GHSA FOOTBALL State Championships
GHSA FOOTBALL State Championships
DECEMBER 16-18, 2024
DECEMBER 16-18, 2024
MERCEDES-BENZ STADIUM
MERCEDES-BENZ STADIUM
2024 CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE
MONDAY, DECEMBER 16
FLAG DIV. 1 CHAMPIONSHIP
12:00 PM – SE Bulloch vs. Columbus
FLAG DIV. 2 CHAMPIONSHIP
2:00 PM – Greenbrier vs. North Oconee
CLASS A DIV. 2 CHAMPIONSHIP
4:00 PM – Brooks County vs. Bowdon
CLASS 4A CHAMPIONSHIP
7:00 PM – North Oconee vs. Marist
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17
FLAG DIV. 3 CHAMPIONSHIP
11:00 AM – Pace Academy vs Pope
CLASS A DIV. 1 CHAMPIONSHIP
1:00 PM – Toombs County vs. Northeast-Macon
CLASS 2A CHAMPIONSHIP
4:00 PM – Carver-Columbus vs. Burke County
CLASS 5A CHAMPIONSHIP
7:00 PM – Milton vs. Langston Hughes
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18
FLAG DIV. 4 CHAMPIONSHIP 11:00 AM – McEachern vs. Lambert
CLASS A-3A PRIVATE CHAMPIONSHIP
1:00 PM – Hebron Christian vs. Prince Avenue Christian
CLASS 3A CHAMPIONSHIP
4:00
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Greetings,Welcome
to the GHSA Tommy Guillebeau Football Championships presented by Georgia Farm Bureau Insurance. This year we are excited to bring you these games from the fabulous Mercedes Benz Stadium which is the premiere venue in the world! The coaches, players, cheerleaders and band members have put in countless hours leading up to this event. I know you appreciate the work of these young people and their skills that will be on display at this outstanding venue. Special thanks go out to the staff of MBS who have worked hard to ensure that this event will provide an experience for all that will be second to none.
The GHSA thanks you for your support of high school football throughout this year. You are an integral part of high school athletics
GHSA FOOTBALL FANS
and your support and appreciation of these athletes help make Georgia High School football the best atmosphere in the nation. Please demonstrate good sportsmanship to all of our teams and spectators. Your positive support is greatly appreciated.
The GHSA staff has been working for months to ensure your experience and that of the teams will be one to remember for a lifetime. The staff of MBS has worked diligently to provide the support needed for this event and will assist you in every way possible. We thank all involved for their hard work in making this event a memorable one.
This event is made possible through our corporate partners whose ads you will see throughout the stadium. This event would not be possible without their help and I encourage you to support them whenever possible.
People throughout the state and
surrounding states who are unable to attend will be able to view all of the games live through the production by Georgia Public Broadcasting. Their work is outstanding, professional and we appreciate their support of the GHSA and our games.
Thank you for your support and enjoy the best high school football you will find anywhere!
Dr. Tim Scott
Executive Director
Executive Director
REVTECH
Redistributed weight provides 3-8% higher spin rate, equates to 60 more RPM’s for better accuracy, velocity and distance on every throw.
RAPID BREAK-IN LEATHER
Pre-treated leather reduces break-in time for a softer feel and easier grip out of the box.
PRIME STITCHING
Middle finger and index finger stitching for throwing off-lace, quick release and ball security.
Learn more at wilson.com Follow us @wilsonfootball
BY CRAIG SAGER II
Mercedes-Benz
HISTORIC MATCHUPS SET STAGE FOR THREE-DAY CHAMPIONSHIP MARATHON
Stadium is back to host the GHSA Football and Flag Football State Championships with three must-see days of action on Dec. 16-18. The Championships returned to the Benz last year for the first time since 2018 and this year will be bigger than ever with four flag football championships and eight football finals to present the first-ever 12-game championship slate. This year’s finalists for football include three defending state champions. In Class 5A, defending Class 7A state champion Milton will take on Hughes with an opportunity to win back-to-back state titles for the first time in program history. Class A-3A Private finalist Prince Avenue Christian and Class A Div. II finalist Bowdon will each be aiming for a third-straight championship after being the only two defending champs to make it to Mercedes-Benz Stadium last year.
MONDAY’S MATCHUPS
Day 1 will kick off with Southeast Bulloch versus Columbus in the Flag Division I final and Greenbrier versus North Oconee in the Flag Division II championships, followed by Bowdon’s bid for a three-peat against Brooks County in the Class A Division II finals and a battle between undefeated teams in Class 4A with Marist and North Oconee. Brooks County—led by first-year head coach Josh McFather, scored a 17-14 overtime win against Manchester in the semifinals, while Bowdon held off Irwin County 42-18. North Oconee is in the finals for the first time in school history and defeated Blessed Trinity in the semifinals 27-7 to improve to 14-0. Marist also kept its perfect season alive in the finals and rallied back from a 14-6 halftime deficit to beat a talented Creekside team 27-21.
FIRST-EVER FINALISTS
Class A Division I offers a unique matchup between state-title hopefuls Toombs County and Northeast-Macon. The Toombs County Bulldogs defeated Dublin 42-15 in the semifinals to reach the finals for the first time in 38 seasons, while Northeast earned its first championship berth in its 54-year history. The 54 years it took the
Raiders to reach their first finals is the 10th longest span in state history and they also became the first Macon school to reach a GHSA final since Central-Macon’s 1975 run to the Class 3A title. After the Flag Division 3 final with Pope and Pace Academy and Class A Div. I’s showdown between first-ever finalists, Burke County and Carver-Columbus will put it all on the line in the Class 2A championship. Burke County head coach Franklin Stephens joins Jeremy Wiggins of Northeast-Macon as the two coaches that have led their alma maters to the finals this year. Coach Stephens’ Bears are coming off a 35-22 win over last year’s state-runner-up Rockmart. As for Carver-Columbus, the Tigers knocked off two-time defending state champion Pierce County in the quarterfinals and then allowed just 54 yards of offense in their dominant 49-6 win over Appling County in the semifinals.
