Monday, Dec. 13, 2021
2021 State Championship Games
THURSDAY
Flag Football
A-4A: Southeast Bulloch 20, Portal 0
5A-6A: Dodge Co. 6, Lithia Springs 0
7A: Hillgrove 20, Marietta, 6

Class A Private
Trinity Christ. 55, Prince Avenue 28

Class A Public
Brooks County 56, Irwin County 28
FRIDAY
Class 2A
Fitzgerald 21, Thomasville 7

Class 4A
Benedictine 35, Carver, Col. 28

Class 6A
Buford 21, Hughes 20
SATURDAY
Class 3A
Cedar Grove 56, Carver, Atlanta 26

Class 5A
Warner Robins 38, Calhoun 14

Class 7A
Collins Hill 24, Milton 8
Final stats, provided by West Georgia Sports Information Services, LLC, can be found by clicking here.
Class 7A
Collins Hill 24, Milton 8
Recap: Sam Horn, a Missouri commit, passed for 243 yards, giving him 10,037 for his career, good for eighth all-time in Georgia. Travis Hunter, the state’s No. 1 senior prospect, had 10 catches for 153 yards and tied a state record for career TD receptions. But it was Collins Hill’s defense that controlled the game as the Eagles held Milton to a season-low 203 total yards and didn’t allow Milton in the end zone until Collins Hill was up 24-0 in the fourth quarter. Milton scored on a short drive after Bryce Thornton’s 66-yard kickoff return when the game. Seven Collins Hill players had tackles for losses, and Dion Crawford and Jaylen George had two each. Leading 7-0 at halftime, Collins Hill opened the third quarter with a 50-yard pass from Horn to Hunter. Horn scored on a 6-yard run four plays later for a 14-0 lead. Collins Hill stopped Milton on a fourth-and-2 at the Collins Hill 44 later in the quarter, and eight plays later, Horn threw 6 yards to Hunter for a 21-0 lead with 10:27 left.
 
History: Hunter’s final TD reception was his 46th, all from Horn, a state record for a QB-WR duo. The 46 for a receiver tied the career record set by Rabun County’s Braxton Hicks in 2019. Collins Hill (15-0) became the first team in the highest classification to beat every opponent by 15 or more points since 1971 Valdosta. Milton (13-2) completed its best season since the 2018 state championship.

GAME STATISTICS
 
Milton**********************0****0****0****8**-***8
Collins Hill****************0****7***14****3**-**24
 
Second quarter
C - Spencer Anderson 10 pass from Sam Horn (Isaac Bonacci kick), 4:47
Third quarter
C - Horn 6 run (Bonacci kick), 10:59
C - Travis Hunter 6 pass from Horn (Bonacci kick), 1:13
Fourth quarter
C - Bonacci 26 field goal, 10:27
M - Devin Farrell 1 run (Jack Nickel pass from Farrell), 7:20
 
************************************MHS********CH
First Downs************************ *10********17
Rushes/Yards (Net)*****************41/134*** 21/74
Pass /A/I******************8********7/8/0***22/33/1
Passing Yards (Net)***************** 69*******243
Total Offense***********************203 ******317
Fumbles/Lost*********************** 1/1 ******1/0
Penalties/Yards ********************6/52 *****4/40
Time of Possession ****************27:37305**20:23
Sacks By: No./Yards**************** 1/2*******6/26
 
Rushing: Milton - Jordan McDonald 17-97; Devin Farrell 21-25; LT Overton 2-9; Bryce Thornton 1-3. Collins Hill - Sam Horn 6-35; Ryan Stephens 8-25; Spencer Anderson 5-11; Travis Hunter 1-5; Team 1-(-2).
Passing: Milton - Devin Farrell 7-7-0-69; Jordan McDonald 0-1-0-0. Collins Hill - Sam Horn 22-33-1-243.
Receiving: Milton-Adam Freas 3-50; Debron Gatling 1-15; Jack Nickel 1-4; Bryce Thornton 1-1; Jordan McDonald 1-(-1). Collins Hill - Travis Hunter 10-153; Spencer Anderson 6-60; Cameron Pedro 3-16; Chase Nash 2-8; Jaylen George 1-6.
Class 6A
Buford 21, Hughes 20
Recap: Buford overcame a 14-point first-half deficit, took the lead on Ashton Daniels’ 34-yard pass to Tobi Olawole with 2:55 left and won when Hughes missed a 35-yard field goal on the final play. It was the first field goal that Hughes attempted all season, and it came after the Panthers had driven 62 yards on nine plays. Hughes also missed an extra point on its final touchdown late in the third quarter, leaving the Panthers with a 20-14 lead. Buford began its winning drive with 5:49 left and went 75 yards on eight plays. Daniels converted a third-and-9 with a 16-yard pass to K.J. Bolden. and two plays later, Daniels hit Olawole, who made a diving catch in the end zone. Hughes’ Antonio Daniels, who is committed to Auburn, finished with 157 yards rushing.
 
History: For the third consecutive season, Buford won a championship after trailing in the fourth quarter. Each comeback has included a critical TD pass from Daniels, a senior committed to Stanford. Buford beat Warner Robins 17-14 in 2019 and Lee County 34-31 last year, both in overtime. This victory gave Buford (14-1) its 14th state title, 13th this century and third in a row. Only Valdosta (24) has more state titles in Georgia. Buford became only the 12th team in history to win a GHSA championship after trailing by 14 points, first since Lee County in 2017. Hughes (13-2) completed its most successful campaign, reaching its first final in its 13th season.

GAME STATISTICS
 
Hughes**********************7****7****6****0**-**20
Buford**********************0****7****7****7**-**21

First quarter
H - Armani Tookes 33 pass from Prentiss Noland (Alan Gonzalez kick), 5:09
Second quarter
H - Antonio Martin 5 run (Gonzalez kick), 10:17
B - CJ Clinkscales 3 run (Alejandro Mata kick), 0:04
Third quarter
B - Ashton Daniels 1 run (Mata kick), 4:41
H - Martin 30 run (kick failed), 0:12
Fourth quarter
B - Tobi Olawole 34 pass from Daniels (Mata kick), 2:55
 
*************************************LH*******BHS
First Downs************************ *19********17
Rushes/Yards (Net)*****************37/176*** 29/106
Pass /A/I******************8*******8/13/0***14/20/1
Passing Yards (Net)**************** 114*******179
Total Offense***********************290 ******285
Fumbles/Lost*********************** 1/0 ******0/0
Penalties/Yards ********************5/36 *****5/59
Time of Possession ****************24:43305**23:17
Sacks By: No./Yards**************** 0/0*******3/15
 
