New classifications. New regions. New matchups.
The 2024 campaign for Georgia high school football is finally upon us and if Week 1 is any indication, buckle up and grab your favorite beverage because it could be one of the more intriguing seasons in recent memory.
Buford and Gainesville both open what could be the most difficult schedules either program has ever assembled. And that’s saying something, considering the Red Elephants have been playing for over 100 years, and the Wolves began playing in 1942.
Buford heads to defending Class 7A champion Milton to get things started, while Big Red heads to Marietta. Both the Wolves (Class 6A) and the Red Elephants (5A) are considered state title contenders in their respective classifications.
But those aren’t the only compelling showdowns.
Arch-rivals Habersham Central and Stephens County continue their annual border war in Toccoa; Jefferson, a semifinalist in 2023, heads to always difficult Marist, who is the highest-rated Class 4A team in the preseason Maxwell rankings; and Rabun County and White County rekindle-what-could be a budding rivalry in Cleveland.
Commerce, a state title contender in Class A Division 1, plays host to Wesleyan, a quarterfinalist in Class 3A last season, at Tiger Stadium.
For a look at all of the weekend's contests involving area teams, simply scroll down. And be sure to check back with AccessWDUN's Friday Game Night throughout the night for score updates, game stories, and video highlights. You can also check for scores and highlights on our Twitter feed: @FridayGameNight
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCHEDULE FOR Aug. 16
(Games listed in alphabetical order of visiting team)
BANKS COUNTY at EAST HALL
Records: Leopards (0-0, Region 8-A Division 1); Vikings (0-0, Region 8-3A)
Last week: Season openers for both
Where: East Hall Stadium, Rabbittown
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: East Hall leads series 17-1-1. The Leopards only win in the series came in 2010 in Homer. The Vikings are 11-0 all-time vs. Banks County in Valhalla. However, the two nearby schools have not played since 2015.
What to watch for: The Vikings finished 2-8 in 2023 and lost their final 7 games after injuries decimated a strong 2-1 start. They bring a ton of experience back, including dynamic QB Jamarcus Harrison, and feel like this could be the year they put things together for a playoff run. The Leopards went 4-6 in 2023 but like East Hall, they lost their final 6 games after a solid start. They now have a new coach in Todd Winter, who is transforming the offense into a triple-option attack.
BUFORD at MILTON
Records: Wolves (0-0, Region 8-6A); Eagles (0-0, Region 7-5A)
Last week: Season openers for both
Where: Eagles Nest, Milton
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Milton leads series 4-1. Buford won 26-23 in 2019 in Milton. This is just the second meeting between the two teams since 1983. Both teams played in the old Class 7A in 2023, with the Wolves finishing 11-2 with a loss in the quarterfinals. The Eagles went 13-2 and won the 7A state title. Milton has 14 returning starters and Power 4 talent at virtually every position. Sr. QB Luke Nickel (3,914 yards, 38 TDs, 4 INT) and Sr. WR C.J. Wiley Jr. (68 rec., 1,473 yards, 14 TD) are a formidable duo. Wiley led the state in receiving yards in 2023. Buford has All-AccessWDUN first-teamers Jaden Perlotte and Kenyon River, along with Bryce Perry-Wright and Nico Maggio, on the line to anchor what will be a nasty defense. The offense will be breaking in some new pieces, especially at quarterback, where Dayton Raiola and TJ Wilcox are still battling for the QB1 position.
What to watch for: The Eagles will have the experience edge, at least on offense. The key matchup will be the Milton offense vs. the Buford defense, the two best units in the game. Whichever group wins that battle will probably spark their team to a win.
CHESTATEE at FRANKLIN COUNTY
Records: War Eagles (0-0, Region 8-3A); Lions (0-0, Region 8-2A)
Last week: Season openers for both
Where: Ed Bryant Stadium, Carnesville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Franklin County leads series 2-0. The Lions won 41-7 in 2011 in Carnesville. Chestatee struggled in Stuart Cunningham’s first season in 2023, going 0-10 and averaged just 9.5 ppg as they moved to a wing-T offense. The War Eagles also allowed 43.6 ppg on defense. The Lions weren’t much better in 2023, scoring just 10.3 ppg and giving up 42.0 ppg on defense. But both teams are expecting to be much-improved in 2024.
