The semifinals of the 2024 GHSA football state playoffs saw the season of one of Georgia’s top high school programs come to an unexpected end – again. Other teams will make their return to the state championship game after several seasons of being denied a shot at the title.
What Happened to Buford?
Buford went on quite the run during the 2024 season with 12 straight wins and looking every bit like a team with sights set squarely on a championship.
Leading 17-7 last week against Carrollton, it looked like the Wolves were on their way to another win and a spot in the state championship game.
However, turnovers are the great equalizer, and that is exactly what allowed Carrollton to get back into the game and eventually win 30-17.
This marks the third straight season that Buford rolled through the regular season before seeing dreams of a state championship end in the playoffs before reaching the final round.
JuJu Time: Georgia’s Top QB Has Chance to Win First High School State Championship
Carrollton’s five-star quarterback, Julian “JuJu” Lewis, now has the opportunity to put an exclamation point on his high school career before heading off to play for Coach Prime at Colorado. Lewis has accomplished quite a lot in his high school career, but he’s still looking for that first state championship as a high school QB.
It looked like Lewis’ season might be over a couple of weeks back when he injured his hand against Hillgrove in Round 3 of the 2024 GHSA state playoffs. Lewis left the field and later returned to the Trojans’ sideline, but did not return to action.
He was able to play in last week’s semifinals game, and in front of a state-wide TV audience, Lewis showed that he is back, leading Carrollton to the win over a solid Buford team in the Wolves’ home stadium.
Now, Lewis will lead his team against the Grayson Rams and four-star linebacker Tyker Atkinson in the GHSA Class 6A state title game.
Milton Eagles Look Unstoppable
In the most anticipated game of the season, two nationally ranked, Georgia high school football powerhouses went at it in the 2024 GHSA Class 5A semifinals as the Milton Eagles and Lee County Trojans finally met. Both teams were undefeated heading into the game.
After falling behind 21-7, Lee County battled back to tie the game at 21-all in the second quarter.
Unfortunately, the Trojans simply could not get a stop defensively. The hometown Eagles scored another 21 points unanswered in the first half, regaining the momentum and leading 42-21 heading into halftime.
Milton ultimately won 56-28, setting up the state title matchup with Hughes.
Milton looks unstoppable. Are they? Hughes, you are the next team on the clock.
Elsewhere in the State
The Brooks County Trojans, our preseason pick to win it all in Class 1A-Division II, have made it to the state title game, earning their way with an overtime win against Manchester in the 2024 GHSA football semifinals. The Trojans have their work cut out for them as they try to prevent the Bowdon Red Devils from winning a third straight state championship.
Carver (Columbus) seems to be getting stronger as the season goes on, and it couldn’t be coming at a better time – if you are a Carver fan – as the Panthers prepare to take on the Burke County Bears for the Class 2A state title. Can Burke County make a game of it?
Wait… a Macon Team in the State Title Game?
Believe it.
Northeast will be the first Macon public school in 49 years to play for a state championship.
Central (Macon) won the Class 3A state championship in 1975 under head coach Gene Brodie, who later left to take the Tift County head football coaching job.
Northeast will play Toombs County for the 2024 Class 1A-Division I state title.
PAC Looking for 3rd Consecutive State Title
The Prince Avenue Christian Wolverines played one of the most grueling schedules in the state this year and have survived to play in their fifth straight state championship game. Led by head coach Greg Vandagriff, the Wolverines are looking to win a third straight title as they take on Hebron Christian and head coach Johnathon Gess.
