We tell you everything you need to know about the 2024 Brantley County High School football team, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Herons this season.
2023 Stats
- Overall Record: 5-5
- Points Scored: 164
- Points Allowed: 224
Key Losses
The Herons lose two quarterbacks: Kirkland Cannon graduates, while his younger brother, Charlie, heads to Coosa with former head coach Geoff Cannon, who is now the head coach at the Rome school.
Also lost to graduation is receiver and defensive back Greysen Guy, who finished his time at Brantley County with 535 career receiving yards and six touchdowns. He also had a kick returned for a touchdown.
Ronin Guy, who played receiver, defensive back, and also returned kicks at Brantley County, will not return. His production included 20 tackles, 265 receiving yards, and a kickoff return average of 16.5 yards per return.
Wide receiver and defensive back Luke Carter will not return.
Who’s Back
Among the Herons returning this year is senior defensive end Carson Jacobs, who has made 90 tackles over the last three seasons, including 14 tackles for loss and six sacks.
Other key returners include running back and safety Gavin Batten and center Kyler Knox, both seniors. Batten had 74 carries for 369 yards and a touchdown last season.
Returning athlete and linebacker Hayden Hickox, a junior, had 29 tackles and rushed for 92 yards and a touchdown in 2023. He also returned kicks and will likely resume that role in 2024.
The other Class of 2026 returner is Mason Kicklighter, who had 36 tackles last season.
What to Expect
New Brantley County head coach David Shores is no stranger to South Georgia high school football, and the veteran coach is looking forward to getting started in Nahunta.
“I expect us to compete for a playoff spot in the first year, but we know it will be a tough ticket with several tough teams in our region this year,” he said.
In addition to those players returning from last season, Shores said he’ll have some new players in Nahunta in 2024.
“We have several new faces on the field this year, including quarterback Kaden Hendrix and wide receiver Devein Sanders, so I’m hoping to be pleasantly surprised by their production this season,” Shores said.
Prediction
The Herons battle to a 5-5 record in 2024.
Game to Watch
Season-opener on Aug. 16 at Charlton County
