View of 2023 season from Georgia’s media
GHSF Daily prides itself in its statewide coverage of Georgia high school football, but nobody knows their local schools better than their hometown newspapers and radio stations. GHSF Daily reached out to members of the Georgia media this week, most of them local but a few with a statewide approach, to get their observations about the new season and some of the more interesting teams, players and coaches they're following. This is what they said.
John Bednarowski, Marietta Daily Journal
“For Cobb County, it is a year of new coaches. In all, six new coaches have taken the reins – Brad Smith (Allatoona), Jeff Phillips (Campbell), Kareem Reid ( McEachern), Sean O'Sullivan (Pope), T.J. Washington (Walker) and Robert Walsh (Whitefield Academy). It is the most coaching changes in the county in one year since 2008 when eight programs made a change. That year brought some of the best in county history. Gary Varner at Allatoona and Mitch Jordan at Mount Paran Christian won state titles during their tenures, while Kyle Hockman (McEachern) and Derek Cook (Kell) had their programs knocking on the door. Hopefully, the new group has a similar kind of success over the next decade.”
Chris Beckham, Football Friday Night Radio Show
“As usual, there are a lot of great storylines to follow in South Georgia. Everyone will be chasing Colquitt County in Region 1-7A, but the rest of the teams have talent and won’t concede anything. Region 1-6A could be crazy every week with Houston County’s Antwann Hill and Lee County’s Ousmane Kromah putting up video game numbers. And Veterans QB Jake Maxwell passed for over 2,000 yards last year. There could be a lot of parity in Region 2-A Division II. Clinch County and Charlton County are coming off big years, and Lanier County has weapons coming back. The Bulldogs won their first-ever playoff game last year and have never won a region title, so they could be a dark horse. But if you want to go old school, you better get to Ocilla early Friday night for Fitzgerald and Irwin County. Together, they’ve won three state titles and played in six state title games in the last four years. No transfers, no five-star recruits. They’re just nine miles apart and know each other’s families. Friday night in Ocilla will be the epitome of high school football.”
Mark Brock, DeKalb County Athletics
“Seven DeKalb County schools (Clarkston, Cross Keys, Martin Luther King, Redan, Southwest DeKalb, Stone Mountain and Towers) are starting the season with new coaches and staffs. Most are trying to get those programs turned around from tough seasons. Southwest DeKalb (Marion Bell) and King (alum Joel Kight) look to climb back into the spotlight. Most people know Cedar Grove has been the most prominent DeKalb program of the last seven years with four state titles and one runner-up finish, and many have them rated at the top of Class 3A again despite a tough schedule against some 7A schools again this year. Stephenson and Tucker, with solid youth cores, are looking to rebound to the level of years past and compete for region titles and deep playoff runs. Chamblee looks to build on a second-round playoff run and the accomplishments the 2023 senior class put together. Morris Starr has Lakeside expecting bigger things after their first winning season (8-2) since 2003, and Columbia’s Greg Barnett looks to have the Eagles in the playoffs for a third consecutive season.”
Brian Carter, BLITZ Sports GA
“Up in the northeast corner of the state, all eyes are on Downtown Sammy Brown. He's Jefferson's featured player on both sides of the ball, though the team has a handful of D-I talents. The Dragons uncharacteristically were ousted in the first round of state the past two seasons, and that hasn't set well with Jefferson. That's added motivation for them to make a serious run, not just as the reigning Region 8-5A champs but in the playoffs. Rabun County (8-A D-I) rolls out the heir apparent all along to Gunner Stockton in sophomore Ty Truelove. He could be special, and he has three-star Willie Goodwyn to throw to. Dawson County, Lumpkin County and White County will all be big players in 7-3A, and a couple of teams have offenses that could put up serious points in Stephens County (8-3A) and Union County (8-2A). All-State RB Jaiden Daniels will power Commerce (8-A D-I) and is a back who should clear 1,500 yards again. Habersham Central (8-6A), Banks County (8-2A) and Towns County (8-A D-II) are hoping for big bounce-back seasons.”
