Georgia High School Football Daily

Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024

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Scores & Schedules

Region Standings

Rankings

GHSF Daily Archive

Fannin-Render makes the difference

Malachi Fannin-Render played only four plays the first time that LaGrange played Sandy Creek, and the Grangers lost 27-7.

Three months later, they played again. The senior running back got the ball 32 times. It made a difference.

Fannin-Render rushed for 224 yards and three touchdowns on 29 carries and had three catches for 15 yards in the 38-22 victory. He scored four touchdowns.

Fannin-Render is GHSF Daily’s Player of the Week. The award, sponsored by Sports Turf, will be presented to the running back today at his school.

Class 4A

*Eastside (11-1) at Creekside (9-2): These teams have lost only once to Georgia opponents, and that was Eastside’s 40-35 defeat at third-ranked and undefeated North Oconee last month. Eastside, ranked No. 5 and trying to reach the semifinals for the first time since 2009, beat defending champion Perry 21-10 last week. Jayden Barr returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown, and Eastside led the defensive struggle 248-217 in total yards. Barr rushed for 89 yards. Myles Mims rushed for 58. Both have more than 900 yards rushing this season. Barr, committed to Georgia Tech, also is an outstanding safety. Christian Gass, committed to Tennessee, is a linebacker and the team’s leading tackler. Creekside, the 2023 Class 5A runner-up to Coffee, beat Kell 42-35 last week after trailing 21-6 in the first half. Cayden Benson threw two fourth-quarter TD passes for a 42-28 lead. Benson was 15-of-19 passing for 159 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 165 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries. Creekside, ranked No. 10, has not faced a top-10 Georgia opponent.

*Cambridge (10-2) at Marist (12-0): Cambridge is playing in its first quarterfinal in its 13-season history. Marist, ranked No. 1, has played in 12 during Cambridge’s lifetime. Marist beat Jones County 22-14 in the second round in Marist's closest game this season. Marist trailed 14-9 entering the fourth quarter and scored on drives of 11 and 12 plays that ate up 11:52 on the clock. Trace Gaines rushed for 76 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries. Marist out-rushed Jones County 239-14 and was out-passed 307-32. Cambridge beat Central of Carrollton 41-22 in the second round. Tyler Blalock rushed for 176 yards and two touchdowns on 30 carries. Cambridge held Central, with star running back Jonaz Walton, to 128 rushing yards. Cambridge is normally more of a passing team. Weston Taylor has thrown for 3,061 yards and 33 touchdowns. Craig Dandridge (1,150) and Hudson Cocchiara (1,030) have over 1,000 yards receiving. These schools have never met in football. This will be the first No. 1-ranked opponent that Cambridge has ever met.

*Benedictine (7-4) at Blessed Trinity (10-1): These schools have won five of the past seven Class 4A championships, with Benedictine on top in 2021 and 2022 and Blessed Trinity in 2017, 2018 and 2019. Blessed Trinity has won all four previous meetings between these Catholic schools, most recently in 2019. They’ve never met in the playoffs. This season, Blessed Trinity has lost only to No. 1 Milton of Class 5A. In the second round, Blessed Trinity beat Jonesboro 22-7. Noah Godhard was 5-for-5 on field goals (47, 42, 37, 36 and 35 yards). Ahmontae Pitts rushed for 111 yards, his fourth straight game over 100. Blessed Trinity is known for its defense and five-star sophomore DL D.J. Jacobs. The Titans are allowing 11.6 points per game, and they’ve played four quarterfinal teams. Benedictine beat Ola 34-14 in the second round. Bubba Frazier had 159 scrimmage yards and scored touchdowns rushing and receiving. Also a kick returner, Frazier has 1,357 all-purpose yards this season. Benedictine’s top defender is Herbert “Third” Scroggins, a linebacker committed to Miami. He had two sacks and three other tackles for losses against Ola. After five seasons with a major Division I quarterback (Auburn’s Holden Geriner, FSU’s Luke Kromenhoek), the Cadets are relying on sophomore Omari Burse (845 yards passing in seven games), pressed into duty because of injury.

*Cartersville (12-0) at North Oconee (12-0): These are the only undefeated teams playing against each other in any classification this week. North Oconee, ranked No. 3, has made the quarterfinals or better each of the past four seasons and made the semifinals in 2021 and 2022. Cartersville, ranked No. 2, made the semifinals the past two seasons. They’ve never played each other. North Oconee beat Ware County 30-6 last week. Harrison Faulkner was 12-of-18 passing for 280 yards and four touchdowns and rushed for 89 yards. Khamari Brooks, a top-200 national junior prospect as an edge rusher, had four receptions for 124 yards. Landon Roldan, who is committed to Georgia, had five receptions for 95 yards and three touchdowns. Cartersville had not allowed more than two touchdowns in a game through a 9-0 start, but victories over Hiram (45-43), Westminster (37-22) and Starr’s Mill (53-35) the past three weeks have shown a different side to the Hurricanes. Against Starr’s Mill last week, Nate Russell was 18-of-24 passing for 266 yards and three touchdowns. Jamauri Brice had 12 receptions for 134 yards.

