Georgia

Best in Georgia: 2025 AJC Varsity high school football all-state teams

Published

2 weeks ago

December 29, 2025

AJC Varsity

This year, athletes were honored outside the first team as the AJC Varsity Next 25 for Classes 2A through 6A and Next 20 for the two Class A divisions.

Creekside quarterback Cayden Benson was named the GHSA Class 4A offensive player of the year. (Daniel Varnado for the AJC)

From AJC Super 11 selections to breakout players to watch, here are the 2025 Georgia high school football all-state teams, divided by GHSA classification.

This year, we recognize the athletes who were honored outside the first team as the AJC Varsity Next 25 for Classes 2A through 6A and Next 20 for the two Class A divisions.

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AJC Varsity all-classification player of the year

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Buford running back Tyriq Green carries the ball for yards during the first half against Milton at Phillips Beard Stadium, Thursday, August, 14, 2025, in Buford, Ga. Buford won 20-13. Buford’s Tyriq Green is an AJC Super 11 and a Georgia commitment. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Class 6A

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Offense

QB – Aiden Watson, Harrison, 5-11, 175, So.
RB – Cam Wood, Carrollton, 5-8, 190, Sr.
RB – Marquis Fennell, Valdosta, 5-10, 185, Jr.
WR – Aaron Gregory, Douglas County, 6-3, 190, Sr.
WR – Ryan Mosley, Carrollton, 6-2, 210, Sr.
TE – Max Patterson, North Gwinnett, 6-6, 240, Jr.
OL – Brandon Anderson, North Cobb, 6-4, 312, Sr.
OL – Graham Houston, Buford, 6-5, 305, Sr.
OL – Zach Lewis, North Gwinnett, 6-4, 280, Sr.
OL – Tyreek Jemison, Paulding County, 6-5, 325, Sr.
OL – Zykie Helton, Carrollton, 6-2, 290, Sr.
ATH – Peyton Zachary, Carrollton, 5-7, 165, Sr.
PK – Carter Genchi, Hillgrove, 5-9, 160, Sr.

Defense

DL – Bryce Perry-Wright, Buford, 6-2, 250, Sr.
DL – Katrell Webb, Collins Hill, 6-3, 240, Sr.
DL – Deuce Geralds, Collins Hill, 6-2, 280, Sr.
DL – Jordan Carter, Douglas County, 6-4, 265, Sr.
LB – Tyler Atkinson, Grayson, 6-2, 210, Sr.
LB – Jake Godfree, North Gwinnett, 6-0, 215, Jr.
LB – Braxton Rembert, Mill Creek, 6-6, 210, Sr.
LB – Richard Dyce, Douglas County, 6-0, 220, Sr.
DB – Joshua Burks, Norcross, 5-11, 185, Sr.
DB – Chauncey Davis, North Gwinnett, 6-1, 190, Sr.
DB – Dorian Barney, Carrollton, 6-0, 170, Sr.
DB – Jamar Owens, Douglas County, 6-0, 175, Sr.
P – Jake Snyder, Denmark, 6-1, 175, Sr.
2W – Tyriq Green, Buford, 6-0, 200, Sr.

AJC Varsity 25 Next

DB/ATH – Casey Barner, McEachern, 6-0, 190, So.
DL – Darryl Rivers, McEachern, 6-5, 270, Sr.
DL – Dre Quinn, Buford, 6-4, 228, Sr.
LB – Olrick Johnson III, Harrison, 6-0, 210, Jr.
LB – Noah LaVallee, Walton, 6-2, 220, Sr.
LB – Blaize Battaglia, Milton, 6-1, 215, Jr.
LB – Deion Miller, Buford, 6-0, 220, Sr.
LB – CJ Gamble, Carrollton, 6-1, 225, Sr.
LB – Brayden Wesley Ruis, Colquitt County, 6-0, 210, Sr.
LB – Eli Harris, Grayson, 6-1, 200, Jr.
LB – Zamarian Williams, Valdosta, 5-10, 180, Sr.
OL – Jordan Agbanoma, Grayson, 6-3, 295, Jr.
OL – Ben Corhei, Lowndes, 6-5, 295, Sr.
PK/P – Elijah Frey, Norcross, 6-2, 195, Sr.
QB – Jordan Do, Archer, 5-11, 190, Sr.
QB – RayShaun Parks, Peachtree Ridge, 6-0, 205, Sr.
QB – Tyrieke Wade, Valdosta, 6-1, 185, Sr.
RB – Noriega Thompson, Walton, 5-9, 180, Sr.
RB – Brayden Tyson, Brookwood, 6-2, 235, Jr.
RB – Jae Lamar, Colquitt County, 6-0, 205, Sr.
RB – Mason Woods, Lowndes, 5-9, 175, Jr.
RB – Zach Belyeu, North Cobb, 5-11, 215, So.
RB/LB – Andrew Davis, West Forsyth, 5-9, 180, Sr.
WR – DJ Huggins, Harrison, 6-0, 175, Jr.
WR – DJ Miller, Newton, 5-11, 175, Sr.