HISTORY IN THE MAKING
Wednesday’s four-game lineup to conclude both the flag and tackle football seasons, will open with the Flag Division 4 championship between McEachern and Lambert before a triple-header of intriguing championship matchups. The Class A-3A Private finals stages two-time defending state champion Prince Avenue Christian in a rematch of its 34-31 victory over Hebron Christian in a televised thriller back on Nov. 11. The Wolverines are just the seventh program in state history to make five-straight finals appearances and Hebron Christian will be making its firstever trip to the championship after triumphing in a 24-17 semifinal road victory over Fellowship Christian. After the first-ever Class A-3A Private champion is crowned in the newly formed classification, Jefferson and Calhoun will take the stage for the Class 3A crown. The last time these teams met was in the 2012 championship when T. McFerrin led Jefferson to a 31-14 victory and its most recent state title. Calhoun, meanwhile can win its first state title since 2017 after reaching the finals for the second time in head coach Clay Stephenson’s six seasons at the helm. The 12th and final championship game at the Benz will pair Carrollton against Grayson for the Class 6A state crown. Both teams rallied back from halftime deficits in the semifinals. Grayson overcame a 21-6 halftime deficit to defeat Douglas County 35-28 and Carrollton stormed back from a 17-14 deficit to defeat Buford 30-17.
Class 6A
By Craig Sager II
Grayson vs. Carrollton
Wednesday, December 18 | 7:00 PM
GGRAYSON
CARROLLTON TROJANS
rayson is back in the finals for the first time since 2020 under second-year head coach Santavious Bryant and will have an opportunity to win its fourth all-time state title. The Rams have won 13-straight since dropping their opener 2019 to Collins Hill and avenged that loss in the quarterfinals with a 38-14 victory. The Rams faced a 21-6 halftime deficit to Douglas County in the semifinals and rallied for a thrilling 35-28 victory. After a three-touchdown performance in the win over Collins Hill, Alexander Sanchez came up clutch and caught the gamewinning touchdown pass from Travis Burgess with 1:09 left in the game to defeat Douglas County and send Grayson to the championship. Grayson’s defense is led by Tyler Atkinson—the No. 1 rated linebacker in the nation for the Class of 2026 and also features 4-star defensive lineman and Florida-signee Joseph Mbatchou and Georgia Tech-signee, edge rusher Andre Fuller.
2024 RESULTS
Carrollton is one victory from its tenth all-time state title, first since 1998, first in the highest classification and first in the three-year career of AJC Super 11 quarterback Julian Lewis, who is 39-3 as a starter. Lewis is the fastest quarterback in state history to ever pass for 10,000 career yards and has been on a mission this season—completing 222-of-293 attempts for a career-best 75.8 completion percentage. Lewis has also accounted for 3,272 yards and 44 touchdowns with just four interceptions this season. On the ground, junior Kamauri Farmer has accounted for 18 touchdown runs this year. In the semifinals, Carrollton scored 16 unanswered points to advance past Buford 30-17 to clinch its second state title appearance in three seasons. It was an impressive performance on the night for Kadan Spratling, who had the game-altering strip fumble on junior quarterback Dayton Raiola as Buford was driving in the red zone.
2024 RESULTS
GRAYSON VS. CARROLLTON
CLASS 6A SKINNY
Wednesday’s championship finale between Grayson and Carrollton will be the first-ever meeting between the two programs. Carrollton (14-0) can complete its first unbeaten season since 1961 and break a championship drought that dates back to 1998 when they captured a ninth all-time title. All three of Grayson’s state titles have been won in the years since Carrollton’s last title. Moreover, Grayson is 3-for-3 in its previous trips to the finals and has had a different coach in all four of its final appearances. Santavious Bryant joins Mickey Conn (2011), Jeff Herron (2016) and Adam Carter (2020) as Grayson coaches that have reached the finals. As for Carrollton, head coach Joey King can win his third all-time state title after leading Cartersville to back-to-back championship seasons in 2015-16.
GRAYSON RAMS
(Loganville, GA.) • Hunter Green & Gold
CARROLLTON TROJANS
(Carrollton, GA.) • Black & Gold
Class 5A
Langston Hughes vs. Milton
Tuesday, December 17 | 7:00 PM
By Najeh Wilkins
LANGSTON HUGHES PANTHERS
13-1, REGION 3, NO. 1 SEED
The Panthers are back in the state championship for the second time in three years. In their playoff run, Hughes defeated Dunwoody 58-35, Roswell 31-21, Thomas County Central 28-12, and Coffee 49-26. Hughes has one of the best scoring offenses in the state, scoring 645 points and averaging 46.07 points per game. The Panthers have scored 28 points or more in every game this season. The Panthers are led by QB Christian Langford, who has thrown for 3,031 yards and 36 touchdowns. Georgia track commit Maurice Gleaton leads the Panthers with 618 receiving yards. Wide receiver Jabari Jones leads the team with 10 touchdowns. Defensively Hughes has three players with 100 or more tackles: Keith Bass, Quaviyon Pitts, and Aji Griggs. In just six seasons with Hughes, head coach Daniel “Boone” Williams has produced a winning record in every season but one, winning three region championships, making the state championship game three times, and winning a state championship.