Tucker Cole, The Times-Georgian of Carrollton
“There have been a pair of interesting shifts in our coverage area this year. For one, the defending Class A D-II champion Bowdon Red Devils graduated nearly their entire starting offense, including the whole offensive line, running back T.J. Harvison and quarterback Robert McNeal. However, with the transfer of two senior quarterbacks, Kyler McGrinn from Cleburne County, Ala., and Devan Powell from Central Carroll, the Red Devils went from having no obvious answer at quarterback to a position battle. Bowdon also rebuilt its offensive line, both from within the program and with a couple transfers, brothers Zatavien and Zatorien Vilsaint. On top of the new faces, senior running back/linebacker Jordan Beasley and 6-5 sophomore receiver/defensive back Kaiden Prothro both looked poised for breakout seasons as the team collected scrimmage wins over Heard County (35-22) and Rabun County (33-14). As for the other shift, veteran coach Tim Barron at Villa Rica stepped down into an assistant role to allow his son, Austin Barron, to be the head man. The young Barron has brought in a new offensive scheme that features run-pass option and spread offense concepts, which is a shift from the gun-wing-T offense of recent years. The Wildcats also have a transfer quarterback, junior Zhay'lyn Bell from Hughes, who stands at 6-5 and has shown an accurate arm and mobility in preseason snaps.”
Derrick Davis, The Brunswick News
“The story remains the same at Brunswick High, where the Pirates have rattled off two consecutive undefeated regular seasons while ranking within the top 10 of Class 6A in both points scored and points allowed before falling prematurely in the postseason. Brunswick still has the talent to make another playoff push with preseason all-state selections Terry Mitchell (receiver) and Devin Smith (outside linebacker) leading on each side of the ball. Set to face a tougher schedule with Camden County on the rise and crosstown rival Glynn Academy having reloaded, Brunswick may be better prepared to make it past the second round for the first time since 1999.”
Alex Farrer, Rome News-Tribune
“The Rome Wolves are reloaded and ready for another potential run to a region title and trip deep into the playoffs with senior quarterback Reece Fountain going into his fourth year as the starter along with explosive receiver D.K. Daniel. The defense is strong as well, led up front by N.C. State defensive lineman commit Justin Terrell. Darlington has a new coach, Wayne Groves, taking over for veteran Tommy Atha. The Tigers have a couple of explosive offensive playmakers returning in running back D'Marion Floyd and receiver Talan Shirey. Pepperell will look to continue its postseason streak, which sits at eight, as it tries to fill the void left by running back D.J. Rogers, who graduated after running for more than 5,000 yards. New quarterback Sam Ross has the potential to be a reliable offensive threat. Model is looking to continue its recent success after a strong finish to last season and hosting a home playoff game. The Devils have a returning starting quarterback in Jake Sanders and 6-foot-8 tight end Jeremias Heard, who is a Tennessee commit as a defensive lineman. Armuchee also has a new coach, with Eric Belew taking over a program that has a lot of experience on the field and should be improved. Coosa has its biggest roster in recent memory and talent at the skill positions as they aim to end a recent postseason drought.”
Will Hammock, Gwinnett Daily Post
“I talked last year about it being Gwinnett's biggest season of turnover with nine new head coaches. That has been matched this year with nine new head coaches, including an interesting switch with longtime Parkview coach Eric Godfree going to North Gwinnett and Providence Christian's Joe Sturdivant taking over for Godfree. Godfree will do well at North Gwinnett, but he left behind loads of talent for Sturdivant, a key player on Parkview's 2000-2002 state championship teams. Sturdivant has a chance to make a run at a state title with this team. That said, most of the buzz surrounds Buford, a top-10 team nationally that can win state and national titles if things go well. The Wolves, young last season, are stacked with Power Five talent and would have been a state championship frontrunner without the summer addition of quarterback Dylan Raiola, the nation's No. 1 overall prospect and a UGA commit. Buford will be a handful to deal with as it pursues its first state title at the Class 7A level.”