Class 5A

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Offense

QB – Trey Smith, Roswell, 6-0, 205, Sr.
QB – Jaylen Johnson, Thomas County Central, 6-2, 220, Sr.
RB – Will Rajecki, Sequoyah, 5-11, 195, Sr.
RB – Christian “Deuce” Lawrence, Thomas County Central, 5-9, 185, Sr.
WR – Wills Campbell, Roswell, 6-1, 200, Sr.
WR – Jeremy Winston, Rome, 6-3, 170, Sr.
TE – Xavier Tiller, Hughes, 6-5, 215, Sr.
OL – Kelsey Adams, Hughes, 6-6, 300, Jr.
OL – Jared Doughty, Banneker, 6-6, 300, Sr.
OL – Krew Moledor, Gainesville, 6-4, 275, Sr.
OL – Alex Brewer, Sequoyah, 6-4, 315, Sr.
OL – Artem Korchagin, Thomas County Central, 6-4, 315, Sr.
PK – Quint Johnson, Newnan, 5-10, 180, Sr.

Defense

DL – Jamarion Matthews, Gainesville, 6-3, 255, Sr.
DL – Elijah Patmon, Northside-Warner Robins, 6-4, 295, Jr.
DL – Cam Brooks, Thomas County Central, 6-2, 225, Sr.
DL – Kadin Fossung, Gainesville, 6-3, 220, Sr.
LB – Tristan Lester, Milton, 5-11, 195, Sr.
LB – Brody Duffy, Roswell, 5-10, 185, Sr.
LB – Chad Fairchild, Lovejoy, 6-1, 235, Sr.
LB – Xavier Griffin, Gainesville, 6-4, 215, Sr.
DB – Blake Stewart, Woodward Academy, 6-0, 175, Sr.
DB – Jorden Edmonds, Sprayberry, 6-3, 180, Sr.
DB – Kealan Jones, Sprayberry, 6-1, 190, Sr.
DB – Jordan Smith, Houston County, 6-3, 200, Sr.
P – Afton Rowles, Woodward Academy, 6-1, 160, Jr.
2W – Darnell Collins, Rome, 6-3, 190, Sr.

AJC Varsity 25 Next

DB – Israel Prince-Oyakhire, Shiloh, 6-2, 190, Jr.
DB – Aamaury Fountain, Northside-Warner Robins, 6-3, 186, Jr.
DL – Ayden Cain, Gainesville, 6-1, 275, Sr.
DL – Omar Holland, Villa Rica, 6-1, 205, Sr.
DL/OL – Christian Speakman, Morrow, 6-4, 330, Sr.
LB – Rodney Colton Jr., Newnan, 6-2, 225, Sr.
LB – Brysen Davies, Northgate, 6-0, 210, Sr.
LB – Deacon Wiley, Jackson County, 5-11, 195, Sr.
LB/TE – Westen Ard, Houston County, 6-2, 225, Sr.
OL – Shavezz Dixon, Lee County, 6-4, 305, Jr.
OL – Landon Ghea, Milton, 6-5, 260, Fr.
QB – Grant Moore, Brunswick, 6-1, 200, Sr.
QB – Kharim Hughley, Gainesville, 5-11, 190, Jr.
QB – Aidan McPherson, Rome, 5-10, 180, Jr.
RB – Qwantavius Wiggins, Hughes, 5-10, 195, Sr.
RB – Daylan Maxwell, Jackson County, 5-7, 175, Jr.
RB – MJ Dowdy, Winder-Barrow, 5-11, 205, Sr.
RB – Nigel Newkirk, Gainesville, 5-11, 200, Jr.
TE – Grant Haviland, Milton, 6-5, 235, Jr.
TE – Heze Kent, Brunswick, 6-7, 285, Sr.
TE – Carter Blackwell, Lee County, 6-4, 210, Jr.
WR – Dylan Green, Kennesaw Mountain, 6-3, 175, Sr.
WR – MJ Mathis, Houston County, 6-2, 195, Sr.
WR – Jaden Upshaw, Lee County, 6-2, 202, Jr.
WR – Jabari Watkins, Thomas County Central, 6-2, 180, Jr.

Class 4A

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Offense

QB – Cayden Benson, Creekside, 5-11, 172, Sr.
RB – Quinterrius “Moonie” Gipson, Kell, 5-10, 200, Jr.
RB – Jonaz Walton, Central-Carrollton, 5-10, 205, Sr.
WR – Jordan Christie, Southwest DeKalb, 5-11, 190, Jr.
WR – Craig Dandridge, Cambridge, 6-1, 180, Sr.
WR – Brady Marchese, Cartersville, 6-1, 183, Sr.
OL – Jaylon Moore, Creekside, 6-4, 290, Jr.
OL – Chase Lewandowski, Kell, 6-2, 305, Sr.
OL – Jared Smith, Stockbridge, 6-5, 335, Sr.
OL – Bear McWhorter, Cass, 6-4, 300, Sr.
OL – Langston Hogg, Cartersville, 6-2, 275, Sr.
ATH – Chris “Bubba” Frazier, Benedictine, 5-11, 180, Sr.
PK – Leo Attard, Cambridge, 6-0, 180, Sr.