MILTON EAGLES 14-0, REGION 7, NO.
Milton continues its dominant ascent riding a 24-game winning streak into the state championship, and will look to repeat for the first time in program history. Milton has played stellar competition this season including Buford, American Heritage (FL), Blessed Trinity, Roswell, Houston County, and Lee County. Milton is led by Mr. Georgia finalist QB Luke Nickel who has thrown for 3,335 yards and 40 touchdowns this season. Georgia signee WR CJ Wiley has 58 catches for 1,064 yards and 14 touchdowns. Georgia TE commit Ethan Barbour has 42 catches for 849 yards and 11 touchdowns. Running back TJ Lester has 1,647 rushing yards and 26 total touchdowns leading the team in both categories. The defense has produced three shutouts this season and has held eight of their 14 opponents to less than 10 points this season. Defensively, the Eagles are led by senior linebacker Hayden Tumminia who leads the team with 122 tackles.
2024 RESULTS 2024 RESULTS
LANGSTON HUGHES VS. MILTON
CLASS 5A SKINNY
Hughes has won 11 or more games in four out of the last five seasons and is seeking its second championship in program history and first since 2022. That year, Hughes set the GHSA scoring record and had 10 players named to all-state lists. Milton has five-consecutive seasons with 10 or more wins, the only time that has happened in program history. Milton is also seeking its first undefeated season in program history. Tuesday will mark just the second time these two teams have ever faced off. The other was a matchup back in 2014, which Milton won by a score of 17-14. Both programs have been dominant over the past half-decade establishing themselves as state title contenders every season.
LANGSTON HUGHES PANTHERS
(Fairburn, GA.) • Green, Gold, & Black Head Coach: Daniel Williams
Coaches: Cole Meyer, Ben Arnold
MILTON EAGLES
(Milton, GA) • Red, White, & Blue
Name
AJ Benton ILB/OLB 12
Daron Pigram ILB/OLB 12
MJ Krak ILB/OLB 11
Tristan Lester OLB/SS 11
Lawson Estes CB/FS 11
Jordan Carrasquillo WR/OLB 10
Caleb Bell DL 12
TJ Hanson QB 10
Cooper Bradshaw QB 12
Ayden Williams WR/SS 11
Keelan Wonsley DB/WR 9
Billy Weivoda OLB/OLB 11
TJ Lester RB/RB 12
Nick Liguori CB/WR 12
Ashton Baer WR/CB 10
Will Bracey RB/CB 12
Alex Nover K 12
Jaylen Morgan RB 12
Walker Davis RB/WR 11
Kevin Maven-Winchester RB 12
Graham Coady LS 11
Champ Hatfield SS/WR 11
Cross Hatfield WR/OLB 10
Ethan Raspberry WR/CB 10
Gage Lawrence DL/OLB 11
Drew Schmidt ILB/TE 10
Walker Arbuthnot ILB/OLB 11
Sheldon Atchison RB 10
Trevor Finale ILB 11
Leo Long DL/OLB 12
Jaxson Burke RB/CB 10
Class 4A
By Hayden Gilbert
Marist vs. North Oconee Monday, December 16 | 7:00 PM
LMARIST WAR EAGLES
egendary head coach Alan Chadwick is in his 40th season as Marist’s head coach and this season, the team has been as dominant as ever. It finished the regular season undefeated for the 11th time during his tenure. Marist has excelled on both sides of the ball, averaging 42.5 points per game while allowing just 9.21 points per game. Chadwick’s signature triple-option offense remains the backbone of the team, as it has been for nearly half a century. The system shortens games and capitalizes on opponents’ mistakes, both offensively and defensively. The team is led by quarterback Jack Euart, a Wofford baseball commit. Euart embodies the essence of Marist football as a smart, tough, and gritty player that consistently puts his body on the line game after game. While this year’s defense may have a few new names, it remains a disciplined and sound unit, forcing opponents to methodically drive the field to score.
2024 RESULTS
ANORTH OCONEE TITANS
fter three consecutive trips to the quarterfinals or better, Coach Tyler Aurandt and North Oconee have broken through to reach the 4A state title game. The Titans completed their third-straight undefeated season and captured their fourth consecutive region championship. The team is led by senior wide receiver and Georgia-commit Landon Roldan–who finished the regular season with the second most receiving yards in Class 4A (1,101). Complementing Roldan, is junior quarterback Harrison Faulkner who has had an impressive season, ranking fifth in 4A in passing with 2,345 yards. On the defensive side, junior edge rusher Khamari Brooks leads the charge. Brooks is a dominant prospect with the ability to shut down both the run and the pass, excelling as a run defender and a pass rusher. Overall, the Titans’ defense has been stellar, allowing just 9.57 points per game and allowing more than 13 points in a game only twice this season.
2024 RESULTS
MARIST VS. NORTH OCONEE
CLASS 4A SKINNY
The Class 4A state finals have often been among the most competitive in Georgia. This year’s edition will feature the only matchup in the state between undefeated teams. North Oconee, making its first-ever finals appearance, will face a Marist program that is appearing in its sixth championship game since the turn of the millennium. Marist is aiming for its second title of the 2020s, having last won in 2020. This season also marks the end of South Georgia’s three-year run of dominance in the classification, with Benedictine claiming titles in 2021 and 2022 and Perry winning in 2023. The upcoming game will be the first-ever meeting between North Oconee and Marist, in what will undoubtedly be the biggest first-ever meeting for both programs.