Rushing: Hughes - Antonio Martin 24-157; Jamarion Harris 4-11; Prentiss Noland 8-9; Team 1-(-1). Buford - CJ Clinkscales 11-50; Victor Venn 12-46; Eli Parks 1-3; Isaiah Bond 1-3; Dylan Wittke 2-3; Ashton Daniels 2-1.
Passing: Hughes - Prentiss Noland 8-13-0-114. Buford - Ashton Daniels 14-20-1-179.
Receiving: Hughes - Terrance Love 3-26; Jelani Thurman 2-36; Rodney Shelley 2-19; Armani Tookes 1-33. Buford - Isaiah Bond 5-33; KJ Bolden 2-28; Tobi Olawole 1-34; Jake Pope 1-23; Davis Peek 1-22; Jordan Allen 1-19; Ryan McKinnis 1-12; Nate Norys 1-5; Peyton Rinker 1-3.
Class 5A
Warner Robins 38, Calhoun 14
Recap: Fred Perry rushed for 233 yards and two touchdowns and led the Demons in tackles with nine solo stops. Calhoun mishandled snaps to the punter on its first two possessions, and Warner Robins cashed the mistakes for a quick 14-0 lead. On the first miscue, punter Beau Black bobbled the snap, and Warner Robins’ Khebrion Puchoon covered on the Calhoun 18. The Demons scored four plays later on Perry’s 3-yard run. With Black now injured, Calhoun turned to Christopher Lewis, but he also bobbled the snap, then made a frantic attempt to punt it. The kick traveled about a yard into the hands of an oncoming Nathan Sanford, a 280-pound lineman, who returned it 41 yards for a touchdown. Despite the disasters, Calhoun trailed only 17-7 with a minute left in the half, but Warner Robins struck again with a 51-yard TD pass from Christon Lane to Cam Flowers for a 24-7 halftime lead.
 
History: Warner Robins (14-1) defended its state title and became the 10th program in GHSA history to win six championships overall. The victory was Warner Robins’ seventh over a ranked opponent. Calhoun (12-3) finished its best season since its 2017 championship. Calhoun is 4-7 all-time in finals.

GAME STATISTICS
 
Warner Robins**************14***10****0***14**-**38
Calhoun*********************0****7****0****7**-**14
 
First quarter
W - Jafredrick Perry 3 run (Daniel Barber kick), 9:02
W - Nathan Sanford 41 punt return (Barber kick), 5:59
Second quarter
C - Quin Smith 3 pass from Christian Lewis (Sergio Sanchez kick), 11:55
W - Barber 35 field goal, 1:00
W - Cam Flowers 51 pass from Christon Lane (Barber kick), 0:06
Fourth quarter
W - Perry 46 run (Barber kick), 11:03
W - Lane 4 run (Barber kick), 5:54
C - Smith 8 pass from Lewis (Sanchez kick), 4:38
 
*************************************WR*******CHS
First Downs************************ *22********19
Rushes/Yards (Net)*****************42/281*** 34/151
Pass /A/I******************8******15/25/1***14/39/1
Passing Yards (Net)**************** 155*******122
Total Offense***********************436 ******273
Fumbles/Lost*********************** 1/0 ******2/2
Penalties/Yards *******************13/116*****3/12
Time of Possession ****************22:170*5**25:43
Sacks By: No./Yards**************** 2/19******1/8
 
Rushing: Warner Robins - Jafredrick Perry 24-233; Chaz Sturn 12-51; Christon Lane 3-5; William Gunnings 1-(-4); DK Sturn 2-(-4). Calhoun - Gage Leonard 9-83; Caden Williams 15-75; Cole Speer 5-40; Trey Townsend 1-3; Beau Black 1-(-15); Christopher Lewis 1-(-16); Christian Lewis 2-(-19).
Passing: Warner Robins - Christon Lane 14-24-1-157; DK Sturn 1-1-0-(-2). Calhoun-Christian Lewis 14-39-1-122.
Receiving: Warner Robins - Deuce Petty 5-26; Cam Flowers 2-56; Nathan Sanford 2-31; Jafredrick Perry 2-16; Daveon Walker 2-12; DK Sturn 1-4; William Gunnings 1-(-2); Jose Gonzalez 0-12. Calhoun - Quin Smith 5-40; Peyton Law 3-41; Cole Speer 3-38; Cam Curtis 1-4; Gage Leonard 1-1; Caden Williams 1-(-2).
Class 4A
Benedictine 35, Carver (Col.) 28
Recap: Holden Geriner, an Auburn commit, passed for 397 yards and became the ninth quarterback in GHSA finals history to throw four TD passes. They covered 61, 58, 80 and 23 yards. The game’s pivotal moment occurred in the third quarter with Benedictine leading 21-14. Carver’s Jaiden Credle, a 2,000-yard rusher, was running inside Benedictine’s 8-yard line but lost control of the ball. The fumble was recovered by Benedictine’s Michael Smith in the end zone. On the next play, Geriner threw an 80-yard TD pass, hitting a sprinting Kameron Edge in stride about 40 yards downfield, for a 28-14 lead. Carver got back to within 28-22 but never again had the ball with a chance to tie or take the lead. Benedictine took a knee on Carver’s 7 to end the game.
 
History: Benedictine (13-2) won its third state title, adding to those won in 2014 and 2016, all under coach Danny Britt. The Cadets finished on a 13-game winning streak after starting 0-2 against out-of-state opponents. They beat their third straight top-five opponent in the playoffs and fifth top-10 foe overall. Geriner finished with 3,377 yards passing for the season, 7,560 for his career. Carver (13-2) fell short in its attempt at its first state title since 2007.

GAME STATISTICS

Carver (Columbus)***********0***14****0***14**-**28
Benedictine*****************7****7***14****7**-**35

First quarter
B - Justin Thomas 4 run (Asher Sigmon kick), 7:30
Second quarter
C - Cameron Hudson 23 pass from Devin Riles (pass failed), 11:56
B - Thomas 61 pass from Holden Geriner (Sigmon kick), 10:29
C - Jaiden Credle 59 run (Riles run), 5:53
Third quarter
B - Za'Quan Bryan 58 pass from Geriner (Sigmon kick), 8:23
B - Kameron Edge 80 pass from Geriner (Sigmon kick), 0:05
Fourth quarter
C - William Bonilla 13 pass from Riles (Riles run), 7:39
B - Bryan 23 pass from Geriner (Sigmon kick), 5:37
C - Credle 53 run (Riles run), 5:14

************************************CHS********BC
First Downs************************ *22********19
Rushes/Yards (Net)*****************36/237*** 32/68
Pass /A/I******************8******17/28/0***24/30/0
Passing Yards (Net)**************** 230*******397
Total Offense***********************467 ******465
Fumbles/Lost*********************** 3/1 ******1/1
Penalties/Yards ********************8/72 *****6/27
Time of Possession ****************22:34305**25:26
Sacks By: No./Yards**************** 5/16******3/15

