Every season high school football fans thrill to watch the exploits of the area's top players -- and this year should be no different. The talent pool is once again overflowing, meaning some exciting Friday nights await us over the next few months.
With that in mind come with us as we take a look at who could be the difference-makers in 2017.
These players include a mix of the supremely-talented and collegiate-bound stars -- but there are also plenty of high school All-Stars included that may not sniff the next level. However, these players still are the lynchpins for their teams and just as important...
And if you want in-depth information on 30 northeast Georgia high school football programs, and what the season has in store for them, be sure to visit Friday Game Night's 2017 Preview Page, chock full of everything you need to prep for kickoff.
BURNING BRIGHT -- These are the players that have already exploded on to the northeast Georgia scene and have taken the lead for their respective teams:
Ben Bales, North Forsyth
Senior, quarterback -- Bales passed for over 2,000 yards in his first campaign and was still learning the spread offense. Coach Robert Craft said Bales has nearly grasped the entire offense during the offseason and will have a slew off talented receivers, including Division I tight end prospect Clayton Bardall, to choose from. He has the potential for some monster numbers in 2017 as long as he and the receiving corp can stay healthy.
Kameron Brown, Lanier
Junior, linebacker -- He certainly has the pedigree. Brown is the younger brother of former all-everything defensive tackle Derrick Brown (now at Auburn). And he is just as disruptive as big brother, as he showed last season as a sophomore, racking up a team-high 120 tackles. Keep an eye on this one as he seeks out opposing ball carriers like a heat-seaking missle.
Warren Ericson, North Gwinnett
Senior, offensive lineman -- The 6-foot-4, 290-pound mauler was a first-team all-state selection as a junior -- the only junior in the group in fact. A versatile lineman that can play anywhere along the front five (and does so with a mean streak), he is also a team leader, the kind of player that coach Bill Stewart says inspires others. He is committed to the University of Georgia and is the consensus No. 15 guard nationally.
Chase Forrester, Commerce
Senior linebacker/running back -- A preseason All-State selection, Forrester showed last season just how valuable he was in helping lead a defense that allowed just 15.3 points per game. A freak athlete with a 37-inch verticle jump and a true 40-yard dash time of 4.6 seconds, Forrester is the disruptive force near the line of scrimmage and will be a leader again this season. He will also be more involved on offense this time around, where his athleticism is sure to shine.
Collin Foster, Lanier
Senior, offensive line -- A three-year starter on the offensive line, Foster moves from center to tackle this season to protect new starting quarterback Zach Calzada. He is the bedrock for an offense that likes to be physical at the point of attack and has been so for three years. Foster has scholarsip offers from Air Force, Army and Charleston Southern.
Bailey Fisher, Rabun County
Senior, quarterback (2,671 yards passing, 29 TDs, 6 INTs; 1,029 yards rushing, 21 TDs in 2016) -- A true dual threat, Fisher may well be the most dynamic and dangerous player in all of northeast Georgia. Coach Lee Shaw, who has coached several collegiate quarterbacks, says he's on par with the best -- and that includes collegiate standout Jaybo Shaw and current Chicago Bear QB Connor Shaw. That's high praise indeed, and anyone who has watched Fisher tear up opposing defenses on Friday night is apt to agree. If he were two inches taller, you could bet he'd already have offers from college programs around the nation. As it is they are just now starting to flow in.
Anthony Grant, Buford
Senior, running back/linebacker -- Former coach Jess Simpson says Grant is one of the best he's ever coached -- and consider the standouts that have come through Buford. Grant is a two-way star, having rushed for 1,484 yards and 24 touchdowns while also rolling up 226 yards and three touchdowns through the air in 2016. He also racked up 47 tackles, three sacks and eight QB pressures on defense. He is committed to Tennessee.
John Harris, Mill Creek
Senior, offensive lineman -- (6-4, 260): He will be the bell-cow and leader for an offensive line that will feature several new faces but has built a reputation for dominance. He was a second-team All-State selection last season and is committed to Virginia Tech.
Keith Harris, Gainesville
Senior, linebacker -- You want a player that is the very definition of seek and destroy? Look no further than Harris, who piled up a jaw-dropping 175 total tackles in 2016 -- that's more than most varsity linebackers get in a career. And he could be just as disruptive this season in new defensive coordinator Stan Luttrell's 3-3 stack base, where he will be allowed to move and shift as much as ever to draw a bead on opposing ball carriers and quarterbacks.
