They may not count in the win/loss column, but don’t think Georgia high school scrimmage games don’t mean something to the players, coaches, and fans. Because they do.
Several new coaches who were hired in the offseason are making their debut in an actual game with their new team. Adam Carter at Lowndes, Drew Swick at Collins Hill, and Ben Bailey are among the head coaches taking their new teams into battle for the first time. It also will be the first time for players such as Buford’s Dylan Raiola to suit up in a game for a new team.
Even if it’s only a scrimmage game, it means something. Here are nine of the top Georgia high school scrimmage games we think are worth watching before the games actually start counting.
Jones County at Buford
This game will draw more attention than usual if Buford head coach Bryant Appling elects to play Dylan Raiola. That would be his first live action in a Wolves uniform since enrolling at Buford High in early July. It becomes even more of a treat as fans also get to see another top quarterback in Jones County’s Judd Anderson, a Miami commit.
North Cobb at Collins Hill
This Georgia high school scrimmage marks the debut of new Collins Hill head coach Drew Swick. The first-year Eagles coach is trying to put Collins Hill back on the Georgia high school football map. After consecutive state title game appearances and a championship in 2021, the Eagles fell hard last year, winning just four games and missing the playoffs. The Warriors are looking to keep going strong, with coach Shane Queen kicking off his 18th season as their head coach.
Perry at Northside Warner Robins
Ben Bailey makes his coaching debut since being tabbed to take over the Northside Warner Robins football program in the offseason.
Valdosta at Thomasville
These teams have enjoyed a 105-year old rivalry, but they’ve played each other only twice in the past 35 years, with the last game coming in 2015. Fans will take what they can get if it means getting these traditional Georgia high school powers on the field against each other, even if it is just a scrimmage.
Langston Hughes at North Gwinnett
North Gwinnett fans will have a chance to see their new head coach, Eric Godfree, roaming the sidelines for the first time with his new team. They’ll also get a look at Prentiss Air Noland and the defending Class 6A state champions Langston Hughes Panthers. The Bulldog faithful are hoping Godfree can return their team to another state championship season, like the one they enjoyed in 2017 under former head coach Bill Stewart, who left this offseason for The Flats of Georgia Tech.
Tift County at Lowndes
Lowndes head coach Adam Carter makes his debut in front of the Vikings faithful in what should be a large crowd at Martin Stadium, also known as the Concrete Palace. Vikings fans are ready to see if Carter can work the same sort of magic he did at Grayson in 2021, when he took the Rams to a state title. Tift County has been on a rebuilding path under veteran high school coach Noel Dean, so a win in this game, on top of their win in the spring, could be just the springboard the Blue Devils need heading into their season opener.
Carver Columbus at Lee County
There’s been a lot of buzz surrounding the Trojans this offseason, with several starters back from last season, so Lee County fans are ready to see for themselves what they have. These two teams met in a preseason scrimmage last year, with Lee County dominating 28-0. The rematch could be a replay of the 2022 edition.
ECI at Fitzgerald
The Purple Hurricanes have looked forward to getting back on the field since falling short in last year’s Class 2A state title game. ECI fans are hoping their team can bounce back from their first losing season, a 4-7 finish, in over a decade.
Gainesville at Milton
Both of these teams are looking to continue what they started last season. The Red Elephants advanced to the Class 6A state championship game and finished 14-1, with that only loss coming to champion Langston Hughes. Milton was a final four team last year, advancing to the semifinals before they too lost to the eventual state champion. Both Ben Reaves and Josh Niblett were first-year head coaches. Two great quarterbacks, Milton’s Luke Nickle and Gainesville’s Baxter Wright, will lead his respective team’s offense as each school prepares for its season opener.