Defense

DL – Bryce Robinson, Locust Grove, 6-3, 270, Sr.
DL – Kameron Cody, Benedictine, 6-2, 285, Sr.
DL – LaDamion Guyton, Benedictine, 6-3, 225, Sr.
DL – Xavier Joseph, Eastside, 6-2, 240, Sr.
LB – Decari Farley, Creekside, 6-0, 185, Sr.
LB – Tavarre Terrell, Creekside, 5-11, 240, Jr.
LB – Owen Hare, Marist, 5-10, 170, Jr.
LB – David “DJ” Jacobs, Blessed Trinity, 6-5, 235, Jr.
DB – Jontavius Wyman, Jonesboro, 6-0, 180, Sr.
DB – Cortez Redding, Jonesboro, 6-0, 180, Sr.
DB – Kamarui Dorsey, Hampton, 6-3, 200, Jr.
DB – Micah Williams, Benedictine, 6-0, 200, Sr.
P – Jackson Andrews, Walnut Grove, 6-0, 180, Sr.
2W – Brayden Rouse, Kell, 6-3, 215, Sr.

AJC Varsity 25 Next

ATH – Xavier “Deuce” Butler, Lithonia, 5-10, 185, Sr.
DL – Malik Glass, Mays, 6-1, 290, Sr.
DL – Cassius Burch, Creekside, 6-0, 255, Jr.
DL – Dawson Jacobs, Blessed Trinity, 6-3, 260, So.
LB – Major Levell, Creekside, 5-10, 195, Jr.
LB – Braylon Jackson, Lithonia, 6-0, 215, Sr.
LB – Khamari Brooks, North Oconee, 6-4, 240, Sr.
LB – Luke Burnett, North Oconee, 5-11, 205, Sr.
LB – David Parson, Union Grove, 6-2, 225, Jr.
OL/DL – Brady Barry, Marist, 6-4, 256, Sr.
PK – Aditya Kaul, Westminster, 5-11, 185, Sr.
PK – Tyler Baradel, Marist, 6-0, 167, Jr.
QB – Braylon Carter, Southwest DeKalb, 6-3, 200, Sr.
QB – Brodie McWhorter, Cass, 6-3, 205, Sr.
QB – Caine Woods, Dalton, 6-2, 180, So.
QB – Harrison Faulkner, North Oconee, 6-1, 190, Sr.
QB – Nate Russell, Cartersville, 6-3, 200, Sr.
QB – Stephen Cannon, Benedictine, 6-2, 195, Sr.
QB – JR Harris, Central-Carrollton, 5-10, 175, Jr.
QB – Joshua Scott, Stockbridge, 6-0, 175, Jr.
RB – Gary Walker, Creekside, 6-0, 200, Jr.
RB – Kalil Charles, Cass, 5-11, 185, So.
WR – X’Zavier Cannon, Warner Robins, 5-10, 165, So.
WR – Jamario Rice, Ware County, 6-0, 185, Sr.
WR/DB – Dawson Batemon, Marist, 6-2, 193, Sr.

Class 3A

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Offense

QB – Caleb Hill, Sandy Creek, 6-1, 195, Jr.
RB – Amari Latimer, Sandy Creek, 6-0, 215, Sr.
RB – Ty Cummings, West Laurens, 5-7, 180, Sr.
WR – Cole Cable, North Hall, 6-0, 165, Jr.
WR – Justin Beasley, Calhoun, 5-10, 150, Sr.
TE – Mason Hall, Oconee County, 6-4, 215, Jr.
OL – Bear Fretwell, Southeast Bulloch, 6-7, 310, Sr.
OL – Grady Howell, West Laurens, 6-5, 290, Sr.
OL – Liam Thompson, Harlem, 6-3, 290, Sr.
OL – Mason McGill, North Hall, 6-4, 270, Sr.
OL – Mason Townsend, Monroe Area, 6-2, 285, Sr.
ATH – Tamari Curry, Westside-Augusta, 5-9, 165, Sr.
PK – Cooper Metcalf, LaGrange, 6-0, 175, So.

