The football season is kicking off, and I just spent entirely too much time poring over 400 Hudl pages during the last few weeks, so here is our preseason preview for the GHSA. Underneath, we have the top 10 rankings for all 7 classifications, then a private school ranking for 3A-A. After Week 4, we will start an overall top 25 ranking in the state, so be on the lookout.
The rest of the preview includes a ‘favorite’ to win the championship, a ‘darkhorse’ title contender, an ‘underdog’ team that will switch from a losing record to a winner, the classification player of the year, and the championship game result.
Be sure to check out our Preseason All-State teams HERE. That aside, get ready for this football season by exploring this preview. – David
6A
1. Grayson
2. Buford
3. Douglas Co.
4. Carrollton
5. Lowndes
6. Collins Hill
7. North Cobb
8. Camden Co.
9. Colquitt Co.
10. Hillgrove
The Favorite – Grayson
Our ‘darkhorse’ state champion pick in 2024 is now the favorite here in 2025. Grayson returns one of the best defenses in the state of Georgia, headlined by All-State senior linebackers Tyler Atkinson and Anthony Davis. The defense held opponents to just 8 ppg and rallied around the linebackers, which is the most talented position group of any team in Georgia. A good core of hard-hitters surrounds them with SR safety Eric Johnson, SR edge Lawrence Brown Jr, and SR defensive lineman Zaccheus Harris. Grayson’s defense is deep, but they will need players to step up who have less experience than the 2024 title team. Look out for juniors TK Cunningham and Rilee Drew to be impact players on that side of the ball. With more experience, SOPH DL Elijah Tillman at 6’8″ could be an X-factor. Returning on offense is Travis Burgess at QB, who efficiently orchestrated both with his arm, throwing for 2255 yards, and his legs, rushing for 596 yards. Burgess will have a new receiver to target in SR Florida transfer and ECU commit, Dawson Quarterman, and a familiar corps showcasing SR high-point artist Jonathan Stafford. JR RB Ashton Turner should get the meat of the carries, and will be running behind an extremely athletic offensive line, headlined by JR’s KD Jones and Jordan Agbanoma. Final thought: Grayson earns the right to be the favorite. Coach Bryant has put together a terrific staff. They went 14-1 and returned so much talent, but they lack experience, especially on the lines of scrimmage. You could argue that last year’s team was better, but has the rest of 6A even caught up for that to matter? We shall see.
The Darkhorse – Carrollton
Has the rest of the state forgotten about the 6A runner-ups? Although some might question Carrollton as a ‘darkhorse’, you certainly do not hear the same level of hype in the post-Juju Lewis era. Good news, Carrollton still has head coach Joey King (118-10 career W/L) and staff, the best offensive line in the state, and a group of talented seniors hungry for a 6A championship. Preseason All-State SR receivers Peyton Zackary and Ryan Mosley will be actively attacking defensive secondaries. Transfer Mason Holtzclaw moves into the state, and he will be splitting snaps with freshman phenom CJ Cyphers, who already holds double-digit FBS offers. Senior back Cameron Wood dons the proverbial #0, and this will be his year to shine, although Zachary might see some reps in the backfield, too. As mentioned, the entire offense plays behind a talented OL headlined by All-State SR Zykie Helton, SR Beau Ball, SR MaTeo Wells, and SOPH standout Kweli Fielder. On defense, SR LB CJ Gamble will be the heart of the defense, and All-State SR CB Dorian Barney is among the best lockdown defenders in the state, and has already made All-State 2x. SR LB Kadan Spratling is a hard-hitter with versatility. SR DL Mason McLendon transfers over from River Ridge, and his energy plus size will be an upgrade. Several more underclassmen will need to take a jump on defense, but this group should be very physical. Final thought: The talent level and size on this team are among the best in Georgia, and with an excellent coaching staff on hand, they could easily be hoisting up the 6A trophy in 2025. Plus, the past two darkhorse picks in the highest classification were Grayson in 2024 and Milton in 2023. Can we get a hat trick and go 3/3? The Carrollton faithful hope so.
