2023 State Championship Games | |
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MONDAY
Flag Football (A-4A)
SE Bulloch vs. North Oconee, 2 p.m.
Class A Division I
Prince Avenue vs. Swainsboro, 4 p.m.
Class A Division II
Manchester vs. Bowdon, 7 p.m.
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TUESDAY
Flag Football (5A-6A)
Greenbrier vs. Lithia Springs, 11 a.m.
Class 2A
Pierce County vs. Rockmart, 1 p.m.
Class 4A
Stockbridge vs. Perry, 4 p.m.
Class 6A
Woodward vs. Thomas Central, 7 p.m.
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WEDNESDAY
Flag Football (7A)
Pope vs. Allatoona, 11 a.m.
Class 3A
Cedar Grove vs. Sav. Christian, 1 p.m.
Class 5A
Creekside vs. Coffee, 4 p.m.
Class 7A
Walton vs. Milton, 7 p.m.
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Watch The Games: All 11 state championship games will be televised by Georgia Public Broadcasting and can be seen online at gpb.org/sports and the NFHS Network. Live and final stats for the football championship games will be provided by West Georgia Sports Information Services, LLC, and can be found by clicking here. | |
Manchester player found dead Sunday | |
Manchester sophomore football player Brandon Smith was found dead Sunday, a day ahead of his team’s state championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Meriwether Schools confirmed in a letter to families.
“We are heartbroken to hear the news of the tragic and untimely death of one of our student-athletes, Brandon Smith,” stated the letter released jointly by Meriwether Schools superintendent Robert Griffin and Manchester principal Suze Neal.
“Manchester High School’s celebration of playing for the Georgia 1-A State Football Championship has unfortunately turned into something none of us could have fathomed.”
The letter described Smith, a lineman, as “a loyal teammate and friend who excelled on and off the field. He will be deeply missed.”
Smith had been reported missing Saturday. The cause of death has not been confirmed or reported.
According to WRBL-TV in Columbus, the GBI, Manchester Police and the Meriwether County coroner were investigating a scene at 3rd Avenue and 3rd Street, which is downtown, a half mile from the high school.
Manchester’s football team, in its first state championship game since 1997, is scheduled to play Bowdon tonight at 7 in the Class A Division II final.
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Finals return to Mercedes-Benz
Video replay making debut in championship games
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Walton, Coffee, Stockbridge and Perry will try to win their first football state championships this week in Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which is home again to the GHSA finals after a four-season hiatus.
Woodward Academy, Thomas County Central, Rockmart, Swainsboro and Manchester hope to win for the first time in more than 20 years. Prince Avenue Christian and Bowdon will attempt to defend their 2022 championships.
The eight finals will be played today through Wednesday instead of the weekend, which is unusual, and they will feature video replay, which is unprecedented. Replay is a new GHSA allowance designed to avoid the controversy of 2022, when a last-minute winning touchdown stood despite falling a yard short of the goal.
Here’s a closer look at the games, along with the three flag football championships, that will bring the 2023 season to a close.
*Back in the Benz: The finals are being contested in the Atlanta Falcons’ stadium for the first time since 2018. Played the past four years at Georgia State’s open-air and less-expensive Center Parc Stadium, the average attendance was 27,442, peaking last year at 34,653. In 2018 at Mercedes-Benz, the eight championships drew 40,462 when also played during weekdays. Seeing how well they did mid-week, the GHSA gladly settled for that as its only option, as the Benz was booked for the weekend.
*Video review: For the first time in finals history, video review will be available to change on-field calls. Head coaches will be given two challenges per half and get one back on a successful challenge. A press-box official also may initiate a review. Only in championship football games is video review now allowed.
*Newcomers: Perry and Stockbridge are the only first-time finalists, and they’ll play for the Class 4A title Tuesday. Perry is in its 70th season, a record wait for a first-timer. Stockbridge is in its 60th season. Perry and Stockbridge join Walton in 7A and Coffee in 5A as schools that can win their first state championships. Others that haven’t been in a championship game in a long time are Woodward Academy (1980), Manchester (1997) and Thomas County Central (2002). Swainsboro, a 2022 runner-up, hasn’t won since 2000. Rockmart hasn’t won since 1950.
*Defending champions: Class A contenders Prince Avenue Christian of Division I and Bowdon of Division II are the only defending champions in the finals and the only teams ranked No. 1 in the preseason. There are no real longshot finalists this year as all 16 were ranked in preseason.
*How they got here: Most of the 16 semifinals were won decisively, but three depended on fourth-quarter touchdowns. Bowdon’s Kyler McGrinn threw a 35-yard TD pass to Devan Powell with 5:00 left in a 35-31 victory over Schley County. Perry’s Colter Ginn threw a 61-yard TD pass to Kory Pettigrew with 8:46 left in a 28-24 victory over Starr’s Mill. Swainsboro’s Demello Jones scored on a 61-yard run with 7:30 left in a 24-17 victory over Brooks County.