Rushing: Carver - Jaiden Credle 20-184; Devin Riles 11-28; Jamari Riley 5-25. Benedictine - Justin Thomas 17-55; Za'Quan Bryan 1-6; Kameron Edge 2-5; Ashley Edwards 3-4; Lamont Mitchell 1-2; Holden Geriner 6-(-1); Team 2-(-3).
Passing: Carver - Devin Riles 17-28-0-230. Benedictine - Holden Geriner 24-30-0-397.
Receiving: Carver - William Bonilla 5-62; Cameron Hudson 3-68; Jaiden Credle 3-42; Jamari Riley 3-30; Gentry Sherman 3-28. Benedictine - Za'Quan Bryan 10-121; Justin Thomas 7-169; Kameron Edge 3-85; Luke Kromenhoek 3-21; Ashley Edwards 1-1.
Class 3A
Cedar Grove 56, Carver (Atlanta) 26
Recap: Jamar Graham tied a GHSA finals record with five TD passes. His third, an 80-yarder to Janiran Bonner, gave Cedar Grove a 21-14 lead 1:40 left in the first half, and the Saints never trailed again. A bigger turning point occurred in the third quarter after Carver drove to the Cedar Grove 22. Bad weather forced a one-hour delay. On the first play back, Cedar Grove’s Camren Jackson forced fumble on a sack, and Quinterio Lawson recovered. Five plays later, Graham hit Trevon Ferrell, who had gotten wide open behind Carver’s secondary, for a 40-yard touchdown, and Cedar Grove led 28-14. Kayin Lee, a junior cornerback committed to Georgia, intercepted two passes and had a team-leading six solo tackles.
 
History: Cedar Grove (11-3) won its fourth state title in six seasons and became the first DeKalb County Schools program to win a fourth championship, breaking away from Lakeside and Avondale, which have three each. Cedar Grove was the only team among three in the finals to win its rematch from the regular season. (Fitzgerald and Irwin County lost.) Graham’s five TD passes tied the finals record set by Valdosta’s Stan Bounds in 1971. Carver (11-2), making its first final since 1967, was stopped short of becoming the first Atlanta city school to win a state championship since 1973 Southwest Atlanta.

GAME STATISTICS
 
Cedar Grove*****************0***21***14***21**-**56
Carver (Atlanta)************6****8****6****6**-**26
 
First quarter
CA - Deandre Buchannon 21 pass from Bryce Bowens (run failed), 8:32
Second quarter
CG - Barry Jackson 30 pass from Jamar Graham (Amari Forte kick), 11:45
CA - Quintavious Lockett 1 run (Bowens run), 10:20
CG - Janiran Bonner 6 pass from Graham (Forte kick), 4:52
CG - Bonner 80 pass from Graham (Forte kick), 1:40
Third quarter
CG - Trevon Ferrell 40 pass from Graham (Forte kick), 5:29
CG - Rashod Dubinion 5 run (Forte kick), 3:42
CA - Jarveous Brown 2 run (run failed), 1:23
Fourth quarter
CG - Dubinion 1 run (Forte kick), 10:07
CA - Lockett 26 run (pass failed), 8:54
CG - Ricky Lee 13 pass from Graham (Forte kick), 3:50
CG - Robert Snell 13 run (Forte kick), 1:57
 
*************************************CG********CA
First Downs************************ *23********26
Rushes/Yards (Net)*****************31/152*** 39/271
Pass /A/I******************8******23/35/1***16/27/3
Passing Yards (Net)**************** 362*******188
Total Offense***********************514 ******459
Fumbles/Lost*********************** 0/0 ******2/1
Penalties/Yards *******************19/152****11/72
Time of Possession ****************24:10305**23:50
Sacks By: No./Yards**************** 3/17******1/5
 
Rushing: Cedar Grove - Rashod Dubinion 20-110; Bo Walker 3-13; Robert Snell 1-13; Demarcus Smith 4-12; Jamar Graham 3-4. Carver - Quintavious Lockett 13-116; Jarveous Brown 13-73; Bryce Bowens 9-42; Shoun Bilal 2-41; Adam Sheely 1-9; Team 1-(-10).
Passing: Cedar Grove - Jamar Graham 23-34-1-362; Elliot Colson 0-1-0-0. Carver - Bryce Bowens 16-26-3-188; Adam Sheely 0-1-0-0.
Receiving: Cedar Grove - Janiran Bonner 8-150; Trevon Ferrell 5-70; Barry Jackson 3-44; Bernard Mack 3-36; Rashod Dubinion 2-33; Bo Walker 1-16; Ricky Lee 1-13. Carver-Atlanta - Deandre Buchannon 6-82; Zyee'k Mender 4-46; Tobia Robinson 3-14; Jarveous Brown 2-36; Quintavious Davis 1-10.
Class 2A
Fitzgerald 21, Thomasville 7
Recap: Fitzgerald took a 21-0 lead by scoring on its first three possessions covering 70, 77 and 71 yards. The drives included 33 rushing plays, with two passing plays, and consumed 19:17 of the 24 minutes of the first half. E.J. Lightsey, a four-star linebacker recruit, scored Fitzgerald’s first touchdown, rushed for 52 yards and had a team-high six solo tackles, leading a defense that held Thomasville to three three-and-out possessions and two other drives that ended quickly on interceptions by Jamar Joseph and Christian Solomon. Thomasville was held to a season-low 51 yards rushing. Fitzgerald’s DeNorris Goodwin rushed for 175 yards and two touchdowns on 30 carries.
 
History: Fitzgerald avenged a regular-season loss and won its first state championship since 1948 after six finals losses, including one to Callaway in 2020. Fitzgerald beat its sixth top-10 opponent this season, fourth in the playoffs. Thomasville was stopped short in its bid for a first state title since 1988.

GAME STATISTICS

Fitzgerald******************7***14****0****0**-**21
Thomasville*****************0****0****7****0**-***7

First quarter
F - EJ Lightsey 2 run (Michael Martinez kick), 5:39
Second quarter
F - DeNorris Goodwin 6 run (Martinez kick), 6:22
F - Goodwin 12 run (Martinez kick), 1:00
Third quarter
T - Cole Shaw 61 pass from Shannen White (Daniel Belvin kick), 4:25

************************************FHS*******THS
First Downs************************ *18********7
Rushes/Yards (Net)*****************61/295*** 19/51
Pass C/A/I*************************1/2/0*****9/18/2
Passing Yards (Net)**************** *10*******110
Total Offense***********************305 ******161
Fumbles/Lost*********************** 1/0 ******0/0
Penalties/Yards ********************3/25 *****2/20
Time of Possession ****************33:23305**14:37
Sacks By: No./Yards**************** 2/6*******0/0

Rushing: Fitzgerald - DeNorris Goodwin 30-175; EJ Lightsey 11-52; Donald Wilcox 7-44; Jakorrian Paulk 7-23; Sultan Cooper 2-6; Sylon Davis 2-2; Laphabion Boone 1-(-3); Team 1-(-4). Thomasville - Ricky Fulton 9-35; Malik Harper 5-11; Shannen White 5-5.
Passing: Fitzgerald - Sultan Cooper 1-2-0-10. Thomasville - Shannen White 9-17-2-110; Team 0-1-0-0.
Receiving: Fitzgerald - Jakorrian Paulk 1-10. Thomasville - DJ Thurman 3-0; Jordan Williams 2-16; Cole Shaw 1-61; Ricky Fulton 1-19; Jayveioun Cody 1-9; Malik Harper 1-5.