The Underdog – Duluth
Back in 2023, we picked Duluth as an underdog to make the GHSA playoffs, and they did exactly that, for the first time since 1999. GHSF Daily thought it was a shocker, but that’s what we do here. Find underrated programs and players. Duluth heads into the season going 4-6 the previous year. They lost their starting QB, who transferred over to Cambridge, but brought along their own transfer in JR Shamar Banner by way of Collins Hill. If that sentence left you dizzy, welcome to GHSA football in 2025, where Instagram pages are dedicated to transfer news. All-State SR athlete Peyton Dyer is gone from the program to Don Bosco Prep (credit to Matt Stewart for finding that out). Talented JR OL Bryson Hurt left for Gainesville. This doesn’t sound too promising, but coach Cam Jones has done a great job with the program, and they have depth to make another playoff push. 6’3″ SR Landon Edmondson is going into this season looking to make a statement at WR and FS. The aforementioned Banner will add a running element that will open up the Duluth playbook to another level. SR LB Jalen Alexander’s physicality sets the tone for the defense. Final thought: A dual-threat QB, a savvy playcaller in coach Jones, and a physical group of athletes should find their way through region play and a GHSA playoff birth.
Player of the Year – Deuce Geralds, Collins Hill
Championship Game – Grayson 35 – 28 Douglas Co.
5A
1. Hughes
2. Thomas Co. Central
3. Gainesville
4. Milton
5. Sequoyah
6. Brunswick
7. Sprayberry
8. Lee Co.
9. Roswell
10. Rome
The Favorite – Hughes
Last year’s 5A runner-ups lost head coach Daniel ‘Boone’ Williams after a historic run for the program. He led the Panthers to a state title in 2022 and appearances in three of the last four years. New head coach Andrico Hines, who has 5 career wins in two seasons at Berkmar, will have his work cut out. That said, Hughes’ offense is stacked. The backfield is headlined by All-State and preseason Player of the Year Darnell Kelly, who transfers in after two successful seasons at Peachtree Ridge. SR RBs Qwantavius Wiggins and Carsyn Baker both ran for over 1k yards in 2024 and provide Hughes the best RB tandem in the state. North Clayton JR transfer Kelsey Adams was a preseason All-State selection on the OL. SR WR Jamarion McKinney is another preseason All-State selection who transferred in from Dutchtown. Watch out for fellow SR WRs Cannon Kirskey and Jayden Williams, both are long receivers set for a great season. SR TE Xavier Tiller is a big-time receiver, and fellow SR TE Chase Golson is an excellent blocker. The two give Hughes a lot of variability in their formations. Defensively, there are bigger questions for Hughes. SR AJi Griggs looks prime to have an All-State caliber season and is extremely under the radar. JR Quadir Moses is poised to take the next step at LB. SR Jaylen White transfers over from Mays, and was their best lineman in 2024. Final thought: This team does not lack talent nor size, but will the experience develop quickly on the field for another state title run? Simple answer: Yes.
The Darkhorse – Brunswick
Coach Grady has gone 27-7 during his 3-year tenure at Brunswick, and this is undoubtedly his most talented bunch. Headlined by SR TE Heze Kent, who quite literally towers over the competition at 6’7″ and 265 lbs. His size is an advantage on offense, but turn to the playoffs, he will equally impact their defense going both ways. SR QB Grant Moore is a steady decision-maker who threw for 2525 yards and completed 67% of his passes with elite efficiency, posting a 137.9 QBR. They have thunder and two flashes of lightning in the backfield with 6′ 215 lbs. SR RB MyKal Ellis and JR speedsters Nigel Gardner and Josiah Gibbons. SR blocker Chase Richardson was a preseason All-State selection, and 6’7″ SR Kasi’yah Charlton is among the biggest in 5A. JR Chozen Owens will be tough to block on the defensive line. SR two-way player Aviyon Addison is set for a great senior year after an impressive offseason. Final thought: 5A is wide open this year, and you can see that in the composite rankings across the media. Brunswick has a good mixture of offensive talent, defenders ready to take a jump, and a legit X-factor in Heze Kent. Winning a state title is more likely than people realize.
The Underdog – Kennesaw Mountain
The last few seasons have been abysmal for Kennesaw Mountain, winning just 3 total games in 2023 and 2024, but that trend is about to be bucked. SOPH QB Chris Miller took his lumps freshman year, but the 6’3″ passer has a lot of talent and a year of experience under his belt. Two-way WR/S Dylan Green is a 6’3″ standout who can go up and attack the football. SR Trevor Williams is a 6’4″, 250 lbs. DL ready to take a jump, and SOPH edge Kamari Butler will have an elite impact getting into the backfield. Keep an eye on Kell JR transfer Eric Darden III; he might just play everywhere for Kennesaw Mountain. Final thought: Coach Carmean won a region title in 2021 and navigated the program through the best two-year stretch in school history, so he’s no stranger to success and will turn this young group into a winner in 2025.