*Top players: Jones, a running back/defensive back committed to Georgia, and Prince Avenue’s Aaron Philo, a quarterback committed to Georgia Tech, are the only AJC Super 11 players whose teams are in it. In fact, only four of the state’s consensus top-50 senior recruits are still playing. The others are tackle Daniel Calhoun (Georgia) and linebacker Wendell Gregory (South Carolina), both of Walton. Several top-50 juniors are playing. Those include the top three: Savannah Christian defensive lineman Elijah Griffin, Schley County linebacker/running back Zayden Walker and Manchester defensive lineman Justus Terry.
*Best game: Walton and Milton, the finalists in the highest classification, have several major Division I prospects, including their quarterbacks, Walton’s Jeremy Hecklinski (Wake Forest) and Milton’s Luke Nickel (Miami), each with about 3,700 yards passing. Walton is in the top 25 of seven national polls, the first Georgia team in each. Milton is ranked top 25 in two. It’s the first final in the highest classification since 1985 that doesn’t include a Gwinnett County or south Georgia team.
*Tidbits and trivia: Philo needs 301 yards to break Trevor Lawrence’s career passing record of 13,902. ... Two quarterbacks have a chance to finish with 2,000 yards both rushing and passing. They are Bowdon’s McGrinn (1,965/1,908) and Pierce County’s Caden McGatha (1,911/1,876). It’s believed that only Troup’s Taeo Todd, in 2022, has achieved that double in Georgia. … Only Walton, Thomas County Central and Coffee are undefeated, each at 14-0. ... Swainsboro is the 12th team in Georgia history to reach the state finals by winning four playoff games away from home. … The Manchester-Bowdon Class A Division II final is a rematch of a regular-season game that Manchester won 21-20. … Cedar Grove seeks to become the fifth team in history, first since 2018 Bainbridge, to win a state title after a 5-5 or worse regular season. … Creekside’s Maurice Dixon is the only head coach in the finals working for his alma mater. … Walton can become the first Cobb County Schools team to win the highest class.
*Flag finals: A flag football championship will serve as the opener each day. The finalists are North Oconee and Southeast Bulloch in A-4A (Monday’s game), Greenbrier and Lithia Springs in 5A-6A (Tuesday) and Allatoona and Pope in 7A (Wednesday). The sport remains one of the GHSA’s fastest-growing. The number of teams in four seasons has grown from 91 to 188 to 223 to now 247. Lithia Springs and Southeast Bulloch are defending champions. Southeast Bulloch is 62-0 all-time.
*TV/radio/stream/tickets: GPB Sports will televise all games. GPB.org and NFHS Network will stream them. 680 The Fan will provide radio coverage. The GHSA encourages fans to buy tickets ($20) online through GoFan Digital. They can be bought by credit card at the gate.
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Class A Division I
Prince Avenue vs. Swainsboro
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When, where: 4 p.m. today, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Records, rankings: Prince Avenue Christian is 13-1, the No. 1 seed from Region 5-A Division I and No. 1; Swainsboro is 12-2, the No. 3 seed from 2-A Division I and No. 8.
Last meeting: Prince Avenue Christian won 52-34 in the 2022 Class A Division I championship game.
Things to know: In the 2022 championship game, Prince Avenue trailed 20-7 in the first half and 27-17 midway in the third quarter but scored touchdowns on five consecutive second-half drives that totaled 356 yards on 20 plays, and Swainsboro couldn't keep pace. Aaron Philo set state-finals records with 477 yards passing and six touchdowns. (Carrollton’s Ju Ju Lewis broke the yards record two days later.) Philo, now a senior committed to Georgia Tech, needs 301 passing yards to break Trevor Lawrence’s career passing record of 13,902. These teams are the most philosophically different offensively of any state finals pair. Prince Avenue is passing for 313.4 yards per game, the most of the 16 finalists. Swainsboro rushes for 301.9 yards per game, the most among the finalists, and passes for only 37.6. Swainsboro is close to having three 1,000-yard rushers – Demello Jones (1,160), Jordon Williams (1,212) and Qin Brown (992). Swainsboro can win its first state title since 2000. Prince Avenue, which began varsity football in 2005, can win its third in four seasons. This private-vs.-public matchup won’t be possible the next two seasons and probably much longer. Prince Avenue is moving to the new Class 3A-A private division for the state playoffs while Swainsboro will stay in Class A Division I, which will be free of private schools in the playoffs.