What to watch for: The Chestatee defense. The War Eagles have not had a unit give up less than 33 ppg since 2013. It has been the priority focus during the summer and fall. If they can show the ability to make some stops, it will help, as the offense is expected to be more efficient in 2024.
EAST JACKSON at WINDER-BARROW
Records: Eagles (0-0, Region 8-2A); Bulldoggs (0-0, Region 8-5A)
Last week: Season openers for both
Where: W. Clair Harris Stadium, Winder
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: First-ever meeting. The Eagles are coming off their first winning season since 2009, while the Bulldoggs are looking for their first winning season since 2017. Both teams feasted on non-region opponents last year, with the Eagles posting a perfect 5-0 record and the Bulldoggs going 3-1.
What to watch for: Winder running backs Demetrius "MJ" Dowdy and Xavier Mccoy, both juniors. They combined for over 1,700 yards and 10 TDs in 2023. Junior East Jackson QB Drew Richardson (1,800 yards, 15 TDs in 2023) is poised for a breakout season.
FORSYTH CENTRAL at EAST FORSYTH
Records: Bulldogs (0-0, Region 6-6A); Broncos (0-0, Region 8-4A)
Last week: Season openers for both
Where: Half-mile High Stadium, Gainesville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: First-ever meeting. The Broncos have increased their win total in each of their first three seasons as a program. They have a new coach, Dustin Canon, but he inherited the bulk of a roster that made the playoffs in 2023. Sr. quarterback Brock Szackacs is back, but they lost their leading rusher and top two receivers. The Bulldogs will be young.
What to watch for: The East Forsyth defense vs. the Bulldogs offense. The Broncos lost more than half of their starters to graduation and will be rebuilding on that side of the ball. However, Forsyth Central was shutout in its last four games in 2023 and will be trying to rebuild that unit..
GAINESVILLE at MARIETTA
Records: Red Elephants (0-0, Region 7-5A); Blue Devils (0-0, Region 5-6A)
Last week: Season openers for both
Where: Northcutt Stadium, Marietta
Radio: 94.5 FM The Lake
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Gainesville leads series 16-6. This is the first meeting between the two schools since 1965. They first met in 1923 in Gainesville and the first seven meetings, between 1923 and 1932, all were in Gainesville. However, Marietta has won the last six in the series. The last Big Red win over the Blue Devils came in 1956. The programs have been going in opposite directions of late. Since winning the 7A title in 2019, Marietta has not posted a winning season. The Red Elephants, under Josh Niblett, have won two straight region titles and played for the 6A title in 2022.
What to watch for: The Gainesville offense. There will be a slew of new faces for Big Red on offense, having to replace 6,400 yards of production from last season. So. QB Kharim Hughley will be making his first varsity start, and he and 4 new receivers and 2 new tight ends will have to develop some chemistry. Sr. Carmelo Byrd moved from LB to RB this summer. How fast all of them come together will be the key to the season. The Blue Devils gave up 31.8 ppg on defense in 2023.
HABERSHAM CENTRAL at STEPHENS COUNTY
Records: Raiders (0-0, Region 8-5A); Indians (0-0, Region 8-2A)
Last week: Season openers for both
Where: The Reservation, Toccoa
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Stephens County leads series 34-12-1. The Indians won 31-29 in 2023, staging a huge fourth-quarter comeback. Stephens County has won four straight and 18 of the last 21 overall in the series. The Raiders have not won at The Reservation since 1993.
What to watch for: The Habersham defense vs. the Indians offense. The Raiders gave up 28.7 ppg in 2023 but will be rebuilding the defense after some key losses. Meanwhile, the Indians return the bulk of their offensive production from what was a young team last season. Sr. QB Tripp Underwood (1,523 yards, 13 TD) is back as is dynamic Sr. RB Javin Gordon (1,635 yards, 8 100-yard games, 20 TD), who is committed to Duke.
JACKSON COUNTY at FLOWERY BRANCH
Records: Panthers (0-0, Region 8-5A); Falcons (0-0, Region 8-4A)
Last week: Season openers for both
Where: Falcon Field, Flowery Branch
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: First-ever meeting. The Panthers have seen historic participation under 2nd-year coach Korey Mobbs and will have experience at most positions. They return five on offense and six on defense. The Falcons are in full rebuild mode after making the playoffs in 2023.