Scott Herpst, Catoosa County News/Walker County Messenger
“If there is one word to describe the feeling around Catoosa and Walker counties this season, it's optimism. Up in Fort Oglethorpe, the LFO Warriors are showing signs of improvement in their second season under Mac Bryan, who has a history of turning programs around. LFO will be young in a few spots, but the athleticism is there. Their Region 6-3A rivals in Catoosa County, the Ringgold Tigers, are replacing their top quarterback, tailback and receiver, and they also have a new head coach, Austin Crisp. But the Tigers have developed plenty of young talent in the past and have designs on dethroning Adairsville in the region. In Walker County, LaFayette is bigger, stronger and faster and looking to rebound from an injury-plagued 2022, led by a veteran offensive line, while some of the same things can be said about Ridgeland. The Panthers are in their second season with Craig Pritchett at the helm and have made big gains. Both could find themselves battling it out for a playoff spot when they meet in the final game of the season. Gordon Lee nearly made the playoffs last year in its first season after moving up from Class A. The Trojans don't have many seniors but have a wealth of talent in the sophomore and junior classes, and they are looking to crash the party in 6-3A. The only team from the area not in that region is Heritage of Ringgold, which graduated heavily. However, the Generals might just be the surprise team in Region 7-4A as the defense appears to be as fast and hard-hitting as last year's while the receiving corps might just be the best in the region. That will be welcome news for new senior starting quarterback Brady Chandler.”
Jeff Hood, Friday Night Football on WMOQ 92.3 FM, Social Circle
"Four of the teams in our immediate listening area open ranked in the AJC Top 10. Two of them, Oconee County (No. 7 in Class 3A) and North Oconee (No. 2 in Class 4A), go head-to-head tonight in Bogart in the annual Hog Mountain Bowl. New faces take center stage for Oconee County, led by sophomore linebacker Zach Weeks, who intercepted two passes in a preseason scrimmage against Blessed Trinity. North Oconee returns a solid nucleus and is expected to make a deep playoff run for the third consecutive season. The Titans will miss Khalil Barnes, now a freshman for the Clemson Tigers. Monroe Area (No. 9 in Class 3A) is stacked with talent. But the Purple Hurricanes face a very difficult schedule, highlighted by a Sept. visit to the Purple Pit by Prince Avenue Christian (No. 1 in Class A Division I) and their high-flying offense engineered by AJC Super 11 quarterback Aaron Philo."
Adam Krohn, AJC Class 2A blogger
“It's always tough to predict who will emerge from 2A. No other classification has more parity. I write this every year in my blog, but 2A has not had a repeat champion since Buford won four in a row in 2007-10. Following that trend would rule out last year's champion, Thomson. However, I expect the Bulldogs to remain in the mix out of Region 4, with five returning starters on offense and six on defense. Region 3 is strong with Appling County (semifinal finish last year) and Pierce County (quarterfinals). Out of Region 5, you expect Pete Wiggins and Callaway to put together a quarterfinals-caliber team because they've advanced at least that far every year since 2016. Rockmart has won its region six years in a row dating back to a stint in 2A, and they're my pick to win Region 7. I'm intrigued to see which direction other programs go, including ACE Charter, which last year turned in its first winning season, 8-3, under first-year coach Keith Hatcher. Can ELCA make a deep run after exiting in the second round last year? What will Fellowship Christian look like with Tim McFarlin leaving for Georgia Tech and the quarterback graduating to play for Houston? Shaun Pope left Putnam County after guiding the program to a 30-6 record the past three seasons, but Joel Harvin, formerly of Region 1-2A's Early County, returns to 2A for the War Eagles, so they may not miss a beat. If I had to pick a team to win it all, I'll go with Fitzgerald. Under Tucker Pruitt, Fitzgerald has shown it can change its identity based on its personnel, which is why it has reached the title game the past three years and won it in 2021.”
Phil Jones, ITG Next
“This marks the third straight year Lowndes starts the season with a new head coach, as former Grayson coach Adam Carter takes over. Carter was hired to replace Zach Grage, who coached the team last season after leaving Thomasville. Grage took over for Jamie DuBose, who left Lowndes following the 2021 season. Vikings fans are hoping that Carter can bring stability and lead them to a state title win as he did with Grayson in 2020. Meanwhile, across town at Valdosta, the Wildcats will rely on a suffocating defense that returns most of the starters from a top-10 unit that allowed less than 10 points per game in 2022. However, one of its top performers that was expected to return in 2023, Omar White, will not be back due to off-the-field issues that occurred this offseason. White was expected to team with all-state defensive Eric Brantley again, who himself had his own offseason issues after suffering from gunshot-inflicted wounds. Brantley has fully recovered and is expected to be back this season for the Cats.”
