Earlier this week, the GHSA released finalized 2022 high school football schedules for all schools. This master schedule features several out-of-state games, a number of returning rivalries, and some region matchups that have never been played before. Here’s a classification-by-classification look at the new schedule, highlighting important games and situations that could eventually decide region and state champions.
Class 7A
In Class 7A, Region 1’s proximity to Georgia’s southern border conveniently accommodates 11 games against Florida opponents.
Elsewhere, Brookwood’s matchup against longtime power Bishop Gorman (NV) will draw some attention, but the Broncos just might be overmatched.
In that same region, Parkview opens with five consecutive road games, and Grayson’s road trip to Lowndes midway through the season might be a playoff preview.
Denmark-South Forsyth and Norcross-North Gwinnett could decide region titles, and North Cobb’s rematch with Buford will certainly turn some heads.
Class 6A
In 6A, Marist and Woodward Academy will face off in a rematch of last year’s one-yard thriller.
Langston Hughes, the classification’s outright favorite, features a mostly mellow schedule, with McEachern as the toughest non-region test.
Rome’s matchup with Pebblebrook might fly under the radar, but that game could set the tone for the rest of both teams’ seasons.
In a competitive Region 7, a final-week game between Roswell and Alpharetta could settle the region and the 1st seed in playoffs.
Class 5A
Jones County returns a plethora of talent in 5A, and their opening week showdown against Northside-WR accompanies Lee County vs. Warner Robins as a must-watch game.
Chamblee enters its first season playing a region schedule, but may benefit from its lack of strength.
Creekside has one of the most rigorous of 2022 GHSA football schedules, thanks to its demanding first three games: at Rome, at Dutch Fork (SC), and home against East St. Louis (IL). The Seminoles will need to ride their defense against such strong opponents.
Calhoun-Cartersville and Kell-Cambridge highlight impactful region games with playoff implications.
Class 4A
In 4A, it’s hard to overlook Bainbridge vs. Coffee in Week 2, along with Benedictine vs. Columbus (FL) and Riverdale vs. Carver-Atlanta.
Lovett’s mostly private non-region schedule will be worth keeping an eye on, especially considering their region is mainly public.
In the same region, Stockbridge has its mind set on a resurgent 2022 campaign, but will need to get by Southwest DeKalb and Dougherty within the first three weeks.
North Oconee vs. Cherokee Bluff might draw a crowd, as the Bears are coming off an 11-win season under head coach Tommy Jones.
Class 3A
Thomasville faces Brooks County to open the season in 3A. Both teams have lost standout players, so this matchup might give a better idea of each team’s season trajectory.
Cedar Grove, the defending 3A state champions, may have the toughest schedule in the state, as they have to face Westlake, Mill Creek, Collins Hill, Colquitt County and St. John’s (DC) among others. Strength of schedule is certainly not an issue for them.
Monroe Area robbed Oconee County of a region title last season, and the two teams face off once again with the region on the line.
Class 2A
It’s impossible to write about impactful 2A games without including Fitzgerald vs. Irwin County. The defending state champions in that class host the 1A-Public runners-up in another classic.
Further north, Fellowship Christian will play Trinity Christian and Rabun County, two vastly different offenses that will well prepare the Paladins for playoff opponents.
South Atlanta takes on Lovejoy, a 2A-6A battle featuring the state’s current rushing champion in Keyjuan Brown.
Again, ELCA’s schedule brings intrigue, as they face off against Blessed Trinity, Calvary Day, PACS and Brentwood Academy (TN).
Class 1A-D1 and Class 1A-D2
1A-D1 and 1A-D2 include more critical region matchups than the other classifications. Clinch County-Charlton County, Macon County-Schley County, Irwin County-Brooks County and St. Francis-Mt. Vernon could all decide their respective regions.
Rabun County’s easier schedule (compared to last season) might relieve some pressure after losing five-star QB Gunner Stockton to UGA.
Bleckley County can take advantage of a simpler beginning to its region schedule to build up momentum going into the playoffs.
Manchester’s season opener against Bowdon could become a popular upset bid, as the Blue Devils have an early shot to take down a frontrunner for the 1A-D2 crown.
Emanuel County Institute’s region matchup against McIntosh County Academy could also feature an upset, depending on how both programs’ seasons progress.
To view all 2022 GHSA football schedules, click here or visit the GHSA’s website.