Class 3A

*Cherokee Bluff (11-1) at Jefferson (9-3): This will be Jefferson’s second consecutive playoff game against a fellow member of Region 8-3A. The top-seeded Dragons beat Oconee County 42-6 in the second round, avenging a 32-30 loss in the teams’ regular-season finale on Nov. 1. Quarterback Gavin Markey ran for 166 yards and three touchdowns on 25 carries and was 4-of-8 passing for 47 yards. He had 206 yards rushing, 75 yards passing and four combined touchdowns in Jefferson’s 35-7 victory over Cherokee Bluff on Oct. 25. Markey has 1,240 passing yards and 1,217 rushing yards for the season. Cherokee Bluff, a seventh-year program in Hall County, has tied the school record with 11 victories and is making its first quarterfinal appearance. The Bears advanced with a 21-14 victory over Luella last week. Brooks Brien threw a 47-yard touchdown pass to K.T. Thompson midway through the third quarter that broke a 14-14 tie and held up as the game-winner. In the first game against Jefferson, Brien passed for 111 yards (about half his average) and a touchdown with two interceptions as the Bears were held to 156 total yards.

*LaGrange (9-3) at North Hall (10-2): Unranked and No. 20 seed LaGrange pulled off one of the bigger upsets of the second round when it defeated second-ranked Sandy Creek 38-22, avenging a 27-7 loss when the teams met in the Region 2-3A opener on Aug. 30. LaGrange had a 24-0 lead in the second quarter and held on. Malachi Fannin-Render had 224 yards and three touchdowns rushing and three receptions for 15 yards and a touchdown. DE Spencer Stroud had seven tackles, five assists, two tackles for losses, three sacks, two QB pressures, a pass break-up, a forced fumble and fumble recovery. The Grangers are in the quarterfinals for the first time since 2008. Fifth-seeded North Hall is in the quarters for the first time since 2012 after a 27-20 victory over Upson-Lee, which beat LaGrange 18-15 in the teams’ regular-season finale. It was the Trojans’ 10th straight win since opening the season with losses to Wesleyan and Cherokee Bluff. Smith McGarvey passed for 210 yards and two touchdowns. His 19 TD passes this season broke the North Hall record. Cole Cable, who had 96 yards and a touchdown receiving, now holds the school single-season record for receiving yards (816) and receiving TDs (12).

*Calhoun (9-3) at Peach County (11-1): This game matches two teams that were down last year but have been among the state’s most successful programs in the smaller classifications. Seventh-ranked Calhoun missed the playoffs last year for the first time since 1999 but is back in the quarterfinals for the 18th time in 21 seasons after a 38-14 victory over No. 9 Douglass. Tight end Emaree Winston (committed to Texas), who missed more than half the season with an injury, had six receptions for 93 yards and scored on two short runs. Top-ranked Peach County had a losing record last season for the first time since 1986 but is in the quarterfinals for the 15th time in 22 seasons after beating Baldwin 37-3. D.J. Hudson was 11-of-16 passing for 189 yards and three touchdowns, all to brother Zion Hudson. He threw for 349 yards and four touchdowns in the first round. This will be the third meeting between the teams since they were involved in one of the most controversial championship games in state history, the 2017 Class 3A final at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, when an apparent go-ahead touchdown pass by Peach County in the fourth quarter was ruled incomplete in a game Calhoun won 10-6. Peach County has won the two meetings since.

*Southeast Bulloch (10-2) at Stephenson (9-3): No. 18 seed Southeast Bulloch is one of two double-digit seeds (LaGrange is the other) remaining in the Class 3A field. The Yellow Jackets, who finished third in 10-team Region 3-3A, are in the quarterfinals for the first time since 1974 after a 21-0 victory over Region 4 champion Harlem. Colby Smith ran for 254 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries. Kyle O’Brien had 11 tackles and a fumble recovery, and Stevie Padget had two interceptions. This will be the second game in Southeast Bulloch history against a DeKalb County school (the Yellow Jackets lost to Cedar Grove 48-10 in the 2021 second round). No. 7 seed Stephenson, the Region 5 champion, moved into the quarterfinals for the second consecutive season with a 41-7 victory over Jenkins. Anthony Booker scored four touchdowns and had 240 yards rushing on 20 carries. Marte Barton passed for 181 yards and two touchdowns, moving into 11th place on the DeKalb career passing yards list with 4,718. This is the Jaguars’ ninth appearance in the state quarterfinals. They went 1-7 in the previous eight.