Defense

DL – John Amofah Jr., Douglass, 6-1, 270, Jr.
DL – Kwame “K.J.” Green, Stephenson, 6-5, 225, Jr.
DL – JT Austin, Sandy Creek, 6-2, 210, Jr.
DL – Sager Quinn, Calhoun, 6-3, 290, Sr.
LB – Alec Upshaw, Calhoun, 6-3, 235, Sr.
LB – Malachi Character, Upson-Lee, 6-1, 205, Sr.
LB – Augshawn Izzard, Jenkins, 6-2, 220, Sr.
LB – Darren Pinkard, Jefferson, 6-2, 220, Sr.
DB – KJ Deriso, Whitewater, 6-1, 175, Sr.
DB – Markel “Chino” Aguirre, Luella, 6-0, 200, Sr.
DB – Chance Payne, Jefferson, 6-0, 175, Sr.
DB – Rod Smith Jr., Sandy Creek, 5-10, 175, Sr.
P – Jake Collett, Heritage-Ringgold, 6-0, 175, Sr.
2W – Bryian Duncan, Cairo, 5-9, 160, Jr.

AJC Varsity 25 Next

DB – Zy’Corius Huzzie, LaGrange, 6-1, 173, Jr.
DB – Chase Usher, Sandy Creek, 5-10, 175, Sr.
DB – Ta’Shawn Poole, Howard, 6-2, 185, Jr.
DL – Evan Harvey, Sandy Creek, 6-3, 245, Sr.
DL – Dacian Davis, Monroe Area, 6-1, 265, Sr.
LB – Jeremiah Culpepper, Troup, 6-2, 205, Jr.
LB/RB – Marty Thomas, Richmond Academy, 6-1, 205, Sr.
LB/RB – Jaylen Teall, Cairo, 5-9, 170, Jr.
LB/RB – Shannon Adkins, West Laurens, 6-2, 225, Sr.
LB/RB – Parker Carlton, North Hall, 5-11, 190, Sr.
OL – Carson Shattuck, LaGrange, 6-0, 295, Sr.
OL – Solomon Mathis, Hephzibah, 6-5, 305, Sr.
OL – Cam’Ron Thompson, Jenkins, 6-3, 315, Sr.
QB – Jamarcus Harrison, East Hall, 6-3, 192, Sr.
QB – Alex Schlieman, North Hall, 6-1, 205, Jr.
QB – Garrison Edwards, Troup, 5-10, 185, Sr.
QB – Dylan Barber, LaGrange, 6-0, 185, Sr.
QB – Gavin Nuckolls, Northwest Whitfield, 6-0, 170, Sr.
QB – Justin Murphy, North Clayton, 6-1, 195, Jr.
RB – Jayden Johnson, Stephenson, 5-10, 185, Jr.
RB – Nolan Matthews, Lumpkin County, 6-0, 190, Sr.
RB – Ashton Barton, Peach County, 5-7, 145, Jr.
WR/DB – Dylan Haley, Cherokee Bluff, 6-2, 185, Jr.
WR/DB – Dominique Johnson, Jenkins, 5-10, 170, Sr.
WR/DB – Mason Stephens, Mary Persons, 5-10, 160, So.

Class 2A

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Offense

QB – Davis Strickland, Morgan County, 6-3, 210, Sr.
RB – Jaiden Knight, Appling County, 6-0, 185, Jr.
RB – Christian Monfort, Morgan County, 5-11, 205, Sr.
RB – Jae’Veon Williams, Pierce County, 5-10, 185, Jr.
WR – Jaris Sinkfield, Thomson, 5-9, 145, Sr.
WR – Gavin Green, Rockmart, 5-9, 165, So.
OL – Jaiden Tyler, Carver-Atlanta, 6-3, 280, Sr.
OL – Chris Booker, Hapeville Charter, 6-4, 285, Sr.
OL – Jaiden Thompson, Rockmart, 6-4, 290, Jr.
OL – Parker Pritchett, Carver-Columbus, 6-5, 310, Sr.
OL – Terrance Warren III, Carver-Columbus, 6-5, 330, Jr.
ATH – Hudson Hulett, North Murray, 5-10, 180, Sr.
PK – Luke Waters, Stephens County, 6-2, 185, Sr.

Defense

DL – Michael Johnson Jr., Carver-Atlanta, 6-1, 230, Sr.
DL – Tyrone Fitten, Callaway, 6-2, 290, Sr.
DL – NicQuayvion Simmons, Carver-Columbus, 6-3, 305, Sr.
DL – Tristian Givens, Carver-Columbus, 6-4, 215, Sr.
LB – Rashad Williamson, Hapeville Charter, 6-1, 190, Sr.
LB – Xavious Anderson, Callaway, 6-1, 215, Sr.
LB – Jaeden Taylor, Carver-Columbus, 6-1, 205, So.
LB – Nate Davis, Rockmart, 5-11, 205, Sr.
DB – Zion Crawford, Hapeville Charter, 6-1, 185, Sr.
DB – Kennedi Bailey, Thomson, 6-3, 175, Sr.
DB – Antavius Watts, Carver-Columbus, 6-0, 185, Sr.
DB – Aaron Kearse, Sumter County, 6-1, 205, Sr.
P – Brooks Moore, Cook, 6-0, 205, Sr.
2W – Terrious Favors, Carver-Atlanta, 5-10, 175, Sr.

