There are just 26 days remaining until the kickoff of the 2025 high school football season. But make no mistake, preparations for the upcoming campaign got underway months ago. And teams throughout northeast Georgia already are in full countdown mode.
With that in mind, we spent the last couple of weeks catching up with programs around our area to get a feel for how spring practice went, how the summer is going, and what coaches believe the fall will look like. Our "Two-a-Days" series honors those old-school grinding sessions that lead us out of summer and into fall, asking each area coach two key questions about the state of their respective programs.
Over the next two weeks, AccessWDUN's Friday Game Night will get you prepped for the start of gridiron action with responses from coaches throughout northeast Georgia.
(Teams run in alphabetical order)...
HABERSHAM CENTRAL (4-7 in 2024; 1st round Class 5A playoffs)
The Raiders beat the teams they were supposed to beat in 2024 and made the playoffs for a second consecutive season. But they were 0-6 vs. playoff teams. They had their best offensive season since 2018 but also gave up their most points on defense since 2019.
They return dynamic young quarterback Paris Wilbanks but also graduated WR Zeke Whittington, who led them each of the previous three season. However, coach Benji Harrison, now in his 11th season in Mt. Airy said they have plenty of offensive talent ready to step up and they have put a priority on shoring up the defense.
We asked Harrison about who are some among a young group of receivers to look out for and finding replacements in the secondary on defense is coming along.
QUESTION: Coach, the offense had its best season since 2018, led by the emergence of QB Paris Wilbanks. However, you will have to revamp the receiving corps with the graduation of Zeke Whittington. Who are some guys starting to step up at receiver during the summer?
ANSWER: We feel like our receiving corp is deep. Obviously, Zeke was a tremendous player for us. However, Jay Feltus proved last year that he can be a big play receiver for us. KJ Murray is another one who has had a great offseason and has emerged. Evan Smith has had a great summer, Tylon Davis and Tay Spencer have big play potential. Maverick Chitwood is coming back from an injury that kept him last year. Drake Roland and Mason Whitt both will have to be really consistent with what we ask of them in our passing game. So, I feel like we can spread it around a little more than we have the last couple of years.
QUESTION: The defense gave up 45 points/game in your three region losses and the playoffs. And you are having to replace most of the secondary in a region that likes to throw the ball. How is that group coming along heading into the fall?
ANSWER: I really like how our defense is doing. We feel like we have done some things in the offseason to simplify and allow our guys to react and play. That has shown in the spring and summer camps. This group plays with a lot of effort, energy, and enthusiasm. They are a smart group that really understands their role. I think our defense is primed to really have a strong season.
- Up Next in Two-a-Days: JACKSON COUNTY
- Previous Two-a-Days: GAINESVILLE
