The beginning of spring practices marks the return of high school football in Georgia. Several changes were made in the offseason, including a reclassification that shifted state powers and replaced A-Private and A-Public with A-D1 and A-D2. With the early stage set for an interesting 2022 season, following are our preseason picks for Georgia high school football state title favorites in the newly redesigned classifications.
A-D2: Schley County
Featuring a plethora of the state’s smallest public schools, A-D2 is wide open for contenders. There are no lingering state powerhouses. However, Schley County might have the pieces in place for a state championship run.
The Wildcats accumulated 10 wins last season, falling to Metter in the second round of playoffs. For 2022, they return almost every starter on both sides of the football. Sophomore talent proved to be critical in 2021, ensuring that the Wildcats will remain as competitors in A-D2 for at least the next two years.
A-D1: Prince Avenue
This classification is much more competitive than its D2 counterpart. Perennial Georgia high school football favorites Irwin County, Brooks County, and Prince Avenue Christian are joined by Metter, Rabun County, and Bleckley County.
Picking a title favorite is difficult, but Prince Avenue’s returning offensive firepower makes a statement. Rising junior QB Aaron Philo passed for a whopping 4,700 yards and 47 touchdowns last season, and Philo’s three favorite targets all return as seniors. It will be extremely difficult for even the classification’s best defenses to stop the Wolverines’ aerial assault.
2A: Fellowship Christian
Could this classification go Fellowship Christian’s way in 2022? The Paladins overcame a coaching change last season and regained their offensive explosiveness as the season progressed. They are trending in the right direction in the offseason as well, with several returning starters (especially offensively).
ELCA and Fitzgerald could also make great cases for being 2A favorites, but the Chargers lost successful head coach Johnathan Gess and the Canes lost standout EJ Lightsey to graduation. In another unpredictable classification, a former A-Private squad might take over at a higher level.
3A: Cedar Grove
It’s almost impossible to pick against the defending state champions, Cedar Grove. The Saints’ defensive line always reloads with talent annually, and the passing attack will be strengthened with QB Jamar Graham, who’s breakout performance came in last year’s title game against Carver-Atlanta. Region foe Sandy Creek could pose a challenge in the regular season and playoffs, but the outright title favorite for 2022 has to be Cedar Grove.
4A: Bainbridge
Most of the obvious favorites in this year’s 4A have lost game-changing playmakers to graduation. Benedictine lost QB Holden Geriner to Auburn, Trinity Christian graduated the Dallas brothers, and CJ Washington left for Georgia after a great career at Cedartown.
Despite losing Deyon Bouie, Bainbridge may still be in the best position to win the classification in 2022. The Bearcats’ top tacklers all return along with Antavious Murphy, whose 508 receiving yards and 4 interceptions defensively might make him the X-factor for Bainbridge next season.
5A: Warner Robins
Warner Robins, always present among Georgia high school football favorites, has made it to the past five state championship games and won two in a row entering this offseason. It’s hard to choose another team as the 5A favorites, given the Demons’ track record.
Replacing QB Christon Lane and WR Daveon Walker will be the biggest concern for Warner Robins, but those same concerns were held after QB Jalen Addie graduated, and the Demons still won the title as underdogs, not favorites.
Creekside’s stout defense might pose the biggest challenge to a three-peat, as the Seminoles suffocated opponents last season. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see both these teams meet in the state championship game come December.
6A: Langston Hughes
After coming up one field goal short from winning the state championship last season, Langston Hughes leaves no doubt that it will be the favorite in 6A for 2022.
The Panthers have made sure to fill all their graduating positions with new transfers, allowing them to retool in what would usually be a rebuilding offseason. QB Prentiss “Air” Noland will be relied on often in games this upcoming season, and the defense will need to keep the same intensity as it did last year, despite losing talent. If the Panthers can make the small adjustments, a state championship might just be awaiting them.
7A: Buford
There may not be a clear favorite in 7A. Collins Hill and Buford both lose four- and five-star talent. Grayson returns young players, but needs to fill the void at quarterback effectively as they did in 2020. Mill Creek has playmakers at several positions, highlighted by safety Caleb Downs, but have never proven they can produce deep in the playoffs.
Can there truly be a favorite? If a choice must be made, Buford seems the most likely to win. The Wolves always manage to produce winners, no matter the graduating talent. They may very well be considered the slightest of 7A favorites.
