Season Preview: 5A State Championship Contenders
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The high school season is finally here and we’ve already seen a few games kick off to start this 2021 season. There are lots of talented teams in each classification and each one appears to be up for grabs as…
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Continue ReadingThe high school season is finally here and we’ve already seen a few games kick off to start this 2021 season. There are lots of talented teams in each classification and each one appears to be up for grabs as far as a state champion is concerned.
Who are some of the top contenders this season in the 5A classification? Prep Red-Zone breaks it down…
Warner Robins:
The favorite to win the 5A title once again, the reigning champion Warner Robins Demons are coming off an incredible season where they dominated teams throughout the playoffs, securing the title in a 62-28 win over Cartersville. They’ll be breaking in a new quarterback, but whoever wins the job will always be able to find senior wide-out Daveon Walker. One of the state’s leading receivers this past season, Walker had 790 yards and 7 touchdowns as a junior. The Demons also have junior running back Malcom Brown is rushed for over 1,000 yards last season and 10 touchdowns. As good as they are offensively, they’ll be able to win a lot of games with their defense as well. They were excellent last season and have one of the top defensive line prospects in the country in 2023 five-star DE Vic Burley on the edge. Burley had 11 sacks last year and should add to that total this fall.
Overall, it’s going to be tough to beat the Demons this fall as they are one of the toughest and most balanced teams in the state. They’re the team to beat this year in 5A.
Ware County:
The talented Ware County Gators have all the pieces to make a giant playoff run this year and they have the quarterback to make it happen. Senior playmaker Thomas Castellanos Thomas Castellanos 5'11" | 190 lbs | QB Ware County | 2022 State GA , a UCF commit, is one of the top playmakers across the state. The dynamic, dual-threat QB is one of the most athletic across the state and totaled 47 total touchdowns as a junior last fall. He’s an excellent runner but his arm is stronger than what people think. The Gators lost a lot offensively from last year, but they have some young talent looking to step up and have a big year.
Defensively, the Gators will be lead by 2023 linebacker Trey Hargrove who is looking to have a breakout junior season. The 5-foot-11 195-pounder can run and is very physical. He can cover man to man, stuff the run, and he’s an exceptional edge rusher with great use of hands.
As a team, Ware County lost two games last year by a total of 6 points and are poised to make a run for the championship this year.
Blessed Trinity:
One of the best private school programs in the country, the Titans are loaded this season and have one of the top running backs on the country on the roster. The offense will go through junior running back Justice Haynes Justice Haynes 5'10" | 205 lbs | RB Buford | 2023 State GA again this year as the possible 5-star prospect rushed for 1,750 yards last season and 25 touchdowns. He checks all the boxes at running back with his size, speed, and ability to break tackles on a consistent basis. When they aren’t running the football, they have enough fire-power in the passing game to win games as well. The Titans are led by senior JC French at quarterback and he’s a D1 talent with a strong arm. They have an experienced offensive line and should be able to score on just about everyone on their schedule this fall.
The Titans are impressive on defense as well. They have a lot of guys who play on both sides of the ball, and many of them are tremendous athletes. They’re always a well-coached team and are looking to get some revenge on Warner Robins this year who beat them in the playoffs last winter.
Calhoun:
One of the top programs in all of North Georgia, the Calhoun Yellow Jackets always have state-title on their mind, and they have another team this year who could make a big run. Led by senior wide receiver and Georgia Bulldog commitment Cole Speer, the Jackets will be looking to make a lot of plays in the passing game. Speer is one of the fastest players in the state and loves to work and get better. He’s an explosive player who can take over games when given enough touches and opportunities to do so. They’re a tough, physical football team who will have high expectations this fall.