Maxwell Ratings’ projected score: Prince Avenue Christian 33, Swainsboro 21
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Class A Division II
Manchester vs. Bowdon
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When, where: 7 p.m. today, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Records, rankings: Manchester is 11-2, the No. 2 seed from Region 6-A Division II and No. 2; Bowdon is 12-2, the No. 1 seed from 7-A Division II and No. 5.
Last meeting: Manchester won 21-20 on Aug. 18.
Things to know: This is the 41st state final in GHSA history that is a rematch of a regular-season game. Manchester escaped with a one-point victory against Bowdon in the teams’ season opener. It is also a game that matches the No. 1 offense in Class A Division II (Bowdon averages 43.57 points per game) against the No. 1 defense (Manchester allows just 8.23). Bowdon, the defending state champion, has won 12 consecutive wins since starting the season 0-2 (the Red Devils lost to Central of Carrollton in Week 2). Bowdon’s offense is led by quarterback Kyler McGrinn, who has passed for 1,965 yards and rushed for 1,908 yards, putting him well within reach of 2,000 yards in both categories. It’s believed that Troup’s Taeo Todd is the only player to accomplish that feat when he did it last year, although Pierce County’s Caden McGatha could also join the club when his team plays in the Class 2A final Tuesday. McGrinn has 30 touchdowns rushing and 24 passing. Jordan Beasley has run for 1,335 yards and 17 touchdowns, and Kaiden Prothro has 809 yards and 12 touchdowns receiving. Manchester relies on the running game, getting 87% of its yards on the ground. Qua Cooper has run for 1,042 yards and 10 touchdowns, and Darius Favors has 1,034 yards and 10 touchdowns. Keelan Whitaker ran for 130 yards and two touchdowns on three carries in the Blue Devils’ earlier victory against Bowdon. The Blue Devils have held eight of their 13 opponents to seven points or less with five shutouts, including two in the playoffs. Manchester finished in second place in Region 6 after losing to top-ranked Schley County, which was eliminated from the playoffs by Bowdon in the semifinals.
Maxwell Ratings’ projected score: This game is rated as a toss-up.
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Grace Maddox,
North Oconee
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 |  | Grace Maddox, a senior wide receiver/free safety who helped lead North Oconee into today’s Class A-4A championship game against Southeast Bulloch, is GHSF Daily’s Flag Football Player of the Week. In four playoff victories, Maddox intercepted five passes, broke up 11 passes and scored three touchdowns and an extra point. She has 25 interceptions this season in 17 games. With two minutes remaining in a 13-6 victory over Columbus in the semifinals, Maddox caught a 25-yard pass in the back of the end zone, outjumping two defenders, for the winning touchdown. Maddox is a soccer player committed to Louisville. “Grace is an elite athlete who has grown leaps and bounds in only her second year playing flag football,” North Oconee coach Jay Lasley said. “As a defender in soccer, she uses that feel for how the game is moving and has an uncanny instinct of being where the ball is going before the quarterback throws the ball. As a wide receiver, she has great hands and the ability to create separation with her speed in her routes. On a deep ball you just throw it up and let her go track it down.”
GHSF Daily, in partnership with the Atlanta Falcons, has recognized a Flag Football Player of the Week each Monday leading up to the championship games. The Falcons will provide a “Falcons Care Package” of souvenirs and merchandise to each weekly winner at the end of the season.
|  |  | Here are this week’s championship games with projected margins of victory, courtesy of the Maxwell Ratings. The projected winner is on the left. The projected margin of victory is on the right. The Maxwell computer ratings take into account each team’s historical and current season performance. The projected margins also consider scoring patterns and so may not match the projected margins when using the ratings alone. | |
GHSA
Class 7A
Walton vs Milton -8
Class 6A
Thomas County Central vs Woodward Academy -11
Class 5A
Coffee vs Creekside -6
Class 4A
Stockbridge vs Perry -8
Class 3A
Cedar Grove vs Savannah Christian -7
Class 2A
Pierce County vs Rockmart -1
Class A Division I
Prince Ave. Christian vs Swainsboro -12
Class A Division II
Bowdon vs Manchester 0
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Please send all-region teams to GHSF Daily at ghsfdaily@bellsouth.net. 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 2024.
To see all of the teams that we have received, visit the 2023 All-Region Teams page on our website.
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Region 3-6A
Player of the year: DB Jontavius Wyman, Jonesboro, So.
Offensive player of the year: WR Montez Redding, Jonesboro, Sr.
Defensive player of the year: LB/DB Joshua Ofor, Mundy’s Mill, Sr.
Special teams player of the year: PK Hudson Hanges, Woodward Academy, Sr.
Coach of the year: John Hunt, Woodward Academy
First-team offense
QB - Donovon Morton, Mundy’s Mill, Sr.
