Prince Avenue Christian QB Among State Finals Top Performers
The 2023 Georgia high school state championship games provided us with great team football and great individual performances. Each week this season we have named our top performers, and now we end the 2023 campaign with a look at the outstanding players who made outstanding plays for their respective teams when it counted the most.
- Prince Avenue Christian quarterback Aaron Philo, playing in his final high school game, not only led his team to its second straight Class 1A-DI state championship, he also became the state’s all-time passing yardage leader, breaking Trevor Lawrence’s record of 13,902 by 20 yards. He completed 31-of-40 attempts for 320 yards and 3 touchdowns, and he also rushed 13 times for 84 yards and 2 scores to lead Wolverines to a 49-32 win over Swainsboro.
- Bowdon also won its second straight state championship with QB Kyler McGinn at the controls. McGinn led his team to a 28-27 win over Manchester in the GHSA Class 1A-DII state finals.
- Pierce County QB Caden McGatha completed 5 of 8 passes for 131 yards and 2 TDs, and he rushed 53 times for 244 yards and 4 TDs to lead the Bears to a 48-45 triple-overtime victory to capture the 2023 Georgia high school Class 2A state championship.
- Cedar Grove QB EJ Colson completed 11-of-16 passes for 259 yards and 4 TDs, and he tacked on 37 yards rushing on 11 carries to guide the Saints to the Class 3A championship, their fifth state title in the last eight seasons.
- Perry QB Colter Ginn completed 16-of-27 passes, including several “thread-the-needle” throws on third down that kept critical drives alive, in the Panthers’ 4A state championship win. Ginn finished with 261 yards and 1 TD through the air.
- Coffee QB Maurice Hansley completed 8-of-10 passes for 124 yards and 1 TD while rushing 8 times for 90 yards and 2 TDs to pace the Trojans to the Class 5A state championship.
- Thomas County Central QB Jaylen Johnson ran for 105 yards and 2 TDs, and he completed 6-of-8 pass attempts for 135 yards and 3 scores to power the Yellow Jackets offense in their 49-28 win over Woodward Academy for the 6A state title.
- Milton LB Jacorey Stewart read the play all the way for a pick-6 that clinched the 2023 Georgia high school Class 7A state championship for Milton.
- Milton kicker Alex Nover, who has been clutch all season, came up big as well, booting a 37-yard field goal and 4 PATs in the Eagles’ 31-21 win over Walton.