AJC Varsity 25 Next

ATH – Zay’Veion Brinson, Thomson, 5-11, 190, Jr.
DB – Ronquavious Morris, Burke County, 6-0, 165, So.
DB/WR – Rashaad Silver, Columbia, 6-2, 180, Jr.
DB/WR – Travion Callaway, KIPP Atlanta Collegiate, 5-9, 150, Jr.
DB/WR – Ramarcus Simpson II, Hart County, 6-3, 185, Sr.
DL – Carlin Ervin, Crisp County, 6-1, 257, Sr.
DL – Marcus Taylor, Laney, 6-1, 245, Sr.
DL – Wihtlley Cadeau, Washington, 6-5, 295, Sr.
DL – Joshua Coleman, Sumter County, 6-2, 300, Sr.
LB – Jabari Dawson, Cook, 5-9, 180, Jr.
LB – Elliott Harbin, Franklin County, 6-0, 180, So.
LB – Brody Jenkins, Morgan County, 6-0, 200, Sr.
LB – Kendall Thomas, Sumter County, 5-10, 195, Sr.
OL – Chris Hector, Columbia, 6-5, 305, Jr.
QB – Sean Vandiver, Burke County, 5-11, 165, Sr.
QB – Thomas Winston IV, Miller Grove, 6-0, 170, Sr.
QB – Tucker Parson, Rockmart, 6-3, 170, Fr.
QB – Chaz Pate, Sonoraville, 6-0, 190, Sr.
QB – Elijah Fudge, Spencer, 6-0, 170, Jr.
RB – Zachary Watts, Carver-Columbus, 5-11, 175, Fr.
RB – Trevon Rogers, Tattnall County, 5-10, 180, Sr.
RB/LB – Haddon Fries, Ringgold, 5-6, 175, Sr.
WR – Deshaun Fedd, Crisp County, 6-1, 175, Sr.
WR – Ty Tillery, Morgan County, 6-4, 200, Sr.
WR/DB – Jared Mitchell, Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe, 6-4, 185, Sr.

Class A Division I

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Offense

QB – Ethan Tisdale, Heard County, 6-1, 185, Jr.
QB – Lyndon Worthy, Worth County, 6-3, 180, Jr.
RB – Justin Powell, Toombs County, 6-0, 210, Sr.
RB – Kaden Chester, Worth County, 5-8, 150, Sr.
WR – Nigel Pittman, Thomasville, 6-0, 190, Sr.
WR – Santiago Bizzell, Bacon County, 6-1, 175, Sr.
TE – Jayden Farley, Worth County, 6-0, 195, Sr.
OL – David Ford, Fitzgerald, 6-3, 270, Jr.
OL – Jacob Kilgore, Haralson County, 6-2, 230, Sr.
OL – Jordyn Campbell, Jasper County, 6-0, 285, Sr.
OL – Luke Reece, Chattooga, 6-2, 285, Sr.
OL – Keondre Roberts, McNair, 6-2, 320, Sr.
PK – Carter Allen, Bremen, 6-3, 185, Jr.

Defense

DL – Jamarcus Johnson, Toombs County, 6-5, 305, So.
DL – Max Lasseter, Heard County, 6-0, 215, Sr.
DL – Jalen Dardy, Dublin, 6-2, 220, Jr.
DL – Rinaldo Callaway III, Southwest, 6-5, 205, Sr.
LB – Chance Sims, Worth County, 6-2, 205, Sr.
LB – Hayden Roy, Toombs County, 6-1, 205, Sr.
LB – Tailen Sampson, Northeast, 5-11, 190, Sr.
LB – Kaden Carter, Lamar County, 6-2, 210, Sr.
DB – Anthony Hill Jr., Thomasville, 5-11, 185, Jr.
DB – Alex Scott, Toombs County, 5-10, 175, Jr.
DB – Madoc Garcia, Pepperell, 5-10, 180, Sr.
DB – Jauriel Bray, Dodge County, 6-1, 170, Jr.
P – Makari Williams, Thomasville, 5-9, 160, Jr.
2W – Reid Giles, Rabun County, 5-10, 185, Sr.

AJC Varsity 20 Next

ATH – Mark Durden, Jeff Davis, 5-10, 160, So.
ATH – Victor Copeland, Fitzgerald, 5-10, 150, Sr.
DB/RB – Jamarcus Knight, Dublin, 5-8, 170, Jr.
DL – Antonio Heath, Heard County, 5-8, 205, Sr.
DL – Bryson Johnson, Lamar County, 5-11, 205, Jr.
DL – Kadin Fife, Chattooga, 6-4, 295, Jr.
LB – Latrell Sellers, Jeff Davis, 6-2, 215, Sr.
LB – Lincoln Blackmon, Elbert County, 5-10, 210, Sr.
LB – Tyson King, Fitzgerald, 6-1, 220, Sr.
LB/WR – Sam Ross, Pepperell, 5-10, 185, Sr.
OL – Brock Barrett, Oglethorpe County, 6-3, 315, Sr.
OL/DL – Christian Tarver, Swainsboro, 6-2, 225, Jr.
QB – Brody Fleming, Bleckley County, 5-10, 175, Jr.
QB – Cam Hill, Thomasville, 6-2, 205, Sr.
QB – Jordan Wiggins, Northeast, 6-2, 160, Fr.
QB – Paxton Ray, Haralson County, 6-0, 160, Sr.
RB – Chance Ross, Jasper County, 6-1, 220, Jr.
RB/DB – Peyton Groce, Gordon Lee, 5-10, 180, Sr.
RB/LB – Layne Vaughn, Gordon Lee, 5-11, 205, Sr.
WR – Elliot Hamilton, Social Circle, 5-9, 170, Sr.