Austin Jones, Rabun County
Junior, wide receiver/defensive back -- Jones was everywhere for the Wildcats in 2016, grabbing a team-high 41 receptions for 636 yards and 6 TDs (scoring was second-highest amongst receivers). He also helped lead the defense from his free safety position, becoming an All-State performer. Coach Lee Shaw called him a miniature Charlie Woerner ("mini" being relative, as Jones is by no means undersized, just smaller than the 6-foot-4 former Wildcat, current Georgia Bulldog) -- quite a compliment.
Brock Landis, Winder-Barrow
Senior, quarterback -- Landis was a first-team All Region 8-AAAAAA selection in 2016 but will have even more weapons at his disposal this season, especially with speedy Brookwood transfer Jaidon Turner joining what was already a good wide receiver group. He will have one of the best offensive lines in the area and a solid running game led by Jamar Mack. As long as he stays healthy, Landis could put up some huge numbers in 2017.
Jay Lepkoske, White County
Junior, outside linebacker/defensive end -- He showed as a sophomore that he has the talent to play at a high collegiate level and you can bet that he will once again make life miserable for opposing offenses in Region 7-AAAA. New White County coach Tim Cokely recognized his abilities immediately.
Nick Lyles, Chestatee
Senior, running back -- Lyles was a big part of the War Eagles' first year turn around under coach Shaun Conley, giving Chestatee punch on the ground to go along with its spread passing attack. As a junior he racked up 1,327 yards rushing and 15 TDs, including some of the most explosive plays in northeast Georgia last season. And as football stat geeks will tell you, explosive plays (runs of over 20 yards) can make a huge difference in a game.
Sedrion Morse, East Hall
Senior, wide receiver -- A two-sport standout for the Vikings, Morse was a big, athletic target for quarterback Austin Parker, who hooked up with Morse for 49 receptions, 927 yards and 11 TDs -- that's 18.9 yards per catch. With his size, speed and jumping ability there are few defensive backs that can cover the erstwhile basketball star one-on-one.
Austin Parker, East Hall
Senior, quarterback -- He might not have been as flashy as some of his teammates last season, but Parker drove the bus for an offense that averaged 34.1 points per game and finished as the second most prolific unit in program history. A dual threat that is more apt to pick defenses apart with his arm, Parker rolled up 2,600 yards passing and 27 TDs to go with 300 yards rushing and 1 TD. Look for more of the same as he takes an even bigger leadership role this season.
Christian Turner, Buford
Senior, running back -- It's scary to think he was only one part of Buford's backfield last season, sharing time with Grant (look above), TD Roof and Derrian Brown (look below). His numbers would be impressive even to be the lone feature back: 1,115 yards rushing, 18 TDs. Perhaps scariest is his yards per carry average -- 8.3. But that's what happens when you pop 89-yard touchdown runs like the one he completed in the state semifinal defeat of Carrollton. He is a Michigan commit and a patient actor as well (as he showed here).
Noah Venable, Jackson County
Senior, running back -- Georgia Bulldogs and Jackson County Panthers fans may remember the name Odell Collins. Well, the former Jackson County standout is no longer atop the Panther record books after Venable rolled up 1,381 yards rushing last season (as well as 10 TDs) to become the single-season leader. A 205-pound slasher, Venable always seems to fall forward for extra yards and has that quality coaches love: he runs angry.
Coey Watson, Dawson County
Senior, quarterback -- It is no coincidence that the Tigers' elevation as a program (first ever region title, first ever state quarterfinal berth) conicided with Watson's move into the starting quarterback position. A talented athlete that can use his arm and legs -- he passed for 1,879 yards and 17 TDs and rushed for 612 yards and 15 TDs in 2016 -- he is also a fierce competitor and one of a handful of quarterbacks that make Region 7-AAA an absolute nightmare for defenses.
Wesley Wells, Lumpkin County
Senior, placekicker/punter -- One of the most accomplished placekickers in the state, Wells went 7-for-9 on field goals attempts last season, including three made kicks of over 45 yards (two from 47, one from 48). He is a legitimate weapon for an Indians team that came close to a playoff berth last season and hopes to break through to the postseason this time around.