Class 2A

*Morgan County (11-1) at Rockmart (10-2): Both teams are coming off tight second-round victories at home. Morgan County, ranked No. 8, overcame three second-half turnovers and beat Sumter County 36-30 after trailing 30-23 with about eight minutes left. Morgan County scored the final two touchdowns, the last one with 1:18 left (Jasper Cason’s 24-yard run) after Sumter County lost a fumble (forced by Christian Monfort) at the Sumter 41-yard line. Morgan County is Class 2A’s top passing team but changed up last week and produced three 100-yard rushers – Monfort (207), Cason (115) and Jordan Gordon (108). Davis Strickland has thrown for 2,826 yards. Jaylen Elder has 1,480 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns. Morgan County is in the quarters for the first time since 1990 and can make the semifinals for the first time since 1962. Rockmart, ranked No. 7, beat Westside of Macon 37-30 last week. Westside scored in the final minute to get within seven points. Rockmart led 296-244 in total yards. Nate Davis rushed for 93 yards, giving him 857 on the season. He’s also Rockmart’s leading tackler. Rockmart was the 2023 Class 2A runner-up to Pierce County. Rockmart and Morgan County have never faced each other.

*Thomson (9-3) at Burke County (11-1): This is a rematch of a Nov. 8 game that Burke County won 47-35 for the Region 4 title. Burke outgained Thomson 493-319. Both teams rely on the run game and have a feature back. Burke’s Amerre Williams rushed for 173 yards in the first Thomson game, and he’s topped 140 yards in both playoff rounds. He’s run for 1,449 yards and 27 touchdowns this season. Thomson’s Anthony Jeffery rushed for 179 yards and four touchdowns in the first Burke game. He has topped 175 yards in both playoff games, with 266 last week against Hapeville Charter. Jeffery has rushed for 1,575 yards and 24 touchdowns this season. Burke County leads the series 23-18. As similar-sized competitive programs just an hour apart, they did a rare thing in 2014 and 2015 seasons and played each other twice in the regular season, once in region play and another time just for the fun of it.

*Stephens County (8-4) at Appling County (9-3): These teams have seven losses between themselves, but none worthy of an apology, as those seven victors were bigger in enrollment or higher ranked and now still in the playoffs. Stephens County beat second-ranked Callaway 35-33 last week, turning away a two-point attempt with about four minutes left. It put Stephens in the quarterfinals for the first time since 2005 and ended an eight-game losing streak in the second round. Javin Gordon, a major Division I recruit, rushed for 103 yards and two touchdowns on 28 carries and had eight receptions for 71 yards. Tripp Underwood was 20-of-26 passing for 225 yards and two touchdowns. Appling County beat ninth-ranked Carver of Atlanta 35-14. Kemoni Ryals rushed for 134 yards and two touchdowns, and Tavion Wallace (committed to Arkansas) rushed for 66 yards. Both scored two touchdowns, and both are two-way starters who are probably better on defense. Appling County passed for only 16 yards. This is the first meeting between these teams.

*Pierce County (11-1) at Carver-Columbus (11-1): Pierce County is the defending champion. Carver is ranked No. 1. Pierce beat Columbia 31-24 in the second round. Caden McGatha rushed for 259 yards and four touchdowns on 35 carries and was 9-of-11 passing for 69 yards and a touchdown. He scored the winning touchdown on an 8-yard run to break a 24-24 tie in the fourth quarter. Pierce County’s loss came against Appling County 13-6 for the Region 3 title Nov. 1. Carver beat Ringgold 35-14 and hasn’t been tested since its only loss, to Class 4A Harris County, in August. Matthew Mungin was 15-of-19 passing for a season-high 331 yards and three touchdowns. Kobe Caslin had 257 scrimmage yards – 97 rushing, 160 receiving – and scored two touchdowns. Kelston Tarver rushed for 133 yards on 22 carries and went over 1,000 yards (1,059) on the season. Caslin also is a 1,000-yard rusher (1,164). K.J. Miles, recently back after a preseason leg injury, had four catches for 107 yards. Carver and Pierce County have never played each other.

Coming Wednesday: Classes A Division I, A Division II and 3A-A private

More coaching changes raise total to 23

Recent changes at Meadowcreek and Veterans bring to 23 the number of reported openings for Georgia coaches this offseason.

Meadowcreek’s Todd Wofford retired Friday. He was Meadowcreek’s coach for the past three seasons and in 2022 led the Mustangs to their most wins (7-4 record) since 1989. Meadowcreek was 0-10 this season.

Wofford was Central Gwinnett’s coach from 2010 to 2019.

Veterans’ Josh Ingram stepped down after three seasons Friday. Veterans was 1-9 last season.

Here are the 23 openings:

Alpharetta – Jason Kervin

Berrien – Ken Eldridge

*Calvary Day – Mark Stroud

Central Gwinnett – Larry Harold

Crisp County – Lawrence Smith

Dalton – Kit Carpenter

Dawson County – Sid Maxwell

Etowah – Matt Kemper

Flowery Branch – Jason Tester

Josey – Lawrence Pinkney

KIPP Collegiate – James Briscoe

Lithia Springs – Corey Jarvis

**Loganville – Gene Cathcart/Stephen Smith

Marietta – Richard Morgan

Meadowcreek – Todd Wofford

Murray County – Kurt Napier

Northside-Warner Robins – Ben Bailey

Northview – Scott Schwarzer

South Forsyth – Troy Morris

Southeast Whitfield – Todd Murray

Veterans – Josh Ingram

Washington – Justin Rivers

Westminster – Gerry Romberg

*To complete season before retiring.