MARIST WAR EAGLES
(Atlanta, GA.) • Blue & Gold
# Name Pos. Gr.
43 Jackson Cox FB/LB 11
44 Mid McDonald FB/DB 11
45 Parks Kaiser DL/FB 11
46 Chris Haertel FB/DL 12
47 Drew Linnihan K/P 12
49 JR Howard SE/DB 12
50 Henry Zelonka C/DL 10
50 RJ Nicolosi DE 9
52 William Masucci OL/DL 11
52 William Kilborn TE/DE 10
53 Matt Monarchik OL/DL 12
54 Baker Hardison C/DL 11
55 Owen Nolte OL/DL 12
56 Stark Byce OL/DL 11
58 Anton Haven OL/DL 11
59 Jack Rodriguez OL/DL 12
59 Matthew Thornton TE/DE 10
60 Domenic Parker OL/DL 10
64 Kalib Kaham OL/LB 11
66 Colin Minogue OL/DE 12
67 Henry Utsch OL/DL 12
71 Will Johnson OL/DE 12
72 Cooper Martenson OL/DL 10
73 Kelly Spalding OL/DL 11
73 Davis Robinson OL/DL 10
74 Nicholas Woodward OL/DL 12
75 Brady Barry OL/DL 11
77 Austin Sperry OL/DL 12
80 Jack Richerson TE/DE 11
80 Engin McCarthy WR/DB 10
81 Dawson Batemon WR/DB 11
82 Tyler Baradel K/P 10
83 Bret Jenks WR/DB 11
84 Harrison Binder WR/DB 11
84 Liam Gordon FB/LB 10
85 Andrew Dollar WR/DB 12
86 Tanner Karakis WR/DB 11
87 Marshall Lisenby WR/DB 12
87 PJ Etheridge WR/DB 10
88 James McNary WR/DB 12
89 Jackson Bartholomew TE/DE 11
Head Coach: Alan Chadwick
Assistant Coaches: Dan Perez, Lee Caswell, John Embry, Paul Etheridge
NORTH OCONEE TITANS
(Watkinsville, GA.) • Scarlet & Black
# Name Pos. Gr.
Brooks Wardlow WR/DB 11 3 Nicholas Pollack TE/LB 10
Braxton Goolsby WR/DB 11
Khamari Brooks TE/LB 11 6 Logan Phelps WR/DB 10
Harrison Luke QB/LB 10 8 Maddox Brice RB/LB 11 9 Dallas Dickerson WR/DB 11
JT Doster RB/LB 10
Landon Roldan WR/DB 12
Carson Rollins WR/DB 12
Mason Pilcher WR/DB 11
Carter Avera WR/DB 11
Landon Williams WR/DB 10
Kelvin Millington WR/DB 10
Luke Burnett QB/LB 11
Brodie Wiepking RB/LB 10
Charlie Hawkins WR/DB 11 26 Michael Fabris WR/DB 12 27 Carter Moon WR/DB 10
Elijah Brice WR/DB 10
AJ Fick RB/DL 11
Head Coach: Tyler Aurandt Assistant Coaches: Kurt Doehrman, Will Peters
Class 3A
By Seth Ellerbee
Jefferson vs. Calhoun
Wednesday, December 18 | 4 PM
Head
JEFFERSON DRAGONS 11-3, REGION 8, NO. 1 SEED
coach Travis Noland took over at Jefferson in 2022 and has led the Dragons to the first round of the playoffs in 2022 and the semifinals of the 5A bracket last season. Noland coached Oconee County to back-to-back Class 3A title games in 2019 and 2020. The center of Jefferson’s offense is dual-threat quarterback Gavin Markey. He is 81-of-143 passing for 1,424 yards and 16 touchdowns while leading the team in rushing with 204 carries for 1,568 yards and 23 touchdowns. Dallas Russell has 165 carries for 877 yards and 11 touchdowns while Rett Hemphill and Mickell Pittman combine for 10 touchdown runs. Talan Childress (five TD receptions), Dalton Dye (five TD receptions) and Hemphill (two TD receptions) lead receivers. Hemphill, who plays both ways for the Dragons, leads the team with 89 solo tackles, 42 assists, 9.4 tackles per game, seven interceptions with one interception returned for a touchdown and 11 tackles for loss.
CALHOUN YELLOW JACKETS
6
Clay Stephenson has coached Calhoun since 2019 and is trying for his second state championship after losing to Warner Robins in the Class 5A title game in 2021. The Yellow Jackets have a chance for the program’s fifth state title – 1952, 2011, 2014 and 2017. Freshman quarterback Trace Hawkins leads the Calhoun offense and is 149-of-217 passing for 1,893 yards and 23 touchdowns with just one interception. Cross Land is 48-of-68 passing for 678 yards and eight touchdowns. Justin Beasley is the team’s leading receiver with 69 catches for 985 yards and 18 touchdowns. On the ground, the Yellow Jackets have rushed for 23 touchdowns and Isiah Nalls leads with 178 carries for 916 yards and five touchdowns. Hudson Chadwick, Hawkins, Hunter White and Emaree Winston each have four touchdown runs. On the defensive side, Alec Upshaw leads with 81 tackles, 29 assists, five tackles for loss, four sacks, two caused fumbles and a fumble recovery.
2024 RESULTS 2024 RESULTS
JEFFERSON VS. CALHOUN
CLASS 3A SKINNY
It’s been 12 seasons since these two teams have played. The Class 3A title game this year is a rematch of the 2012 Class 2A state championship game, which was won by Jefferson. Calhoun and Jefferson survived a semifinal round that featured four programs which entered Class 3A this season from higher classes. Calhoun spent the last four seasons in Class 5A and defeated the former 4A power Stephenson 35-13 in the semifinals. Jefferson was in 5A last season and upended former 4A team LaGrange 21-13 to earn the finals berth. The teams have met just twice, and each has a victory against the other. Calhoun won 39-6 in the first round of the 2011 playoffs and in 2012, Jefferson won the state championship game against Calhoun 31-14 for the Dragons’ only title.