Colby Wood, Jefferson
Senior, running back/defensive back -- A force ever since he burst on to the scene as a freshman, Wood has rushed for 4,247 yards and scored 65 touchdowns in his career. As a junior he rolled up 1,642 yards as the Dragons were able to rest him more frequently in preparation for the postseason. Another two-way starter, Wood also has 70 tackles and eight interceptions in his career. Mercer and Navy have offered the senior.
Cole Wright, Union County
Senior, quartertback -- To think that he was a question mark prior to the 2016 campaign almost makes one laugh now. But there were questions after he followed the most accomplished quarterback in Panthers history (Joseph Mancuso, now at Richmond). A little different style of QB than Mancuso, Wright was no less effective last season, passing for 1,853 yards and 15 TDs, while also rushing for a jaw-dropping 1,450 yards and 20 TDs. Good luck stopping yet another talented 7-AAA signal caller.
Storm Yarbrough, Chestatee
Senior, quarterback -- He was a big part of Chestatee's offensive revival last season in Shaun Conley's spread attack, passing for 1,719 yards and 12 TDs while also rushing for 301 yards and three scores, and we expect more from the signal caller this campaign. He did lose his top receiver from a year ago in Baylee Camp, but there is ability on the edges, and the presence of Lyles should make this an offense to contend with.
THE FUSE IS LIT -- Either already strong or packed with potential, these players could have monster campaigns:
Cooper Adams, West Hall
Senior running back -- With the top three rushers for the Spartans in 2016 having graduated, Adams, who did not have a single carry in 2016, will be looked to early on as the go-to guy in the backfield with Cameron Shirley, the fourth leading rusher, (see below) moving to wide receiver and defense. Adams will have a pretty good offensive line opening holes for him. Balance is key for the Spartans on offense and if the passing game, which will rotate two new signal-callers, finds some rhythm that should help Adams find more space.
Jackson Bell, Stephens County
Senior, quarterback -- While he may not have been a superstar, Bell put together strong numbers last season -- 1,020 yards passing, 376 yards rushing, 13 total TDs -- and while he is never going to get the chance to drop back and wing it 50 times a game in the Indians' ground-based attack, he is quite capable and a big leader for a team that hopes for big things again in 2017.
Alec Bornhorst, Lakeview Academy
Senior, quarterback -- The Lions missed out on the playoffs by the slimmest of margins last season, and if they are to get there this time around Bornhorst will more than likely provide the star turn. He was a strong competitor last season and should only improve as a senior.
Trent Bradshaw, Towns County
Junior, quarterback -- Bradshaw is a solid dual-threat quarterback that can run and pass. Coach John Cornett said Bradshaw has taken ahold of the offense and will have a solid group of receivers surrounding him for the potential for a big season.
Derrian Brown, Buford
Junior, running back -- If he played anywhere else last season, Brown would have exploded. As it was, he had to share the backfield with the aformentioned Grant and Turner (who are a year older). As it is he still picked up 642 yards and 9 TDs, while averaging 8.8 yards per carry on jusy 73 attempts. He still may not get a glut of attempts this season, as Grant and Turner are still there. But when he does look out -- coaches are absolutely buzzing about his potential.
Hassan Brown, Stephens County
Senior, running back -- "We have historically had great running backs here." Coach Frank Barden was not wrong; when you play running back for the Indians, you're going to get a lot of carries, and Brown has the ability to stand out this campaign as the No. 1 back.
Ethan Cameron, Dawson County
Junior, wide receiver -- Cameron is part of a receiving corp that will need to step up to give dynamic quarterback Coey Watson some viable weapons. Cameron, along with fellow junior Ryan Glass, should benefit from having Watson and taking the spots left by the graduated duo of Kolton Brumbelow and Nick Murphy. Coach Sid Maxwell said both are poised to put up big numbers as the early go-to options.
Logan Cash, Winder-Barrow
Junior, defensive end -- Cash (6-2, 252) was a first-team All-Region 8-AAAAAA selection and led the region in sacks (11) in 2016 as a sophomore and may be poised to have an even bigger year in 2017. He should benefit as the Bulldoggs' secondary could be one of the best in the area giving the linemen more time to chase down opposing quarterbacks.
Sam Corbett, Johnson
Junior, quarterback -- The Knights are looking to their quarterback not just for numbers but for leadership, and, despite being just a junior, he is the veteran on this squad as he heads into his third season as a starter. He has grit and talent and if Johnson can rebound from a disappointing 2016, it will be Corbett holding the reins.