Class A Division II

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Offense

QB – Joshua Hopkins, Bowdon, 5-10, 175, Sr.
RB – Alvin Ricks, Wheeler County, 5-10, 215, Sr.
RB – Kelby Glaze, Lincoln County, 5-11, 190, Sr.
WR – Kaiden Prothro, Bowdon, 6-6, 218, Sr.
WR – Traeviss Stevenson, Brooks County, 6-1, 180, Sr.
OL – Christon Zanders, Telfair County, 6-2, 310, Sr.
OL – Haywood Baynor, Marion County, 6-1, 295, Sr.
OL – John Harden, Bowdon, 6-4, 305, Jr.
OL – Tony Ball, Screven County, 6-2, 250, Sr.
OL – Ry’Quavius Cratic, Early County, 6-1, 315, Sr.
ATH – Mekhi Wade, Lincoln County, 5-8, 175, Sr.
ATH – CJ McAdoo, Wilcox County, 5-10, 165, Sr.
PK – Fortson Partridge, Lincoln County, 5-11, 185, Sr.

Defense

DL – Demarrion Washington, Brooks County, 6-1, 250, Sr.
DL – Johnathan Solomon, Hawkinsville, 6-1, 195, Jr.
DL – Charles Nance, Dooly County, 6-2, 275, Jr.
DL – Justin Culver, Wheeler County, 5-11, 200, Sr.
LB – Nibraylin Welch, Greenville, 6-0, 250, Sr.
LB – Christian Elam, Lincoln County, 6-0, 212, Sr.
LB – Myles Davis, Wilcox County, 5-11, 165, Sr.
LB – Ab Marsh, Emanuel County Institute, 5-9, 165, Jr.
DB – Fred Causey, Clinch County, 5-10, 170, Sr.
DB – Chase Johnson, Emanuel County Institute, 5-10, 150, Jr.
DB – Jaedyn Terry, Manchester, 6-3, 175, Sr.
DB – Tayshawn Norris, Johnson County, 6-0, 160, Sr.
P – Zac Koehler, GMC Prep, 5-10, 170, Sr.
2W – Devonis Lee, Early County, 5-11, 185, Sr.

AJC Varsity 20 Next

ATH – Mike Ricks, Metter, 5-9, 180, Sr.
DB/WR – Berkley Perkins, Bowdon, 5-10, 180, Sr.
DL/LB – Trace Hill, Taylor County, 5-9, 200, Jr.
DL/OL – Charvis Givens, Treutlen, 6-3, 250, Sr.
DL/TE – Jamarious Luke, Jenkins County, 6-0, 225, Sr.
LB – Lucki Bailey, Bowdon, 5-9, 175, Jr.
LB – Codofee Revell, Manchester, 5-7, 165, Fr.
LB – Kyiis Mingo, Clinch County, 5-11, 200, Jr.
LB – Ziion Wesley, Johnson County, 5-8, 165, Sr.
LB/WR – Za’kari Henderson, Seminole County, 6-0, 215, Sr.
QB – Evan Grist, Early County, 5-9, 160, Sr.
QB – Traviian Miller, Clinch County, 6-2, 185, So.
QB/DB – Quenterrion Sanford, Wilkinson County, 6-2, 175, Jr.
RB – AB Hilton, Screven County, 5-11, 195, Jr.
RB – Jakeyveon “Noah” Parker, Macon County, 5-9, 198, Jr.
RB/DB – Jeremiah Scott, Johnson County, 5-7, 160, So.
RB/LB – Darrian Roberts, Atkinson County, 5-10, 190, Sr.
RB/LB – Cedarius Johnson, Warren County, 5-9, 170, Sr.
RB/OLB – Jamarion Shephard, Miller County, 6-2, 225, Jr.
WR/DB – Brandon Woolard, Charlton County, 5-9, 175, Sr.