**Smith replaced Cathcart in midseason as interim coach.

Last quarterfinals

Thirty-one of the 64 teams that made the quarterfinals also made it last season. Cambridge and Cherokee Bluff are in the quarterfinals for the first time. Jenkins County has never played in a true state quarterfinal but made the Class B semifinals in 1960 after winning a region playoff game that amounted to a quarterfinal.

First

Cambridge

Cherokee Bluff

1960

Jenkins County

1974

Southeast Bulloch

1982

Sprayberry

1990

Morgan County

1997

Worth County

2005

Stephens County

2008

LaGrange

2012

North Hall

2015

Aquinas

Trion

2018

Hillgrove

North Cobb Christian

Sequoyah

2019

Dublin

Hebron Christian

2020

Eastside

Fannin County

West Forsyth

2021

Blessed Trinity

Burke County

Collins Hill

Northeast

Peach County

2022

Appling County

Calhoun

Houston County

Hughes

Lincoln County

North Gwinnett

Thomasville

Thomson

2023

Benedictine, Bowdon, Brooks County, Buford, Calvary Day, Carrollton, Cartersville, Carver (Columbus), Clinch County, Coffee, Creekside, Douglas County, Elbert County, Fellowship Christian, Fitzgerald, Grayson, Irwin County, Jefferson, Lee County, Manchester, Marist, Milton, North Oconee, Pierce County, Prince Avenue Christian, Rockmart, Savannah Christian, Stephenson, Thomas County Central, Toombs County, Wesleyan

Florida defensive back Bryce Thornton is the SEC defensive player of the week after intercepting two passes and making a team-leading 14 tackles in a 24-17 victory over Ole Miss. For what Georgia high school team did Thornton play? (Answer Wednesday)

Answer to Monday’s question: Hillgrove, North Cobb Christian and Sprayberry are the Cobb County teams remaining in the playoffs. All three are trying to reach the state semifinals for the first time.

Jostens is the largest class ring manufacturer in the world. Order your class rings by clicking here.

GHSA

Class 6A

Second round

Collins Hill 28, Colquitt Co. 14

Grayson 34, Norcross 24

Douglas Co. 31, North Cobb 10

West Forsyth 45, Archer 28

Hillgrove 30, Peachtree Ridge 14

Carrollton 49, Valdosta 13

North Gwinnett 24, Newton 10

Buford 42, Lowndes 7

Quarterfinals

Collins Hill at Grayson

West Forsyth at Douglas Co.

Hillgrove at Carrollton

North Gwinnett at Buford

Class 5A

Second round

Coffee 45, Brunswick 14

Sequoyah 35, Woodward Academy 20

Thomas County Central 35, Rome 7

Hughes 31, Roswell 21

Sprayberry 35, Newnan 7

Lee Co. 63, East Paulding 14

Milton 41, Dutchtown 3

Houston Co. 63, Lakeside, Evans 12

Quarterfinals

Coffee at Sequoyah

Thomas Co. Central at Hughes

Sprayberry at Lee Co.

Houston Co. at Milton

Class 4A

Second round

Eastside 21, Perry 10

Creekside 42, Kell 35

Marist 22, Jones Co. 14

Cambridge 41, Central, Carrollton 22

Blessed Trinity 22, Jonesboro 7

Benedictine 34, Ola 14

Cartersville 53, Starr's Mill 35

North Oconee 35, Ware Co. 6

Quarterfinals

Eastside at Creekside

Cambridge at Marist

Benedictine at Blessed Trinity

Cartersville at North Oconee

Class 3A

Second round

Jefferson 42, Oconee Co. 6

Cherokee Bluff 21, Luella 14

North Hall 27, Upson-Lee 20

LaGrange 38, Sandy Creek 22

Peach Co. 37, Baldwin 3

Calhoun 38, Douglass 14

Stephenson 41, Jenkins 7

Southeast Bulloch 21, Harlem 0

Quarterfinals

Cherokee Bluff at Jefferson

LaGrange at North Hall

Calhoun at Peach Co.

SE Bulloch at Stephenson (Hallford)

Class 2A

Second round

Rockmart 37, Westside, Macon 30

Morgan Co. 36, Sumter Co. 30

Thomson 41, Hapeville Charter 21

Burke Co. 49, Laney 28

Stephens Co. 35, Callaway 33

Appling Co. 35, Carver, Atlanta 14

Pierce Co. 31, Columbia 24

Carver, Columbus 35, Ringgold 14

Quarterfinals

Morgan Co. at Rockmart

Thomson at Burke Co.

Stephens Co. at Appling Co.

Pierce Co. at Carver, Columbus

Class A Division I

Second round

Fannin Co. 28, Jeff Davis 21

Northeast 21, Lamar Co. 10

Fitzgerald 28, Bleckley Co. 24

Worth Co. 63, Dodge Co. 23

Elbert Co. 26, Heard Co. 24

Toombs Co. 49, Commerce 21

Thomasville 42, Temple 10

Dublin 42, Jasper Co. 7

Quarterfinals

Northeast at Fannin Co.