Note: To read about Thursday's Class A finals, click here.
Helmet images courtesy of the Georgia High School Helmet Project. To see more, click here.
Class 7A
1. (1) Collins Hill (15-0)
2. (3) Milton (13-2)
3. (4) Mill Creek (11-2)
4. (2) North Cobb (10-2)
5. (9) Walton (9-4)
6. (7) Brookwood (10-3)
7. (NR) Grayson (10-4)
8. (5) Lowndes (10-3)
9. (10) Roswell (10-3)
10. (6) Colquitt County (8-3)
Out: No. 8 Marietta
 
Class 6A
1. (1) Buford (14-1)
2. (3) Hughes (13-2)
3. (2) Lee County (11-2)
4. (7) Carrollton (12-2)
5. (5) Westlake (10-3)
6. (NR) Dacula (9-5)
7. (9) Cambridge (9-2)
8. (NR) Johns Creek (9-4)
9. (NR) Northside-W.R. (9-4)
10. (6) Rome (8-3)
Out: No. 8 Riverwood, No. 10 Creekview
 
Class 5A
1. (4) Warner Robins (14-1)
2. (1) Cartersville (10-1)
3. (6) Calhoun (12-3)
4. (3) Ware County (9-2)
5. (9) Blessed Trinity (9-5)
6. (2) Woodward Acad. (11-1)
7. (5) Creekside (11-3)
8. (7) Coffee (8-3)
9. (8) St. Pius (9-3)
10. (10) Whitewater (11-2)
 
Class 4A
1. (2) Benedictine (13-2)
2. (3) Carver-Columbus (13-2)
3. (1) Marist (10-2)
4. (4) Cedartown (11-2)
5. (5) North Oconee (10-4)
6. (10) Bainbridge (9-4)
7. (7) Perry (11-2)
8. (NR) Dougherty (10-3)
9. (9) Riverdale (9-1-1)
10. (6) Jefferson (9-2)
Out: No. 8 Spalding
 
Class 3A
1. (5) Cedar Grove (12-3)
2. (8) Carver-Atlanta (11-3)
3. (3) Pierce County (11-3)
4. (6) Appling County (12-2)
5. (NR) Crisp County (9-4)
6. (NR) Peach County (8-4)
7. (2) Oconee County (10-2)
8. (1) Monroe Area (11-1)
9. (4) Thomson (11-1)
10. (NR) Burke County (9-3)
Out: No. 7 Sandy Creek, No. 9 Rockmart, No. 10 Cherokee Bluff
 
Class 2A
1. (4) Fitzgerald (13-2)
2. (2) Thomasville (13-2)
3. (1) Rabun County (11-2)
4. (7) Callaway (10-3)
5. (5) Putnam County (12-1)
6. (3) Bleckley County (11-1)
7. (10) Swainsboro (11-3)
8. (8) Northeast (9-4)
9. (6) Haralson County (10-2)
10. (NR) South Atlanta (11-2)
Out: No. 9 Dodge County
 
Class A Private
1. (1) Trinity Christian (14-0)
2. (3) Prince Ave. Christ. (13-2)
3. (5) ELCA (7-7)
4. (4) Fellowship Christ. (12-2)
5. (2) Calvary Day (12-1)
6. (6) Holy Innocents (11-2)
7. (9) First Presbyterian (10-3)
8. (8) Darlington (11-2)
9. (NR) Pacelli (8-3)
10. (7) Wesleyan (8-4)
Out: No. 10 Athens Academy
 
Class A Public
1. (2) Brooks County (12-2)
2. (1) Irwin County (12-3)
3. (4) Metter (13-1)
4. (3) Macon County (11-1)
5. (5) Schley County (10-2)
6. (8) Wilcox County (10-4)
7. (NR) Turner County (6-7)
8. (6) Bowdon (10-2)
9. (NR) Manchester (7-5)
10. (NR) Wash.-Wilkes (9-3)
Out: No. 7 Chattahoochee County, No. 9 Georgia Military, No. 10 ECI
Lauren Render,
Hillgrove
Lauren Render, a senior at Hillgrove, is GHSF Daily’s Flag Football Player of the Week. Render intercepted three passes, returning one for a touchdown, and scored on a pass reception last week in Hillgrove’s 20-6 victory over Marietta in the Class 7A championship game. Render’s 35-yard interception return gave Hillgrove a 7-0 lead, and her TD reception made it 13-0. “Miss Render is the best,” Hillgrove coach Daniel Pinckney told the Marietta Daily Journal. “She is the best flag football player in Georgia hands down, and today she proved it.” The championship was the second in Hillgrove’s history after a 2019 win in girls cross country.
 
GHSF Daily, in partnership with the Atlanta Falcons, recognized nine state players of the week this season. The Falcons will provide a Swag Bag of prizes to the weekly winners. The other eight winners can be found on GHSF Daily’s website by clicking here.
Comeback trail
Buford, which defeated Hughes 21-20 in the Class 6A final, is only the 12th team in GHSA finals history to rally from a 14-point deficit to win. Big comebacks were rare until recently. One reason is more high-powered offenses. Another is class expansion. There were only four classes and four championship games most years until 2000. And teams in the 1950s and ’60s struggled not only to score touchdowns but to make extra points, and the two-point conversion wasn’t allowed until 1969, so 14-point deficits read like death sentences. Here are the 12 teams that have come from 14 down to win.
 
2021 Buford
2017 Lee County
2015 Westminster
2013 Norcross
2013 Griffin
2011 Burke County
1996 Washington County
1992 Valdosta
1989 Mitchell County
1979 Model
1970 Woodward Academy
1952 Calhoun
Warner Robins became the 10th school to win six GHSA football championships. What are the other nine? (Answer Tuesday)
 
Answer to Thursday’s question: Minton Williams won state titles in 1959, 1960 and 1963 at Dublin. He was the first coach in GHSA history to win state titles in his first two seasons as head coach, a feat matched and now surpassed only by Buford’s Bryant Appling, who won a third title in his first three seasons when his Wolves defeated Hughes 21-20 in the Class 6A final Friday. Williams, who passed away in 2005, was a former University of Georgia basketball player but didn't play football in high school or college.

Jostens is the leading provider of yearbooks, caps and gowns, class rings and championship rings and is the Official Championship Ring of the GHSA. Click here to learn more.
Gainesville to hire Hoover's Niblett as head coach
Josh Niblett, who won six state titles at Hoover in Alabama, will be introduced as Gainesville’s coach this morning.
 
Niblett’s record at Hoover is 171-26 over 14 seasons, including 49-8 in the playoffs. Niblett replaced Rush Propst as Hoover’s coach in 2008 and won titles in 2009, 2002, 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017. Hoover was 12-1 this past season. Niblett also coached at Oneonta, leading it to a state title in 2004, and at Oxford. His overall record is 236-58.
 