What to watch for: The Panthers offense. Jr. QB RJ Knapp III is poised for a breakout season in his first full season. The question mark on the offense will be in finding playmakers after graduating their top two rushers and their top five receivers. They are expecting to make a run at the first region title in 8-5A, and this should be a game where they will have the advantage against a very young Falcons group that only has 9 seniors on the roster. If the offense struggles, that could be a concern down the road.
JEFFERSON at MARIST
Records: Dragons (0-0, Region 8-3A); Eagles (0-0, Region 5-4A)
Last week: Season openers for both
Where: Hughes-Spalding Stadium, Atlanta
Radio: 1029 FM WDUN
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Marist leads series 1-0. The War Eagles won 30-14 in the 2020 Class 4A state finals in Atlanta. This is one of the better matchups in the state to open the season. Marist is the preseason No. 1 in the Maxwell ratings in the new Class 4A and is coming off a semifinal run in Class 6A. The Dragons are coming off a semifinal run in Class 5A in 2023 and are in the top 5 in Class 3A. The War Eagles are tough at home, winning 14 of their last 15 at Hughes-Spalding Stadium, with the only loss coming to Thomas County Central in the semifinals last year. But they graduated 16 of their 22 starters from last season.
What to watch for: The Jefferson offense. Sammy Brown is now at Clemson. But the Dragons return seven on offense with experience behind Sr. QB Gavin Markey and four across the offensive line. But finding connections in the passing is a key this season and could be the difference vs. Marist.
LAKEVIEW ACADEMY at LANIER CHRISTIAN
Records: Lions (0-0, GISA District 4A/3A); Lightning (0-0, GAPPS 11-man)
Last week: Season openers for both
Where: Cabble Field, Gainesville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Lakeview leads series 1-0. The Lions won 14-7 in 2023. LCA has never beaten a non-GAPPS team, and this could be an opportunity. The Lightning will have a numbers advantage, especially on both lines of scrimmage. But they are reworking both sides of the ball under a coaching change as longtime assistant Joel Lulinski took over for Bruce Miller. The Lions have just 20 on the roster, but everyone will play, and there is some talent scattered throughout.
What to watch for: Both offenses. LCA struggled over the last half of 2023 with injuries. The Lightning have several new faces as they try to rebuild that unit. The Lions have a limited roster but they are hoping Jr. QB Kyari Burch is ready to have a breakout season. However, finding playmakers has been the focus.
LUMPKIN COUNTY at CHEROKEE BLUFF
Records: Indians (0-0, Region 6-3A); Bears (0-0, Region 8-3A)
Last week: Season openers for both
Where: Yonah Field, Flowery Branch
Radio: WDUN AM 550/www.northgeorgiasportslink.com
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Cherokee Bluff leads series 3-1. The Bears won 55-8 in 2021 at Yonah Field. This is a very intriguing matchup to open the season. Both are looking for quick starts. The Indians are coming off their first-ever region title, are favorites to win 6-3A, and have Sr. QB Cal Faulkner. The Bears are breaking in several new guys on offense.
What to watch for: The Lumpkin offense vs. the Bluff defense. These will be the two best units in the game. Faulkner will have new pieces on offense, and establishing some early rhythm in the passing game will be key. But the Bears' defense will be led by KT Thompson, Landon Camp, and Tyler Underwood in a strong secondary. However, they are reworking a young defensive line.
NORTH FORSYTH at WHEELER
Records: Raiders (0-0, Region 6-6A); Wildcats (0-0, Region 5-6A)
Last week: Season openers for both
Where: Corky Kell Stadium, Marietta
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: First-ever meeting. This is a matchup of playoff teams from last season and a pair of teams that are expecting even better campaigns in 2024. Both teams return the bulk of their key playmakers and bring experience into the season. Wheeler was just 2-2 at home in 2023, while the Raiders were 2-3 on the road.
What to watch for: The Wheeler offense vs. the Raiders defense. This will be the key matchup. The Wildcats return their QB, 2 of their top 3 rushers, and top 2 WRs that totaled more than 2,400 yards in 2023. NoFo returns its entire secondary, which hauled in 16 interceptions a year ago and have four guys back who had 50 or more tackles.
