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