We tell you everything you need to know about the 2026 Appling County High School football team in this preview, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Pirates this season.
2025 Season Stats
- Overall Record: 8-4
- Points Scored: 380
- Points Allowed: 291
Key Roster Losses
New Appling County head coach John David Sellers will kick off his return to Baxley, Georgia, without a few of the key players from 2025.
They include running back and safety Devonte Poole, defensive end Cameron George, running back and cornerback Mikel Crayton, outside linebacker Tayvon Reid, and kicker and punter Alan Ramirez.
Ramirez, a four-year kicker ,was a reliable part of the Pirates’ special teams unit over his career, including in the 2025 season, when his three field goals against Fitzgerald were the difference in the Pirates’ win.
Crayton’s performances on offense and defense will be missed, as will the contributions from George, who was the ITG Next 2025 Appling County High School Defensive Player of the Year.
Key Players Returning
The Pirates return many of the key players from last season, including junior quarterback Harrison Hickox, who has led the Pirates in each of his past two seasons.
He’ll be joined on offense by returning running back Jaiden Knight, who was the ITG Next 2025 Appling County High School Offensive Player of the Year.
Leading receiver Ty Harrell, speedster Rhett Thomas, and senior running back and cornerback Dareon Hood are back this year.
On defense, Appling County welcomes back junior free safety Brayden Miles and senior defensive tackle Jordan Todd.
Sellers pointed to returning senior Cooper Jackson at center and linebacker Jack Lee Courson as two players he’s looking forward to having back this season.
Sellers said standout nose guard Todd will be a big piece of the defense returning this season. Todd has an offer from Morehouse College as he enters the 2026 season.
What to Expect From the Appling County Pirates in 2026
Take a look at the Appling County roster for the 2026 season, and you will see why this team could be poised to have a standout year.
The Pirates really didn’t lose much. Just about every key contributor from last season’s eight-win team is back.
Sellers said he’s planning to run an offense that will allow plenty of opportunities for players to get involved.
“We’ll run 11 personnel, spread-option style of offense,” said Sellers, who formerly played at quarterback for Appling County and Austin Peay State University.
That style of offense usually calls for three wide receivers with a tight end and one running back, which translates to all those returning skill players having a lot of chances to get the ball this season.
2026 Season Prediction
Look out for the Pirates this year. A 10-3 season is within reach.
Game to Watch
Oct. 30 at Toombs County
Appling County’s 2026 Football Schedule
- 8/27 at New Hampstead
- 9/04 vs. Savannah Early College
- 9/11 vs. Wayne County
- 9/18 vs. Tattnall County
- 9/25 vs. Brantley County
- 10/02 vs. Johnson, Savannah
- 10/09 at Beach
- 10/23 vs. Islands
- 10/30 at Toombs County
- 11/06 vs. Pierce County