A.J. Curry, Habersham Central
Senior, quarterback -- Curry is a transfer from Stephens County, where he was one of the main ball-carriers out of the backfield for the Indians. He was moved to quarterback when he arrived in Mount Airy and is new to the position. But, he is under the tutelage of coach Benjie Harrison, who was instrumental in the development of several high-profile signal-callers while at Flowery Branch, including Jaybo and Connor Shaw. Harrison said Curry has soaked in knowledge of the position during the summer 7-on-7 tournaments and has all the tools -- strong arm, intelligence, ability to make plays out of nothing -- to be outstanding by season's end. He has a slew of talented skill position players around him to potentially put up some big numbers in 2017.
Malik Damons, Flowery Branch
Senior, running back -- Damons got the bulk of the work in 2016 for the Falcons but has grown into a 215-220 pound frame that new Flowery Branch coach Ben Hall says is a perfect fit for their new multiple pro-style offense. He is a load running between the tackles as a downhill runner and with what is expected to be a solid offensive line in front of him he has a chance to have a monster season.
Malik Drayton, Flowery Branch
Senior, running back/wide receiver -- Drayton is one of the more dynamic talents in northeast Georgia despite being just 5-foot-6, 145-pounds. He has speed to burn and the ability to take even a simple dive play to the house. Expect to see the diminuitive speedster at multiple positions in the Falcons' new offense. Hall said they won't put a minimum number of touches on Drayton but acknowledged they would try to take advantage of any mismatches they see while he is on the field and get the ball to him as often as possible.
Rayshun Dorsey, Jackson County
Junior, linebacker -- Coach Brandon Worley's eyes lit up this preseason when talking about the potential this 6-2, 205-pound outside linebacker possesses. He has size, speed and a willingness to hit. The Panthers hope to make the most of that in 2017, turning him loose on opposing quarterbacks.
Sammy Elegreet, Jefferson
Junior, wide receiver -- Elegreet has the speed and skills to give the Dragons quarterbacks a dangerous weapon to employ. Most teams will try and stack the box early to stop running back Colby Wood which could give the passing game, and Elegreet, a chance to have some huge numbers by season's end.
Ryan Glass, Dawson County
Junior, wide receiver -- Glass is part of a receiving corp that will need to step up to give dynamic quarterback Coey Watson some viable weapons. Glass, along with fellow junior Ethan Cameron, should benefit from having Watson and taking the spots left by the graduated duo of Kolton Brumbelow and Nick Murphy. Coach Sid Maxwell said both are poised to put up big numbers as the early go-to options.
Kobe Haley, East Jackson
Senior, wide receiver -- Haley is new to the gridiron at the varsity level but he made a name for himself on the hardwood leading the Eagles basketball team in scoring last season. He brings size (6-foot-3) and speed and could be a hard target to stop. Coach Scott Wilkins said if he learns the offense to full capacity he could have a huge season for the Eagles.
Braxton Hicks, Rabun County
Sophomore, wide receiver -- As a freshman, Hicks led the Wildcats in touchdown receptions with eight. He also averaged an absolutely ridiculous 21.2 yards per catch (he finished with 403 yards receiving). A track star in the spring, he has the explosiveness and speed that already has high-level collegiate coaches sniffing around Tiger. Look for bigger numbers from the sophomore this season.
Reggie James, Chestatee
Senior, running back/wide receiver -- James will be part of a tandem with Seth Pressley that will be trying to fill to role of the graduated Baylee Camp, who was among the state leaders in receptions and yards in Class AAAA in 2016. James and Pressley should be able to benefit from having Nick Lyles in the backfield and an improved Storm Yarbrough at quarterback to put up some big numbers in 2017.
Tre Luttrell, Gainesville
Junior, quarterback -- True, he has yet to play a down for the Red Elephants, but his combination of strength, toughness and a willingness to pull the ball down and run -- and the space that he will likely be afforded in Gainesville's spread attack -- will likely make this guy a headache for opposing defenses. A coach's son, Luttrell is a sponge, and if he can fine-tune his passing game, he could be a true star.
A.J. Middlebrooks, Apalachee
Junior, quarterback -- Middlebrooks has the type of athleticism that could help turn the tide for a Wildcats offense that, while remaining physical could turn explosive by the added dimension of a quarterback run threat. Coach Steven Sims is still building things in Bethlehem, and players like Middlebrooks could prove the foundation.