RB - Lucas Farrington, Woodward Academy, Jr.
RB - Dralin Gilbert, Lovejoy, Jr.
WR - Ben Grice, Woodward Academy, Sr.
WR - Josiah Abdullah, Woodward Academy, Jr.
WR - Demaron Strong, Mundy’s Mill, Jr.
OL - Kamari Gray, Lovejoy, Sr.
OL - Zion Brown, Mundy's Mill, Jr.
OL - Bradley Smith, Woodward Academy, Sr.
OL - Cedric Johnson, Mundy's Mill, Sr.
OL - Robert Early, Jonesboro, Sr.
First-team defense
DL - Jeremiah Ticket, Jonesboro, Jr.
DL - De’Ontaye Smith, Morrow, So.
DL - London Merritt, Woodward Academy, Jr.
DL - Tyler White, Mundy's Mill, Sr.
LB - Andrew Hines, Woodward Academy, Sr.
LB - Chad Fairchild, Lovejoy, So.
LB - Maddox Geralds, Jonesboro, Jr.
DB - C.J. Heard, Woodward Academy, Sr.
DB - Timothy Sims, Lovejoy, So.
DB - Bernard Lackey, Alcovy, Jr.
DB - Cortez Diggs, Jonesboro, So.
First-team special teams
ATH - Corey Orr, Lovejoy, So.
PK - Leonardo Cabera, Forest Park, Sr.
P - Caleb Carson, Lovejoy, So.
RET - Anthony Eason, Rockdale County, Sr.
Second-team offense
QB - Dashun Gilbert, Lovejoy, So.
RB - Kemoi Burke, Alcovy, Sr.
RB - Donovan McCoy, Jonesboro, Sr.
WR - Matthew Strickland, Mundy's Mill, Sr.
WR - Antonio Floyd, Lovejoy, Sr.
WR - Troy Washington, Lovejoy, Sr.
OL - Jaden Johnson, Lovejoy, So.
OL - Justin Opoku, Rockdale County, Sr.
OL - Myles Hakeem, Woodward Academy, Sr.
OL - Christian Speakman, Morrow, So.
OL - Johnathan Crockett, Alcovy, Jr.
Second-team defense
DL - Antonyio Smith, Lovejoy, Jr.
DL - Aiden Hughes, Woodward Academy, Sr.
DL - Justen Hill, Jonesboro, Sr.
DL - Terryian Gaston, Lovejoy, Jr.
LB - Jeremia Collier, Jonesboro, So.
LB - Trevoris Shelley, Morrow, Sr.
LB - Amarri Irvin, Woodward Academy, Fr.
DB - Antonio Hardrick, Mundy’s Mill, Sr.
DB - Jamar Owens, Jonesboro, So.
DB - Najiib Anderson, Rockdale County, Sr.
DB - Nizhan Feagin, Lovejoy, Jr.
Second-team special teams
ATH - Jerome Bettis, Woodward Academy, Jr.
PK - Folefac Wrightnick, Lovejoy, Fr.
P - Jonah Blum, Woodward Academy, Sr.
RET - Lucious Murray, Jonesboro, So.
Honorable mention: Alcovy - WR Bernard “B.J.” Johnson; DL Camren Newton; DL Cardarius Dowell; OL Gio Wilson; OL Jeremiah Heard; DB Kaeden Booker; DB Lamarion Hammonds; DB Maliq Eubanks; WR Nasir Watson; OL Parker Gassmann; DB Taylor Richardson; DL Tymier Shepherd. Forest Park - OL Aaron Gonzalez; DB Andre Turnipseed; LB D'Coby Bradley; OL Dexter Martin; DL Gemayel Adamn; FB/DL Kamryn Stephens; OL Ralton Wilson. Jonesboro - LB Jaylen McWilson; P Jaylon Cross; DL Keyshawn Murray; DL Myles Wilkes; DL Sureese Peterson; LB Tarrill Hall; DB Christopher Francis; ATH Christian Smith; QB Jamon Jones; WR Mario Presley; RB Isaiah Davis; DB Isiah Osby; WR Benjamin Boyd. Lovejoy - ATH Michael Gilliam III; ATH Ryan Henson; OL Erron Adams; DL Marcus North; LB D’ontae Pace; LB Norman Banner; DB Jaylin Thelemaque. Morrow - QB Khi Mitchell; LB Joshua Walker; FS Jontavius Redding; DT Ethan Perkins; RB Lawrence Hunt; DE/TE Yvens Louis; RB/WR Bryce Bowens; LB Kameron Tolliver; OL Marcus Mosely; WR Tramayne Beliard; CB Chad Rafe; DE Dinari Reid-Falken. Mundy's Mill - WR Jerry Bolton; ATH Jaylen Carolina; ATH Jeremiah Roux; OL Stanley Tolbert; ATH Jordan Bogar; LB Tavarius Clements. Rockdale County - QB Deontae Burtts; OL Nathaniel Williams; OL Melik Matthias; OL Anthony Hudson; DB Justin Brown; DB Gary Borders; LB Ethan Vernon; K/P Legend Williams. Woodward Academy - DB R.J. Harrison; LB Tyree Myrick; DB J.Ellis Hood; DL Christian Bell; OL Johnny Okolo
Region 8-5A
Player of the year: RB/DB Sammy Brown, Jefferson, Sr.
