7 Georgia High School Football Teams to Watch in 2022

Georgia High School Football 2022

Every fall, high school football takes center stage in Georgia. As is the case in many states, a favorite offseason pastime is to predict which teams will win a state championship. In Georgia, the contenders often include the likes of Grayson, Warner Robins, Prince Avenue Christian, and Buford, among others. However, there are a few potentially surprising Georgia high school football teams to watch out for in 2022 – squads that may not win a championship, but certainly could be a threat, as Northside-Warner Robins, Dougherty, and Spalding were in 2021. Which teams could possibly fit that billing in 2022? Here’s who I have in mind.

Kell Longhorns

Kell’s last 10-win season came back in 2016, when the Longhorns defeated three top-10 opponents to reach the state semifinals. Despite a 2021 campaign that resulted in a 6-5 record, there is hope for 2022. The Longhorns picked up Westlake head coach Bobby May and return a large number of junior starters. While a deep playoff run isn’t likely, the foundations are set for a possible 10-win season and quarterfinals appearance.

Archer Tigers

The Tigers notched back-to-back 7-5 seasons the past two years, mostly due to an extremely difficult non-region slate that included Lowndes, Warner Robins, Grayson, and Westlake. Granted, Archer graduated most of the defense that led the Tigers through those tough times. However, they have bolstered their offense with the addition of Central Gwinnett QB Justin Johnson, speedy running back Chadrick Alexander, who rushed for nine touchdowns last season as a backup, is waiting in the wings. On paper, it seems that Archer is doomed to fall under 0.500 in 2022, but these low expectations might be overcome as the season progresses.

Cambridge Bears

It’s hard to watch out for a HSFB team that went 9-2 last season, but historically, the Bears have struggled. Those nine wins were the most in program history, and that 2021 season seemed more like a fluke than a sign of future successes. However, 2022 might be a huge step forward for Cambridge. Despite falling to a more competitive 5A classification, the Bears return a startling amount of juniors, all of whom contributed greatly to the success of last year’s team. Their biggest issue might be replacing QB Zach Harris, but besides that setback, the Bears might be a sleeper pick to end up in the state semifinals.

Gainesville Elephants

Sure, Gainesville has returning talent that will make an impact on the field. But what might set them apart this season is their formation of a new culture. This culture change included the hiring of several new coaches, including Josh Niblett of Hoover (AL), to guide a new generation of players in the right direction. The Elephants have even begun their own YouTube series called “Red Dawn”. They have gotten their players to buy in on this shift, but the key will be to watch out for results this HSFB team puts up on the field. Pebblebrook attempted a similar venture last season and it worked, as the Falcons tripled their win total in a span of two years.

Social Circle Redskins

The Redskins did not win a single game in 2012, 2013, or 2014. Their 6-win campaign last season was the best in the last 16 years. Now, Social Circle has the opportunity to take a huge leap forward, thanks in large part to rising senior QB Logan Cross and a slew of returning defensive starters. 2022 might be the Redskins’ best shot at clinching their first 10-win season ever, given the right schedule. Losing athlete KJ Reid might be the greatest setback to overcome, but if they can keep their composure, history awaits Social Circle.

St. Francis Knights

The Knights lost 10 straight games to close out the 2020 season and open 2021, but since then, they’ve won 5 of 6. With head coach Frank Barden and former New York Giants RB Brandon Jacobs as an assistant, the Knights might be primed for a second- or third-round playoff appearance. Not one offensive or defensive starter was a senior last season, and many of St. Francis’s current playmakers are freshmen and sophomores. A 2022 turnaround wouldn’t be a short-term deal: it would set St. Francis on the path to consistent success over the next three seasons. No team may have more potential in this state than St. Francis.

Parkview Panthers

It sure seems like the Panthers are trending in the wrong direction after 12-win, 8-win, and 4-win seasons the past three years. However, Parkview has the keys to arrest their downward momentum. Head coach Eric Godfree is an integral part of the program, and with offensive leaders in QB Colin Houck and WR Zion Taylor, Parkview might be a 7- or 8-win team next season. Looking ahead, 2023 might also be promising with the number of current sophomores the Panthers field. Watch out for this HSFB team the next few years.

 

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