JEFFERSON DRAGONS
(Jefferson, GA.) • Royal Blue, Red & White
CALHOUN YELLOW JACKETS
(Calhoun, GA.) • Black & Gold
# Name Pos. Gr. 1 Kam Penny WR/DB 12
2 Isaias Perez WR/DB 12
3 Justin Beasley WR/DB 11
4 Hunter White RB/LB 11
5 Cross Land QB 10
6 Makadan Griffin WR/DB 12
7 Carlos Lopez K 12
8 Kaden Banks RB/LB 12
9 Jaden Perkins QB/DB 11
10 Caleb Adcock WR/DB 11 11 Corey Cook WR/DB 12 12 Clayton Goad RB/LB 12 14 Hamp Holbert WR/DB 11
15 Kenneth Hudson WR/DB 11
16 Trace Hawkins QB 9
17 Jaxon Moore WR/DB 11
18 Junior Mcconnell WR/DB 11
Nate
Head Coach: Travis Noland
Assistant Coaches: Andrew Stamey, Tom Parker
10
Logan Sullivan WR/DB 10
Braxton McEntyre TE/LB 11
Head Coach: Clay Stephenson Assistant Coaches: Terry Morrow, Tommie Hoblitzell, Chase Arnold
2024 GHSA FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
PAST STATE CHAMPIONS
Class 2A
By Max Wolborsky
Burke County vs. Carver-Columbus
Tuesday, December 17 | 4:00 PM
BURKE COUNTY BEARS
13-1, REGION 4, NO. 4 SEED
The Bears are entering their second state championship game in 14 years after winning it all in 2011. Burke County features senior linebacker Cadyn Bracely who leads the team in tackles with 85, commanding an impressive Bears defense that has compiled over 40 tackles for loss and forced over 20 turnovers on the season. The Bears defense is complimented by a high-powered offense that has been able to put up points, led by junior quarterback Sean Vandiver who has thrown for over 1,800 yards, and accounted for 31 touchdowns while completing 65% of his passes. Senior running back A’merre Williams does it all for the Tigers, amassing over 2,400 all-purpose yards and scoring 34 touchdowns during his final high school football season. The Bears have rushed for over 3,600 yards on the season, scoring 59 touchdowns on the ground while averaging over eight yards per carry.
2024 RESULTS
CARVER-COLUMBUS TIGERS
13-1, REGION 1, NO. 2 SEED
The 2024 Carver-Columbus Tigers look to etch their names into the record books by winning the second state championship in school history. The Tigers are headlined by a stout defense that has only let up seven points per game to its opponents while scoring just over 38 points per game on offense. In just his third season at the helm of the program, Pierre Coffey brought the Tigers back to the state title game. It will be his first appearance in a state championship game after spending three years at Spencer and two at Chattahoochee County before taking over at Carver-Columbus. The Tigers offense is led by quarterback Matthew Mungin who has led an efficient offensive attack this season. The defense, led by 4-star edge rusher Tristian Givens, has been one of the best units in the state, holding its opponents to single digits in 10 games this season.
2024 RESULTS
BURKE COUNTY VS. CARVER-COLUMBUS
CLASS 2A SKINNY
With both programs coming in with one loss on the season at 13-1, the GHSA Class 2A State Championship between Burke County and Carver-Columbus has the Bears and Tigers facing off for the first time since the first round of the 2009 playoffs when Dell McGee and Carver-Columbus came out on top, 2821. Burke County is making its first state championship appearance since 2011 when the Bears came out on top 28-14 over Peach County to take home their first state championship. Carver-Columbus is searching for its second state championship in program history after winning it all in 2007 and losing in 2021 to Benedictine. Both regional champions now look to add a 2024 Class 2A State Championship to their trophy cases this season.
BURKE COUNTY BEARS
(Waynesboro, GA.) • Black, Silver & Blue
CARVER-COLUMBUS TIGERS
(Columbus, GA. ) • Crimson & Columbia Blue
By Craig Sager II
Class A - Div. 1
Northeast vs. Toombs County Tuesday, December 17 | 1:00 PM
NNORTHEAST RAIDERS
2024 RESULTS
ortheast—making its first-ever semifinal appearance—led 25-0 at the half and punched its ticket to the finals with a 46-14 win over visiting Fitzgerald. The Raiders got on the board with a 27-yard field goal with 8:15 left in the opening quarter. Northeast padded the lead with a 49-yard touchdown pass from Reginald Glover to Keandre Jackson to push the lead to 10-0. Nick Woodford, a week after rushing for 374 yards and four touchdowns on 35 carries against Fannin County, rushed for 350 yards and four touchdowns on 25 carries and caught a 27-yard TD pass. Glover was 7-of-11 passing for 139 yards and rushed for 85 yards on 10 carries. Head coach Jeremy Wiggins is a Northeast alum—who is 54-28 while leading the Raiders and has taken the program to its first quarterfinal (2022) and final (2024) in the school’s 55-season history.