RABUN COUNTY at WHITE COUNTY
Records: Wildcats (0-0, Region 8-A D1); Warriors (0-0, Region 6-3A)
Last week: Season openers for both
Where: White County Stadium, Cleveland
Radio: WRWH 93.9 FM
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Rabun leads series 26-10. This series goes back to 1958 and they played virtually every season from 1968 to 1989. But it’s the first meeting since 2017, a 49-26 win for the Wildcats in Cleveland. In fact, Rabun has won the last six showdowns in Cleveland since 1986. The last Warriors win at home in the series was in 1985. And this could be one of the better games in the series’ history. Both teams bring experience across the field and dynamic offenses that can score in bunches.
What to watch for: The Rabun O-line vs. the Warriors front-7. The Wildcats return four along the line from 2023 and are big as well, led by Alex Yearwood (6-3, 300 pounds) and Michael Johnson (6-6, 280). White County will counter with 7-3A Defensive Player of the Year, Sr. LB Jon Scott (158 tackles, 4 TFL, 3 sacks) and seniors Jason Rewis and Alex Johnson at LB. Seniors Noah Williams, Dade Anderson, JJ Deck, Jeremiah Jarrard, and Gunner Young give them a deep group up front.
ROCK SPRINGS CHRISTIAN at RIVERSIDE PREP
Records: Eagles (0-0, GISA District 1-2A/A); Eagles (0-0, GISA District 4A/3A)
Last week: Season openers for both
Where: Maginnis Field, Gainesville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: First-ever meeting. That in itself is interesting considering the Eagles have played over 200 different opponents (221 to be exact) since the program’s inception in 1908. RPA has a new coach in Jeff Lee, who last coached in Georgia in 2014 at Dawson County. Both program’s struggled last season with Rock Springs winning just 2 games and RPA going winless for a second straight year. RPA now has a 25-game losing streak, tying the program mark.
What to watch for: The RPA offense. Riverside scored just 52 points last year (5.78 ppg) but Lee has gotten the roster numbers up over the summer.
SECKINGER at WEST HALL
Records: Jaguars (0-0, Region 7-5A); Spartans (0-0, Region 8-3A)
Last week: Season openers for both
Where: West Hall Stadium, Oakwood
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: First-ever meeting. Both teams come into this one looking for improvement. It also pits former Spartans head coach Tony Lotti against his old team. The Jaguars won three games last season in Lotti’s first season and his teams typically get better each season. The Spartans lost their final 8 games in 2023 but return a lot of experience this season. The defense will have to be better than the 39.3 ppg it gave up over its last 8 games last year.
What to watch for: The West Hall offense vs. the Jaguars defense. Sr. RB Elijah Hayes (1,400-plus yards) is back for the Spartans as is a bigger, stronger, faster Jr. QB Brett Sturm, who is poised for a breakout season with three returning receivers as well. The Jaguars allowed 27.4 ppg vs. a non-region schedule in 2023.
TOWNS COUNTY at MURRAY COUNTY
Records: Indians (0-0, non-region); Indians (0-0, Region 7-2A)
Last week: Season openers for both
Where: Murray Field, Chatsworth
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: First-ever meeting. Towns is playing a non-region schedule the next two seasons to help with travel. But the enthusiasm for the program has never been higher as the participation numbers continue to increase under Jason Roquemore.
What to watch for: Both defenses. Murray County gave up 42.5 ppg in 2023 while Towns County allowed 40.2 ppg.
WESLEYAN at COMMERCE
Records: Wolves (0-0, Region 5-A D1); Tigers (0-0, Region 8-A D1)
Last week: Season openers for both
Where: Tiger Stadium, Commerce
Radio: WJJC 95.1 FM/1270 AM
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Series is tied 2-2. All four meetings have been since 2000 but this is the first since 2009. Wesleyan has won the last two meetings, including in Commerce in 2008. A tremendous opening week matchup for a pair of programs looking for big things in 2024. The Wolves are coming off their best season since 2020 with a quarterfinal run in Class 3A. The Tigers also had their most wins (11) and a quarterfinal run in Class A D1 last year. It also will be a massive contrast in styles. The Wolves have Sr. QB Ben Brown, who threw for over 3,300 yards and 42 TDs in their spread attack. The Tigers have Jaiden Dabiels, Tysean Wiggins and an option attack that piled up nearly 4,000 yards in 2023.
What to watch for: The Commerce defense vs. the Wesleyan spread offense. It will be a good opening test for the Tigers, who will have to take on other spread offenses in Rabun County and Elbert County in their region. But they return most of a group that yielded just 15.62 ppg last season.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2024/8/1255111/week-1-previews-8-15-24