Braves will need bracket coverage or pressure to limit his impact.
3. Establishing the Run
Both teams thrive on their ground games. Winning the line of scrimmage will allow either side to control tempo and clock.
4. Turnover Margin
Bowdon has forced 12 turnovers, while Tisdale hasn’t thrown an interception yet. Whoever wins the takeaway battle gains a big edge.
Prediction: Bowdon by 4
The Skinny
Lee County comes into this matchup rested after playing last Tuesday and will host South Georgia powerhouse Colquitt County in Leesburg. The Trojans are off to a strong start, averaging 38 points per game behind a run-heavy offense that racks up 229.3 rushing yards per contest compared to 92.3 through the air.
Quarterback Jordan Bush has done a little of everything with 189 rushing yards, 112 passing yards and 5 total touchdowns. Canton Williams has matched Bush on the ground with 189 yards and 2 scores, while Marcus Snipes has added 165 passing yards and 2 touchdowns. Through the air, Jaden Upshaw (9 receptions, 158 yards, 1 TD) and Carter Blackwell (4 receptions, 65 yards, 2 TDs) lead the receiving corps. Defensively, Lee County allows 17.6 points per game, led by Lasaih Jackson with 26 total tackles and junior nose tackle K.J. Johnson with 21 total tackles, 3 tackles for loss and 2 sacks.
Colquitt County makes its second straight road trip, looking to rebound from a tough loss at North Gwinnett their last time out. The Packers had their opener cancelled by weather and sit at 1-1, averaging 17 points per game. They’re producing 161 rushing yards and 104 passing yards per contest. Running back Jae Lamar is the headliner; after being limited in Week 1, he exploded for 150 yards on 22 carries and a touchdown last week, bringing his two-game total to 186 yards. Sophomore quarterback Cohen Lawson has thrown for 200 yards and 2 touchdowns, with Antwan Lockett the top target (3 receptions, 80 yards, 1 TD). Defensively, Brayden Ruis leads with 29 tackles (2 for loss) and Alfonso McNeil adds 20 total tackles.
Keys to the Game
1. Containing Jae Lamar
Lee County’s defensive front must slow down Colquitt’s feature back, who is coming off a breakout performance. Forcing the Packers into passing downs puts more pressure on their young quarterback.
2. Lee County’s QB Tandem
Bush and Snipes have been effective sharing snaps. Their ability to move the chains on the ground and hit timely throws will be critical to keeping Colquitt’s defense off balance.
3. Line of Scrimmage Control
Both teams rely on their run games. Whichever side’s offensive line can consistently win up front will dictate tempo and time of possession.
4. Red-Zone Efficiency
With two stout defenses, points may be at a premium. Converting drives into touchdowns rather than field goals could be the difference.
Prediction: Colquitty County by 3
The Skinny
Milton has strung together back-to-back wins and averages 22.6 points per game. The Eagles are moving the ball primarily on the ground at 174 yards per contest compared to 94.3 passing. Freshman quarterback Trey Hasan has stepped in for the injured Derek Baker, throwing for 195 yards and 2 touchdowns. Jordan Carrasquillo leads the receiving corps (11 catches, 127 yards, 2 TDs), while Sheldon Atchison powers the rushing attack with 274 yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, Milton is giving up just 14.3 points per game. Blaize Battaglia leads the team with 24 tackles, Lawson Estes is second on the team with 22 total tackles, and Roman Tumminia has a team-high 3 sacks. The Eagles have forced 7 turnovers through three games.
Blessed Trinity returns from the bye week unbeaten and scoring 38.3 points per game. The Titans average 197 rushing yards per contest, with Ahmontae Pitts piling up 353 yards and 5 touchdowns and sophomore M.J. Craft adding 126 yards and 5 scores. Sophomore quarterback Ty Page has thrown for 207 yards and 2 touchdowns, with Quinn Davis the top target (8 catches, 140 yards, 1 TD).
The Titans’ defense has been outstanding, holding opponents to 9.6 points per game. Brothers D.J. and Dawson Jacobslead the team with 24 tackles apiece. Junior linebacker Bishop Dameron has 17 stops, while D.J. Jacobs is a game-wrecker with 5 sacks and 8 tackles for loss.
Keys to the Game
1. Containing D.J. Jacobs
Milton’s offensive line will need its best effort to keep one of the state’s premier pass rushers from disrupting Hasan and the Eagles’ backfield.
2. Ground Game Efficiency
Both offenses are run-heavy. Whichever team controls the line of scrimmage and consistently churns out positive yardage will dictate tempo and field position.
3. Young Quarterbacks Under Pressure
Hasan and Page are both underclassmen. Limiting mistakes and taking what the defense gives could be the difference in a low-possession game.
4. Explosive Plays
Milton will look to Carrasquillo downfield; Blessed Trinity will look to Pitts breaking runs into the second level. Preventing chunk gains will be key for both defenses.
Prediction: Blessed Trinity by 3
Let’s go BT! QD with 5 balls, 110 yards and a td 🙌🏻