The 2022 Georgia high school football season is on the horizon. Here are five games to keep an eye on during Week One.
Mill Creek vs. Walton (8/20)
Both squads suffered painful defeats to Milton in the 7A playoffs last season. Mill Creek returns America’s best safety in Caleb Downs, while Walton has capitalized on transfers and returning quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski. These two playoff-bound programs meet in a Corky Kell showdown at Mercedes-Benz Stadium with immense ramifications.
This will be the Raiders’ first time in three years with one main quarterback leading the offense, while the Hawks still need a reliable replacement for running back Donovan Journey. This game will answer a lot of lingering questions and potentially provide a playoff matchup preview.
American Heritage (FL) at Lowndes (8/20)
Last season, the Patriots managed only six wins, but featured a junior-heavy squad set to return in 2022. Among these players is Brandon Inniss, the nation’s 2nd-ranked receiver, and numerous other senior 3- and 4-star recruits.
Lowndes, on the other hand, will have to rely on young talent like Jacarre Fleming, as the Vikings lost their leading passer, rusher, receivers, and tackler. However, Lowndes thrives at home, making this Week One heavyweight matchup a must-watch.
Lee County at Warner Robins (8/19)
The pendulum has swung both ways in these teams’ last two meetings. The Demons have again graduated massive amounts of production on both sides of the ball, but running back Malcolm Brown returns to be the catalyst of th offense.
Lee County, meanwhile, has its own rushing sensation, Ousmane Kromah. Paired with Christopher Martin at QB, Kromah gives Lee County a solid backfield duo for the next few years. Can the Trojans exploit a younger Demon defense for their first-ever win at Warner Robins?
Buford vs. Thompson (AL) (8/19)
Two of the nation’s premier programs face off in the Freedom Bowl at Milton. Thompson has graduated much of its offense, but returns several playmakers on defense, including Peter Woods, a 5-star defensive end. Buford, however, is not short of playmakers as well, with 5-star ATH KJ Bolden and 4-star RB Justice Haynes (transferring in from Blessed Trinity).
The spotlight in this week one matchup will be in the trenches, as Buford’s rush offense will play into the Warriors’ strength: the defensive line. It’s a neutral site for both teams, but Buford might have a slight crowd advantage over the defending Alabama state champions.
Creekside at Rome (8/19)
This will be a classic offense versus defense matchup. The Seminoles’ defense was one of the state’s most impressive last season, but Rome touts the duo of Reece Fountain and Martel Hight, who combined for 1,069 yards and nine scores last season.
While other games on this list flaunt offensive firepower, these two teams will rely on key defensive stops in a likely low-scoring affair. There may not be as physical a game in the 2022 Georgia high school football season for the next several weeks.