Dennis Knight, Savannah Morning News
“It's amazing to think that a smaller city like Savannah, with a population under 150,000, is home to two of the top-ranked quarterbacks in the country in Benedictine's Luke Kromenhoek and Calvary Day's Jake Merklinger. Both are poised to finish their prep careers in style. The dynamic duo is ranked among the consensus top-10 quarterbacks in the country by recruiting sites. Kromenhoek helped lead BC to its second straight state crown last year in his first year as a starter, passing for 2,576 yards with 24 touchdowns and just three interceptions and running for 453 yards and seven more scores. He has the talent and experience to do it again.”
Michael A. Lough, Central Georgia Sports Report
“It was a storm of coaching changes in Central Georgia from Class 6A Northside to GIAA Class AA Brentwood with more than a dozen new bosses this fall. Most intriguing: Marquis Westbrook from Warner Robins to Peach County, Shane Sams to Warner Robins and Chad Campbell from Peach County to Westfield. All three will be extremely interesting to watch because all three are changes in many forms. Central Georgia has some major talent, from Houston County QB A.J. Hill to Northeast RB Nick Woodford to Dodge County athlete Duke Johnson to First Presbyterian QB Jakhari Williams. Houston County, with loads of quality players back, is a legit state finals candidate in 6A. Warner Robins may have too much transition to keep its remarkable finals streak alive in 5A. Jones County, Mary Persons and Dublin, among others, appear ready for a step (back) up. When will John Milledge’s winning streak – currently at 50 – come to an end? Central Georgia will sweep the GIAA AAA and AA titles – well, with so many teams in the playoffs anyway – and maybe take AAAA. It’ll be a tough year at Northside, Perry on paper has some key holes to fill, Putnam County has a new coach amid a historic three-year run, and Macon County is off only its second losing season in a decade.”
Daniel Mayes, Dalton Citizen
“Schools in Whitfield and Murray counties are tasked with replacing a lot of star power. The leading passers in the 2022 regular season in classes 2A, 3A and 4A – North Murray’s Seth Griffin, Coahulla Creek’s Kace Kinnamon and Northwest Whitfield’s Owen Brooker – all hailed from the pair of counties in the northwest corner of the state, and all three graduated. Class 5A’s leading rusher, Dalton’s Tyson Greenwade, is gone too, as is the Class 2A receiving leader, North Murray’s Jadyn Rice. This season, there are new stars ready to step up. One is North Murray’s Judson Petty. He was right behind Rice at second in receiving in Class 2A a season ago. Petty, also a standout defensive back, returns as a senior and should be a go-to playmaker for new Mountaineers quarterback Skyler Williams.”
Chris Mooneyham, 680 the Fan/GA High School Football Scoreboard Show
“I am in the minority here, but I’m also sticking to my guns. I think the highest classification has as many true state championship contenders this season as in any year since the 7A classification was introduced. The result will be the most star-studded quarterfinals in many, many years. We are in a sneaky era of parity in the highest classification. Championship parity, to be precise. And recent history reflects that point. Since the move from six classes to seven (seven seasons), six different programs have won titles, with two very different Grayson teams winning twice. This followed consecutive back-to-back championship wins from Norcross and Colquitt County. Since then, the consensus preseason top-ranked team has won the state title just three times. The other part of the conversation is not just the eventual champion but also the depth of state runner-up caliber teams. That too reflects the depth of championship contention. Would anyone truly be surprised if Milton or Grayson or Parkview faced Buford or Mill Creek or Carrollton for the title? As far as the speculative quarterfinals are concerned, if the regions play out the way I think they will, we could end up with: Carrollton vs. Walton, Grayson vs. Buford, Mill Creek vs. Parkview and Milton vs. Colquitt County. My sleeper matchup: Walton vs. Colquitt for the whole thing.”
