The high school football season kicks off this Friday, August 16. Habersham Central, fresh off a playoff appearance and moving to a new classification, will look to build on its momentum with key returning players, while White County seeks to refine its high-octane offense and bolster its defense after a season of close contests.
In Banks County, a renewed sense of hope accompanies the arrival of new head coach Todd Winter, whose impressive track record is expected to rejuvenate a program seeking to return to its former glory. Meanwhile, Commerce looks to build on its stellar 2023 performance with its dynamic backfield intact, though some key defensive holes need to be filled.
Dawson County, fresh off a challenging season, aims to rebound under the guidance of Coach Sid Maxwell, while Lumpkin County, after a historic 2023, seeks to maintain its momentum despite losing some star players.
With each team facing unique challenges and opportunities, North Georgia football fans are in for a thrilling season of high stakes and passionate play. Here’s a closer look at the key teams we’ll follow, along with their season schedules.
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BANKS COUNTY
A 4-6 season last year was once again looking good with a quick 4-0 start. For a second straight year, it came unraveled after that. The defense had improved a little from the year before, but the offense dipped some. Kolby Watson and Aucy Jacobs are set to return to anchor that side, while Cam Cooper and Cade Watson will hold down the defense. The key losses include Aaron Scott and Robert Walker
AND…brand new head coach Todd Winter brings a fresh perspective. He also has a winning pedigree (90-46, 4 Region Titles, 1 Semifinal Run, 3 Quarterfinal Runs). In 9 of his 12 seasons as a head coach (Pinecrest Academy, Holy Innocents) he has made the playoffs. That said, he will look to turn this program back to what it hasn’t been since the late 1970s and early 1980s. The 1990s (particularly 1996-97) were solid as well for this program, and they’ll look to get back to that pedigree.
BANKS COUNTY 2024 SCHEDULE
AUG 9 – Johnson (Scrimmage)
AUG 16 – @ East Hall
AUG 23 – BYE
AUG 30 – Franklin County
SEP 6 – Dawson County
SEP 13 – @ Cherokee Bluff
SEP 20 – Rabun County*
SEP 27 – BYE
OCT 4 – Athens Academy*
OCT 11 – @ Elbert County*
OCT 18 – Providence Christian*
OCT 25 – @ Commerce*
NOV 1 – @ Oglethorpe County*
*Region 8-A DI
COMMERCE
Commerce took the area by storm in 2023! All told it was a Quarterfinals run with an 11-2 record and a Region Championship, along with a #2 state ranking at the peak. The running back room was second to none in the state, led by the dynamic duo of Jaiden Daniels and Tysean Wiggins, as well as Jacari Huff. Daniels is the downhill runner who is slippery, elusive and breaks ankles. Wiggins is the hard-nosed bowling ball who welcomes the contact and gets those tough yards. Both eclipsed 1,000 yards, and Huff would be a 1,000-yard back on any other team.
It was a sensational season, to say the least, but now we look to 2024. The Tigers have that trio back, but they do lose some key pieces on defense, particularly in the trenches, which will hurt. However, quite a few guys are ready to get their chance to shine on Friday nights.
The Tigers are entering their fourth season under coach Mark Hollars. The region has an all-new look with the addition of Providence Christian, rivals Banks County and Oglethorpe County, and Athens Academy.
COMMERCE 2024 SCHEDULE
AUG 16 – vs Wesleyan
AUG 23 – @ East Jackson
AUG 30 – @ Luella
SEP 6 – @ Madison County
SEP 13 – BYE
SEP 20 – vs Athens Academy*
SEP 27 – @ Elbert County*
OCT 4 – vs Rabun County*
OCT 11 – BYE
OCT 18 – @ Oglethorpe County*
OCT 25 – vs Banks County*
NOV 1 – vs Providence Christian*
*Region 8-A DI
DAWSON COUNTY
A 2-8 season in 2023 wasn’t at all what Dawson County had hoped for – not to mention an unforeseen QB battle in the midst of the season. Preston Bannister emerged as a solid option under center, and he should continue to thrive as the new season approaches. Where does that leave Davis Glass? Or newcomer lefty QB Cash Watkins, who is making some noise! Will Luke Smith be able to stay healthy and be a legit threat from the backfield? Those question marks can be turned into exclamation points if all goes right.
Dom LeBlanc, Sawyer Bearden, and top defensive talents Braden Crane, Alex Stewart, and Colton Schuette all graduated. A lot of holes to fill, but coach Sid Maxwell will look to get the Tigers back into prominence in 2024.
