With playof races heating up, Week 8 of the GHSA football season delivers some of the biggest region matchups of the year. Heavyweights like Jefferson, Cartersville, Colquitt County, and Valdosta are all in the spotlight as they look to solidify their postseason positioning. From Bartow County rivalries to South Georgia showdowns, these contests will help shape the stretch run as October begins. Here is Part I of our weekly feature, Eight Greats Around the State:
Jefferson vs. Monroe Area:
Jefferson is anchored by dual-threat standout Max Brown, but must slow Monroe Area’s high-powered ground game, led by Jitt Carr. Both teams emphasize the run, making the battle in the trenches crucial.
Blessed Trinity vs. Kell:
Blessed Trinity looks to continue momentum after snapping a two-game skid, relying on RB Ahmontae Pitts and a strong defensive front. Kell counters with star RB Moonie Gipson and an efficient passing attack from Kaleb Narcisse.
Cass vs. Cartersville:
Cass has been rolling since an opening-week loss, relying on a balanced attack featuring QB Brodie McWhorter and RB Khalil Charles. Cartersville counters with an efficient passing game led by Nate Russell and top target Brady Marchese.
Colquitt County vs. Valdosta:
Colquitt leans heavily on RB Jae Lamar, but faces one of the state’s most explosive rushing attacks in Valdosta, led by Deron Foster and Marquis Fennell. Valdosta’s defense has been stingy and disruptive, forcing turnovers and pressuring the quarterback.
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 Jefferson Dragons got back on track last week with a dominant win over West Hall, but now face one of their biggest challenges of the season as the Monroe Area Purple Hurricanes come to town. Both teams lean on physical ground games and stingy defenses, setting up a classic, old-school Region 8-4A battle.
Jefferson has been powered by two-way star Max Brown, who has been nothing short of indispensable for the Dragons. On offense, Brown leads the team in rushing with 429 yards and 4 touchdowns, giving Jefferson a physical runner who can move the chains. On defense, he’s been just as impactful, racking up a team-high 43 tackles along with 11 tackles for loss — setting the tone for a unit that has allowed just 11.3 points per game. Quarterback Colton Grant has provided balance, throwing for 336 yards and 3 touchdowns, while top receiver Logan Edmunds has hauled in 12 passes for 192 yards and 2 scores. As a unit, the Dragons average 178 rushing yards per game, 75.8 through the air, and 27 points per contest.
Defensively, they’ve been opportunistic, forcing 12 turnovers and notching 9 sacks, with Darren Pinkard leading the charge at 4. Linebackers Jacob Berardinelli and Eli Primm have also been steady forces, each tallying 39 tackles.
Monroe Area, meanwhile, enters riding a two-game winning streak and boasting one of the most explosive rushing attacks in the state. The Canes have already churned out 1,881 rushing yards — an impressive 313.5 per game — while complementing that with 124.5 passing yards per contest. The engine is senior running back Jitt Carr, who has racked up 784 yards and 13 rushing touchdowns while also leading the team in receiving with 269 yards and another score. Dual-threat quarterback Ezra Harrison and runner Cooper Shumate add another 620 yards and 5 touchdowns combined, giving Monroe Area multiple weapons in the backfield. When the Canes do pass, Bryce Bell has been their go-to target with 12 catches, 228 yards, and a team-best 4 receiving scores.
Defensively, Monroe Area is just as dangerous. The Purple Hurricanes have surrendered only 11.3 points per game, posting two shutouts along the way. Linebacker Cortavious Scott has been the heart of the defense with 66 tackles, while Dacian Davis has lived in opposing backfields with 22 tackles for loss. Up front, William Carr has led the pass rush with 5 sacks, part of a unit that has combined for 16 sacks and forced 10 turnovers.
Keys to the Game
Jefferson Dragons
- Limit Jitt Carr: Keep the Purple Hurricanes’ star under 100 yards to force others to carry the load.
- Two-Way Dominance: Max Brown has to make his presence felt on offense, defense, and special teams
- Opportunistic Defense: Continue forcing turnovers (12 on the season) to flip field position.
Monroe Area Purple Hurricanes
- Ride the Hot Hand: Feed Carr early and often, using Harrison and Shumate to keep Jefferson honest.
- Win in the Trenches: Their 16 sacks show defensive line dominance — they must disrupt Jefferson’s rhythm.
- Balanced Attack: When Jefferson stacks the box, Harrison and Bell must connect to stretch the defense.
