We tell you everything you need to know about the 2024 Newnan High School football team in this preview, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Cougars this season.
2023 Stats
- Overall Record: 3-7
- Points Scored: 178
- Points Allowed: 280
Key Losses
The Cougars will miss two key defensive linemen who have moved on to continue their football careers at the collegiate level.
Gone are defensive lineman Caleb Reid, who is now a defensive end at Middle Tennessee State, and Zy’kerion Tucker, a defensive end who is now playing the position with Georgia Military College.
Head coach Chip Walker said one of the team’s biggest weapons who will be missed is former kicker and punter Ethan Devers.
Devers was perfect on every extra point attempt during his Newnan career, nailing 77-of-77 attempts. He also made 17-of-20 field goal attempts in his three-year career as the Cougars’ kicker. His longest field goal of 46 yards came last year.
Devers will continue his football career at the next level with Valdosta State University.
Who’s Back
Newnan returns two quarterbacks who each saw playing time last year as freshmen. Brodie Campbell and Hayes Maginnis battled in the offseason for the starting job as they both enter their sophomore season.
When asked if either had gained the upper hand, Walker said, “It’s still to be determined.”
Whichever QB wins the job, he’ll have returning senior wideout Gus Anderson as a top target to throw to. Anderson currently has offers from Navy, Army, and Southern Illinois, according to Walker.
Another key offensive player from last year returning is tailback Jaylon Teagle, also a senior.
“Jaylon had some big games for us last year,” Walker said.
On defense, juniors Rodney Colton and Josiah Smith will be back at their outside linebacker spots. Colton, a four-star recruit, committed to South Carolina this past April.
Walker said freshman Ashton Lawless has impressed this offseason on the defensive line and will be one to watch in 2024.
Former receiver Jakaleb Stegall will be moved to the defensive backfield this season, according to Walker.
What to Expect
Walker said the expectations for his Newnan team are clear cut for the 2024 season.
“We expect to be a playoff team again,” Walker said. “That’s what the top goal is here, getting Newnan football back to the playoffs and competing for a region championship.”
The team has missed the postseason the last two years while the entire community has been recovering from a devastating EF4 tornado that struck the city of Newnan in 2021 and severely damaged the high school.
“We are all working to get past everything that happened here,” Walker said.
That has included rebuilding the school and its athletic facilities, which completed construction this summer and will be open for the 2024-2025 school year.
There’s the sense of a rebirth with the school and the Newnan football program heading into the 2024 season.
Prediction
The Cougars come together and bounce back with an 8-4 season and a return to the playoffs.
Game to Watch
Season-opener at Greater Atlanta Christian on Aug. 16