Offensive player of the year: WR Ahmed Souare, Loganville, Jr.
Defensive player of the year: LB Cam Haynes, Flowery Branch, Sr.
Two-way player of the year: RB/DB Jayden Barr, Eastside, Jr.
Coach of the year: Travis Noland, Jefferson
Offense
QB - Josh Oliver, Flowery Branch, Sr.
QB - Brody Hannah, Loganville, So.
QB - Gavin Markey, Jefferson, Jr.
QB - Tony Green, Heritage (Conyers), Sr.
RB - Corey Watkins, Clarke Central, Jr.
RB - M.J. Dowdy, Winder-Barrow, So.
RB - Malik Dryden, Flowery Branch, Sr.
RB - Anquez Cobb, Eastside, Sr.
WR - Jeremiah Ware, Flowery Branch, Jr.
WR - Seth Larson, Flowery Branch, Sr.
WR - Tyler Breedlove, Loganville, Jr.
WR - Jaden Cofer, Clarke Central, Sr.
WR - Dion Dean Jr, Heritage (Conyers), Sr.
WR - Kenyan Glasper, Winder-Barrow, So.
WR - Zay Minish, Jefferson, Sr.
WR - Marion Eubanks, Eastside, Jr.
H/FB/TE - Joseph Barnes, Loganville, Sr.
H/FB/TE - Chris Law, Jefferson, Sr.
H/FB/TE - Ethan Fetterman, Flowery Branch, Sr.
OL - Carter Hayes, Loganville, Jr.
OL - Jake Taylor, Loganville, Sr.
OL - Nick Paul, Clarke Central, Sr.
OL - Muntravic Bankston, Clarke Central, Sr.
OL - Myles Dixon, Heritage (Conyers), Jr.
OL - Mason Woods, Winder-Barrow, Jr.
OL - Aidan Scott, Winder-Barrow, Jr.
OL - Brian Senter, Jefferson, Sr.
OL - Ashley Eckert, Jefferson, Jr.
OL - Ty Oglesby, Jefferson, Jr.
OL - Tagen Brown, Eastside, Jr.
OL - Carlton Belgrave, Eastside, Jr.
Defense
DL - A.J. Lonon, Clarke Central, So.
DL - Kaleb Raines, Loganville, So.
DL - Caden Palmer, Loganville, Fr.
DL - Jacorey Jackson, Eastside, Sr.
DL - Xavier Joseph, Eastside, So.
DL - Kelan Butler, Jefferson, Jr.
DL - Tyrone Allen, Winder-Barrow, Sr.
LB - Frank Perez, Flowery Branch, Sr.
LB - Boulder Barrett, Loganville, Sr.
LB - Brandon Pruitt, Heritage (Conyers), Sr.
LB - Tank Harris, Winder-Barrow, Sr.
LB - Jamarcus Hester, Winder-Barrow, Jr.
LB - Kendrick Curry, Clarke Central, Sr.
LB - Rett Hemphill, Jefferson, Jr.
LB - Christian Gass, Eastside, Jr.
LB - Bailey Benson, Eastside, Jr.
DB - Bartez Gillespie, Clarke Central, Sr.
DB - Jordan Elder, Flowery Branch, Sr.
DB - Ty Akins, Flowery Branch, Sr.
DB - Bryce Genske, Loganville, Jr.
DB - Javon Harrison, Heritage (Conyers), Sr.
DB - A.J. Johnson, Winder-Barrow, Sr.
DB - Ryan McNally, Winder-Barrow, Sr.
DB - Charles B. Smith, Loganville, Sr.
DB - Jaden Butts, Jefferson, Sr.
DB - Marion Eubanks, Eastside, Jr.
Special teams
K - Cooper Evans, Clarke Central, Sr.
P - Chase Butler, Heritage (Conyers), Jr.
P - Tyler Hoff, Eastside, Sr.
RET - Jaylen Jackson, Clarke Central, Sr.