Player of the Year – Darnell Kelly, Hughes
Championship Game – Hughes 49 – 28 Thomas Co. Central
4A
1. North Oconee
2. Benedictine
3. Marist
4. Creekside
5. Kell
6. Blessed Trinity
7. Cartersville
8. Central-Carrollton
9. Jonesboro
10. Cambridge
The Favorite – North Oconee
North Oconee is set to repeat as state champions in 2025. They return All-State QB and Georgia Southern commit Harrison Faulkner for his senior year. The uber-efficient passer threw for 3230 yards and 38 touchdowns while also rushing for 733 yards. His offensive IQ and ability to throw off platform and out of the pocket keep defenses off balance. SR two-way player Khamari Brooks is a special athlete who is spectacular at tight end and various spots on defense. Dallas Dickerson will step into the premier receiver spot, and with his elite speed, he should be set for an All-State season. SR WR Braxton Goolsby is a lightning-quick target, too. SR blockers Kingston McCants and Nate Hiers are ready to pave the way for this potent offense. Coupled with the efficient offense is the best defense in 4A. SR LB Luke Burnett is a hard-hitting leader of the defense and is ready for an All-State caliber season. The whole unit swarms and pursues the ball carrier better than anyone else in the classification, and you often see gang tackles on film. SR defender Maddox Brice is tough getting off blocks and keeps an eye out for JR FS Harrison Luke, who shows elite speed and defensive instincts. JR DL Mack Collins is physical at the point of attack and ready for a big season. Final thought: Aurandt has overhauled the North Oconee program in his 8 years, going from one win in 2017 to now four straight region titles, capped off with a 2024 state title. Most of his top playmakers return, including the two most impactful players in 4A in Faulkner and Brooks, so it’s hard to see the program fall short of another title.
The Darkhorse – Kell
Kell has more P4 talent than any other program in 4A this year, so despite going 7-5 in 2024, there seems to be raised expectations for coach Bobby May and staff. SR QB Kaleb Narcisse returns for his 2nd year starting, and has a bevy of talented playmakers to target. SR Tenn commit Jowell Combay transfers in from Harrison and looks ready to be an elite two-way player at WR and DB. Another big receiving target will be SR GT commit Nathan Agyemang, who transfers from North Paulding. But the real headline of the offense is All-State running back Moonie Gipson, who ran just short of 2k yards his sophomore year and looks ready for an even better junior campaign. His RB coach, Jon Dwyer, better watch out; his school rushing records are in jeopardy. The offensive line is primed for a great season with JR Caleb Wise, SR Chase Lewandowski, SR Kayden Jacobo, and SR David Ornelas paving the way. They all have D1 caliber size. On defense, All-Staters Brayden Rouse and Jalen Williams are dynamic SRs at LB and DB, respectively. SR DL Alex Jean carries the torch of tough interior defenders for the Longhorns. Final thought: Kell is probably the trendy pick to win 4A among the media. They have a lot of talented seniors and perhaps the best offensive weapon in 4A in Moonie Gipson. The talent is there on defense, and execution on that side of the ball might be the biggest deciding factor for a state title run.
The Underdog – Lithonia
Year 1 under head coach Kevin Barnes saw an immediate uplift in results. The program had combined for 1 win in 2022 and 2023 but amassed 6 in 2024. They fell just short of making the GHSA playoffs, but there is a lot of talent surrounding the program. The biggest factor will be South Gwinnett transfer Xavier ‘Deuce’ Butler. The playmaker is absurdly quick and will impact the offense greatly, whether he is taking direct snaps or lining up at various skill positions. With QB Jamon Coggins back for his SR year, the offense should be humming. SR Stephenson transfer Will Chaney will make an impact at WR and FS. Northeast SR transfer Jared Cooper will be key starting at LT on the OL. FSU commit and SR DL Tico Crittendon is an explosive run-stopper who is set for an All-State season. The linemen on Lithonia are among the best in 4A. Jamari Davis and Noah Jackson are big SRs who equally control the line of scrimmage. SOPH Jamonei Edwards stands 6’4″, 285 lbs., and is set to take a big jump. Final thought: Football games are won on the line of scrimmage, and very few teams will be able to stack up against Lithonia. Couple that with dynamic transfers in Xavier Butler and Will Chaney, and you have a program set to surprise everyone with the first playoff birth since 2021.