NTOOMBS COUNTY BULLDOGS
REGION 3, NO. 6 SEED
o. 1 ranked Toombs County (12-1) advanced to the finals for the first time in program history and served host Dublin (13-1) its first loss of the season in the semifinals with a 42-15 road victory. The Bulldogs capped their opening drive with a 6-yard touchdown run by Alex Scott. Quarterback TJ Stanley connected with Lagonza Hayward for a 14-yard score to push the lead to 14-0 at the end of the first quarter. Dublin answered with a 2-yard touchdown run by Willie Batts and a two-point conversion midway through the second quarter, but Stanley hooked up with Hayward for a 5-yard Toombs County touchdown to put the Bulldogs up 21-8 at the half. Stanley was 10-of-12 passing for 152 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 78 yards on 11 carries. Hayward, who signed with Florida earlier this month, had four receptions for 74 yards and two touchdowns and made five tackles.
2024 RESULTS
NORTHEAST VS. TOOMBS COUNTY
CLASS A DIV. 1 SKINNY
Northeast-Macon head coach Jeremy Wiggins led his team to a 27-14 win over Toombs County in the first round of the 2020 playoffs—marking his first playoff victory as a head coach. That is the only previous time these two teams have played and this is the first time that either team has been ranked. Toombs County has been the No. 1 ranked team in Class A Div. I all year long, while Northeast-Macon has had to climb back into the top 10 on its way to earning its No. 5 pre-playoff ranking. Northeast senior Nick Woodford has rushed for 1,039 yards and 13 touchdowns in the last four rounds of the playoffs (260 ypg) off of 89 carries—resulting in 11.7 yards per carry.
NORTHEAST RAIDERS
(Macon, GA.) • Red, Black, & Gold Head Coach: Jeremy Wiggins
Coaches: Terrence Redmond, Quinnen Peavy
TOOMBS COUNTY BULLDOGS
(Lyons, GA.) • Red, Navy Blue & White
Cornelius Bullard WR/DB
Coaches: Jared Hamlin, Jeff Smothers # Name Pos. Gr.
Coach: Buddy Martin
By Seth Ellerbee
Class A - Div. 2
BOWDON RED DEVILS 12-2, REGION 7, NO. 2 SEED
Senior quarterback Charles Maxell III can make opposing defenses pay with his arm or legs and that combination could be difficult to guard. He’s 139-of-215 passing for 2,475 yards and 35 touchdowns while rushing for 861 yards and 13 touchdowns. Junior Joshawia Davis has 142 carries for 1,020 yards and a teamleading 15 touchdowns. Senior Nathan Bhony has 139 carries for 1,245 yards and eight touchdowns while Connor Daniel has 20 carries for 175 yards and four touchdowns and junior Jonah Wilson has three touchdown runs. Junior Kaiden Prothro leads receivers with 53 catches for 1,111 yards and 21 of the team’s 35 touchdown catches. Wilson – who has a team-leading seven sacks on defense -- has 30 receptions for 510 yards and seven touchdowns. Senior Mason Daniel has 23 receptions for 434 yards and five touchdowns. Senior Dylan McGrinn has 65 solo and 70 assisted tackles with 13 tackles for loss to anchor the Red Devils’ defense.
2024 RESULTS
QBROOKS COUNTY TROJANS 10-4,
2, NO. 1 SEED
uarterback Junior Burrus has been paramount in the Trojans’ offensive success this season. The sophomore signal-caller is 156-of-257 passing for 2,283 yards and 27 touchdowns. Sophomore George Lamons Jr. leads the receiving corps with 59 receptions for 1,257 yards and 19 of the team’s 29 receiving touchdowns. Senior Camauri Brinson (six TD catches), senior Denzell Brown (three TD catches) and junior Trae Stevenson (one TD catch) are other targets. On the ground, senior Chris Cole has 266 carries for 1,839 yards and 17 of the team’s 23 rushing touchdowns. Lamons adds three rushing touchdowns while Stevenson, Damari Baynard and Brown each have one touchdown run. Senior Marquis Williams has 62 solo tackles and 27 assists and 18 sacks to anchor the Brooks County defense. Brinson and Stevenson each have four interceptions and a fumble recovery. Williams, Tony Herring and Demarrion Washington have each returned a fumble for a touchdown for Brooks County.
2024 RESULTS
BOWDON VS. BROOKS COUNTY
CLASS A - DIV 2 SKINNY
It’s been 11 seasons since Brooks County upended Bowdon 42-26 in the quarterfinals of the Class A state championship game in the program’s only meeting. Maurice Freeman coached Brooks at the time while Dwight Hochstetler was the head coach at Bowdon. Freeman coached the Trojans to their first state championship in 1994 before leaving in 1997. He took over the head coaching duties at Brooks again in 2008 and coached the team to the Class A Public championship in 2021. Josh McFather is in his first season as the Brooks County head coach after Freeman’s departure last season. Richard Fendley Jr. took over at Bowdon in 2020 and coached the Red Devils to championships in the past two seasons.
BOWDON RED DEVILS
(Bowdon, GA.) • Red & Black
BROOKS COUNTY TROJANS
(Quitman, GA.) • Red, White, & Blue
Name Pos. Gr.
Trae
Demarrion Washington Jr. RB/LB 11
Denzell Brown WR 12
Damari Baynard RB/S 11
Prince McGhee RB/S 11
Connor Priest RB/LB 11
Jamiq Martin RB/LB 12
Caden Cobb RB/LB
Head Coach: Rich Fendley
Coaches: David Head, Blake Morgan, Brad Yarbough Head Coach: Josh McFather
Coaches: James Glenn, James "Bubba" Brown, Shawn "Chop" Berglund
Class A - 3A Private
Prince Avenue Christian vs. Hebron Christian
Wednesday, December 18 | 1:00 PM
By Hayden Gilbert
PPRINCE AVENUE CHRISTIAN 10-3, REGION 8, NO. 5 SEED
rince Avenue has reached the state championship for the fifth-consecutive year, keeping its hopes for a third-straight state title alive. The Wolverines have hit their stride after a challenging start to the season, which included an incredibly tough non region schedule. Since the start of region play, Prince Avenue has been dominant, winning eight-straight games. Only one of those, their final regularseason matchup against Hebron Christian, was decided by a single score. The 2024 season has marked a notable offensive shift for the Wolverines. After years of relying on the pass, the team has leaned on the run, led by sophomore running back Andrew Beard. Beard has been a force, rushing for 1,930 yards and 21 touchdowns. Overall, the Wolverines have gained 700 more yards rushing and scored 19 more rushing touchdowns than they have through the air. Now, Prince Avenue looks to cap off the season by securing another championship.
