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:
Savannah Christian vs Fellowship Christian
Savannah Christian looks to bounce back from their first loss as they host Fellowship Christian in a clash of dual-threat quarterbacks and strong running games.
Jefferson vs North Oconee
Two unbeaten Northeast Georgia powers clash as Jefferson hosts North Oconee in a non-region showdown. Jefferson will look to control the clock behind Max Brown, while North Oconee’s balanced attack and stout defense make them tough to slow down.
Buford vs Douglas County
Buford looks to keep rolling as they host Douglas County in a high-stakes non-region showdown. Dynamic QB play, big runs, and a ball-hawking secondary make this a must-watch matchup. Can the Tigers slow the Wolves?
East Paulding vs Rome
East Paulding rides momentum into Friday’s showdown, but Rome’s aerial attack and burgeoning receiving corps could steal the spotlight. Expect a fast-paced, high-scoring battle where every big play counts.
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 Savannah Christian Raiders look to rebound from their first loss of the season when they host Fellowship Christian in what promises to be a closely contested matchup. After falling to Oceanside Collegiate of South Carolina last week, the Raiders are averaging 27.2 points per game and 385.3 yards of total offense, with a balanced attack featuring both air and ground threats.
Quarterback Blaise Thomas has been efficient through the first three games, completing 71.1% of his passes for 608 yards and 8 touchdowns. Thomas is also a threat on the ground, rushing for 357 yards and 3 scores, making him a dual-threat that opposing defenses must account for on every play. Freshman running back Wesley Dinkins has added 419 rushing yards at 5.1 yards per carry, providing the Raiders with a reliable runner. Leading receiver Weston Hughes has caught 15 passes for 316 yards and 4 touchdowns, giving Thomas a big-play target in the passing game. Defensively, Savannah Christian is allowing 22 points per game, led by linebacker Ivyn Richardson (39 tackles, 1 sack) and John Gross (28 tackles). The Raiders have also forced 7 turnovers this season, a key factor in their early success.
Fellowship Christian comes into town off a season-high 50-point performance against Osborne and averages 35 points per game. The Paladins have been efficient through the air and on the ground, totaling 173.3 passing yards and 129 rushing yards per game. Quarterback Jonathan Granby has thrown for 478 yards and 7 touchdowns while also rushing for 244 yards and 2 scores, showcasing his dual-threat ability. Senior receiver Jackson Thrasher leads the team with 14 catches for 251 yards and 3 touchdowns, while running back C.J. Givers adds 117 rushing yards and 3 scores. Fellowship Christian’s defense has been solid, allowing just 17.3 points per game and forcing 5 turnovers. Granby and linebacker Davis Ferguson lead the team with 17 tackles each.
Keys to the Game
1. Establish the Run
Both teams have shown balanced attacks, but Savannah Christian has been more effective on the ground. The Raiders controlling the line of scrimmage could tilt the game in their favor.
2. Quarterback Play
Thomas and Granby are both dual-threat quarterbacks. Protecting the passer and containing their scrambling ability will be crucial.
3. Limit Big Plays
Fellowship has playmakers like Thrasher and Givers, while Savannah Christian has Dinkins and Hughes. Limiting explosive plays will be key in a close contest.
4. Home-Field Advantage
The long trip to Savannah could affect the Paladins’ tempo and stamina, giving the Raiders an edge in a tight game.
Prediction: Savannah Christian by 4.
The Skinny
Jefferson enters Week 5 unbeaten at 4-0, marking the fourth time in six seasons the Dragons have reached that mark. Averaging 28.2 points per game, Jefferson has leaned on a strong rushing attack, gaining 197.3 yards per game on the ground compared to 79.5 through the air. Max Brown leads the charge with 427 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns, while Eli Primm has added 107 yards and 2 scores. Quarterback Colton Grant has been productive both through the air (275 yards) and on the ground (116 yards), accounting for 6 total touchdowns. Logan Edmunds leads the receiving corps with 12 catches for 192 yards and 2 TDs.
Defensively, Jefferson has been a force, allowing just 6.7 points per game and forcing 12 turnovers. Max Brown anchors the defense with 43 tackles, including 11 for loss, while Darren Pinkard has 4 sacks and 8 tackles for loss. In the secondary, Chance Payne already has 3 interceptions.
North Oconee comes in winners of their last 18 games games and unbeaten in regular-season play since September 2021. The Titans have been explosive offensively, averaging 45.6 points per game and balancing their attack with 186.5 rushing yards and 158.5 passing yards per contest. In his first two games of the season, Quarterback Harrison Faulkner has thrown for 279 yards and 4 touchdowns, while Dallas Dickerson leads the receivers with 141 yards and 2 TDs during that same 2 game stretch. J.T. Doster paces the ground game with 151 rushing yards and 3 scores in the first two games of the year. Defensively, North Oconee has been nearly impenetrable, allowing just 2.3 points per game and recording two shutouts through the first two games.
Keys to the Game
1. Control the Clock
Jefferson will need to rely on Max Brown and the run game to manage time of possession and keep North Oconee’s high-powered offense off the field.