Honorable mention: Clarke Central - LB Alexander Leahy, OL/DL Memphis Huff, TE/DE Jamarion Davis, CB Leon Tate, WR Nehamiah Jones. Eastside - QB Payton Shaw, DB Kalen Stapp, DB Jaquez Cobb, K Jonathan Gomez. Flowery Branch - DB Elijah Kiep, WR Camo Campbell, OL Garrett Harper, OL Tony Mejia. Heritage (Conyers) - WR Justin Rowles, OL Jelias Respress, OL Colton Lowe, OL Isaiah Lonon, RB Myles Mims, DB Justin Hall, LB Bryston Williams. Jefferson - DB Justin Beatty, DB Terry Willis, DB Dashaun Keith, OL Bryant Cox, DL Skyler Zimmerman. Loganville - OL Caleb Dabney, K/P Devin Pugh, OL Henry Simpson, CB Austin Taylor, WR Jamin Marshall, DB Julian Tweedy. Winder-Barrow - RB Xavier McCoy, DL Matt Greiner, LB Cam Gresham, DB Jadaan Cooper.
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Region 3-4A
Player of the year: RB/LB Matt Fuller, Wayne County, Sr.
Co-offensive players of the year: QB Rashawn Truell, New Hampstead, Jr.; and QB Luke Kromenhoek, Benedictine, Sr.
Co-defensive players of the year: LB Brandon Lively, Burke County, Sr.; and LB Wilkes Albert, Benedictine, Sr.
Athlete of the year: RB/LB Bryce Baker, Benedictine, Sr.
Coach of the year: Kyle Hockman, New Hampstead
First team
Benedictine
OL - Jacobe Ward, Jr.
RB - Nasier Samuel, Sr.
WR - Chris Frazier, So.
DL - Jeremiah Thomas, Sr.
LB - Third Scroggins, Jr.
DB - Micah Williams, So.
New Hampstead
WR - Jaylen Hampton, Sr.
OL - Zach Pearson, Sr.
DE - Aaziah Scott, Sr.
LB - Kameron Blake-Mazes, Jr.
WR/C - Malach Lonnon, Sr.
Burke County
WR - Ronderius Gray, Sr.
RB - A'merre Williams, Jr.
DB - Jensen Brantley, Sr.
OL - Owen Adams, Sr.
Wayne County
OLB - Jah Ross, Sr.
LB - Tavion Wallace, Jr.
OL - Antonio Reaves, Sr.
Southeast Bulloch
P - Cole Snyder, Sr.
OL - Dalton Scott, Sr.
Islands
LB - Isaac Harris, Jr.
Second team
Benedictine
WR - Ladon Bryant, Sr.
OL - Talen Waddell, Sr.
OL - Ralph Scroggins, Jr.
DL - Areyion Guyton, Jr.
DL - Kam Cody, So.
LB - Larson Little, So.
New Hampstead
DL - Kyron Anderson, Sr.
WR/Ret - Kamari Maxwell, Jr.
OLB - Jordan Sonnabend, Sr.
Cen - Alex Kohles, Sr.
DL - Shaun Hamilton, Jr.
Burke County
QB - Sean Vandiver, So.
DB - Jeremy Richardson, Sr.
LB - Cadyn Bracely, Jr.
K - Blake Burden, Sr.
Wayne County
WR - Eric Hodges, Jr.
P - Hampton McIlwain, Sr.
TE - Coleman Parmer, Jr.
Southeast Bulloch
LB - Kyle O'Brien, Jr.
DL - Forrest Fretwell, Jr.
Islands
WR - Jay'Den Sutton, Jr.
Honorable mention: Benedictine - RB Rasean Matthews, Sr.; OL Cole Walker, Sr.; DB Antonio-Hansen Mann, Sr.; DB Marque Williams, Jr.; K Connor Ferguson, Jr.; RB Ashley Edwards, Sr.; OL Lawrence Rivers, Jr.; DB Houston Jackson, Sr.; DB Zach Maxwell, Jr. Burke County - OL Chase Allen, Sr.; DL Darius Jordan, Jr.; DB Jakari Crawford, Sr.; DB/WR Rashad Carter, So. Islands - WR/DB Carson Kurdys, Jr.; DL Elijah Patton, Jr.; DB Carter Ruesch, Sr.; DL Daniel Ferguson, Sr.; RB Quentin Reed, Jr.; RB Dominick Jackson, Sr.; DB Hayden Burroughs, Sr.; WR Dillon Bradley, So; DB Brandon Wells, Sr.; TE Clay Williams, Jr.; QB Chet Bachman, So.; OL/LB JaQuan Jones, Jr.; OL Eason Chen, So. New Hampstead - OL Noah Sowell, Sr.; OL William Reedy, Sr.; OL Jeremiah Hart, Jr.; DB Khamari Smart, So.; TE Nathanael Horton Jr., Sr.; DB Jawara Green, Jr.; PK Jamaal Brown, Jr. Southeast Bulloch - QB Will Nelson, Sr.; OL Jo'Tavion Gaines, Jr. Wayne County - QB Jeb Craven, So.; WR Jacquese Vail, Sr.; OL Dub Jones, Sr.; LB Judson Holley, Sr.; DL Quency Herrera, Sr.; DL D.J. West, Sr.; OL Dawsyn Sikes, So.