2024 RESULTS
HHEBRON CHRISTIAN LIONS 11-2, REGION 8, NO. 6 SEED
ebron Christian enters its first-ever finals on a quest to win the school’s first championship and deliver coach Jonathan Gess his seventh title. The Lions have achieved several milestones this season, including their first 10-win campaign, their first semifinal appearance, and now, their first finals appearance. The team is anchored by a tenacious defense featuring several high-level prospects. Among them are three 3-star recruits in defensive tackle Sichan John, edge rusher Carrington Coombes, and athlete Garritt Kemp. This formidable group has helped the Lions’ defense hold opponents to just 12.5 points per game, allowing no more than 17 points in any of their three playoff games. On offense, quarterback Thomas Stallworth has emerged as a dynamic dual-threat. He has passed for over 2,000 yards, rushed for nearly 600, and accounted for more than 30 combined touchdowns this season. The Lions will use him and others to avenge their region title loss in the state finals.
2024 RESULTS
THERRELL ............................................... 48-0 W
FELLOWSHIP CHRISTIAN 38-18 W UNIVERSITY CHRISTIAN, FL. ................... 24-12 W
CHRIST SCHOOL, NC. 49-3 W
BLESSED TRINITY .................................... 24-10 L
EAST JACKSON 66-7 W
COUNTY ........................................ 45-0 W
HEBRON CHRISTIAN VS. PRINCE AVE. CHRISTIAN
CLASS A - 3A SKINNY
The first year of the Class A-3A Private championship will feature a rematch between Hebron Christian and Prince Avenue Christian, as the two teams face off for a state title. In their first meeting this season, Prince Avenue edged out Hebron in a thrilling 34-31 victory to claim the region title. The Wolverines are making their fifth-consecutive championship appearance and are seeking their third-straight state title and fourth in five years. Meanwhile, Hebron is making its first-ever state title appearance and is aiming to secure its first state championship in program history. Together, Hebron coach Jonathan Gess and Prince Avenue coach Greg Vandagriff have established themselves as two of the top coaches in the state, combining for nine state championships since 2012.
HEBRON CHRISTIAN LIONS
(Dacula, GA.) • Maroon & Gold
PRINCE AVENUE CHRISTIAN WOLVERINES
(Bogart, GA.) • Navy Blue & Gold
Kyler Giddens LB 12 2 Hudson Hill WR/DB 10 3 Brody Tolbert WR/DB 12 4 CJ Dockery WR/DB 11 5 Andrew Beard RB/DB 10 6 Luke Darling RB/DB 12 7 Baxter Carbine TE/LB 10 8 Brody Rogers WR/DB 12 9 Ben Musser QB/DB 10
Mac Bradley RB/LB
Jonathan Charles OL/DL 9
Zach Timberlake OL/DL 12
Adoniram Dowden OL/DL 10
Joshua Engemann OL/DL 12 66 Jeffrey Baires-Webster OL/DL 9
Kivett
Chip Dickens WR/DB/K 10
Thornton Hester TE/DE 12
Brice Williamson TE/DE 11
Jack Lanier TE/DE 12
Colin Durning RB/LB 10
Braxton Carrasco RB/DB 11
Fields Kirkland RB/DB 10
Landon Carbine WR/DB 9
Beau Cochran RB/LB 11
Ashton Coleman WR/DB 10
Beau McCullough RB/DB 12
Gideon Garland WR/DB 12
Jacob Edwards TE/LB 11
Solomon Garland WR/DB 10
Joey Bunnell WR/DB 12
Jackson Berry WR/DB 9
Will Holliday RB/DB 9
MCEACHERN INDIANS
DIVISION 4
By Seth Ellerbee
LLMCEACHERN
LAMBERT
ed by the state’s leading passer, McEachern has been ranked atop the state’s highest division all season, and after the program beat its first 27 opponents without a loss, the Indians are poised for the program’s first-ever state title. Senior quarterback Chelsea Njoku was 359-of-617 passing for 4,351 yards and 72 touchdowns entering the semifinals where McEachern beat Grayson 32-0 to earn the championship berth. Njoku has rushed for 12 touchdowns on the season ahead of Tami Chatwood (five TD runs) and Ava Couzens (two TD runs). Junior Desirae Holley is the team’s leading receiver with 79 catches for 1,086 yards and 24 touchdowns. Couzens has 76 catches for 785 yards and 14 touchdowns while junior Cayley Windham and sophomore Amari George each have 10 touchdown receptions.
LAMBERT LONGHORNS
ambert is in the championship game and wants its first-ever state championship and after entering the playoffs as the No. 4 seed from Area 6, the Longhorns are trying to continue the unexpected late-season winning streak. The No. 10-ranked Longhorns have narrowly outlasted opponents in the playoffs, opening with a 7-0 victory against No. 9 North Gwinnett in the first round. Lambert moved past Newton 26-25 in the second round and in the quarterfinals, the Longhorns defeated No. 8 Greater Atlanta Christian 8-0. In the semifinals against No. 4 Denmark, the Longhorns escaped with a 13-12 victory on the road, handing the Danes their fourth loss of the season and earning the championship berth. The Longhorns’ only losses this season were to Woodstock, Milton, South Forsyth, Alpharetta and Sequoyah on Nov. 14.
