High School Sports

North Forsyth is coming off a second straight playoff run and will bring an experienced team into the 2024 campaign, including the majority of a defense that was ballhawkish last year, and an offense that got better as the season went along.

Lumpkin County lost several key cogs to graduation along the offensive line, as well as running back Mason Sullens. But they do return dynamic quarterback Cal Faulkner and plenty of playmakers on offense.

It’s definitely one of the fastest growing sports, not just in the United States, but around the world. In fact, flag football has become so popular over the past half-dozen years that there is even an exhibit now at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

The Lightning suffered some key injuries in 2023 and then coach Bruce Miller stepped down, leaving some sizable holes in the program. But long-time assistant Joel Lulinski took over the reins in 2024.

The Lions won three of their final four games in 2023 to get into the playoffs. But this year they will have to rely on a slew of underclassmen as half of their summer roster are freshmen.

The Knights are coming off their best season 2019, snapping a long losing streak and winning four games against the same 2022 schedule. It has optimism at Billy Ellis Memorial Stadium at a high level coming into 2024 as they jump back into region play.

The Dragons are coming off a run to the Class 5A semifinals. However, gone is dynamic two-way player Sammy Brown.

The Panthers lost three games in overtime and missed out on the playoffs by one game in Korey Mobbs’ first season in Hoschton in 2023. Expect them to be right in the middle of the playoff hunt in 2024.

Habersham Central advanced to the playoffs last season for the first time since 2020. The Raiders return the bulk of their playmakers in 2024 and could be poised to challenge for a Region 8-5A title.

After winning 26 games the past two seasons with a slew of experienced playmakers on offense, Gainesville's focus this summer has been finding key pieces on a unit where no starters return among the key skilled positions.