With semifinal games in every classification concluding last Friday, all eyes now turn to Atlanta’s Center Parc Stadium for eight Georgia high school football state championship matchups.
The first day of title games is Thursday, when the A-D2 and A-D1 championships comprise an eventful opening day of football. Those are followed by a Friday slate featuring the even classifications, while all remaining odd classifications take center stage on Saturday. Here’s a quick preview into each one of the Georgia high school football championship matchups
Schley County vs. Bowdon (A-D2)
After a disappointing end to last season, Schley County returned with a vengeance, clinching their first-ever region title. They ride an 11-game win streak on the back of QB Jay Kanazawa, who has passed for over 3,000 yards.
The key matchup here, though, will be the Wildcats’ talented front seven against a Bowdon rush offense that features two 1,000-yard rushers, TJ Harvison and Robert McNeal. Both squads have steadily improved offensively all season, so the team with the better defense will win.
Swainsboro vs. Prince Avenue Christian (A-D1)
The nightcap to Thursday’s Georgia high school football championship matchups features a classic battle between offense and defense. Swainsboro’s front seven, led by Jonorian Foots, has been crucial in in the Tigers’ six shutouts and less than 100 total points allowed through 13 games.
However, they have yet to face a pass offense as prolific as that of the Wolverines. Junior QB sensation Aaron Philo has passed for 4,100 yards and nearly 50 touchdowns this season, but he will be without his leading target, Bailey Stockton, for the title game. Who will win this offensive-defensive war?
Fitzgerald vs. Thomson (2A)
All signs point to a defensive masterclass in this matchup. These two teams have held a combined 25 opponents to fewer than three touchdowns this season alone.
Thomson’s offense has found a groove after dropping the season opener to Burke County. RB Jontavis Curry easily topped 1,000 yards on the year, but his 171-yard performance in a revenge game against Appling County last Friday was the difference. He will face a tall task against a Canes defense that forced two first-half turnovers against Fellowship Christian in the semifinals.
Sandy Creek vs. Cedar Grove (3A)
It’s another region rematch to decide the 3A state championship. Cedar Grove, which faced a gauntlet of a 2002 schedule, defeated Carver-Atlanta last season to win the title, but now comes up against a pass-balanced offense in Sandy Creek this week.
The Patriots faced the Saints earlier this season, but surrendered a 13-point cushion, falling by 15 in the end. There is Division I talent on both sides of the ball for both teams, and despite Cedar Grove’s dominance all season, an upset could be in the books as Sandy Creek has gained immense momentum in the playoffs.
Cedartown vs. Benedictine (4A)
This matchup is similar to Thursday’s A-D1 championship – a stellar offense facing off against a rigid defense. Cedartown has bullied opponents all season, preventing any team from scoring over 21 points.
While Benedictine’s defense has also been reliable, all focus remains on their productive offense. The Cadets have scored at least 30 points in each of the last eight games, and QB Luke Kromenhoek’s ball security has been a large part of that success.
Ware County vs. Warner Robins (5A)
After a 1-4 start to the season, not many people expected Warner Robins to reach its sixth straight state title game. However, an impressive playoff run has the Demons in position to win a third consecutive crown.
Standing in their way is Ware County, a program that is winless in four Georgia high school football championship matchups. The Gators have been consistent all season long, relying on an ideal combination of offense and defense to win critical matchups. They may be the most well-rounded 5A team, and they will be a challenge for Warner Robins.
Langston Hughes vs. Gainesville (6A)
All it took was one coaching change. Gainesville’s hire of Josh Niblett from Hoover (AL) turned the Red Elephants from a .500 program to an undefeated state title contender.
On the other side, Hughes could be the best team in Georgia, as evidenced by a physical defense and a talented offense that is just two points away from breaking Rome’s record for points scored in a season. No team has come within 26 points of the Panthers so far.
Carrollton vs. Mill Creek (7A)
The Trojans, perennial quarterfinalists in 6A, shocked the state in their first year in 7A with an undefeated regular season behind the backfield duo of QB Julian Lewis and RB Bryce Hicks. One of the most consistent teams statewide, the Trojans weren’t phased by Colquitt County’s raucous home crowd, ending the Packers’ undefeated campaign in last Friday’s semifinals.
They now have a chance to make history against the talented Mill Creek buzzsaw that has looked unstoppable since a loss to Buford. There is talent at every position for the Hawks, setting up a marquee pairing – perhaps one of the most compelling of all the Georgia high school football championship matchups.