Region 3-A Division I
Player of the year: RB/LB Austin Clemons, Bryan County, Sr.
Offensive player of the year: RB Jacari Carney, Bryan County, Sr.
Defensive player of the year: LB Tanner Ennis, Bryan County, Sr.
Special teams player of the year: PK Fidel Esquivel, Metter, Sr.
Coach of the year: Cherard Freeman, Bryan County
Offense
QB - Sean Kelly Hill, Bryan County, Sr.
QB - Dallas Hill, Claxton, So.
RB - Stephen Fox Jr., Savannah, Jr.
RB - Erin Green, Bryan County, Sr.
RB/UTIL - Carson Nunn, Bryan County, Sr.
WR - Tyrone Atkinson, Claxton, Sr.
WR - Rodrigues Kelly, Metter, Sr.
WR - Elijah Dickerson, Metter, So.
WR - Tacory Grant, Screven County, Sr.
TE - Trevor Lanier, Bryan County, Jr.
TE - Luke Bohannon, Screven County, So.
TE - Kristopher Martin, Bryan County, Sr.
OL - Allen Williams, Bryan County, Jr.
OL - John Good, Bryan County, Sr.
OL - Byron Lewis, Bryan County, Sr.
OL - T.J. Spann, Metter, Sr.
OL - Cjay Smith, Metter, Jr.
OL - Kevin Ridley, Screven County, So.
OL - Tony Ball, Screven County, So.
Defense
DL - Brandon Smith, Screven County, Sr.
DL - Carlin Covington, Bryan County, Sr.
DL - Mathew Huff, Bryan County, Jr.
DL - Christopher Winnfree, Bryan County, Jr.
DL - Luke Holcumbe, Bryan County, Sr.
DL - Darius Holsey, Metter, Jr.
DL - Corey Roberson, Savannah, So.
LB - Junior Waller, Claxton, Jr.
LB - Kashard Prescott, Screven County, So.
LB - Josiah Williams, Screven County, Jr.
LB - Kasi Johnson, Metter, So.
LB - Allen Williams, Metter, Jr.
LB - Stephon Fox, Savannah, Jr.
DB - Gebravion Collins, Bryan County, So.
DB - Elijah Mincey, Bryan County, Jr.
DB - Corey Donaldson, Metter, Jr.
DB - Jamerrion Morgan, Metter, Sr.
Region 4-A Division II
Player of the year: QB Antwan Clayton, Dooly County, Sr.
Offensive player of the year: WR B.J. Gibson, Wilcox County, Sr.
Defensive player of the year: LB Kwylek Woodham, Dooly County, Sr.
Special teams player of the year: K/P Davis Williams, Telfair County, Sr.
Co-athletes of the year: RB/LB Bradyn Cook, Telfair County, Jr.; and WR/DB Jalen Hall, Dooly County, Sr.
Coach of the year: Cecil Lester, Dooly County
First-team offense
QB - Jabari Zanders, Telfair County, Jr.
RB - Alvin Ricks, Wheeler County, So.
RB - Zernard Smith, Hawkinsville, Jr.
WR - Trel Clay, Telfair County, Sr.
WR - De'ante Burden, Dooly County, Sr.
WR - Jordan Coney, Treutlen, Jr.
WR - Stewie King, Wilcox County, Sr.
TE/H - Harlem Phillips, Hawkinsville, Jr.
OL - Christon Zanders, Telfair County, So.
OL - Walker Bridges, Wheeler County, Sr.
OL - Ken Lucas, Dooly County, So.
OL - Boppy Hilliard, Wilcox County, Sr.
OL - Mason Coley, Hawkinsville, Jr.
PK - Gustavo Jimenez, Dooly County, So.
First-team defense
DL - Dairaishawn Bryant, Telfair Co, Sr.
DL - Daniel Grant, Dooly County, Sr.
DL - Keyshawn Bell, Wilcox County, Jr.
DL - DeMeeko Terry, Treutlen, Sr.
DL - Darius Anderson, Hawkinsville, Sr.
LB - Sammy Grimes, Telfair County, Sr.
LB - JaQuis Rowe, Telfair County, So.
LB - Jakerious Bolden, Dooly County, Sr.
LB - Jakob Brooks, Treutlen, Jr.
LB - Jackson Owens, Wilcox County, Sr.