Fitzgerald at Worth Co.

Elbert Co. at Toombs Co.

Thomasville at Dublin

Class A Division II

Second round

Irwin Co. 28, Early Co. 20

Trion 17, Telfair Co. 6

Clinch Co. 28, Johnson Co. 6

Bowdon 42, Metter 14

Jenkins Co. 35, Macon Co. 21

Brooks Co. 12, Miller Co. 10

Manchester 26, Wilcox Co. 14

Lincoln Co. 49, Mitchell Co. 7

Quarterfinals

Irwin Co. at Trion

Clinch Co. at Bowdon

Jenkins Co. at Brooks Co.

Manchester at Lincoln Co.

Class 3A-A private

Second round

Sav. Christian 31, Sav. Country Day 3

North Cobb Christ. 40, Whitefield Acad. 6

Prince Avenue 62, Providence Christ. 14

Calvary Day 48, Mount Paran Christian 7

Aquinas 31, Athens Academy 20

Hebron Christian 28, Lovett 14

Wesleyan 22, Christian Heritage 15

Fellowship Christian 35, King's Ridge 7

Quarterfinals

North Cobb Christian at Sav. Christian

Prince Avenue Christian at Calvary Day

Aquinas at Hebron Christian

Wesleyan at Fellowship Christian

When you join the GACA and identify yourself as a football coach, then you are automatically a GFCA member for 2024-2025! To renew your membership, click here.

Today’s interviewee is LaGrange coach Matt Napier, whose team defeated second-ranked Sandy Creek 38-22 in the Class 3A second round last week. LaGrange is playing at North Hall on Friday in the quarterfinals, which will be the Grangers’ first elite-eight appearance since 2008. LaGrange’s victory was part of a happy weekend for the Napier family. Older brother Billy Napier led Florida to a 24-17 victory over then-No. 9 Ole Miss. Their father, Bill Napier, was a 16-year head coach in Georgia who passed away in 2017.

Matt Napier, LaGrange head coach

1. How does this win rank among your favorites as a coach? What does it mean? “Well, it is the first time I've ever had a rematch with an opponent we played during the regular season in my career, so that makes it unique, and the fact that they had beaten us previously makes it pretty special. It speaks volumes of our kids, coaches and their resiliency. Sandy Creek is a very talented, well-coached football team, so anytime you can find a way to win a game like this it really is special for our team, school and community. This win means a lot because it validates our work, our preparation and the values we place on our program.”

2. What did you do in this game that made the difference, or just different from the first time you played them? “A lot of things have changed since we played them in week three of the season. We were a very young team at the start of the season with only two returning starters on both offense and defense, so we were still growing and developing as a team. We also had some untimely injuries with Malachi Fannin-Render going down on the second series of the game, and one of our returners, Noah Outland at linebacker, going down on the third play of the game. He was the quarterback of our defense, making all the calls, so replacing those two guys, who were some of the few that had experience, really hurt our plans on offense and defense. We were also still searching at the time to find a replacement for one of our top skill players, Gryson Cockrell, who went down with a season-ending injury during the Corky Kell Classic game against Douglass. Playing in week 12 with a team and the way our team continued to grow and progress and gain experience through the season really helped us come away with a huge win. Our kids believed they could win, and our coaching staff put together a great plan and the guys went out and executed.”

3. We had you ranked highly in preseason, then you played your schedule, which was one of the toughest in Class 3A. Did you remain very confident in your team all along, or were you concerned? “We knew early that we would have some growing pains with so many new starters, but our staff and our players didn't flinch. They continued to show up and do the work required to be successful. We have a small senior class, but we have great leadership in that group. They really have shown through the season to represent our team, school and community the right way. When the players take ownership in what we do, it gives us a chance to have a special team, and this group has proved themselves through the adversity of the season to have grit and perseverance no matter the circumstance. It's an honor to be able to coach them.”

4. How about them Gators? Have to ask you about that one. What was it like for the Napiers this week? Did you and Billy share congratulations? “I know our Dad is smiling down on us. He had such an impact on all of our lives, and I could only imagine the amount of pride and love he would have for our teams. We keep up with each other at all times. We never miss a play of the Gators and are always talking leading up to the games and after. Billy is doing things the right way in Gainesville, and our family is so proud of him. His faith, character and integrity are qualities that I know our Dad would be so proud of and our family is honored to be associated with.”

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 2025.

To see all of the teams that we have received, visit the 2024 All-Region Teams page on our website.

Region 8-4A

Co-players of the year: RB/DB Jayden Barr, Eastside, Sr.; and QB Harrison Faulkner, North Oconee, Jr.

Offensive player of the year: WR Landon Roldan, North Oconee, Sr.

Co-defensive players of the year: LB Khamari Brooks, North Oconee, Jr.; and LB Christian Gass, Eastside, Sr.