Player of the Year – Harrison Faulkner, North Oconee
Championship Game – Benedictine 28 – 24 North Oconee
3A
1. Sandy Creek
2. Calhoun
3. Stephenson
4. Peach Co.
5. Oconee Co.
6. Jefferson
7. Jenkins
8. Monroe Area
9. LaGrange
10. West Laurens
The Favorite – Sandy Creek
After winning a region championship in 2024, Sandy Creek aims to be the front-runner in 3A this year. Our preseason 3A Player of the Year is star back Amari Latimer, who committed to Wisconsin earlier this summer. Latimer’s impact is not limited to offense, but also defense, where he should be an equal force during the playoffs. JR QB Caleb Hill was excellent last year, throwing for 2335 yards with 33 touchdowns and just four interceptions. His development will be critical to this year’s success. All-State JR OL Ryan Moore is an impressive, technically sound blocker, and keep an eye out for SOPH Andrew Hollen. On defense, SR pass rushers JT Austin and Evan Harvey both could eclipse double-digit sacks this season. The defensive secondary, which is the best in 3A, will help create those sacks through great coverage. JR Corey Hadley will impact both sides of the football, and SRs Rod Smith Jr., Dana Greenhow, and Chase Usher are all explosive impact defensive backs. Final thought: This talented group should coalesce into the best team in 3A, especially if the offensive line can gel, providing Latimer a big 2k-yard type of season.
The Darkhorse – Jenkins
This is my 2nd year in a row picking Jenkins as the ‘Darkhorse’ in 3A. They went 9-3 in 2024 and finished 2nd in the region behind private school Calvary Day. The program’s offensive and defensive line is superior to most in 3A and should create advantages. SR QB Demetrius Holloway will be starting his 3rd year under center and is set for a deep playoff push. SR slot back Dominiquee Johnson is set for an outstanding season and is among the most underrated players in 3A. The offensive line showcases All-State SR Cam’Ron Thompson, SR Jasaiayah Boatright, SR Ahmontae Crawford, and SR Bryson Foster – the average weight being well over 300 lbs. SR LB Aujshawn Izzard is an extremely versatile defender, and SR Shaun Lee plays with impactful hands on the defensive line. An emerging prospect is 6’3″ JR DT Alexander Harris. Final thought: Jenkins always has elite speed, they play a tough schedule each year (kicking off against Lowndes), and they always have emerging players go from virtually no film to Region Athlete of the Year. Their offensive line is huge with legit D1 talent, headlined by Thompson, and SR Demetrius Holloway effectively executing the offense.
The Underdog – Troup Co.
Tanner Glisson and staff have been at Troup County for 10 years. The high-profile offenses have shown variability in execution, going from pass-heavy to now ground and pound, but one aspect is for sure: Troup County always has FBS talent. They went 5-5 last year, just falling short of making the playoffs. SR QB Garrison Edwards returns, where his dynamic legs, coupled with his savvy decision-making through the air, should revitalize the offense. JR RB Javarris Warner has been blowing up with P4 offers this offseason, and the 5’10” back’s breakaway speed might put him in line for All-State honors by season’s end. SR WR Desmon Cunningham has great hands and is very under the radar for now. SOPH OL Tavian Edwards, SR Wade England, SR Gavin Laney, and JR Jaylen Cannon are a solid group and should have their way with most defenses. Troup has one of the best specialists in the state, with JR McCarty Harrelson. He is a real weapon. Final thought: Troup County needs defenders to step up, but the offense should control the time of possession in tough matchups, while running away against inferior opponents, so a GHSA playoff birth seems likely. You wouldn’t want to play this team in the first round of the playoffs.