LB - Myles Davis, Wilcox County, So.
DB - Jordan McRae, Telfair County, Sr.
DB - C.J. McAdoo, Wilcox County, So.
DB - Nelson Singletary, Hawkinsville, Sr.
DB - Jaden Collins, Hawkinsville, So.
P - Rhett Rogers, Wheeler, Sr.
Second-team offense
QB - Johnny Nutt, Wilcox County, Jr.
RB - Jackie Wilcox County, Telfair County, Sr.
RB - De Davis, Wilcox County, Sr.
WR - JaQuezman Davis, Telfair Co, Sr.
WR - Jeremiah Kincey, Wheeler, Sr.
WR - Kevin Graham, Dooly County, Sr.
WR - Akeem Williams, Dooly County, Sr.
TE/H - Jalen King, Dooly County, Sr.
OL - Abram Harrelson, Telfair Co. Sr.
OL - K.J. Williams, Wheeler, Jr.
OL - Vern Emory, Wilcox Co, Sr.
OL - Josh Killings, Hawkinsville, Sr.
OL - Branton Hackle, Treutlen, Sr.
PK - Josh Juarez, Wheeler, Sr.
Second-team defense
DL - Jeremiah Quinn, Telfair County, Jr.
DL - Trevis Taylor, Dooly County, Sr.
DL - Da'brion Eugley, Dooly County, Jr.
DL - Tanner Gibbs, Wilcox County, So.
DL - Johnny Johnson, Treutlen, So.
LB - Brandon Wilcox, Telfair County, Jr.
LB - Scottie Freeman, Dooly County, So.
LB - Kolby McClendon, Treutlen, Sr.
LB - Demicah Williams, Treutlen, Sr.
LB - Trey Coley, Wilcox County, Sr.
LB - Landon Johnson, Hawkinsville, So.
DB - Ian Scott, Wheeler, Sr.
DB - Tyquan Glover, Dooly County, Jr.
DB - Kylan Page, Treutlen, Jr.
DB - Jacobia Bolden, Wilcox County, So.
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Pure Athlete Podcast with Jeff Francoeur
Pure Athlete, a podcast empowering young athletes, parents, and coaches to navigate the complex culture of youth sports, features hosts Jeff Francoeur, Britt Lee, and Brad Williams. Through insightful conversations with sports icons and experts, they generate content rich in inspiration and information to support the development of competitive athletes both on and off the field. For more information, visit PureAthleteInc.com or contact Britt Lee via email by clicking here.
Character Education Athletic Program: The Mike Jones Story
Looking to improve the character and discipline on your team? Former professional and All-American athlete Mike Jones is looking to save the lives and careers of our youth by sharing with them the mistakes he made that sidetracked his career. The Mike Jones Story is relatable for ANY athlete in ANY sport. Let us reinforce the same messages that I know you try to instill into your athletes daily. Character education saves lives, and that is a fact! Contact Terry White at 706-442-1337 or via email by clicking here for bookings, or visit the website by clicking here.
Senior players needed for Global Ambassadors Bowl 2024 in Spain
From 2008-2019, a Team Stars & Stripes squad of high school seniors each spring chose to experience a fascinating foreign country as a team over a nine-day period. Global Travel is rolling again, and we are reaching out to players and coaches nationally as we build a solid team of committed, enthusiastic high school seniors not likely to receive a college football scholarship to join and play one more game – in Spain. The tour highlight will be a ‘friendly match’ against a Spanish Under-19 All-Star team. The tour will run Saturday, March 16, through Sunday, March 24, starting in Barcelona on the Mediterranean Sea and then heading to Madrid where the Bowl game will be played. Click here for the trip itinerary and inclusions, or for more information contact coach Greg Vandagriff at 678-877-6293 or via email by clicking here.
Let The Steak House Restaurant serve your team’s next pre-game meal
The Steak House Restaurant in Hawkinsville specializes in high school football team pre-game meals. We have a private dining area for traveling parties of 140 guests. We serve high school football teams every week from all over the state traveling through central Georgia. We offer special rates for football teams. Let us cater your next pre-game meal. We are located at 341 Bypass, 9 Buchan Dr., Hawkinsville. Please contact Lewis Fowler at 487-892-3383 or via email by clicking here for reservations or to get more information.
GHSA is recruiting officials for all sports
The GHSA is actively attempting to recruit contest officials in all sports. If you are 18 years of age or older, go to the GHSA website (ghsa.net), then click on the Officials section to access the Playing for Another Team program. Individuals merely need to provide a name and email address and indicate the sports interested in to receive registration information. For more information, contact GHSA associate director Don Corr via email by clicking here.
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GHSF Daily classified ads
Reach 23,000 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.
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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 38-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.
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