The 2023 Corky Kell-Dave Hunter Classic features several star-studded matchups. The four-day season-opening event is capped by a Saturday slate in Mercedes-Benz Stadium that includes the likes of Walton, Norcross, Grayson, and defending 7A state champion Mill Creek. Following is a quick preview of each of those blockbuster Saturday contests.
Marietta vs. Norcross
The final day of the 2023 Corky Kell-Dave Hunter Classic kicks off with a “Blue Devil showdown” at 10 a.m. While both teams field talented quarterbacks, this game may be won on the ground. Norcross returns quarterback AJ Watkins, who led the team in rushing last year, along with running back Michael Ammons. Kevin Maven-Winchester, a transfer from St. Francis in Alpharetta, also could be a key contributor in the Norcross ground attack.
For Marietta, the load will fall on Russell Bey and Jaylen Frazier, who combined for more than 800 rushing yards last year. Dominance on the ground could be the key to victory in this early-morning matchup.
Brookwood vs. McEachern
The loss of star quarterback Dylan Lonergan may introduce new challenges for the Broncos this season. First, Brookwood must contend with a rejuvenated McEachern program under Kareem Reid, who previously coached at Griffin and Westlake. The Broncos lost loads of production in the front seven from last year’s team, but the burden may fall on that group to ensure a victory on Saturday.
If McEachern’s offensive line can protect well and prevent tackles for loss and sacks, the Indians may emerge victorious. The talent is evident in McEachern’s secondary as well, but the war in the trenches may directly decide the outcome of the game.
North Gwinnett vs. Mill Creek
The defending 7A state champions have lost a lot in the offseason, including Caleb Downs, Jamal Anderson, and Hayden Clark. However, their strength lies on the defensive side of the football, and it will be relied on against a Bulldogs squad that leans heavily on the run.
If Mill Creek can stifle North Gwinnett’s run-focused offensive scheme, the Bulldogs will have to turn to the passing game, which potentially could result in turnovers forced by Georgia Tech commit Trajen Greco, Justin Content, and others. To counter, the Dawgs must rely on creativity and execution to churn out more than 5 yards per carry and secure the Corky Kell win.
Walton vs. Grayson
The nightcap features the most sensational matchup of the 2023 Corky Kell-Dave Hunter Classic. A high-flying Walton offense led by quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski will meet a talented Grayson defense that boasts Kylan Fox, Myles Woods, Tyler Atkinson, and several other big names.
The Rams’ secondary will need to be on-point for this matchup. Walton’s passing offense contributed more than 3,500 yards to the Raiders’ total production last season, and they scored 30+ points in 11 of their 13 games. However, in two of their three losses, Hecklinski completed less than 60% of his passes and turned the ball over a combined three times. With no shortage of talent in the Grayson secondary, the Rams must be well-prepared to contain the explosive Walton offense.
