2019 GHSA Football Champions: Where Are They Now?
Georgia high school football is winding down with the playoff quarterfinals on Dec. 11. Multiple classifications are destined to have new champions, while the chance of a repeat is still alive for some teams. Where are the 2019 GHSA football champions now?
2019 7A Champion: Marietta
Status: OUT
The defending 7A champions of Marietta High School couldn’t remake the magic of last season. The Blue Devils weren’t able to make a deep run into the playoffs, losing in the first round to Region 2, No. 1 seed East Coweta by a score of 37-28. Could 2021 be the season for a comeback?
2019 6A Champion: Harrison
Status: OUT
Harrison spent the 2020 season in the larger 7A classification. Proving they can continue to play at a high level, Harrison made it to the second round of the playoffs. The Hoyas lost to Grayson 30-6, as the Rams are piloted by transfer quarterback Jake Garcia.
Harrison will look to 2021 to get back on track.
2019 5A Champion: Buford
Status: IN
Like last season’s 6A champion Harrison, the Buford Wolves are playing in a higher classification in 2020. They have made it to the 6A quarterfinals, where they will host Hughes. The Wolves cruised through Rounds 1 and 2, beating Douglas County and Cambridge by scores of 48-0 and 42-7, respectively. A repeat for the Wolves seems likely.
2019 4A Champion: Blessed Trinity
Status: IN
Continuing the trend of 2019 champions playing in new classifications, Blessed Trinity has competed in Class 5A in 2020. The Titans are a powerhouse, blowing out their first two playoff opponents by a combined score of 93-14. Although plenty of regional No.1 seeds are still alive in 4A, it would not be a surprise to see the Titans take home the title once again.
2019 3A Champion: Cedar Grove
Status: IN
The 3A champions the last three out of four years are back for more in 2020. The Saints scratched out a 3-point win over Rockmart in Round 2 and will travel to Crisp County for the quarterfinals. It will be a tough road to repeat.
2019 2A Champion: Dublin
Status: OUT
Dublin moved down a classification in 2020, competing in 1A Public. After a 2-point win in the first round, the Fighting Irish were blown out by Brooks County in the second. They will look to rebound next season.
2019 1A Public Champion: Irwin County
Status: IN
The 1A Public champions will be on the road for the first time in the playoffs as they travel to take on Commerce. If the Indians were to make the title game, they could face Clinch County, who were the back-to-back champions before Irwin County broke their streak in 2019.
2019 1A Private Champion: ELCA
Status: IN
ELCA is looking to keep their winning streak alive, and so far, so good. The Chargers have been the Class 1A Private champions the past five years in a row and are looking to make it six. They have to overcome traveling this week, as the Chargers will be road warriors against Prince Avenue Christian.
Written by: Reagan Cofield