Gainesville won a state title with Deshaun Watson in 2012 and claimed nine region titles and 11 10-win seasons during coach Bruce Miller’s time there was 2002 to 2017.
 
The Red Elephants have gone 18-25 over the past four seasons, the past two while competing in Class 7A. The 2012 title was won in 5A, and Gainesville was in 3A at the turn of the century. Gainesville is moving back to 6A next season.
 
Colquitt’s Rogers to Thomas Central
Thomas County Central on Friday announced the hiring of Justin Rogers, Colquitt County’s coach the past three seasons.
 
Rogers’ Colquitt teams were 26-7 over three seasons with a region title in 2020. Rogers also coached at Jones County from 2014 to 2018, going 45-15 at a program that had never won 10 games in a season but did twice under him.
 
Thomas Central won five state titles in the 1990s and reached five quarterfinals or better in the next decade, but since 2010, the Yellow Jackets haven’t gotten out of the second round and were 5-6 last season under Ashley Henderson.
 
Thomas Central is moving up two classes to 6A in 2022.
 
Kell hires Westlake’s May
Bobby May, who led Westlake to two region titles in his three seasons, is the new football coach at Kell, the Cobb County school announced Friday.
 
May’s Westlake teams were 27-10 with region titles in 2019 and 2020. Westlake, a south Fulton County school in Class 6A, was 10-3 this past season and lost in the quarterfinals to Carrollton.
 
May had been Westlake’s offensive coordinator when promoted in 2019. May was head coach at Suncoast in Florida and had led it to its best season in 13 years (6-3 record) before coming to Georgia. May also has coached at Palm Beach Lakes and Palm Beach Gardens.
 
Kell is one of Cobb County’s most successful programs but bogged down the past two seasons, losing in the first round each time. The downturn corresponded with the GHSA moving Kell up to Class 6A. Kell will be in Class 5A in 2022.
 
Kell won four region titles and reached one state semifinal between 2010 to 2015 in classes 5A and 4A.
 
Ingram out at Washington County
Washington County has parted ways with Joel Ingram, the fourth-longest tenured coach in Class 2A. Washington County was 131-58-1 in Ingram’s 16 seasons, winning four region titles and reaching state finals in 2013 and 2014.
 
Corky Kell sets 2022 field
The 10-game field for the 2020 Corky Kell Classis is set. Here is the schedule.

Wednesday, Aug. 17 at Johns Creek
Kell vs. Cherokee Bluff, 5:30 p.m.
Johns Creek vs. Parkview, 8:30 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 18 at West Forsyth
North Atlanta vs. North Forsyth, 5:30 p.m.
West Forsyth vs. Archer, 8:30 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 19, at Rome
Cass vs. Kennesaw Mountain, 5:30 p.m.
Rome vs. Creekside, 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 20, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
McEachern vs. North Gwinnett, 10 a.m.
Brookwood vs. Norcross, 1 p.m.
Walton vs. Mill Creek, 4 p.m.
Marietta vs. Grayson, 7 p.m.
All games will be available on PeachtreeTV, the CBS46 app and the NFHS Network.
Please send all-region teams to GHSF Daily at [email protected]. We will publish any team that we receive. GHSF Daily encourages those selecting and providing all-region teams to include each player's year in school. All-region players who are recognized as underclassmen have a better chance of being recruited and getting recognition on preseason all-area or all-state teams in 2022.

The 40 all-region teams that we have published can be found on our website.
 
Region 7-7A
First-team offense
QB - Lonnie Ratliff, Duluth, Sr.
RB - Jacob Davis, Discovery, Jr.
RB - Chase Sellers, Archer, Sr.
WR - D.J. Moore, Archer, Sr.
WR - Rishon Spencer, Duluth, Sr.
WR - Keshaun Singleton, Meadowcreek, Jr.
WR - Nakai Poole, Norcross, Jr.
TE - Lawson Luckie, Norcross, Jr.
TE/H - Sam Cole, Dunwoody, Sr.
TE - Anthony Miller, Duluth, Jr.
OL - Brian Williams, Archer, Jr.
OL - Miada Jones, Norcross, Jr.
OL - Conrad Smith, Dunwoody, Sr.
OL - Andwele Williams, Norcross, Sr.
OL - Sterling Caldwell, Duluth, Sr.
K - Brandon Vigil, Meadowcreek, Sr.
 
First-team defense
DL - Kristopher Cassel, Meadowcreek, Sr.
DL - Champ Thompson, Meadowcreek, So.
DL - Abraham Mukwiza, Archer, Sr.
DL - Tony Nguyen, Duluth, Sr.
DL - Jeremiah Willis, Norcross, Sr.
LB - Jake Bridges, Archer, Sr.
LB - Zakye Barker, Norcross, Sr.
LB - Myles Allen, Norcross, Sr.
LB - Demarco Ward, Duluth, Jr.
LB - Maison James, Meadowcreek, Jr.
DB - Bryghton Peters, Norcross, Sr.
DB - Caleb Wooden, Archer, Sr.
DB - Jonathan Mathis, Norcross, Jr.
DB - Javon Baly, Meadowcreek, So.
DB - Brandon Lane, Berkmar, Sr.
P - Jackson Moore, Dunwoody, Sr.
 
Second-team offense
QB - Isaiah Thomas, Berkmar, Sr.
RB - Christian Williams, Norcross, Sr.
WR - Frank Osario, Archer, Sr.
WR - Danirion Moxey, Meadowcreek, So.
WR - Caylon Washington, Duluth, Sr.
WR - Evan Thomas, Duluth, Sr.
OL - Mecca Edwards, Meadowcreek, Sr.
OL - Jarvis Mark, Duluth, Sr.
OL - Max Zamorano, Duluth, Sr.
OL - Cesar Champac, Berkmar, Jr.
OL - Quentin Pino-Bishop, Norcross, Jr.
K - Axel Iotov, Duluth, Sr.
 
Second-team defense
DL - Quinto Bance, Norcross, Sr.
DL - Ravon Johnson, Meadowcreek, Jr.
DL - Justin Favors, Duluth, Sr.
DL - Randall Dennis, Archer, Sr.
DL - Jarren Shaw, Norcross, Sr.
DL - Terrel Spigner, Meadowcreek, Sr.
LB - Drumekas Banda, Meadowcreek, Sr.
LB - Reginald “Trey” Farris, Duluth, Sr.
LB - Corey Williams, Discovery, Jr.
LB - Jamarcus Astre, Discovery, Sr.
DB - Antonio Carrillo, Berkmar, Sr.
DB - Qui'Sean Mills, Discovery, Sr.
DB - Darryl Walton, Discovery, Jr.
DB - Devin Hunter, Norcross, Jr.
P/K - Drew Duva, Norcross, Jr.
 