Player of the Year – Amari Latimer
Championship Game – Sandy Creek 24 – 21 Stephenson
2A
1. Carver-Columbus
2. Morgan Co.
3. Callaway
4. Thomson
5. Burke Co.
6. Hapeville Charter
7. Appling Co.
8. Crisp Co.
9. Carver-Atlanta
10. Rockmart
The Favorite – Carver-Columbus
After winning the 2A title 52-14 over Burker County, Carver-Columbus returns as the proverbial favorite in 2A. Jarvis Jones is the new head coach after Dr. Pierre Coffey announced his retirement to become the Principal at Stewart County. The program will not miss a beat. Matthew Mungin III was a touchdown machine last season and had virtually had no turnovers. His hyper-efficiency allows his playmakers to do what they do best. All-State SR WR Kei’Mauri Miles is one of the best route runners in his class, and SR Jamarcus Davis can flat out fly. Carver-Columbus has the best RB duo in 2A with SRs Jaokbe Caslin and Kelston Tarver. Both backs ran for over 1k yards and have been training hard this offseason. The offensive line is dominant with All-Staters Terrance Warren III (JR) and Parker Pritchett (SR), plus SR Zamar McGee. Preseason All-State edge Tristian Givins is one of the best pass rushers in the state. Miss State commit Antavius Watts is another Preseason All-State pick at DB. With several key defenders now graduated, Carver will be looking for guys to step up. NicQuayvion Simmons is an All-Region transfer from Chattahoochee Co. set to make an impact. He will play alongside SOPH Kingston Brown on the defensive line, where the two should create havoc. Final thought: Carver-Columbus is just way more talented than the rest of 2A. While they lost some key players, especially on defense, they should still run away with the title.
The Darkhorse – Thomson
The early 2020s taught a valuable lesson: you don’t want to underestimate a Michael Youngblood-coached team. They won 3 region titles, including a 2A championship in 2022. With the program scoring over 500 points the last three seasons in a row, offense has never been a problem, and that will be the case again in 2025. SR Markevion Jones will be navigating the offense and spreading the football to playmakers like JR Zay Brinson and SR Jaris Sinkfield, who can take a small screen pass or handoff into an explosive touchdown. JR back Noah Merrieweather has transferred over from Warren County, and the electric runner will be tough to stop in space. Expect Merrieweather to run well over 1k yards. JR’s OL Wyatt Skvarca and Jayden Hunt are powerful run blockers. Preseason All-State SR DB Kennedi Bailey had 5 interceptions last year and committed to Liberty. Sinkfield will also have an impact as a DB. Look out for SR DL James Marshall, the 6’4″, 240 lbs. defender will make a difference up the middle. JR Aiden Robertson is a big-hitter who should have D1 interest. Final Thought: Thomson has some electricity to this squad, and the running attack should be nearly unstoppable. Those big runs land like haymakers to the opposition and have become a hallmark of the program, but it’s the toughness instilled by coach Youngblood that makes them a serious threat to win the 2A title.
The Underdog – Miller Grove
Head coach Melvin Brown enters his 5th season at Miller Grove, making the GHSA playoffs four of those seasons. The program seems to be on the precipice of a breakout season. SR QB Thomas Winston returns with a chip on his shoulder, ready to prove he is an All-State caliber passer. Tremayne Beliard is a SR Morrow transfer with excellent hands, already building a good connection with Winston, and SR WR Omari Hollis is a mismatch at 6’2″. The OL is headlined by South Atlanta transfer Keeshaun Williamson, who could be in store for an All-State caliber season. SR LB Jaden Bowden is among the best in the county and is the heartbeat of the defense. JR Chandler Martez Adams is set for a strong season on the DL. Final thought: Miller Grove is not short on talent, and with coach Brown fully into his tenure, the physicality that he preaches should be embedded into the program.
Player of the Year – Terrious Favors, Carver-Atlanta
Championship Game – Carver-Columbus 56 – 21 Thomson
DI
1. Toombs Co.
2. Northeast
3. Thomasville
4. Dublin
5. Dodge Co.
6. Heard Co.
7. Worth Co.
8. Fitzgerald
9. Swainsboro
10. Rabun Co.
The Favorite – Toombs Co.
The 2024 state champs are set for another in 2025. The Buddy Martin-led Bulldogs went 13-1 last year, even beating 5A Rome on the road 33-29, and their lone loss was to Savannah Christian. This year, they return to form with the best defense in Class A DI. Preseason All-State SR Hayden Roy and JR Alex Scott are among the best at their positions in Georgia. The defensive line is dominant with SOPH Jamarcus Johnson and JR Nicholas Frazier both looking to be elite P4 talents. You have to love the way JR DL Hayden Bullard plays the game. Offensively, Toombs County’s success will be trickier. JR QB Joseph Owens will be starting for the first time, but he appears confident in the preseason throwing the football. Look out for SR WR Justice Wilds to take a step forward, and preseason All-State SR WR Gavin Fletcher is set for big-time numbers. SR Justin Powell is a two-way player who could be leaned on more to carry the football, while JR Donterrius Mincey will be building off a season with almost 700 all-purpose yards. Final thought: Losing QB TJ Stanley and ATH LaGonza Hayward to graduation would set back most teams, but the deep talent at Toombs County, especially on the defensive side of the ball, will overwhelm opposing teams. They might take a step back on offense, but a giant leap forward on defense.
