Here are our 2021 preseason Georgia high school football rankings for Class 4A. Will the rankings still look like this when all is said and done? Will other teams find their way in by season’s end? It should be fun to watch. Now, let’s dive into the rankings.
1. Marist
We like the War Eagles and their chances to defend their 4A state title this year. Granted, Alan Chadwick’s squad will lose a few playmakers from their defense that pitched eight shutouts last year, a group that included ATH Derek McDonald, who is headed to Syracuse to continue his football career.
But look out for the talented crew coming back, including QB Champ Davis, wide receiver/return specialist Chandler Heath, and DT Ryan Phelan, a player that Chadwick describes as “a major disruptor” on defense. Heavily recruited two-way lineman Steven Nahmias will provide big body support on offense and defense.
Speaking of which, they say defense wins championships, and Marist’s unit last year did just that. Don’t be surprised to see it once again.
2. Jefferson
Jefferson, the team that Marist defeated in the title game last year, is our pick for the No. 2 spot. Anytime you have your QB returning from last year, which Jefferson does in four-star Malaki Starks, you like your chances. Starks is also a standout defensive back, so if he’s not running or throwing for a touchdown, look for Starks to take an interception back for a score. Don’t be surprised to see our top two teams back in the title game this season.
3. Benedictine
Benedictine is like most teams. As your quarterback goes, so goes your team, and that is the case with the Cadets. Holden Geriner will be back this season, and the four-star signal caller is poised to have his best year yet, with All-State ATH Justin Thomas joining Geriner back at Benedictine. These two accounted for right at 4,000 all-purpose yards for the Cadets last season. B
ut Geriner isn’t the only QB you may be hearing about this year coming out of coach Danny Britt’s camp. Remember the name Luke Kromenhoek. He is a sophomore that has already received an offer from Florida State, which will be the first of many yet to come.
4. Carver (Columbus)
In the middle of our Georgia high school football Class 4A rankings, we have Carver (Columbus). The Tigers will have one of the more formidable run/run blocking tandems this season in four-star OL Elijah Pritchett, who will look to pave the way for RB Jaiden Credle.
On defense, the Tigers are led by All-State DE Cameron Crowell, who also plays linebacker. Last season, Crowell terrorized opposing QBs with 10 sacks and added 70 tackles. Alongside Crowell is hybrid safety/linebacker Michael Meriweather.
All four players are being highly recruited and will give Carver some of the best talent on the field of any team in the state this season.
5. Bainbridge
Bainbridge has an elite senior class that were freshman the last time the Bearcats won the state championship. The leader of that group is dynamic five-star athlete Deyon “Smoke” Bouie, who will be used in many ways, including as a shutdown corner.
He isn’t the only Bouie who will be in the defensive backfield for Bainbridge, as Trey and Zion Bouie will return there, too.
Braxton Johnson, the fifth-leading receiver last year in 4A, returns at wideout.
An argument can be made for Bainbridge having the most talent top to bottom in 4A. That group of freshman in 2018 played a big role in the Bearcats winning the state title. Can they have the same impact this season?
6. Cedartown
Cedartown will miss safety Jayden Johnson, who signed with Arkansas. But the defense will still be in good hands, led by linebacker CJ Washington, a UGA commit.
He’ll be just one of several pieces that second-year head coach Jamie Abrams will be counting on to help Cedartown get back to the playoffs and make yet another deep run as they advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time in 18 seasons. It started with the Bulldogs capturing their first region championship since 2001.
7. Cairo
You can always count on Cairo as a top-10 team to start the season, and there’s a really good chance that they will still be there at season’s end.
The Syrupmakers will ride the talent of two-way player Kevin Speed, who is receiving several offers. He will run Steve DeVoursney’s offense as the Cairo QB while also playing defensive back.
One of Speed’s favorite targets will be TE Matthew “Mo” Wilson, who also punts for Cairo.
DeVoursney points to defensive linemen Dorian Thomas and linebacker Gary Davis as the leaders on that side of the ball.
8. Flowery Branch
Coach Ben Hall’s team in Flowery Branch welcomes back one of the state’s top passers in David Renard. He can run it, too, as his 467 yards rushing last season attest. But the defense returns nine starters from last year, and the combination of an experienced defense and one of the state’s top QBs could mean a special year for Hall’s Falcons.
9. Hardaway
Hardaway will have some top talent on both sides of the ball this year, with three-year starting quarterback DJ Lucas returning, along with running back Jordan Moultrie, who ran for 1,325 yards last season and 14 touchdowns.
Lucas, meanwhile, threw for 1,285 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. He can also get it done by running with the football, as his 304 yards rushing and five touchdowns last season showed.
Their defense will boast five-star DL Mykel Williams to make a strong case for a top-10 spot. While the Hawks will certainly miss top cornerback Jonquis “JQ” Hardaway (who transferred to Central Phenix in Alabama this offseason), their overall talent should be enough to make them a force in 4A this year.
10. Troup
Troup County rounds out our Top 10, and they are relying on a couple of underclassmen to step up and lead the team.
Sophomore Taeo Todd was a MaxPreps Freshman All American last season, throwing for over 700 yards and rushing for over 1,000 yards.
Fellow super sophomore and defensive end/linebacker Qua Birdsong has multiple Division I offers, including Ole Miss and Georgia Tech.
The future is bright for head coach Tanner Glisson’s team with these two still around for three more seasons.
So, there you have our 2021 preseason Georgia high school football rankings for Class 4A. Did any other teams deserve to make this list?
Written By: Phil Jones