The Tigers are in the all-new 6-AAA. Pickens and GAC will be region opponents now, among other familiar foes.
DAWSON COUNTY 2024 SCHEDULE
AUG 2 – @ North Forsyth (Scrimmage)
AUG 9 – vs Cass (Scrimmage)
AUG 16 – BYE
AUG 23 – vs East Forsyth
AUG 30 – vs East Jackson
SEP 6 – @ Banks County
SEP 13 – BYE
SEP 20 – vs Pickens*
SEP 27 – @ GAC*
OCT 4 – vs Johnson*
OCT 11 – vs White County*
OCT 18 – @ Chestatee*
OCT 25 – vs Lumpkin County*
NOV 1 – @ North Hall*
*Region 6-AAA
HABERSHAM COUNTY
After a memorable run for the Raiders in 2023 with a playoff run for the first time since 2020, Hab Central will finally get bumped down a class to 5A with anticipation to once again compete for a playoff spot.
Zeke Whittington (862 rec yds, 9 TD) is set to break all the receiving records with a full year left on his career, and Antonio Cantrell (719 rush yds, 12 TD) returns at RB while QB DJ Pass (865 yds, 6 TD) will look to staple down the position. The defense will undergo some key changes, with Carter Barrett, Hayden Gailey, and Braden Henslee all graduating.
The Raiders are playing in the all-new 8-AAAAA.
HABERSHAM COUNTY 2024 SCHEDULE
AUG 2 – vs Oconee County (Scrimmage)
AUG 16 – @ Stephens County
AUG 23 – @ Flowery Branch
AUG 30 – vs White County
SEP 6 – vs Cherokee Bluff
SEP 13 – @ Loganville*
SEP 20 – BYE
SEP 27 – @ Winder-Barrow*
OCT 4 – vs Clarke Central*
OCT 11 – @ Alcovy*
OCT 18 – BYE
OCT 25 – vs Apalachee*
NOV 1 – vs Jackson County*
*Region 8-AAAAA
JEFFERSON
Life without Sammy Brown starts now for the Dragons. After a State Semifinal run, region title, and historic 13-1 season that saw the nation’s top linebacker putting the finishing touches on an unbelievable career, Jefferson must now take the field without one of their best players in program history.
Unlike most other programs, Jefferson is well-versed in retooling a roster and seeing little, if any, dropoff from year to year. Coach Travis Noland in year three will have plenty of returning star players – Kelan Butler (65 TKL, 9 TFL, 6 Sacks), Gavin Markey (1,458 yds, 23 TD), Ashley Eckert (star OL), Rett Hemphill (129 TKL, 14 TFL), Ty Oglesby (star OL), Jayden Yang (122 TKL), and Brown’s younger brother, Max. As a freshman last year, Brown, who easily would have started on any other team, made his mark with nothing short of a stellar first year. He’s already getting tons of DI looks and attention and should have a Player of the Year type of campaign.
Yes, Jefferson will no doubt miss Sammy Brown, Skyler Zimmerman, Brian Senter, Zay Minish, Bryant Cox, and Jaden Butts, but they’ll be just fine, especially moving down from 5A to 3A in 8-AAA.
JEFFERSON 2024 SCHEDULE
AUG 16 – @ Marist
AUG 23 – @ Jackson County
AUG 30 – vs Clarke Central
SEP 6 – vs Stephens County
SEP 13 – @ North Oconee
SEP 20 – BYE
SEP 27 – vs West Hall*
OCT 4 – @ Monroe Area*
OCT 11 – vs East Hall*
OCT 18 – BYE
OCT 25 – vs. Cherokee Bluff*
NOV 1 – @ Oconee County*
*Region 8-AAA
LUMPKIN COUNTY
The most incredible season in Lumpkin County history transpired in 2023. Undefeated all the way until the Quarterfinals, the Indians went 12-1 overall with a record-setting offense (42.0/game), elite defense (19.8), and the first Region Championship for Lumpkin County. The team was ranked as high as #5 in the state.
Coach Heath Webb’s character and ‘Hard Work Pays Off’ mindset rubbed off on the entire roster. QB Cal Faulkner, who will enter his final season, was part of a 1-2 punch on offense with graduating Mason Sullens (2,281 yds, 33 TD), but Faulkner (1,706 yards, 19 TD, 1 INT; 929 rush yards, 18 TD) needs someone (Jackson Bell, Gerald Walker) to become that Sullens-type runner. Nolan Matthews emerged as a go-to receiver (456 yards, 7 TD), and there are plenty of guys who can catch the ball.