Expect a physical, low-scoring contest where every possession matters. Both defenses will land punches, but Jefferson’s home-field edge and Max Brown’s all-around impact tilt the game late.
Prediction: Dragons by 7.
The Skinny
The Blessed Trinity Titans snapped their two-game skid in dramatic fashion last week, rallying to beat Savannah Christian and posting their highest point total since the season opener. Now sitting at 4–2, the Titans are averaging 29.5 points per game behind a balanced offensive attack. Through five contests, they’re producing 127.8 yards per game through the air and 159.4 yards per game on the ground.
Running back Ahmontae Pitts has been the workhorse, rushing for 505 yards and 5 touchdowns. Quarterback Ty Page has thrown for 517 yards and 3 scores, helping to keep defenses honest. Defensively, the Titans have been sturdy, giving up just 17.3 points per game. The linebacker duo of brothers DJ and Dawson Jacobs has been the tone-setter, with 33 and 29 tackles respectively, while Bishop Dameron has added 24. DJ Jacobs has also been a force in the pass rush, recording 5 of the team’s 13 sacks through five games.
The Kell Longhorns come in rested after a bye week, hoping to build consistency after splitting their last four contests. The Longhorns boast a dynamic offense that averages 196.8 yards per game through the air and 217.8 on the ground. Quarterback Kaleb Narcisse has been sharp, throwing for 1,033 yards and 11 touchdowns while completing 67.3% of his passes. Donte Grant (26 catches, 299 yards, 2 TDs) and Brayden Rouse (18 receptions, 212 yards) give him reliable targets on the perimeter. On the ground, Moonie Gipson has been outstanding, rushing for 831 yards and 10 touchdowns in just five games.
Defensively, Kell is still looking for consistency. Alex Jean leads the unit with 29 tackles, while Omar Luke has racked up 9 tackles for loss. The Longhorns have 6 sacks and 4 forced turnovers this season, but this week’s matchup will test their ability to slow down a physical Titans offense.
Keys to the Game
Blessed Trinity Titans
- Contain Moonie Gipson: Force Kell to rely more heavily on the passing game.
- Pitts Sets the Tone: Feed Ahmontae Pitts early to control time of possession.
- Defensive Pressure: Keep up the sack production (13 in five games) to disrupt Narcisse’s rhythm.
Kell Longhorns
- Ride the Ground Game: Continue feeding Gipson, but mix in Narcisse’s accuracy to stay balanced.
- Disrupt Pitts: Win first down and force the Titans into long-yardage passing situations.
- Win Turnovers: The Longhorns have just 4 takeaways this year; they’ll need more to tilt the field.
Both teams match up well, and this one should come down to execution in the fourth quarter. Blessed Trinity has the defensive chops to make it close, but Kell’s balance and Gipson’s explosiveness give the Longhorns the edge.
Prediction: Kell by 2.
The Skinny
Friday night in Bartow County will have a championship feel as the Cass Colonels host the Cartersville Purple Hurricanes in what could be the deciding game for the Region 7-5A title. Both teams enter with six-game winning streaks, both are ranked, and both have the look of deep playoff contenders.
Cass has rebounded in impressive fashion after a season-opening loss to LaGrange. The Colonels have averaged 38.8 points per game since then while tightening up on defense, holding opponents to just 16.4 points per contest. Senior quarterback Brodie McWhorter has managed the offense with poise, spreading the ball around while keeping turnovers to a minimum. Still, the true spark has been sophomore running back Khalil Charles, who has exploded for over 650 rushing yards and nine touchdowns in the last four games. Wideout Jahlil Abdullah-Kortey gives Cass a vertical threat, while tight end Chase Tatum has been a steady, chain-moving presence in the passing game.
Defensively, Cass has leaned on speed and physicality, but this will be their toughest test to date. Keeping Cartersville in front and preventing explosive plays will be critical if the Colonels want to pull off the upset.
Cartersville, meanwhile, looks like the well-oiled machine fans have come to expect. The Purple Hurricanes are undefeated, winning every game but one (a three-point victory over Calhoun) by double digits. Junior quarterback Nate Russell has been one of the most efficient passers in the state, throwing for 1,087 yards, 15 touchdowns, and no interceptions while completing 67.8% of his throws. His top target, Brady Marchese, has been a nightmare for defenses, piling up 375 yards and four scores in just four games. On the ground, the Canes churn out 135.7 yards per contest, giving their offense enough balance to keep defenses honest.