Class 3A-A Private

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:raey eht fo ynneK norbeH ,sallaD hcaoC naitsirhC

Offense

QB – Skylar Hamilton, Landmark Christian, 6-2, 190, Sr.
RB – Devon Caldwell, Hebron Christian, 5-9, 185, Sr.
RB – Mason Hollingsworth, Whitefield Academy, 6-0, 185, Sr.
WR – Keyon Standifer, Athens Academy, 5-9, 170, Jr.
WR – Jack Rhodes, Aquinas, 6-3, 180, Sr.
TE – Brice Williamson, Prince Avenue Christian, 6-3, 240, Sr.
OL – Eli Rickell, Wesleyan, 6-5, 270, Sr.
OL – Fletcher Turk, Hebron Christian, 6-6, 295, Sr.
OL – Buck Talley, Athens Academy, 6-4, 250, Sr.
OL – Jordan Dillon, Savannah Christian, 6-4, 315, Jr.
OL – Lawson Bentley, Calvary Day, 6-3, 285, Jr.
ATH – Jarvis Mathurin, Hebron Christian, 5-7, 155, Sr.
PK – Graham Anand, Greater Atlanta Christian, 5-11, 170, Jr.

Defense

DL – Alex Diffley, Lovett, 6-2, 193, Sr.
DL – Jay Varner, Calvary Day, 6-2, 305, Sr.
DL – William Dukes, Whitefield Academy, 6-2, 215, Sr.
DL – Fred Moses Jr., Hebron Christian, 6-2, 280, So.
LB – CJ Ohuabunwa, Greater Atlanta Christian, 6-2, 210, Jr.
LB – Brady Robinson, Landmark Christian, 6-0, 190, Sr.
LB – Hayes Beaver, Savannah Country Day, 6-2, 210, Sr.
LB – Albert Wilham, Hebron Christian, 5-9, 195, Jr.
DB – Brayden Bailey, Holy Innocents’, 5-9, 155, So.
DB – Max Steve, Hebron Christian, 5-9, 175, Sr.
DB – Denzell Watkins, Greater Atlanta Christian, 5-10, 170, Sr.
DB – Emerson Lewis, Calvary Day, 5-11, 190, Jr.
P – Eli Hewatt, Mount Paran Christian, 5-11, 165, So.
2W – Jonathan Granby, Fellowship Christian, 6-0, 180, Sr.

AJC Varsity 25 Next

DB/WR – Simon Cofrancesco, Fellowship Christian, 6-1, 190, Sr.
DB/WR – Preston Funk, Trinity Christian, 6-1, 175, Sr.
DL – Greg Brezina, Trinity Christian, 5-9, 180, Sr.
DL – Myles Jackson, Holy Innocents’, 6-4, 240, Sr.
LB – Will Forte, Lovett, 6-0, 210, Sr.
LB – Cooper Middleton, Christian Heritage, 6-0, 190, Jr.
LB – John Gross, Savannah Christian, 5-11, 175, Sr.
LB – Kenneth Baker III, Calvary Day, 5-11, 210, Jr.
LB – Colin Durning, Prince Avenue Christian, 5-11, 205, Jr.
OL/DL – Elijah Morrison, Hebron Christian, 6-4, 305, Jr.
QB – Michael Miller, Greater Atlanta Christian, 6-0, 170, So.
QB – James Mobley, Calvary Day, 5-9, 175, Jr.
QB – Blaise Thomas, Savannah Christian, 5-9, 180, Sr.
QB – Chap Chapman, Athens Academy, 6-1, 200, Sr.
QB – Charlie Baxter, Christian Heritage, 6-0, 175, Fr.
RB – CJ Givers, Fellowship Christian, 5-11, 195, Sr.
RB – Bakari Hamilton, Trinity Christian, 5-9, 185, Sr.
RB – PayTon Prince, Athens Academy, 6-2, 210, Sr.
RB – Andrew Beard, Prince Avenue Christian, 5-10, 192, Jr.
RB/DB – Taylor Markakis, King’s Ridge Christian, 6-0, 175, Jr.
RB/DL – Maddox Gartland, Wesleyan, 6-0, 190, Sr.
WR – Taurean Rawlins, Mount Vernon, 6-0, 170, Jr.
WR – Peyton Echols, Trinity Christian, 6-0, 175, Sr.
WR/RB – Christian Kates, Aquinas, 5-8, 170, Sr.
WR/DB – CJ Dockery, Prince Avenue Christian, 6-2, 210, Sr.

Todd Holcomb covers high school sports across the state. He rejoined The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2025 and has worked with the AJC in varying capacities since 1985. He is a co-founder and editor of Georgia High School Football Daily.

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Georgia ‘super flu’ activity hits ‘extremely high’ levels: When to call 911

Published

10 hours ago

January 9, 2026

Press Room

Georgia ‘super flu’ activity hits ‘extremely high’ levels: When to call 911

Got the flu? When should you call 911?

Georgia remains in the “extremely high” flu activity category, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, even as some indicators show signs of leveling off nationwide.

ATLANTA – Georgia remains in the “extremely high” flu activity category, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, even as some indicators show signs of leveling off nationwide.

Emergency crews in the Atlanta area say they’re feeling the impact firsthand, with a sharp spike in flu-related 911 calls.