Defensively, Walker, Connor Greilich, Connor Bagley, etc, are the key cogs. The line has lots of depth and returning starters as well. Dahlonega is anxious for an encore performance in 2024.
The Indians are in the all-new 6-AAA, pitting them against Pickens and GAC, among other familiar region opponents.
LUMPKIN COUNTY 2024 SCHEDULE
AUG 16 – @ Cherokee Bluff
AUG 23 – BYE
AUG 30 – vs Hart County
SEP 6 – vs Dunwoody
SEP 13 – vs GAC*
SEP 20 – vs Chestatee*
SEP 27 – @ White County*
OCT 4 – BYE
OCT 11 – @ Johnson*
OCT 18 – vs North Hall*
OCT 25 – @ Dawson County*
NOV 1 – @ Pickens*
*Region 6-AAA
RABUN COUNTY
Rabun County’s streak of 9 straight region titles ended after dropping the title game last season to Commerce in overtime. Still, the Wildcats made a 9th straight Quarterfinals run. The team had some threads from the Gunner Stockton era with Willie Goodwyn (Cincinnati) and Jarret Giles, but also a blend of young emerging players.
Now veterans, guys like QB Ty Truelove (2,298 yds, 24 TD, 6 INT; 407 rush yds, 7 TD) and RBs Reid Giles (1,125 yds, 15 TD) and Noah English (603 yds, 8 TD) make for a legit trio on offense and look out for Jake Payne (111 yds, 1 TD) at the WR position to have a breakout year. English and Elvis Hunt will help anchor the defense.
Wildcat Nation has been refusing to accept the narrative that the ‘Golden Era’ is over. Look out for this team to be even better in year three of Michael Davis than they were a year ago.
The Wildcats are in the all-new 8-A DI. That means Oglethorpe County and Providence Christian, along with Banks County, will be region opponents now, among other familiar teams.
RABUN COUNTY 2024 SCHEDULE
AUG 9 – vs TBD (Scrimmage)
AUG 16 – @ White County
AUG 23 – @ Fannin County
AUG 30 – BYE
SEP 6 – vs Dalton
SEP 13 – vs Bremen
SEP 20 – @ Banks County*
SEP 27 – vs Providence Christian*
OCT 4 – @ Commerce*
OCT 11 – vs Oglethorpe County*
OCT 18 – BYE
OCT 25 – @ Athens Academy*
NOV 1 – vs Elbert County*
*Region 8-A DI
STEPHENS COUNTY
Back-to-back region champ Stephens County hopes to maintain the level of play the Indians have grown accustomed to over the past three years. In that span, coach Wesley Tankersley has guided Stephens to 27 wins, 2 region crowns, and 3 playoff wins. The team has been state-ranked the past 3 seasons, including #1 at one point last year. The 2023 edition saw the Indians go 10-2 and get to the second round for the third straight year.
New QB Tripp Underwood (1,523 yds, 13 TD) got his feet wet and will be back along with one of the top local athletes in Javin Gordon (1,635 rush yds, 20 TD; 273 rec yds, 2 TD). Also back is Brock Tankersley (400 total yds, 4 TD) and Davin Swinton (226 rec yards, 3 TDs, 7 INT). Jonah Swinton (95 TKL) and Jakob Lunsford (64 TKL, 18 TFL, 4 Sacks) will help anchor the defense. The team will have to find someone to fill the shoes of such talents as Jasec Smith and Aiden Butts, but those new players will emerge. The Indians move down a classification into 2A, so this year could look a lot different.
The Indians have revealed their 2024 schedule in the all-new 8-AA, which now features state powerhouse Prince Avenue and familiar foes Franklin, Hebron, Hart, and East Jackson. The non-region slate is TOUGH…
STEPHENS COUNTY 2024 SCHEDULE
AUG 16 – vs Habersham Central
AUG 23 – vs Elbert County
AUG 30 – @ Cedar Shoals
SEP 6 – @ Jefferson
SEP 13 – vs Oconee County
SEP 20 – BYE
SEP 27 – @ Franklin County*
OCT 4 – vs Prince Avenue Christian*
OCT 11 – BYE
OCT 18 – @ Hebron Christian*
OCT 25 – vs Hart County*
NOV 1 – @ East Jackson*
*Region 8-AA
TOWNS COUNTY
After an injury-marred season that resulted in an 0-10 record, Towns County builds an all-new schedule heading into 2024. Coach Jason Roquemore and the Indians will reside in 8-A DII once again but play a full non-region slate.