Offensive lineman of the year: Carlton Belgrave, Sr., Eastside

Defensive lineman of the year: Xavier Joseph, Jr., Eastside

Athlete of the year: RB/DB Emadd Howard, Walnut Grove, Sr.

Specialists of the year: PK Jonathan Gomez, Eastside, So.

Coach of the year: Tyler Aurandt, North Oconee

First-team offense

QB - Payton Shaw, Eastside, Jr.

QB - Brock Szakacs, East Forsyth, Sr.

RB - Griffin Harper, Flowery Branch, Jr.

RB - DJ Haskell, East Forsyth, Sr.

RB - Trynt Latimore, Madison County, Jr.

RB - Myles Mims, Eastside, Jr.

WR - Dallas Dickerson, North Oconee, Jr.

WR - Braxton Goolsby, North Oconee, Jr.

WR - Michael Kenon, Eastside, Sr.

WR - Tobias Lay, Cedar Shoals, Jr.

WR - Brooks Recinella, Flowery Branch, Jr.

WR - Chase Rhoads, East Forsyth, Jr.

WR - Dorian Thrasher, Cedar Shoals, Jr.

TE - Jack Moss, Walnut Grove, Jr.

TE - Christian Seymore, Eastside, Jr.

OL - Tagen Brown, Eastside, Sr.

OL - Gavin Gorham, Eastside, Jr.

OL - Carter Mink, North Oconee, Sr.

OL - Josh Pacheco, Flowery Branch, Sr.

OL - Danaeiz Samaniego, Walnut Grove, Sr.

OL - Justin Smith, Madison County, Sr.

OL - Rick Wiggins, East Forsyth, Sr.

First-team defense

DL - Michael Acevedo, East Forsyth, Sr.

DL - Decorey Crumbley, Eastside, So

DL - Patrick Elliott, North Oconee, Jr.

DL - AJ Fick, North Oconee, Jr.

DL - D'Lante Overstreet, Walnut Grove, Sr.

DL - Eli Poole, Flowery Branch, So.

LB - Bailey Benson, Eastside, Sr.

LB - Maddox Brice, North Oconee, Jr.

LB - Luke Burnett, North Oconee, Jr.

LB - Ryland Garrison, Flowery Branch, Fr.

LB - Jake Moss, Walnut Grove, Jr.

LB - Cameron Selman, Walnut Grove, Sr.

LB - Garrett Smith, Madison County, So.

DB - Elijah Davis, Eastside, Sr.

DB - Titus D'Arcangelo, East Forsyth, Sr.

DB - Marion Eubanks, Eastside, Sr.

DB - Charlie Hawkins, North Oconee, Jr.

DB - Cason Hillsman, Madison County, Jr.

DB - Tanner Renard, Flowery Branch, Sr.

First-team special teams

K - Jony Aguilera, East Forsyth, Jr.

P - Jackson Andrews, Walnut Grove, Jr.

RET - Gus Martin, East Forsyth, Sr.

RET - Tripp Morris, Flowery Branch, Jr.

Second-team offense

WR - Andrew Frank, East Forsyth, Sr.

TE - Trent Polk, East Forsyth, Jr.

TE - Jackson Norman, East Forsyth, Jr.

OL - Cameron Clark, Walnut Grove, Jr.

OL - Brady Collier, Madison County, Sr.

OL - Darien Elder, North Oconee, Jr.

OL - Tim Gresham, Cedar Shoals, Sr.

OL - Ethan Mooneyham, East Forsyth, Sr.

OL - Jaxon Mayo, East Forsyth, Jr.

OL - Nathaniel Stephens, Walnut Grove, Sr.

Second-team defense

DL - Quadrelle Avery, Eastside, Sr.

DL - Nolan Bloom, North Oconee, Jr.

DL - Roman Dickerson, East Forsyth, Jr.

DL - JR Harris, Madison County, So.

DL - Nicholas Smith, Walnut Grove, Sr.

LB - Jeremiah Foote, East Forsyth, Sr.

LB - Troy Hoover, East Forsyth, Sr.

LB - Marcus Lawrence, Cedar Shoals, Sr.

LB - Jameel McMichael, Eastside, Jr.

LB - Max Miller, Madison County, Jr.

LB - Kellen Moran, East Forsyth, Jr.

LB - Jackson Prehar, Flowery Branch, Sr.

DB - Messiah Arnold, East Forsyth, Sr.

DB - Carson Craig, Madison County, Sr.

DB - Tyler Davis, Walnut Grove, Sr.

DB - Dexter Thompson, Cedar Shoals, Jr.

Second-team special teams

K - Zach McDaniel, Walnut Grove, Jr.

P - Tyler Hoff, Eastside, Sr.

