It’s Week-3 of the Georgia High School football season, and believe it or not, we’re already closing in on the quarter mark of the year. While it feels like things just kicked off, teams across the state are quickly learning who they are — and who they’ll need to be once the games really start to count. Most programs remain in their non-region schedules, using these weeks to sharpen their identity, while a few will dive into region play sooner than expected. Here’s Part II of our breakdown of eight intriguing matchups to watch across Georgia this week.
Rome vs. Carrollton
Rome looks to rebound from a Week 1 loss behind dual-threat quarterback Aidan McPherson, who has already accounted for four touchdowns, and a defense led by Jayden Worsham, Greg Evans, and Shauntavious Wofford. Carrollton enters averaging 44.5 points per game with quarterbacks Mason Holtzclaw and C.J. Cypher distributing to playmakers Peyton Zachary, Ryan Mosley, and Cameron Wood. This matchup features Rome’s physical defense against Carrollton’s explosive, balanced offense.
Gilmer vs. Pickens
Gilmer has opened the season 2–0 behind a rushing attack featuring Peyton Chancey, Hunter Britain, and Madden Hopkins, while averaging 42 points per game. Pickens counters with dual-threat QB Hayden Jones, versatile playmaker Ezra Faber, and receiver McCord Purdy. This county rivalry sets up as a contrast in styles between Gilmer’s ground game and Pickens’ balanced attack.
North Hall vs. Cherokee Bluff
North Hall opened its season with an explosive win over Wesleyan, piling up 580 yards of offense behind QB Alex Schlieman and RB Wyatt Tumlin. Cherokee Bluff is 2–0, leaning on its ground game led by Jackson Pirkle and Tony Rushin, while QB Cooper Dean adds balance through the air. Both defenses will be tested in what shapes up as a high-scoring matchup.
Sequoyah vs. Kell
Sequoyah and Kell enter Week 3 coming off dominant wins, with both teams showcasing explosive offenses and stingy defenses. The Chiefs feature quarterback Kolby Martin and running back Will Rajecki, while the Longhorns are led by dual-threat quarterback Kaleb Narcisse and standout back Quinterrius “Moonie” Gipson. This non-region clash should come down to which team can control the line of scrimmage.
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 Rome Wolves return from a bye week following a Week-1 loss to Creekside. In that game, they were held to just 239 total yards by a stingy defense, but dual-threat quarterback Aidan McPherson showed flashes of brilliance, throwing for 199 yards and two touchdowns while adding 89 yards and two scores on the ground. McPherson shared snaps with Braxton Anderson, who completed 4 of 6 passes for 45 yards. Rome’s receiving corps features J.J. Winston, Justin Spivey, and Tylan Spivey, who combined for 10 receptions, 119 yards, and a touchdown. On defense, Jayden Worshamled the team with 14 tackles and an interception, while Greg Evans and Shauntavious Wofford each added seven tackles.
The Carrollton Trojans have been red-hot to start the season, averaging 390 total yards per game with 249.5 through the air and 140.5 on the ground. Carrollton has utilized two quarterbacks effectively: senior Mason Holtzclaw (11-for-17, 168 yards, 1 TD) and freshman C.J. Cypher (19-for-28, 331 yards, 4 TDs). Leading receivers Peyton Zachary (10 receptions, 149 yards, 2 TDs) and Ryan Mosley (6 receptions, 178 yards, 2 TDs) have been reliable targets, while running back Cameron Wood has rushed for 185 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries. Defensively, the Trojans are allowing 19.5 points per game, a mark that could be tested against a mobile quarterback like McPherson.
This matchup shapes up as a classic clash of Rome’s balanced attack and Carrollton’s explosive offense. Rome will need to protect McPherson and rely on their defense to slow the Trojans’ passing game, while Carrollton’s experience and firepower, led by Cypher, Zachary, and Mosley, could be the difference in a back-and-forth contest. Rome has home-field advantage, but Carrollton’s early-season momentum and veteran leadership give them the edge.
Prediction: Carrollton by 10.
The Gilmer Bobcats are off to their best start in three seasons, winning their first two games behind a dominant rushing attack. Peyton Chancey has rushed for 269 yards and 2 touchdowns, Hunter Britain has added 201 yards and 5 touchdowns, and Madden Hopkins has contributed 230 yards and 2 scores. The Bobcats’ ground game has been the engine for an offense averaging 42 points per game while allowing 22, with minimal reliance on the pass so far this season.