The Darkhorse – Heard Co.
Last year’s ‘underdog’ team exceeded expectations, going from 4-7 to 9-3, and winning the first region title since 2018. The Shane Lasseter program returns the core of the roster from last fall, including do-it-all passer Ethan Tisdale. With a long-running gait, Tisdale is among the best runners in the whole classification. In 2024, he totaled 1364 rushing yards and was equally potent passing for 1965 yards. JR WRs Buc Cofield and Zaiden Moreland each were his favorite targets. SR Antonio Heath is a powerful two-way player lining up at RB and LB. All-State SR Max Lasseter is a standout on the defensive line, but also the state’s top FB prospect. SR DB Andrew Tinker was among the classification leaders with 5 interceptions in 2024 and could be All-State by season’s end. SR DT Jaxon White is tough at the point of attack and always finds himself around the football. Keep an eye out for his freshman brother, Tatum White, who stands 6’4,” 290 lbs. Final thought: Heard County is probably a year away from seriously competing for a state title, but they continue to exceed my expectations, so why not again? They have a lot of talent, and Tisdale’s versatility throwing and running the football will be tough to stop.
The Underdog – Swainsboro
After winning a combined 36 games the previous three seasons, the 2024 season was a disappointment for Swainsboro. They made the playoffs, but had their first losing season since 2020. The offense fell off for Scott Roberts’ Swainsboro program, and they only mustered 191 points on the season. JR Marco Danford will be starting at QB after a complete offseason adjusting to the role. JR two-way player Ja’Bios Smith is the biggest back in DI, and should be tough to handle. SR Kadorian Benjamin is an All-State OL committed to Georgia State. SR WR/DB LJ Morgan seems fully bought into football this season, and his long 6’2″ basketball frame looks D1 ready. SR DT Aiden Foskey is a 3-year starter and one of the best linemen in DI. JR Christian Tarver is insanely strong and hits with incredible impact. Plus, the word around is the class of ’29 will be a special one with FBS talent, so that group could impact games early. Final thought: No way Swainsboro plays under .500 again this year, so we are buying low, and we expect a deep playoff push once the offense begins to click again.
Player of the Year – Lyndon Worthy, Worth Co.
Championship Game – Toombs Co. 21 – 14 Northeast
DII
1. Bowdon
2. Brooks Co.
3. Clinch Co.
4. Lincoln Co.
5. Metter
6. Irwin Co.
7. ECI
8. Manchester
9. Early Co.
10. Jenkins Co.
The Favorite – Bowdon
Bowdon returns once again to be the Class A DI champions. How many years in a row now? Starting to lose count, but the Georgia HS football historians’ website says 3 in a row, which sounds right. The moment head coach Rich Fendley took over the program, he brought change to the culture, and arguably, no coach in the state has been more successful during that timeframe. SR QB Joshua Hopkins transfers over from Johns Creek and is slotted to be All-State. He will find SR Kaiden Prothro, the elite 6’6″ receiver who catches a touchdown once in every three receptions. The RB situation became less concrete recently, but it wouldn’t surprise to see SR Jonah Wilson grab a lot of carries and potentially earn All-State athlete honors. Pound for pound, Wilson is among the best players in DII. The staff is really excited about JR lineman John Harden and believes the 6’4″, 315 lbs. lineman will have FBS attention. SRs Stewart Powell and Jayse Turner are both large individuals who will allow Bowdon to control the LOS. SR Marcus Harper stands 6’4″ 225 lbs., and should play across the DL. Keep an eye out for sophomore Jett Abrams; he will be a weapon on offense. Final thought: Bowdon is a well-oiled machine at this point. The weight-lifting program is the best in DII, and that shows up on the film, or just getting off the bus. Four state titles in a row, and the beat goes on.
The Darkhorse – Lincoln Co.