Region 4-4A
Player of the year: WR/TE Daequan Wright, Perry, Sr.
Offensive player of the year: RB Micah Welch, Baldwin, So.
Offensive player of the year: RB Nazir Berry, Spalding, Sr.
Defensive player of the year: LB/DE Omarion Knight, Baldwin, Sr.
Defensive player of the year: LB Jathan Willis, West Laurens, Sr.
Athlete of the year: LB/WR Curtis Head, Perry, Sr.
Scholar athlete of the year: Cam Foreman, Rutland, Sr.
Scholar athlete of the year: Price Massey, Perry, Sr.
Coach of the year: Kevin Smith Perry
 
First-team offense
QB - Armar Gordon Jr. , Perry, Jr.
RB - Evan Guyton, West Laurens, Sr.
RB - Jeramiyah Scott, Baldwin, Sr.
RB - Cordarrian Hickman, West Laurens, Sr.
WR - Dakarai Anderson, Perry, So.
WR - Neico Sandifur, Rutland, Jr.
WR - Shatavious Hogan, Baldwin, Jr.
TE - Brant Gibson, Perry, Sr.
OL - Donovan Haslam, Perry, Sr.
OL - Caleb Adams, Westside (Macon), Sr.
OL - Cam Middlebrooks, Spalding, Jr.
OL - Jermon Simmons, Baldwin, Jr.
OL - Keyondre Whisby, Rutland, Sr.
OL - Terry Tobler, West Laurens, Sr.
K - Diego Pedraza, Westside (Macon), Sr.
 
First-team defense
DL - Quintavious Kendrick, Perry, Sr.
DL - Jordan Stubbs, Perry, Sr.
DL - Jaylen Parham, Howard, Sr.
DL - Jy'Sen Bell, Spalding, Sr.
DL - Chase Fambro, Spalding, Sr.
DL - Ty'Quavious Holland, Spalding, So.
LB - Javen Ashe, West Laurens, Sr.
LB - Anthony Johnson, Howard, Sr.
LB - Jared Fuller, Perry, Jr.
LB - Andrew Garnett, Howard, Sr.
LB - Eli Cleveland, Baldwin, Jr.
LB - Dominick Faircloth, Westside (Macon), Jr.
DB - Caleb Wilson, Perry, Jr.
DB - Camerin Marshall, Perry, Jr.
DB - Kirtavious Hightower, Baldwin, Sr.
DB - Dexter Ricks Jr., Baldwin, Sr.
DB - Austin Denson, Westside (Macon), Sr.
DB - Dubois Watson, West Laurens, Sr.
DB - Casson Clark, Perry, Sr.
DB - Senquavious Alsobrooks, Spalding, Sr.
Punter - Bryson Jackson, Spalding, Sr.
 
Second-team offense
QB - Soloman Burney, Baldwin, So.
QB - Joe Braswell, Spalding, Sr.
RB - Perrell Lowe, Perry, Sr.
RB - Demetrious Carter, Perry, Jr.
RB - Micah Welch, Baldwin, Fr.
WR - Jordan Jester, Spalding, Sr.
WR - Jaquae Miller, Spalding, Sr.
WR - Joel Howard, West Laurens, Sr.
TE - Jalen Jones, Rutland, Sr.
OL - Ben Griffin, Spalding, Sr.
OL - Hart Williams, West Laurens, Jr.
OL - Kaleb Dacus, West Laurens, Sr.
OL - Quentin Askin, Perry, So.
OL - Jackson Peurifoy, Spalding, Sr.
OL - Keishawn Smith, Baldwin, Sr.
K - Caden Camp, Perry, Jr.
 
Second-team defense
DL - Terrell Hall, West Laurens, Sr.
DL - Isaiah Austin, West Laurens, Jr.
DL - Khiari Milller, Perry, Sr.
DL - Devin Smoot, Perry, Jr.
DL - Omarion Fraley, Baldwin, So.
DL - Tyrecous Harrison, Baldwin, So.
DL - Joshua Jackson, Rutland Sr.
LB - Caden Snell, West Laurens, Sr.
LB - Christian Krietzer, Rutland, So.
LB - J'Torre Talley, Spalding, So.
LB - Arkevian Hood, Spalding, So.
LB - Casey Soloman, Baldwin, Jr.
LB - Cameron Russel, Howard, Sr.
LB - Jaden Jones, Spalding, Jr.
DB - Christian Boston, West Laurens, Sr.
DB - Ashton Brown, Rutland, Jr.
DB - Kemon Elam, Baldwin, Sr.
DB - Dallas Marshall, Spalding, So.
DB - Trent McCord, Spalding, Jr.
DB - Jaden Brown, Perry, Sr.
DB - Tony Mathis Jr., Howard, So.
 
Honorable mention: QB Jalon Miller, Westside (Macon), Sr.; QB Curtavian Clark, Spalding, So.; RB Jesse Bell, Westside (Macon), So.; RB Dajon James, Howard, Jr.; RB Dwight Terrell, Spalding, Fr.; RB Jacori Brown, Rutland, So.; RB Gerraud Pertillo, Howard, Sr.; WR Tommy Demicco, Perry, Sr.; WR Jaquavious Marshall, Westside (Macon), So.; WR A.J. Wyatt, Spalding, Sr.; WR Ced Evans, Spalding, So.; WR Micah Howard, Howard, Fr.; WR Joshua Vinson, Rutland, So.; WR Hunter Napier, Rutland, So.; TE Jonquavious Russell, Baldwin, Fr.; OL Ja'Quavious Collier, Westside (Macon); OL Decori Elam, Baldwin, So.; OL Ronald Christian, Rutland, Jr.; OL Sam Rodgers, Perry, Sr.; OL Case Poole, Perry, Jr.; OL Justin Lister, Perry, Sr.; OL Jalen Davis, Perry, Jr.; OL Ty Smith, Spalding, So.; OL Davion Foster, Spalding, So.; OL Aiden Andrews, Spalding, Fr.; OL Brandon Horne, West Laurens, Jr.; OL Carlos Sellars, Rutland, Sr.; DL Gabriel Mitchell, Baldwin, Sr.; DL Jordan Jones, Spalding, Sr.; DL Bryce Arnold, Spalding, Sr.; DL Jamari Stone, Perry, Jr.; DL Donjuan McGee, Westside (Macon), Jr.; DL Christian Edwards, Howard, Sr.; LB Ethan Ellington, Howard, So.; LB Joe Ellington, Rutland, Sr.; LB Zy Barham, Spalding, So.; LB Demarie Jordan, Spalding, So.; LB Devarious Russell, Baldwin, Fr.; LB Jordan Spencer, West Laurens, So.; LB Quentin Clark, West Laurens, So.; LB Gavin Williams, Howard, Jr.; LB Jaterian Walker, Perry, Sr.; LB Malachi Ivory, Rutland, Sr.; DB Johnny Williams, West Laurens, So.; DB Ramareon Taylor, Howard, So.; DB Robert Henderson, Spalding, Fr.; DB Trey Wright, Perry, Jr.; DB Ahmad Lee, Perry, Jr.; DB Yauri Celixte, Baldwin, So.; DB Ronald Moore, Spalding, So.; DB T.J. Gasaway, Rutland, Fr.
 