Longtime starting QB Connor Chastain is graduating, which leads to Dustin Barrett’s opportunity under center. He had 432 rush yards and 2 TD, adding 123 receiving yards and 66 passing. He missed some time due to injury as well but will look to lead this team in the fall.
The hope is a non-region slate will push Towns from averaging 6.4 points per game and giving up 40.2 to rising back to a more competitive level of play.
The Indians reside in 8-A DII but will play a full non-region schedule.
TOWNS COUNTY 2024 SCHEDULE
AUG 16 – @ Murray County
AUG 23 – vs Riverside
AUG 30 – @ Lakeview
SEP 6 – vs Greenville (SC)
SEP 13 – @ Ware Shoals (SC)
SEP 20 – vs Butler
SEP 27 – vs Dixie (SC)
OCT 4 – @ Anderson Christian (SC)
OCT 11 – vs Spartanburg Christian (SC)
OCT 18 – BYE
OCT 25 – vs. Southeast Whitfield
NOV 1 – BYE
*Region 8-AA DII (non-region schedule)
UNION COUNTY
The Panthers put together one heck of a season, complete with an 8-4 record and a second-round appearance in the playoffs. Union County was ranked inside the top 10 a couple of times during the year and had a stellar offense that scored 422 points, the most since 2019. Overall, it was a unit that averaged 35.2 points against a defense that gave up 23.8 and worked around several injuries.
The bad news for coach Michael Perry’s team is the loss of skill players and standout defenders – Caiden Tanner, Jensen Goble, Braylen Rader, Tyler Grasty on offense leave some huge shoes to fill. Defensively, Union parts ways with Lane Lance, David Heredia, and Seth Rutan, among others. Those are monumental gaps. Cade Dockery emerged last year (374 rec yds, 3 TD; 3 INT) and will only be a junior. He is an option at QB, or Chetley Cox (31 pass yds; 46 rush yds), who dipped his toes in the water last year while also being the JV starter.
Tyler Parker could be a go-to option at WR, Connor Schuknecht (248 yds, 2 TD) is coming off back-to-back seasons in which he made an impact in the backfield. Ethan Lester (127 TKL, 8 TFL), Schuknecht (74 TKL), Dockery (46 TKL, 3 INT), and Dusty Aaron (41 TKL, 8 TFL) are the 4 returning starters on defense.
The Panthers are in the all-new 7-AA, which features a completely new group of opponents.
UNION COUNTY 2024 SCHEDULE
AUG 16 – BYE
AUG 23 – @ Gilmer
AUG 30 – vs Fannin County
SEP 6 – vs Murray County*
SEP 13 – @ Rockmart*
SEP 20 – vs North Murray*
SEP 27 – @ Lakeview FO*
OCT 4 – @ Ringgold*
OCT 11 – BYE
OCT 18 – @ Coahulla Creek*
OCT 25 – vs Sonoraville*
NOV 1 – vs North Cobb Christian*
*Region 7-AA
WHITE COUNTY
The Warriors made the postseason and held a #9 state ranking early in the season. Overall, it was a 5-6 campaign with a high-flying offense (34.2/game). However, the defense, despite having several key players, gave up 30.4. White County lost 3 games by a TD or less. They took top-5 ranked Lumpkin to triple overtime in a 61-55 loss, fell by 3 to Wesleyan, and by 2 against Pickens.
Tripp Nix will enter his senior year after putting up 1,812 pass yds, 16 TD, 5 INT and 584 rush yds, 16 TD. Gone is steady RB Ryan Fowler (1,539 yds, 16 TD), WR Cam Wilson (522 yds, 3 TD), Cayson Duvall, WR Isaiah Whitlow (291 yds, 3 TD). Those are big shoes to fill, and lots of speed to replace on offense. However, Gaines Clark (289 yds, 5 TD) emerged as the top receiver down the stretch. The line returns Tyler Autry, and on defense Jon Scott (158 TKL), Alex Johnson (103 TKL), and Jason Rewis (78 TKL) will be back. We should see that side of the ball be much better. Offensively, expect about the same, with new names coming up as playmakers.
The Warriors are in the all-new 6-AAA, facing Pickens and GAC among other familiar region foes.
2024 SCHEDULE
AUG 16 – vs Rabun County
AUG 23 – BYE
AUG 30 – @ Habersham Central
SEP 6 – vs East Jackson
SEP 13 – @ Pickens*
SEP 20 – vs North Hall*
SEP 27 – vs Lumpkin County*
OCT 4 – BYE
OCT 11 – @ Dawson County*
OCT 18 – @ GAC*
OCT 25 – vs Chestatee*
NOV 1 – @ Johnson*
*Region 6-AAA