Honorable mention: Cedar Shoals - Jeffrey Bailey, Jr.; Anthony Hall, Sr.; Keelin McLendon, Fr. East Forsyth - Knox Allen, Jr.; Grant Barden, So.; Nathan Descous, Sr.; Davis Downs, Sr.; Caleb Harding, Sr.; Tate Lamb, Jr.; Adrian Reyes, Sr. Eastside - Chase Jordan, Jr.; Evan Martinez, Sr.; Tyler Solomon, Jr.; Kalen Stapp, Sr. Flowery Branch - Parker Bourrie, Jr.; Ashton Prehar, So.; Max Scott, Sr. Madison County - Da'Shun Brown, Jr.; Rydge Dudley, Sr.; Daniel Higgins, So.; Dylan Kesler, Jr.; Ta'rail Parks, Sr.; Phillip Nguyen, Jr.; James Simental, Jr. North Oconee - Ollie Buckley, So.; Brooks Dalton, Sr.; Porter Drudge, Sr.; Michael Fabris, Sr.; Nate Hiers, Jr.; Brody Taylor, Sr. Walnut Grove - Kamren Brown, Sr.; Brent Chay, Sr. Colin Kimsey, Jr.

Region 8-2A

Player of the year: RB Andrew Beard, Prince Avenue Christian, So.

Offensive player of the year: RB Javin Gordon, Stephens County, Sr.

Co-defensive players of the year: DL Christian Garrett, Prince Avenue Christian, Sr.; and DL Sichan John, Hebron Christian, Sr.

Athlete of the year: QB/WR/DB Drew Richardson, East Jackson, Jr.

Two-way player of the year: WR/DB Brock Tankersley, Stephens County, Sr.

First-team offense

QB - Tripp Underwood, Stephens County, Sr.

QB - Thomas Stallworth, Hebron Christian, Sr.

RB - Devon Caldwell, Hebron Christian, Jr.

RB - Faustino Rangel, Hart County, So.

RB - Nava Ware, Franklin County, Jr.

WR - Jonah Swinton, Stephens County, Sr.

WR - Da'von Swinton, Stephens County, Jr.

WR - Jarvis Mathurin, Hebron Christian, Jr.

WR - Hudson Hill, Prince Avenue Christian, So.

WR - CJ Dockery, Prince Avenue Christian, Jr.

TE/H - Brice Williamson, Prince Avenue Christian, Jr.

TE/H - Ike Durrett, Hart County, Sr.

OL - Jake Atha, Prince Avenue Christian, Sr.

OL - Mason Townsend, Prince Avenue Christian, Jr.

OL - Joc Brown, Stephens County, Sr.

OL - Adam Cannon, Hebron Christian, Sr.

OL - Adam Broome, Hart County, Sr.

First-team defense

DL - Aaronn Blackmon, East Jackson, Sr.

DL - Jakob Lunsford, Stephens County, Sr.

DL - Carrington Coombs, Hebron Christian, Sr.

DL - Jack Lanier, Prince Avenue Christian, Sr.

DL - Bryce Durrett, Hart County, Jr.

LB - Garrett Addison, Stephens County, Sr.

LB - Mac Bradley, Prince Avenue Christian, Sr.

LB - Kyler Giddens, Prince Avenue Christian, Sr.

LB - Elijah Garnett, Hart County, Jr.

LB - Nick Wade, Hebron Christian, Sr.

DB - Max Steve, Hebron Christian, Jr.

DB - KJ Thomas, Hebron Christian, Sr.

DB - Gerritt Kemp, Hebron Christian, Sr.

DB - Judd Shoemaker, Prince Avenue Christian, So.

DB - Chaston Lewis, Hart County, Sr.

First-team special teams

PK - Luke Waters, Stephens County, Jr.

P - Cam Eblen, Hebron Christian, Sr.

Second-team offense

QB - Kurston Curry, Hart County, So.

RB - Adrin Hollingshed, Hebron Christian, Sr.

RB - Jamarion Parks, East Jackson, Jr.

WR - Branturan Callahan, East Jackson

WR - Trey Martin, Hart County, Sr.

WR - Thornton Hester, Prince Avenue Christian, Sr.

WR - Brady Saunders, East Jackson, Jr.

WR - Brooks Saunders, East Jackson, Jr.

TE/H - Noah Hill, Hebron Christian, Sr.

TE/H - Coleman Moore, Hart County, Jr.

OL - Caleb Chandler, Prince Avenue Christian, Sr.

OL - Will Akin, Franklin County, Jr.

OL - Fletcher Turk, Hebron Christian, Jr.

OL - Elijah Morrison, Hebron Christian, So.

OL - Luke Sosebee, Stephens County, Jr.

Second-team defense

DL - Kymani Colbert, Stephens County, Jr.

DL - DJ Appleby, Franklin County, Jr.

DL - Nick Carter, Hart County, Jr.

DL - Paul Jenkins, East Jackson, Jr.

DL - Lester Jenkins, East Jackson, Sr.

LB - Ramsey Fulbright, Franklin County, Jr.

LB - Elliott Harbin, Franklin County, Fr.

LB - Chase Wingfield, East Jackson, Jr.

LB - Kole Smith, East Jackson, Jr.

LB - Albert Wilham, Hebron Christian, So.

LB - Morris Perkins, Stephens County, So.

LB - Zykemian Durham, Stephens County, Jr.