Bailey Ottaway, Flowery Branch
Senior, offensive lineman -- Ottaway should be an anchor for a Falcons offensive line that looks pretty impressive in the early going and one that will be asked to be as physical as possible under new coach Ben Hall.
Seth Pressley, Chestatee
Sophomore, wide receiver -- Pressley will be part of a tandem with Reggie James that will be trying to fill to role of the graduated Baylee Camp, who was among the state leaders in receptions and yards in Class AAAA in 2016. Pressley and James should be able to benefit from having Nick Lyles in the backfield and an improved Storm Yarbrough at quarterback to put up some big numbers in 2017.
Garmon Randolph and J.T. Middleton, Jefferson
Junior defensive end and senior defensive tackle -- Randolph is 6-6, 220 and offers size and speed off the edge while Middleton is 6-3, 280 and is a big run-stopper up the middle. The two talents could be a dynamic duo for the Dragons defensive line working off of each other. They should get a lot of attention from opposing teams gameplans but can prosper in both the 3-4 and 4-3 schemes the Dragons like to employ and can move around on the line to create mismatches.
Cutter Sanford, North Hall
Senior, halfback (30 car. 198 yards, 1 TD; 4 rec. 40 yards) -- Sanford (6-foot, 170 pounds) played in just eight games in 2016 as he battled injuries but still managed to log the fourth-highest rushing totals on the team with a 6.6 yards per carry average. With speed to get to the outside Sanford should be able to benefit from the Trojans approach to run more outside the guards in 2017. He has the ability to go the distance and if he can stay healthy he has a chance to put up some big numbers.
David Seavey, North Hall
Junior, quarterback -- Seavey will be an unknown commodity as he takes over the offense from the graduated Jackson Madonna. Seavey did not attempt a pass and had just one carry for 4 yards in 2016. But North Hall coach David Bishop said Seavey has shown the ability to run their wing-T offense and get the ball to the right playmakers. He cold have a big year with his ability to throw the ball and as an inside option to the Trojans' outside rushing attack.
Cameron Shirley, West Hall
Senior, safety -- Shirley had 66 yards rushing and 269 yards receiving in 2016 but it will be on the defensive side where he could really shine in 2017. Spartans coach Tony Lotti said Shirley will be trying to fill the void left by the Favorite twins, Ashun and AJ, in the secondary and could help anchor a defense that will need some leadership on the field to help it progress.
Bryson Trigg, North Forsyth
Junior, running back (127 car., 474 yards, 1 TD) -- Trigg is the leading returning rusher for the Raiders and shared the bulk of the load with graduated Griffin Heffington (101 car., 487 yards, 7 TDs) as a sophomore. The rest of the returning backfield group had just 16 carries in 2016. Coach Robert Craft said Trigg is poised for a big breakout season as he gets the primary work in the backfield. Trigg also will benefit from the passing game as quarterback Ben Bales has a slew of talented receivers to help open up the run game.
Jaidon Turner, Winder-Barrow
Senior, wide receiver/defensive back -- Turner is a Brookwood transfer that will add to an already solid corp of receivers and should be an immediate starter on defense for the Bulldoggs. He has speed and instincts that coach Heath Webb felt could make him one of the best two-way players in Region 8-AAAAAA. He has a chance to put up some huge numbers on offense and help what was a good secondary coming into the season be one of the toughest in the area.
Chandler Woodham, Lumpkin County
Senior, quarterback -- Woodham was part of a potent ground attack last year with Zach Matthews. Now, he will get to run a new spread offense. However, Indians' coach Shane Williamson said Woodham showed flashes of brilliance last year during games and running the scout team offense, usually a spread offense mirroring the offenses in Region 7-AAA. The Indians will have four solid receivers for Woodham to choose from and as he improves so should his numbers.
Terrance Walker, Banks County
Junior, halfback -- Walker, the younger brother of the Leopards' 2016 leading rusher and the graduated Demetrius Walker, at 6-4, 195 has size and speed and will rotate with senior Clayton Dykehouse in the Leopards' one-back sets. Walker will be a big target out of the backfield in the passing game and can hit the edge in the run game as well. He will be a matchup problem for opposing defenses and coach Josh Shoemaker said they will try to get him involved as much as possible.