After an 11-1 season in 2024, we are excited to see what Lincoln County can do. Most of the impact players are back again, including SR QB Mekhi Wade. The 5’8″ signal-caller is adept at running the offense and can toss the ball out deep downfield. SR Kelby Glaze has legit breakaway speed and looks to be under the radar going into this season with his lone offer from UT-Chattanooga. Jonathan Norman is a slippery runner who also lines up at DB. Christian Elam has dominated the LOS for a few years now and is a preseason All-State selection on the DL. SR DT Jeremiah Wynn and SOPH Kingston Elam have great size and athleticism. The staff is excited about sophomore Aiden Jones, who they believe to be a P4 talent and will impact both sides of the football. Final thought: Lincoln County has been among the best programs in DII the last few years, and this collection of seniors, along with a few X-factor underclassmen, could be what vaults them into the state title game. At that point, anything can happen.
The Underdog – Mt. Zion-Carrollton
After winning 3 games the last two seasons, Mt. Zion is looking to break free into a winning season and playoff birth. The pieces are coming together, and that starts with SR WR Xavier Buckner. The preseason All-State receiver catches everything in his path. JR QB Knox Israel will be playing his 2nd year in a row as the starter. SR DT Brady Denney is coming off a knee injury and looking to make an All-State impact. SR Rashad Montgomery is a talented runner, and SOPH OL Abram Morrow will be paving the way. Look out for dynamic underclassmen to emerge; there are several ready to pop. Final thought: This program is a year away from being a legit playoff contender, but for now, making the playoffs and building that success should be good enough.
Player of the Year – Kaiden Prothro, Bowdon
Championship Game – Lincoln Co. 28 – 21 Bowdon
PRIVATE
1. Hebron Christian
2. Prince Avenue
3. Fellowship Christian
4. Calvary Day
5. Savannah Christian
6. Wesleyan
7. Athens Acd.
8. Darlington
9. Aquinas
10. Holy Innocents’
The Favorite – Hebron Christian
Last year, Hebron Christian went 12-2 and stormed away with the state title, beating Prince Avenue 56-28. They return one of the top RBs in the state with SR Devon Caldwell and dynamic SR playmaker Jarvuris Mathurin. Those two will be the offensive engine with JR QB Michael Kyles transferring in from Grayson. The OL is headed by All-Stater Fletcher Turk, who just earned an offer from Northwestern and should be among the top OT left in this recruiting cycle. On defense, SR Max Steve is a devastating hitter in the secondary and an All-State selection. SR Sian John is a multi-year starter and a dynamite stick on both sides of the ball. SOPH Fred Moses had 5 sacks in 2024 and is set for a big season. JR OL Elijah Morrison is a wide-bodied blocker who should grab FBS attention soon. Final thought: The private division should be heated each week of the season again, but Hebron Christian returns to form for another state title push.
The Darkhorse – Calvary Day
Not enough people are looking down around Savannah, but Calvary Day looks like a state title contender to me. New head coach Jason Cameron has a talented bunch to work with, and that includes JR QB James Mobley. The 5’8″ signal caller has a soft touch and good feel for the game. JR ATH Jalen Hicks is pound-for-pound one of the strongest guys in Private, and SOPH LaVon Owens is tough in the slot. SRs John Swindell and Bryson Terry are excellent blockers with great activity and energy. Emerson Lewis is an All-State DB from the class of ’27, and we suspect Calvary Day will get him more involved with the offense this season. Maybe even play some RB, which is a position they are looking to fill. Final thought: Private is wide open this year with not a ton of star talent, at least compared to 2024, so a strong program like Calvary Day should be poised to seize the moment.
The Underdog – Landmark Christian
Coach Lewis led Landmark Christian to a 7-4 record, which is the best during his 5-year tenure. Lining up at QB is Preseason All-State passer Skylar Hamilton. The Region Athlete of the Year throws a nice football and primarily targets fellow SR JoVan Freeney. They have built some great chemistry that should prove to be potent. SR LB Brady Robinson was one of the classification leaders with 92 tackles and 4 forced fumbles. Keep an eye out for 2027 Chase Brewington and 2028 Noah Brewington; the brothers both stand around 6’6″ and weigh over 200 lbs. now. Final thoughts: Although they made the playoffs, it still feels like most media are underrating this squad. Skylar Hamilton is poised for a special season, and Freeney is a tough guy to stop 1v1. They will surprise their opponents.
Player of the Year – Andrew Beard, Prince Avenue
Championship Game – Prince Avenue 21 – 17 Calvary Day
