In Georgia high school football, nothing can be taken for granted. A preseason top-ranked team could end up losing prior to the quarterfinals or a three-loss squad could run the table and win a state championship. Each has happened at least twice within the past five years, and similar outcomes could happen in this chaotic 2023 season. However, with just a few weeks left in the regular season, a handful of teams have separated themselves from the rest, and in Class 7A, four in particular are making excellent cases to be considered the best in Georgia.
The first and most popular choice for best 7A team in Georgia is Buford. Beginning as preseason favorites, the Wolves have held the top spot despite a scare against Mallard Creek (NC). Besides that game, Buford has been nearly unstoppable. The Wolves’ defense has held five of their six opponents to no more than one touchdown, and the team has notched wins over St. Frances Academy (MD), North Cobb, and Carver-Atlanta notably. Buford’s most difficult test this season is set for this Friday against …
… Mill Creek, another viable option for the honor of best 7A team in Georgia. The defending state champions have avoided a title hangover by establishing a reliable rushing attack and maintaining a low-risk passing game. The Hawks’ defense has also been instrumental in ranked victories over Norcross, Cedar Grove, and Parkview most recently.
Many questioned Mill Creek’s validity after losing Hayden Clark, Caleb Downs, Jamal Anderson, and several other talented playmakers from last year’s squad, but the Hawks have yet to let off the gas.
Don’t forget about Walton! The Raiders have become must-see entertainment this season, boasting an offense that is averaging nearly 52 points a game. Walton blew out Grayson and Brookwood to open the year, and the team has been on a rampage since.
North Cobb pushed the Raiders to the brink last week, opening the game on a 21-0 run, but Walton scored 28 straight in just over a quarter to regain the lead by halftime and go on to the eventual victory. The Raiders’ main concern right now is injury, which could hamper a potential title run.
Once again, Colquitt County has made its mark on Georgia. The Packers have scored at least 37 points in every game and have looked formidable in victories over Lee County, Cedar Grove, and South Carolina power Dutch Fork.
Clinching home field advantage is a must for Colquitt County, as the Packers have struggled on the road in the playoffs since 2017. They will likely need to snap this streak in order to win a state championship this season, but their current talented squad (featuring Ny Carr and Landen Thomas offensively) can get the job done.
While these four programs appear to be the frontrunners to be considered the best 7A team in Georgia, several other candidates have emerged in recent weeks as well. Carrollton and Gainesville are playing their best football right now, while Newton and Thomas County Central are turning heads with their consistency. Even Douglas County, with a win over Langston Hughes, appears to be well-rounded enough. Who would you select as Georgia’s top dog through eight weeks?