LB - Colin Durning, Prince Avenue Christian, So.

DB - Jeremiah Mayfield, Franklin County, Jr.

DB - Tyson Craig, Hebron Christian, Sr.

DB - Gaines Scoggins, Prince Avenue Christian, Sr.

DB - Ramarcus Simpson, Hart County, Jr.

DB - Jeremiah Scott, Stephens County, Sr.

Second-team special teams

PK - Gray Albritton, East Jackson, Jr.

P - Fletcher Brinkman, East Jackson, Sr.

Honorable mention: East Jackson - OL Connor McAlister, Sr.; OL Nick Carpenter, Sr.; OL AJ Smith, Sr.; WR Denim Cooper, So.; DB Deston Mitchell, Jr.; DB Ryan Lampe, So. Franklin County - QB Keyes Harbin, Jr.; RB Carson Cheek, So.; OL Billy Hammock, Jr.; WR Everett Allegood, Sr.; DL Tank Fortson, Sr.; DB Gavin Wells, So.; DL Myles Kelley, So. Hart County - WR Pearce Mewborn, Sr.; LB Tay Martin, Sr.; WR CJ Cowins, Jr.; LB Ormani Rucker, Jr.; OL Chris Collins, Jr. Hebron Christian - OL Morgan Jordan, Jr.; WR Sian John, Jr.; LB Jack Mostiler, Jr.; OL Zack Timberlake, Sr.; DB Stroud Morris, Jr. Prince Avenue Christian - OL Cody Mitchell, Sr.; DB Luke Darling, Sr.; DB Brody Tolbert, Sr.; DB Jake Bobo, Sr.; OL Gabe Pringle, Sr. Stephens County - TE/HB Findley Ward, Jr.; DB Ashton Winters, So.; DL Conner Holtzclaw, Jr.; DL Kamari McCarter, Sr.; DB Duke Collins, Fr.

Do you know a kicker, punter or snapper who should be invited to the Southeast Kicking Punting and Snapping Competition? The event, powered by the Cedric Oglesby Kicking Academy, will be held in Atlanta on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. Become an All-State Specialist and 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! Register now by clicking here. If you have any questions, contact Cedric Oglesby via email by clicking here.

Score Atlanta seeking talent, producer for 2025 Drive for the GHSA State Title

The Drive for the GHSA State Title airs every Friday night during the high school football season. We are looking for a producer and talent to travel to all the football games, help with sponsor activation, produce/host pregame, halftime, and postgame segments and more. The show broadcasts on the Peachtree Sports Network as well as various digital platforms. Score Atlanta will consider students that are currently working in broadcast classes in college. If you are interested, please call Ashley Carey at 404-399-9136 or email her by clicking here.

Marietta High School seeking to hire new varsity football head coach

Marietta High School is hiring a new head varsity football coach. Marietta High School is one of the oldest public high schools in Georgia, celebrating 133 years of history and tradition, including 109 years of football. Our football program has enjoyed great success, including our most recent state championship in 2019. Marietta City Schools provides our athletic program with a rare level of support, elite facilities and a priority on recruiting the best leaders and role models for our student-athletes. Interested candidates should email athletic director Craig McKinney at cmckinney@marietta-city.k12.ga.us to request an application packet.

Dalton High School seeking applications for head football coach

Dalton High School is hiring a new head football coach. Please send your resume and cover letter to Dr. Steven Craft (steven.craft@dalton.k12.ga.us) and Ryan Richards (ryan.richards@dalton.k12.ga.us). The job will be posted until Dec. 20 or until it is filled. Each applicant will be required to apply for the position on the Dalton Public Schools website. Click here to apply.

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.

2024 TD Club of Gwinnett College Football Recruiting Fair - Coaches Only

The 2024 TD Club of Gwinnett College Football Recruiting Fair will be held at Gas South Arena (6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Duluth, GA 30097) on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024 (8:30-12:30 p.m.). FCS, D-II, D-III, NAIA, junior colleges and prep schools from across the country will be there looking for football prospects from the classes of 2025, 2026, 2027 and 2028. Spots for high school coaches are limited and go fast, so please reserve a spot by registering today. Click here to register. Contact Jason Carrera via email by clicking here.

2024 Metro Atlanta College Football Recruiting Fair - Coaches Only

The 2024 Fall Metro Atlanta College Football Recruiting Fair will be held at Georgia State University (University Club at Center Parc Stadium) on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024 (9 a.m.-3 p.m.). FCS, D-II, D-III, NAIA, junior colleges and prep schools from across the country will be there looking for football prospects from the classes of 2025, 2026, 2027 and 2028. High school coaches, please reserve a spot by registering today. Click here to register.

Signage teams being put together for games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Score Atlanta handles different types of activation for Atlanta United and Atlanta Falcons games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and is looking to add to its team, which places signage both inside MBS and in the parking lots. The hourly rate is $17. If you are interested, please call Graham David at 513-600-6557 or email him by clicking here.

GHSF Daily classified ads

Reach 24,000 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.

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 40-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.