2. Stop the Run
North Oconee has shown a balanced attack. Jefferson’s defensive front must tackle well and clog running lanes to force the Titans into passing downs.
3. Take Care of the Football
Both teams are opportunistic defensively. Limiting turnovers and protecting the ball in key moments will be critical.
4. Big-Play Prevention
North Oconee has explosive playmakers. Jefferson must stay disciplined in coverage to prevent chunk gains and breakaway touchdowns.
Prediction: North Oconee by 10.
The Skinny
Buford continues to prove itself as one of the premier programs in Georgia in 2025, following a statement-making 44-point victory over Class 5A Roswell last week. The Wolves are averaging 42.3 points per game while allowing just 16, showing balance and playmaking in all three phases. Their combination of consistent quarterback play, dynamic skill players, and a ball-hawking secondary has made Buford one of the state’s most dangerous teams.
Quarterback Dayton Raiola has thrown for 511 yards and 7 touchdowns while maintaining composure under pressure. He has a number of weapons at his disposal, including running backs Ty Green and Dylan McCoy, who have combined for 251 yards and 4 scores. Buford’s passing attack is complemented by a playmaking secondary on defense; Green, Joshua Echols, Silas Nuckles, Ryan Tharpe, Brendan Davis, and Jackson Patterson have already recorded 7 interceptions collectively, giving Buford a chance to swing momentum in any game.
Douglas County comes into the matchup smarting from a loss to Class 5A No. 1 Langston Hughes. Despite putting up over 500 yards of total offense, the Tigers fell short, and now face another athletic, well-coached opponent. Mike Johnson, a dual-threat quarterback, has thrown for 529 yards and rushed for 153 yards, accounting for 7 total touchdowns. Aaron Gregory leads the receiving corps with 26 catches for 404 yards, while Zamarcus Lindley anchors the ground game with 297 rushing yards and 2 scores at 4.5 yards per carry. Defensively, Douglas County has allowed 18 points per game and has recorded 7 sacks; Jordan Carter leads the way with 5.
Keys to the Game
1. Quarterback Efficiency
Raiola’s ability to make accurate throws and avoid mistakes is key. Douglas County will try to pressure him and force errors.
2. Ball-Hawking Defense
Buford’s secondary has already tallied 7 interceptions this season. Creating turnovers and flipping field position could be decisive.
3. Control the Line of Scrimmage
Both teams rely on the run to set the tempo. Winning battles at the line will allow for sustained drives and control of the clock.
4. Limit Explosive Plays
Douglas County has big-play potential through Johnson and Gregory. Buford must stay disciplined in coverage and tackle well to prevent game-changing gains.
5. Three-Phase Execution
Buford’s success has come from scoring on offense, making plays on defense, and capitalizing in special teams. Maintaining that balance will be crucial against a talented Tigers team.
Prediction: Buford by 13.
The Skinny
East Paulding closes out their non-region schedule looking to maintain momentum after two dominant wins. The Raiders have outscored opponents 94-23 over their last two games, averaging 41.3 points per contest while allowing 22.6. East Paulding is averaging 217 passing yards and 172 rushing yards per game, making them difficult to defend.
Sophomore quarterback Bode Spence has thrown for 645 yards and 7 touchdowns this season while completing 61% of his passes. Spence has multiple reliable weapons, including Jaylen Prater (14 catches, 201 yards, 2 TDs) and Kirk Anthony Thomas (9 catches, 154 yards, 4 TDs). The ground game has been paced by sophomore back Philante Lumpkin, who has rushed for 271 yards and 5 touchdowns, averaging an impressive 9.3 yards per carry.
Defensively, the Raiders have been solid, allowing 22.6 points per game. They will need to control the line of scrimmage to slow Rome’s passing attack and give the secondary time to cover the Wolves’ talented receiving corps.
Rome enters the matchup off their first win of the season, overcoming a halftime deficit to defeat Toombs County. The Wolves have been explosive through the air, averaging 254.7 passing yards per game compared to just 61.3 rushing yards. Quarterback McPherson has been highly efficient, completing 73.9% of his passes for 682 yards and 7 touchdowns. Rome’s receiving corps is deep and dynamic, led by Jermey Winston (19 catches, 221 yards, 3 TDs), Darnell Collins(10 catches, 146 yards, 2 TDs), and Justin Spivey (10 catches, 174 yards).
This game shapes up as a battle between East Paulding’s balanced offensive attack and Rome’s aerial firepower. The Raiders will rely on controlling the clock with their ground game, while the Wolves will look to strike quickly through the air and stretch the field with their talented receivers. Turnovers, timely stops, and execution in the red zone could ultimately determine the outcome.
Keys to the Game
1. Establish the Run
East Paulding must get Lumpkin going early to control tempo and keep Rome’s passing game off the field.
2. Efficient Quarterback Play
Both Spence and McPherson are dual-threat QBs. Avoiding turnovers and making quick, accurate decisions will be critical.
3. Limit Explosive Plays
Rome’s receiving corps can turn short passes into big gains. East Paulding’s secondary must stay disciplined.
4. Control the Clock
Time of possession will be a major factor. East Paulding’s ability to sustain drives could keep Rome’s offense from finding a rhythm.
Prediction: Rome by 7.