Flu cases in Georgia

What we know:

EMTs and paramedics at American Medical Response in DeKalb County report handling more flu-related calls than usual this season.

“This is one of the most difficult flu seasons that I’ve seen in a long time,” said Israel Contreras, AMR EMS transformation and innovation manager in the South Region.

Contreras said crews in DeKalb are busier than last flu season.

“We had an increase of about 60% of flu-like symptoms, cause, that’s including, you know, whatever range of flu-like symptoms, fevers, headaches,” he said.

The surge in calls in DeKalb reflects broader trends reported by the CDC. In its latest report, the agency estimates at least 15 million people have gotten sick this season, resulting in 180,000 hospitalizations and 7,400 deaths.

While some indicators have decreased or remained stable this week, the CDC cautioned that it is too early to say whether the flu surge has peaked, noting that the holidays may have affected the numbers.

Super flu symptoms

What they’re saying:

In DeKalb County, Contreras said the increase in calls is straining resources.

“We have to be ready for any kind of emergency that’s happening and so when we have an increase of this nature, we get delayed because we tax the hospital. So now we’re delayed at the hospitals,” he said.

Contreras added that many flu-related calls are for non-emergencies that could be treated at home.

He urged residents to call 911 only for life-threatening situations, such as trouble breathing or chest pain, or if symptoms return with a high fever after initially improving.

“I’m not trying to discourage people from calling 911 when they feel like they have an actual life-threatening emergency. I just want people to evaluate whether they actually are having a life-threatening emergency,” he said.

The CDC also attributed the difficult season to a new variant, sometimes called the “super flu.” Doctors are urging everyone to get a flu shot to protect against severe complications and to stay home if they are sick.

Fighting influenza at home

What you can do:

Based on guidance from AMR and public health officials, DeKalb County encourages residents to:

Get vaccinated. Annual flu vaccines remain the most effective way to prevent severe illness. Residents at higher risk should also ask their healthcare provider about the pneumococcal vaccine.
Practice good hygiene. Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Cover coughs and sneezes. Use a tissue or your elbow to reduce the spread of airborne viruses.
Stay home when sick. Avoid exposing others by remaining home until symptoms improve.

When to call 911 for the flu

AMR advises residents to call 911 or seek emergency medical attention if they experience:

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Chest pain or persistent pressure
Sudden dizziness, confusion, or severe weakness
Severe or prolonged vomiting
Flu symptoms that improve but then return with a high fever or worsening cough

The Source: The article cites data from the CDC and Georgia Department of Public Health, alongside an interview between Israel Contreras of AMR and FOX 5’s Tyler Fingert.

DeKalb CountyNewsHealthHealth Care

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Georgia

Meet the 30-somethings aiming to remake Georgia’s congressional delegation

Published

22 hours ago

January 9, 2026

Press Room

Meet the 30-somethings aiming to remake Georgia’s congressional delegation

Politics

Midterm elections could bring a generational shift to Georgia’s delegation in Washington.

U.S House candidate Jim Kingston at an automotive construction site in Savannah, Ga., on Jan. 7, 2026. (Sarah Peacock for AJC)

The graying halls of Congress don’t usually evoke images of youthful ambition, but a record number of lawmakers are calling it quits in 2026.

And in Georgia, their replacements may look very different.

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Georgia State Rep. Houston Gaines, R-Athens, is seen in the House of Representatives in Atlanta on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

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A family name

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Rep. Jack Kingston, R-Savannah, served in the U.S. House for 11 terms, leaving to mount a failed U.S. Senate run in 2014. His son Jim is now seeking Jack’s old seat. (Curtis Compton/AJC)

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Pintail Inc. CEO/Owner Kevin Jackson Jr. shows U.S House candidate Jim Kingston around an automotive construction site in Savannah, Ga., on Jan. 7, 2026. (Sarah Peacock for AJC)

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From student government to the U.S. House?

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Georgia Rep. Houston Gaines, R-Athens, spoke at a rally titled “Make Athens Safer” at City Hall, Tuesday evening, March 5, 2024. (Nell Carroll for the AJC)

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A new normal?

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State Sen. Colton Moore, R-Trenton, who plans to run for the congressional seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, speaks to the news media at the Capitol in Atlanta on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

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https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/01/meet-the-30-somethings-aiming-to-remake-georgias-congressional-delegation/Adam Van Brimmer

Adam Van Brimmer is a journalist who covers politics and Coastal Georgia news for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Greg Bluestein is the Atlanta Journal Constitution’s chief political reporter. He is also an author, TV analyst and co-host of the Politically Georgia podcast.

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Georgia

Georgia politicians react along party lines to Minneapolis ICE officer shooting, killing US citizen

Published

1 day ago

January 8, 2026

Press Room

Georgia politicians react along party lines to Minneapolis ICE officer shooting, killing US citizen

Local groups plan to protest around downtown Atlanta Thursday evening after a Minneapolis woman was shot and killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent this week. Reactions from Georgia politicians on the killing have been divided.

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