Week 8 of the GHSA football season brought a mix of statement wins and subtle shakeups across the state. Several Top-10 matchups delivered high drama, as contenders like Colquitt, Cartersville, and Kell strengthened their playoff resumes, while others—like Cass, Monroe Area, and Burke County—tumbled after tough losses. With region play in full swing, every Friday night result is starting to carry postseason weight, and next week’s slate promises even more clarity in the chase for region titles and playoff seeding.
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)
Class 6A
There was one Top-10 matchup this week as Colquitt County defended home turf and edged Valdosta by a single point. The win pushes the Packers up to No. 7, while the Wildcats drop two spots to No. 8. All other ranked teams in the classification picked up wins on Friday night.
Class 5A
There were no surprises this week as all of the ranked teams held serve. However, things could shake up soon with a major Region 7 showdown on the horizon as Milton hosts Gainesville this coming Friday.
Class 4A
Two Top-10 matchups highlighted the week in Class 4A. Cartersville dominated Cass, keeping the Purple Hurricanes firmly at No. 3, while Cass drops out of the rankings. Meanwhile, Kell outlasted Blessed Trinity in a defensive slugfest. The win vaults Kell back into the Top-10 at No. 9, while Blessed Trinity slides four spots to No. 10.
Class 3A
There was one Top-10 matchup this past week as Jefferson defeated Monroe Area. The loss drops Monroe Area from the rankings, making room for West Laurens, who enters at No. 10 for the first time this season. West Laurens now sits tied for first in region play with Westside Augusta, setting up a potential late-season clash for the region title.
Class 2A
The Thomson Bulldogs downed region rival Burke County by 10 points. That victory propels Thomson into the rankings at No. 9 after being unranked all season. Burke County slides five spots to No. 10. The rest of the rankings remain unchanged. A key matchup to watch this week features Carver-Columbus traveling to face No. 5 Sumter County.
Class A – Division I
Toombs County and Worth County continued to impress, both earning big wins over region opponents. Toombs rolled past Swainsboro by 27, while Worth County edged Thomasville by one. Toombs now sits atop the rankings while Worth County is up to No. 2. Thomasville falls two spots to No. 3 despite the narrow loss. Swainsboro drops two spots to No. 6, and Northeastfalls two to No. 7 after being upset by Bleckley County. Interestingly, despite the win, Bleckley County remains just outside the Top-10.
Class A – Division II
No changes this week in the Class A-Division II rankings. However, there’s plenty of intrigue ahead as Brooks Countyhosts No. 3 Clinch, while Screven County faces a midseason test at home against Metter.
Class 3A – Private
Hebron Christian cruised past Hart County, winning by 44 in a dominant performance. Meanwhile, Holy Innocents’fell to Hapeville Charter, dropping the Bears to No. 7. Greater Atlanta Christian benefits from the shuffle, moving up one spot to No. 6.
