Georgia high school football’s Class 4A has been dominated by Savannah power Benedictine the past two seasons. The undefeated Cadets are riding a 19-game winning streak and have won the past two state championships in thrilling fashion. No opponent has proven capable of slowing Benedictine’s high-octane offense this season, and that may continue deep into the playoffs.
While the Cadets are the talk of the state, three other squads have yet to lose a game in this wild 2023 season, either. Here’s a look into the unique draw of remaining undefeated teams in Georgia Class 4A.
Spalding
In 2019 and 2020, the Jaguars won just two games combined. However, improvement under Carl Kearney came rapidly. An upset of third-ranked Perry put the state on notice in 2021, but not many could have expected the Jaguars to begin the 2023 season with eight straight wins.
Spalding, led by quarterback Curt Clark, has notched ranked victories over Mary Persons, Dutchtown, and Baldwin, and the Jaguars have scored at least 41 points in six of their victories. The defense has done its part as well, shutting out three opponents and securing important victories away from home. An historic showdown with Perry awaits for the region championship in two weeks.
Central-Carrollton
The Lions have been a revelation under former Paulding County coach Umbrah Brown. After winning eight games last season, they’ve nearly matched that total with seven victories in 2023. Youth has not held the Central offense back – led by freshman quarterback JR Harris and sophomore sensation running back Jonaz Walton, that unit has scored at least 34 points in all but one game.
Defensive improvement has stoked the flames of the undefeated run. After allowing four opponents to score at least 34 points in the 2022 regular season, the Central defense has suffered only one such showing this year. The Lions likely will enter the Georgia 4A playoffs undefeated for the first time since 2014.
North Oconee
This comes to no one’s surprise; the Titans field a defense that ranks among the best (if not as the best) in 4A. North Oconee has not lost a regular season game since early September of 2021, and that streak is likely to remain intact until 2024, barring any major upsets.
The Titans’ closest matchup this season came against rival Oconee County, but the home squad still prevailed by three scores. North Oconee has lost in back-to-back semifinals appearances, so the Titans will be looking to overcome that obstacle this fall.
Benedictine
The Cadets notched a victory over defending 5A state champion Ware County en route to eight straight wins. However, they have not appeared so invincible lately. Despite quarterback Luke Kromenhoek’s offensive excellence, eight-point victories over New Hampstead and Burke County have left unanswered questions about Benedictine’s second-half defense.
A challenging opponent in Wayne County is next for Benedictine, and an upset loss would snap the second-longest active winning streak in Georgia. Will the Cadets regain their stride and win their third straight 4A state championship in 2023?