Bill Murphy, Gainesville Times
“Everyone in the state is talking about Gainesville High. I never thought the day would come where one of the most polarizing programs would be in Hall County. With Gainesville’s talent and the way it attracts future Division I players, people either love them or hate them. It’s great for content to get to know these young people who are playing at the local high school for one year, then going off to Clemson, North Carolina, etc. Many people think that since Gainesville is a city-school system, then it should have to play in Class 7A (only one classification up). That’s a fair take, too. I think it’s entirely possible for the Red Elephants to be better this season even after going 14-1 in 2022 and finishing as Class 6A runner-up. If No. 2 Gainesville beats No. 9 Marist in the opener Friday, then it will run the table in the regular season. In the playoffs, it will be a heavyweight battle among Gainesville, Hughes, Houston County and Roswell deep in the postseason. Gainesville senior quarterback Baxter Wright (3,343 passing yards, 40 TD passes last season) is the most under-recruited player I’ve ever seen. He checks all the boxes from what I can see. The college program that lands him is getting a stud.”
Kevin Price, 912 Sports
“The 2023 campaign figures to be as intriguing as some from the recent past here in Southeast Georgia with several teams poised to make strong playoff runs. In Class 7A, expectations are high for Camden County as coach Jeff Herron starts the third season of his second stint there. The Wildcats surged at the end of last year, defeating Valdosta and Lowndes to finish second in Region 1 before defeating East Coweta in a first-round playoff game at home. Of course, Colquitt County remains the team to beat in the region, and Camden plays the Packers in Kingsland. The Lowndes game became all the more interesting with Adam Carter taking over the Vikings’ program. A former Camden assistant who remains close to Herron, Carter knows the Wildcats’ wing-T offense as good as anyone outside the team. It was his final Grayson team that beat Camden in the second round last year. Down in Class 5A, Ware County won its first state championship last season and appears to have what it takes to go back-to-back. But will the Gators be as hungry as they were while chasing that elusive title last fall? That’s the million-dollar question. People in Jesup are excited about Wayne County, which made a quick resurgence last year in its first season under Jaybo Shaw, who guided the Yellow Jackets to a 10-win season and the Class 4A quarterfinals after they went 0-9 the previous season. In Class 2A, Appling County is longing for its first state championship, and with 12 starters back from last year’s semifinals team, 2023 could very well be the Pirates’ year to claim it. And in Class A, no one should sleep on McIntosh County Academy, which has nine starters back from a region championship team that had Clinch County on the ropes in the second round before losing by a point as the Panthers rallied late in Darien.”
Len Robbins, Clinch County News
“South Georgia has produced a sea of great prep football players over the years, and here are three worth watching from small schools. One is Jeremy Bell, receiver, Clinch County. The Panthers have a rich athletic history, and Bell (6-1, 175, 40-inch vertical leap) may be one of the best pure athletes to ever suit up for Clinch. A four-sport athlete, he was all-state in football as a junior (31 catches, 23.8 yards per catch, 10 receiving TDs), all-region in basketball, a state champion in the 400-meter dash, and a star on the tennis team. He has committed to Indiana. Another is Josiah Davis, athlete, Berrien. Davis, a Florida commit, may be the best athlete to ever play for the Rebels, as he was all-state in football and a standout in track and basketball. He'll play quarterback and safety for the Rebels this season but shines the brightest as a kick returner. Last year, he scored seven kickoff return touchdowns – one shy of the national record. Then there’s B.J. Gibson, receiver, Wilcox County. Gibson, an FSU football commit, was originally a Tennessee baseball commit. Gibson (6-0, 188) is talented enough to play both sports on the D-I level but will probably stick to football, where the Seminoles project him as a receiver next fall.”
Gabriel Stovall, Augusta Press Sports
“It’s been a while since Augusta-area high school football fans have had the chance to watch a local team try to defend its state championship. But all eyes will be on Thomson this year as the Bulldogs – complete with both quarterbacks, Jahkiaus Jones and Noah Story, and a stable of talented tailbacks from last year’s title squad – look to make it a repeat. Before Thomson’s 2022 triumph, you have to go back to 2013’s Aquinas Fighting Irish team to find the area’s last football state champ. Jontavis Curry stole the show, particularly in the postseason, for Thomson last year. And though he’s graduated, the talent cupboard is far from being bare. Keep the name Anthony Jeffery on your radar. Jeffery rushed for 1,015 yards and 18 scores as Curry’s sidekick last year. Armed with his offer from Arkansas, he’s poised for a breakout year. Burke County junior tailback A’merre Williams looked sharp in scrimmage action and seems ready to emerge in coach Franklin Stephens’ first season there – another major storyline in itself. Javaris Harris is back at Laney after spending his junior season catching almost 1,000 yards worth of passes at Greene County. Laney played Thomson closer than anyone last year. The Wildcats will be a team to watch.”