Region 3-3A
Player of the year: CB/RB Marques Johnson, Liberty County, Sr.
Offensive player of the year: QB Khristian Clark, Southeast Bulloch, Sr.
Defensive player of the year: LB Ameer Phillips, Beach, Sr.
Athlete of the year: WR/DB Tyler Griffin, Southeast Bulloch, Sr.
Athlete of the year: Abasi Scott, Windsor Forest, Sr.
Coach of the year: Kirk Warner, Liberty County
 
First-team offense
QB - Keon Edwards, Johnson (Savannah), Sr.
RB - Mike Cabellero, Windsor Forest, Sr.
RB - Amarion Scott, Johnson (Savannah), Jr.
WR - Shamarrie Hugie, Beach, Jr.
WR - Malachi Walker, Groves, Jr.
WR - Ted Hurst, Johnson (Savannah), Sr.
WR - Kerwin Tattnall, Windsor Forest, Sr.
TE - Collin Jackson, Southeast Bulloch, Jr.
OL - Jaden Boone, Johnson (Savannah), Jr.
OL - Malon Petty, Johnson (Savannah), Jr.
OL - Keontrae Williams, Liberty County, Sr.
OL - J.R. Raub, Southeast Bulloch, Sr.
OL - Kyle Knight, Southeast Bulloch, Sr.
OL - Sam Whitley, Windsor Forest, Jr.
 
First-team defense
DL - Jaleeh Kearse, Johnson (Savannah), Sr.
DL - Damion Donaldson, Southeast Bulloch, Jr.
DL - Rasheed Knowles, Windsor Forest, Sr.
DL - Josiah Tate, Savannah, Sr.
DL - Jah'zir Willams, Liberty County?, Jr.
LB - Jontavious Scott, Southeast Bulloch, Jr.
LB - Trayvon Savage, Windsor Forest, Sr.
LB - Jaleel Andrew, Liberty County, Sr.
LB - Jermaine Saxon, Beach, Sr.
LB - Jahmare Generlette, Savannah, Sr.
SS - James Summersett, Liberty County, Jr.
SS - Anthony Cooper, Johnson (Savannah), Jr.
DB - Micheal Ellison Jr., Johnson (Savannah), Jr.
DB - Caz Creasy, Liberty County, Sr.
DB - Enosh McMillan, Southeast Bulloch, Sr.
DB - Jashawn Gibbs, Windsor Forest, Sr.
 
First-team special teams
K - Andrew Slone, Southeast Bulloch, Sr.
P - Cole Snyder, Southeast Bulloch, So.
LS - Dalton Stokes, Southeast Bulloch, Sr.
LS - Jamori Taylor, Johnson (Savannah), Jr.
 
Second-team offense
QB - Carlos Singleton, Liberty County, So.
RB - A.J. Johnson, Southeast Bulloch, Jr.
RB - Tradon McBride, Southeast Bulloch, Sr.
WR - Ron Golden, Liberty County, So.
WR - DaMari Kitchen, Southeast Bulloch, Jr.
WR - Marcellus Larry, Savannah, Sr.
WR - Antwan Bynes, Beach, Sr.
TE - Jermaine Holzendorf, Johnson (Savannah), Sr.
OL - Julian Miller, Groves, So.
OL - Jacari Walker, Johnson (Savannah), Sr.
OL - Maddox Logue, Liberty County, Sr.
OL - Quenton McMillian, Southeast Bulloch, Jr.
OL - Quintez McMillian, Southeast Bulloch, Jr.
OL - Marvin Gaines, Windsor Forest, Sr.
 
Second-team defense
DL - Ronald Polite, Beach, Sr.
DL - James Gerald, Johnson (Savannah), Sr.
DL - Demarai. Booker, Liberty County, Jr.
DL - Donald Hardy, Savannah, Sr.
DL - Terry Mikell, Southeast Bulloch, Jr.
LB - Basheire Blige, Groves, Sr.
LB - Mikaree Stafford, Johnson (Savannah), Jr.
LB - Malachi Grant, Savannah, Fr.
LB - Zach Patterson, Windsor Forest, So.
LB - Mason Diaz, Liberty County, Jr.
SS - Jayden Gordon, Beach, Sr.
SS - Logan Herring, Southeast Bulloch, Sr.
DB - Bryan Wells, Groves, Jr.
DB - Jayden Jones, Johnson (Savannah), Jr.
DB - Corey Wells, Southeast Bulloch, So.
DB - Jaylen Jackson, Windsor Forest, Jr.
 
Honorable mention: Johnson (Savannah) - John Pendergraph, Nolan Bacon, Jahnare Generlette, Ronald Smith, Russell Kapers Jr. Liberty County - Dewayne Allen, Gerald Brewster, Keith Burno, Kyan Parker, Paul Brown, Rozell Foster. Southeast Bulloch - Cleve Hart, Dalton Scott, Kaden Taylor, Kyon Taylor, James Dorsey, Khaleel Polite, Marcellus Larry, Major Fate, JSean Greene, Preston Warren. Windsor Forest - Chris Glover, Donte Dorman, Jordan Scott, Dmitri Mitchell, Raymond McLoud, Ahmad Grovenor, Kendal Carter, Tommy Pinkney, Jordan Williams, Keith Louper, Jeremiah Brown, Tim Bednarczyk. Savannah - Terrance Edwards
 
Region 7-3A
Player of the year: RB Jayquan Smith, Cherokee Bluff, Sr.
Offensive player of the year: QB Zach Holtzclaw, Dawson County, Sr.
Defensive player of the year: LB Jeremiah Telander, North Hall, Jr.
Athlete of the year: WR/DB Darius Cannon, White County, Jr.
Special teams player of the year: K/P Luke Brown, North Hall, Sr.
Lineman of the year: Mateo Guevara, Cherokee Bluff, Sr.
 
First-team offense
QB - Seth Darling, Gilmer, Sr.
QB - Sebastian Irons, Cherokee Bluff, Sr.
RB - Silas Mulligan, White County, Sr.
RB - Kevin Rochester, North Hall, Sr.
RB - Kobe Stonecipher, Gilmer, Sr.
WR - Bryson Cronic, White County, Sr.
WR - Bailey Dameron, Dawson County, Sr.
WR - Max Eubanks, Cherokee Bluff, Jr.
WR - Marlion Jackson, Cherokee Bluff, Sr.
TE - Ryan Graves, Cherokee Bluff, So.
OL - Jacob Benjamin, Cherokee Bluff, Jr.
OL - Austin Copper, North Hall, Sr.
OL - Baker Dyer, North Hall, Sr.
OL - Kevin Haymond, Dawson County, Jr.
OL - Cason Moore, Cherokee Bluff, Sr.
OL - J.D. Trowell, White County, Jr.
 