PACE ACADEMY KNIGHTS
DIVISION 3 Flag Football
By Seth Ellerbee
PPACE ACADEMY
ace Academy is trying for the program’s first-ever state championship and the No. 4-ranked Knights will have to handle Class 7A defendingchampion and No. 3-ranked Pope to get the job done. Pace earned its championship berth after moving past 2022 Class 5A-6A champion Lithia Springs 7-6 in the semifinals. The Knights beat McIntosh 28-0, Sequoyah 19-0 and South Effingham 26-7 to earn the semifinals berth against Class 5A-6A runner-up Lithia Springs. Last season, the Knights advanced to the quarterfinals before losing to Columbus 25-19. The Knights are outscoring opponents 623-143 on the season and have shut out 11 opponents through its 21-3 record. The team's only losses were to Loganville 20-7, McEachern 19-0 and Marietta 15-14.
Third-ranked Pope has only lost two contests since its 14-13 victory against Allatoona in the Class 7A championship game last season, the program’s first, and entering the Division 3 title matchup, the Greyhounds are riding momentum. Junior quarterback Abbey Bensman has helped propel Pope’s offense that is outscoring opponents 803-126 on the season. The Greyhounds earned the finals berth after moving past top-ranked Milton 31-6 in the semifinals. Pope has beaten Chattahoochee 7-6, No. 5-ranked Langston Hughes 26-7, No. 7-ranked Peach County 26-0 in the quarterfinals and Milton in the semis. Pope’s only losses this season were to Division 4 No. 2 South Forsyth 8-7 and Cherokee 20-13. Pope’s air-tight defense has accounted for 13 shutouts on the season.
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GREENBRIER WOLFPACK
DIVISION 2
By Seth Ellerbee
Football
GREENBRIER
Defending champion and No. 2-ranked Greenbrier has only dropped one game since beating Lithia Springs 14-6 in the Class 5A-6A championship last season to secure the program’s first title. And after the Wolfpack upended No. 9 Jenkins 20-13 in the semifinals, they have a chance to defend. Senior quarterback Kenzie Horton entered the semifinals having passed for 2,534 yards and 42 touchdowns. Junior Aaliyah Silver has 76 catches for 992 yards and 21 touchdowns while senior Maggie Pangle has 10 touchdown receptions and juniors Abby Lester and Presley McDermott each have six touchdown receptions. Greenbrier moved past Mt. Zion-Jonesboro 25-0, No. 5 Oconee County 31-0 and top-ranked Locust Grove 12-6 to earn the semifinal berth.
NORTH OCONEE
State runner-up North Oconee has been fueled by a 14-0 loss to Southeast Bulloch in the Class 1A-4A championship game last season and since that loss, a return trip to the championship has been the goal. After a 13-6 victory against Evans in the semifinals, the No. 8-ranked Titans enter the title game with experience. Junior quarterback Catherine Cooper has propelled the Titans through playoff victories against Glenn Hills 27-6, Grovetown 20-14, Calvary Day 13-6 and Evans. On the ground, junior Lexi Favreau, sophomore Addie Stewart and Emery Harden are options. Freshman Elizabeth Patterson, senior Anslee Solodkii and freshman Kallie Mashburn are favorite targets. However, the Titans feature depth and have seen 11 different receivers who have caught touchdown passes this season.
NORTH OCONEE TITANS
Head Coach: Daniel Jordan • Assistant Coaches: Portland Campanaro, Alexandra Collins, Kim Horton, Wes Horton
Head Coach: Nicole O'Mara • Assistant Coaches: Joshua Clarke, Scott Wiepking
SOUTHEAST BULLOCH YELLOW JACKETS
DIVISION 1 Flag Football
By Seth Ellerbee
ISOUTHEAST BULLOCH
All eyes have been on three-time defending champion and top-ranked Southeast Bulloch to continue its postseason greatness and after a 27-0 victory against No. 2-ranked Dodge County, the Yellow Jackets are back in the title game. In the four-year history of the program, Southeast Bulloch has lost just one contest, 7-0 to Calvary Day on Nov. 20. Sophomore Emma Cate Barron is 193-of-319 passing for 2,262 yards and 24 touchdowns. Senior Jaci Kitchings leads the ground game with 91 carries for 596 yards and 16 touchdowns while junior Paige Nelson adds 11 rushing touchdowns. Junior Natalya Odom has 62 catches for 978 yards and 13 touchdowns to lead a deep group of 12 receivers who have caught touchdowns for the Yellow Jackets.
COLUMBUS
t’s been a season since Columbus lost to Division 2 finalist North Oconee 13-6 in the Class 1A-4A semifinals last season and a deep playoff run has been the goal. After a 19-6 victory against No. 9-ranked Long County in the semifinals, Columbus has a chance for the team’s first title. Led by senior quarterback Serenity Hickman, who is 300-of-460 passing for 3,997 yards and 79 touchdowns, the Blue Devils feature a potent, highscoring offense with talent all over the field. Hickman leads the rushing attack with 10 touchdowns and leads the team with 166 tackles. Senior Alexandria Lofton has 135 catches for 2,068 yards and 34 touchdowns to lead receivers ahead of sophomore Harmony Franklin, who adds 85 catches for 1,161 yards and 25 touchdowns.