The Pickens Dragons are also 2-0, marking the second consecutive year they’ve started the season strong. Quarterback Hayden Jones has completed 24 of 41 passes for 341 yards and 3 touchdowns while also rushing for 125 yards on 11 carries. Running back Ezra Faber leads the team on the ground with 153 yards on 22 carries and has shown versatility, catching 4 passes for 110 yards. Leading receiver McCord Purdy has added 10 receptions for 144 yards. Defensively, Pickens has allowed just 17 points per game, with Landon Poole pacing the unit with 19 tackles in the first two games.
The keys to victory are clear. Pickens will need to start fast and defend the run against Gilmer’s powerful Wing-T attack. For the Bobcats, controlling the ground game and the clock will be essential to keep the Dragons’ offense off the field. Expect a hard-fought battle, but Gilmer’s running game may be the difference in a tightly contested matchup.
Prediction: Gilmer by 4.
The North Hall Trojans opened the season in impressive fashion with a 34-point victory over Wesleyan, putting up a staggering 580 yards of total offense. Junior quarterback Alex Schlieman was efficient, throwing for 220 yards and three touchdowns while spreading the ball to six different receivers. On the ground, Wyatt Tumlin carried the load, rushing for 221 yards on just 10 carries, including a 99-yard touchdown run. The Trojans’ defense was active as well, recording four sacks and forcing three turnovers, with Buddy Clark leading the team with 11 total tackles and Walker Davis contributing eight, including six solo stops.
The Cherokee Bluff Bears have also started the season 2-0 and have leaned heavily on their powerful rushing attack, averaging 211 yards per game on the ground compared to 102 through the air. Running backs Jackson Pirkle (164 yards, 1 TD) and Tony Rushin (104 yards, 2 TDs) have been the backbone of the Bears’ offense, each averaging over six yards per carry. Senior quarterback Cooper Dean has been steady through the air, completing 62.5% of his passes for 202 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception, with top target Malcolm Millsap hauling in eight receptions for 153 yards and two scores. Defensively, Cherokee Bluff has limited opponents to 11.5 points per game and held last week’s opponent to just 97 total yards.
This matchup features two high-powered teams capable of moving the ball on the ground and through the air. Both defenses will be tested, particularly against the running games of Tumlin, Pirkle, and Rushin. Last year, Cherokee Bluff dominated this matchup, but North Hall has shown it is playing at a higher level to start 2025. Expect a back-and-forth contest with plenty of points on the board, but the Trojans’ balanced attack may allow them to edge out a close win on the road.
Prediction: North Hall by 3
Sequoyah enters the week after a commanding win over county rival Cherokee, putting up 55 first-half points with touchdowns from seven different players. Quarterback Kolby Martin (26–9 as a starter) passed for 249 yards and two scores, while running back Will Rajecki rushed for 80 yards and two touchdowns in just one half. Wideouts Jack Ripley (78 yards, 2 TDs) and Maddox Waller have emerged as reliable targets, giving the Chiefs a more balanced offense that is less dependent on Rajecki’s carries. Defensive linemen Matthew Matz and Noah Normile have been disruptive up front, while linebacker Drew Williams has been active in run support. Sequoyah’s defense has forced three special-teams turnovers and hasn’t allowed a touchdown in six straight quarters.
Kell also comes off a shutout win, blanking Alpharetta and building on an offense that has scored 80 points in its first two games. Running back Quinterrius “Moonie” Gipson leads the ground attack, rushing for 194 yards and three total touchdowns in Week 1. Dual-threat quarterback Kaleb Narcisse has completed 67.6% of his passes for 307 yards and six touchdowns while adding 70 rushing yards. Narcisse spreads the ball among multiple playmakers, including UT linebacker commit Brayden Rouse, and receivers Nathan Ageymang, Donte Grant, Brock Burris, and Kamoni Adams. Defensively, Kell has allowed just 21 points this season, showing strength in both the front seven and secondary.
This matchup pits two of the area’s top running backs (Rajecki and Gipson) against each other. Sequoyah’s offensive line will be tested against Kell’s defensive front, while the Chiefs’ defense must limit Gipson’s explosive plays to keep the Longhorns in check. The ability of Martin to continue finding Ripley and Waller could determine whether Sequoyah can keep Kell’s defense honest. Expect a physical game decided by trench play and which offense can establish its rhythm first.While both teams have shown impressive balance, Kell’s depth of proven offensive weapons gives them a slight edge.
Prediction: Kell by 4.