First-team defense
DL - Cade Adams, Dawson County, Jr.
DL - Zane Hall, North Hall, Sr.
DL - Jarrett Latty, North Hall, Sr.
DL - A.J. Reeves, Lumpkin County, Sr.
DL - Malachi Zellers, White County, Sr.
LB - Tilil Blackwell, West Hall, Sr.
LB - Zion McMullen, White County, Sr.
OLB - Kade Moledor, Dawson County, Jr.
OLB - Brayden Nance, Cherokee Bluff, Sr.
OLB - Connor Free, North Hall, So.
OLB - Nick Sturm, West Hall, Sr.
DB - Jhace Justice, Cherokee Bluff, Jr.
DB - Kenny Nelson, Dawson County, Jr.
DB - Bradford Puryear, North Hall, Sr.
DB - Sam Stribling, Cherokee Bluff, Sr.
DB - Dominic Tarantino, Gilmer, Sr.
DB - Jaden White, West Hall, Sr.
 
First-team special teams
PK - Dominic LeBlanc, Dawson County, So.
P - Colby Harrison, Cherokee Bluff, Sr.
 
Second-team offense
QB - Tripp Nix, White County, Fr.
QB - Cooper Scott, Lumpkin County, Jr.
RB - Conley Dyer, Dawson County, Sr.
RB - Micah Hunter, Cherokee Bluff, Sr.
RB - Brock Titus, Gilmer, Jr.
WR - Cal Faulkner, Lumpkin County, Fr.
WR - Braedon Hubbard, Dawson County, Sr.
WR - Preston Smith, West Hall, Sr.
TE - Andrew Malin, West Hall, Jr.
OL - Tucker Bagley, Lumpkin County, Fr.
OL - Reagan Byrd, West Hall, Sr.
OL - Ethan Couch, West Hall, Jr.
OL - Hershel Defoor, Gilmer, Jr.
OL - Wyatt Ledford, Gilmer, Sr.
OL - Trenton O'Kelly, White County, Jr.
 
Second-team defense
DL - Andrew Adams, Lumpkin County, Sr.
DL - Pedro Artaega, Cherokee Bluff, Sr.
DL - A.J. Moore, Dawson County, Sr.
DL - Tony Olea, Gilmer, Sr.
DL - Cam Simpson, Lumpkin County, Sr.
LB - Austin Atha, North Hall, Sr.
LB - Caleb Baker, West Hall, Sr.
LB - Alex Thorton, White County, Sr.
LB - Will Whalen, Dawson County, Sr.
LB - Matt Bennett, Dawson County, Jr.
LB - Tavion Lawrence, Lumpkin County, Jr.
LB - Blake Reece, Gilmer, So.
DB - Ty Corbin, Cherokee Bluff, So.
DB - Preston Cox, Lumpkin County, So.
DB - Ajay Jones, North Hall, So.
DB - Will Kiker, Gilmer, Jr.
DB - Noah Legault, West Hall, Jr.
DB - Caleb Norrell, Lumpkin County, Jr.
DB - Hunter Watkins, Gilmer, Jr.
 
Second-team special teams
PK - Michael Arbour, Cherokee Bluff, So.
P - Cooper Scott, Lumpkin County, Jr.
GPSA helps students grow in athletics, education and life skills
Georgia Storm Prep Academy, named for owner and head coach Storm Johnson (a former UCF standout and NFL running back), is a pre- and post-graduate football program. The program includes a complete academic program with NCAA approved classes, athletic training and competitions against other Prep programs and JUCOs to gain additional exposure. We will provide the best opportunity for student-athletes to grow and mature within athletics, education, and life skills while in attendance. For information, call 678-346-8144 or contact us via email by clicking here.
 
Fundraise from anywhere with Double Good virtual app
The Double Good virtual app provides an excellent way to stay focused on your team while providing the funds you need to participate at the highest level. Our platform is 100% contactless, and our popcorn ships directly to your supporters. You could have results like these football programs which profited: Eastside - $26,000; East Coweta - $27,000; Milton - $25,000; Westlake - $39,000; and Woodstock - $24,000. For more information or to get started, contact Westlake head coach Robert May via email by clicking here.
 
Let’s build your financial game plan
At Thrivent, we believe everyone deserves a financial plan. But money can seem complicated and life gets busy, especially during football season. I know this first-hand, as a financial advisor who is also blessed to coach high school football in this state. Whether it’s investment guidance, budgeting, life insurance, debt management or retirement planning, I can help. Please reach out with any questions or needs. Have a great season! Contact Andrew Frerking by phone at 404-772-0909, via email by clicking here, or on the web at www.thrivent.com.
 
Register for Southeast, Kicking, Punting and Snapping Competition
Be a part of the Southeast Kicking, Punting and Snapping Competition to be held Dec. 12 at Mount Pisgah Christian School. Participants will compete against other top kickers, snappers and punters and get a chance improve their skills to become an All-State kicker, punter or snapper. Winners will get honored at the Georgia Kicking Punting and Snapping Awards. Each participant will also be placed into our ranking system based on their performance at the competition to assist them with college recruiting. Contact Cedric Oglesby via email by clicking here if you have questions. Click here to register.
 
Exit Strategy Planning - Family Owned Businesses
Are you a business owner considering how you plan to pass down your company to family, sell it, or continue to grow it? If so, we can help. We specialize in financial planning and exit strategy planning for family owned companies. Please contact Casey Bradley via email by clicking here to schedule a call.
 
New sports fiction book geared toward teen athlete readers
Mike Tierney, a former longtime sports editor and writer for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, has drawn from his experiences as a basketball coach in the Decatur school system to write the sports teen fiction book "Perfect To A Fault" about a high school player who goes through an entire season without missing a shot. Mike now coaches at Notre Dame High in the Los Angeles area, where he briefly worked with Ziaire Williams, the No. 10 pick in the NBA draft. Order the book by clicking here.
 
'Nobles Strong' out in paperback
Jon Nelson followed the story of the Irwin County Indians' 2019 season for GPB Sports and the chronicling of the eventual Single-A Champs is now in book form. Head Coach Buddy Nobles was given a cancer diagnosis before the season started. An entire community - on the field and off - united with the Nobles family and the Indians for a season no one touched by the story would ever forget. Order the book by clicking here.
 
McIntosh seeks head football coach
McIntosh High School, located in Peachtree City, Ga., is currently seeking qualified applicants for the position of head varsity football coach. The teaching vacancy is in physical education/health. Interested individuals can apply at www.fcboe.org. In addition, please submit a letter of interest and resume to athletic director Leon Hammond via email by clicking here.
GHSF Daily classified ads
Reach 23,500 readers per day in GHSF Daily’s classified ads. Rates are $50 per week. Ads must be a maximum of 75 words and include a headline and contact information. Click here to contact us.
About Us
Georgia High School Football Daily is a free e-mail newsletter produced and owned by Todd Holcomb and Chip Saye. Holcomb is a former lead high school football writer for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and co-founder of the Georgia High School Football Historians Association. Saye is a 35-year veteran of the newspaper industry who has covered high school sports for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Athens Banner-Herald, Anderson (S.C.) Independent-Mail and Gwinnett Daily News.