Nicholas Sullivan, Forsyth County News
“The story in Forsyth County is the quarterback position. There are five new starters among the seven public schools. West Forsyth sophomore Max Walraven is the most highly touted and will look to help the Wolverines return to the playoffs after a tough 2022 season saw them finish fifth in Region 6-7A. Elsewhere, Lambert's Marshall Coleman and South Forsyth's Cade Aycock will hope to replace the production of region superlative winners James Tyre and Ty Watkins, respectively. Forsyth Central will turn to Drew Reid during head coach Chad Pickett's inaugural season. North Forsyth's Elijah Seaney will look to help the Raiders again challenge Gainesville for the Region 8-6A title. Of the returning starters, Denmark's Jacob Nelson is set to keep the Danes in the hunt for a fifth straight playoff appearance, while East Forsyth's Brock Szakacs is aiming for his school's first postseason berth.”
Matt Stewart, GPB Sports
“I have two dark horse teams in my preseason rankings. In 5A, I believe Hiram has a chance to have a special season. This is a program that hasn't won more than six games in a season since going 21-4 in the 2009-10 seasons. But only Creekside (which I have ranked No. 1) has more ranked college football prospects in 5A than the Hornets, and Hiram has five players named GHSF Daily preseason all-state. So it is recognized that the talent is there. The question is can they put it all together in Region 7, which in my opinion is the toughest region is all of 5A with four teams in my Top 11 (Cartersville, Calhoun, Hiram and Cass). My other dark horse is Spalding. No team in 4A returns more all-region players than the Jaguars. Here is a program that has lived in the long shadow of historically great Griffin, but the Jags have gone 15-8 the last two seasons under coach Carl Kearney after back-to-back seasons totaling 2-18. So the build has started, Is this the season Spalding jumps from being a second-round finisher to the round of eight or better? I took a lot of heat on social media ranking the Jaguars No. 4 in my preseason rankings, which might be pushing it, so we shall see.”
Ethan Strang, LaGrange News
“All eyes in Troup County will be on the Tigers of Troup High, who may have the most talented team in program history, led by 2022 4A player of the year finalist Taeo Todd, who accounted for 56 total touchdowns a season ago. The senior quarterback leads the Tigers alongside Clemson-bound safety Noah Dixon and UCF-bound linebacker Qua Birdsong. Troup had its best season in program history last year, going 12-2, losing to eventual champion Benedictine in the semifinals. The big question: Can the Tigers turn their talent into the team’s first state championship? The only other loss for the Tigers last season was against crosstown LaGrange, which beat Troup in the final game of the regular season to book a spot in the playoffs. It was a disappointing finish for the Grangers as they fell to Burke County at home in the first round. The historical powerhouse in west Georgia has not made it out of the second round since 2008, but the team is out to prove its top-10 ranking is deserved. Callaway is a perennial powerhouse in 2A, and this year looks to be no different. The Cavaliers have prided themselves on their defense, but this could be the final season with longtime defensive coordinator Dusty Hubbard in charge as his son, Bryce, prepares to play college baseball in 2024.”
Joe Whitfield, Albany Herald
“While the Albany area is blessed to have two extremely talented athletes again in Kam Davis of Dougherty and Ousmane Kromah of Lee County, the most interesting thing in Albany sports right now is a coaching change three days before the start of the season. Monday night, the Dougherty County school board named Dougherty head coach Johnny Gilbert to a newly created position named student support services coordinator, where he will lead an effort to help build the character of young male students in elementary and middle school. As for the football teams themselves, Lee County will be an improved team. They are a talented group of athletes with a little something to prove after not winning the region last year. The Warner Robins game Friday night will be a real test, and then Colquitt County a couple of weeks later will be the benchmark. Monroe is going to be stronger. Coach Lacey Herring is confident that his offensive line can protect three-year starter Corey Randle and produce a significant running game, as well. If that materializes, Monroe could give top teams like Thomasville and Carver-Columbus some trouble. And who knows what is going to happen with Dougherty? Kam Davis is a special player who can do a lot of things, but a coaching change three days before the season opener could really spell trouble on Albany's east side.”