Cartersville’s defense has been equally impressive, allowing just 12.6 points per game. Brayden Logan leads the team with 32 total tackles, while sophomore Kaden Kent has added 29. Their ability to generate pressure without over-committing could be the difference in limiting Cass’ running game.
With two red-hot teams colliding, this matchup will come down to execution, ball control, and who can impose their style of play.
Keys to the Game
Cass Colonels
- Control the Clock: Keep Russell and the Cartersville offense on the sideline by feeding Charles and sustaining long drives.
- Take Shots Downfield: McWhorter must connect with Abdullah-Kortey or Tatum to loosen the Cartersville defense and prevent them from stacking the box.
- Win Third Downs: Extending drives on offense and forcing quick stops on defense will be vital to staying in striking distance.
Cartersville Hurricanes
- Lean on Russell’s Accuracy: The QB hasn’t thrown a pick all season — maintaining that efficiency will be key against an opportunistic Cass defense.
- Defensive Gap Control: Containing Charles and preventing explosive runs will force Cass into predictable passing situations.
- Start Fast: A quick lead could take Cass out of its comfort zone and force them to chase points rather than lean on the ground game.
Cass has the balance and momentum to make this a four-quarter battle, especially at home. But Cartersville’s combination of Russell’s precision passing and a disciplined defense gives them the edge down the stretch.
Prediction: Cartersville by 8.
The Skinny
The road doesn’t get any easier for Colquitt County as the Packers welcome the Valdosta Wildcats in another massive Region 1-6A clash. Both programs are among the state’s most storied, and Friday night’s showdown could play a pivotal role in playoff seeding.
Colquitt is coming off a tough loss to Lowndes, managing 264 yards of offense in the setback. The Packers will need to generate similar or better production to keep pace with Valdosta’s explosive attack. Senior running back Jae Lamarcontinues to be the heartbeat of the offense, rushing for 568 yards and 10 touchdowns on the season. Quarterback Cohen Lawson has been steady, throwing for 854 yards and eight scores, with Antwan Lockett serving as his top target (20 receptions, 365 yards, 4 TDs). As a team, the Packers are averaging 152.2 yards per game through the air and 149.8 on the ground, showcasing a balanced attack.
Defensively, Colquitt is allowing 23.5 points per game. The Packers have been aggressive up front with 14 sacks on the year, led by McKenzie Graham and Ty’mhyr Moore (2.5 sacks apiece). Linebacker Brayden Ruis has been a tackling machine with 64 total stops. Still, this unit will face its stiffest challenge yet against a Valdosta offense that has overwhelmed nearly every opponent.
Valdosta enters with confidence after downing Camden County 63-19 last week, piling up 698 yards of offense. The Wildcats are averaging 50 points per game and have scored 63 points twice already this season. Their offensive has been remarkable — 189.7 passing yards and 315.8 rushing yards per contest. The backfield tandem of Deron Foster(776 yards, 15 TDs) and Marquis Fennell (731 yards, 16 TDs) has been virtually unstoppable. At quarterback, Tyrieke Wade and Tripp Perry have split snaps, with Wade completing an astounding 81% of his passes for 564 yards and four touchdowns, while Perry has added 378 yards through the air.
Defensively, Valdosta has been just as dominant, surrendering only 12 points per game. The Wildcats have racked up 21 sacks and forced 10 turnovers. Jevaris Kier leads the charge with seven sacks, while five different Wildcats have recorded interceptions.
Keys to the Game
Colquitt County Packers
- Ride Lamar: Establishing the run with Jae Lamar is crucial to control tempo and keep Foster and Fennell off the field.
- Limit Explosive Plays: The defense must prevent Valdosta’s quick-strike runs and force them into long, methodical drives.
- Spread the Field: Lawson needs to involve multiple receivers to prevent the Wildcats from stacking the box.
Valdosta Wildcats
- Foster + Fennell Show: Stick with the dominant ground game to wear down Colquitt’s defense.
- Quarterback Efficiency: Wade and Perry must continue their near-flawless accuracy to keep the offense balanced.
- Defensive Pressure: Keep Lawson under duress and bottle up Lamar to put Colquitt behind the chains.
Colquitt is battle-tested and tough at home, but Valdosta’s relentless rushing attack and defensive front may be too much.
Prediction: Wildcats by 11.