Georgia State Title Race: 7A Sleeper Teams

As we gear up for the second half of the season, the state title is getting closer and closer. The usual contenders, Buford, Grayson, North Cobb, Colquitt County, Parkview, Mill Creek, are all in the picture, but there are some sleeper teams that deserve a mention as well.   Here, we take a look at the 7A division and find some teams that could sneak up on people once the postseason rolls around.   Carrollton Trojans   At 6-0, Carrollton is playing so well that they might not even be considered a "sleeper team" anymore. Still, with Eat Coweta and Westlake still lurking on the schedule, they are out to prove themselves. Freshman QB [player_tooltip player_id='206164' first='Julian' last='Lewis'] came in with massive expectations and is somehow outplaying them. Before the bye week, Lewis lead the state in passing yards with nearly 1600. He has also thrown 23 TDs against 4 INTs. [player_tooltip player_id='335441' first='Bryce' last='Hicks'] has become one of the best playmakers in the state at the RB position, showcasing some serious versatility. They also have a plethora of reliable options at receiver consisting of guys like Takare Lipscomb and [player_tooltip player_id='321435' first='Caleb' last='Odom'].   On top of their offensive production, they have an extremely active defense that has forced 17 turnovers through their first 6 games. If the Carrollton defense can keep giving their superstar QB opportunities when the postseason rolls around, it will be hard for anyone to take down the Trojans.   Walton Raiders   Walton faced a tough schedule in the first half of the season with the likes of Brookwood, Mill Creek, Marietta, and North Paulding gracing their schedule. Still, the Raiders have shown some serious offensive firepower and sit at a cool 4-1 through the first 5 games. However, things don't get much easier going forward. The Raiders might have their best test yet this weekend against North Cobb, and still have to line up against Kennesaw Mountain and the undefeated Osborne Cardinals later in the year. Still, there is reason to believe Walton can be a player deep into December.   For starters, they have themselves a great QB in [player_tooltip player_id='137483' first='Jeremy' last='Hecklinski']. Hecklinski was one of my picks to break out this season, and he has not disappointed. He has completed 70% of his passes while throwing for 1700 yards and 18 TDs. He has remained consistent too, and is coming off his best performance of the year in a shootout victory over North Paulding. He has some weapons to get the ball to as well in Cameron Loyd, Ayden Jackson, [player_tooltip player_id='309600' first='Hunter' last='Teal'], and Wyatt Sonderman. [player_tooltip player_id='165722' first='Makari' last='Bodiford'] has been more than efficient at the RB spot as well.   The defense is coming off a sketchy performance, but they are anchored by a solid defensive front and have some playmakers. I have confidence that Walton will be able to score with anyone. If the defense can tie things together, Walton is a serious threat to make a run deep into the postseason.   Milton Eagles   It's not often that we call Milton a "sleeper" team. Most of the time, we are referring to them as one of the favorites to win the state title. Still, after a rough start to the season, there are some people that might be writing off the Eagles. I would caution against that. I would argue that Milton has played one of the toughest schedules in the country this season, which could be reason for their 2-3 start. As the second half of the season rolls around, the schedule sets up nicely for them. Now, it is time for their deep set of playmakers to tie things together.   Milton is loaded with some future major P5 caliber players on roster. [player_tooltip player_id='137437' first='Debron' last='Gatling'] is a nightmare mismatch for defensive coordinators, and they have a loaded defensive backfield with guys like Clemson commit Rob Billings and [player_tooltip player_id='338656' first='Dylan' last='Lewis']. Sprinkle in some more talented players like QB [player_tooltip player_id='338659' first='Luke' last='Nickel'], WR Marc Essley II, and plenty of formidable players on defense, and you have a very deep roster.   All that is left to do now is tie everything together. After a rough 1st half, the Eagles are battle tested and will be playing with a chip on their shoulder.   Kennesaw Mountain Mustangs   The Mustangs are sitting at a quiet 5-0 with a gauntlet of a schedule waiting for them. Regardless of what lies ahead, the Mustangs have plenty of proven and experienced playmakers that can help them navigate through the rest of their tough schedule. QB [player_tooltip player_id='327204' first='Cayman' last='Prangley'] is having an efficient sophomore season, getting the ball to some of the best playmakers in the state in [player_tooltip player_id='34028' first='Cayden' last='Lee'] and [player_tooltip player_id='327206' first='Jailen' last='Taylor']. On top of that, they have an efficient RB duo in Tyson Jenkins and Bryan Simpkins and are anchored on the offensive line by Miami commit Conner Lew.   The defense might not have as much star power, but they are a disciplined group that has been stout against the run and they are coming off their best performance of the year.   Again, the schedule ahead for Kennesaw Mountain is a tough one. They will open up region play this Friday against undefeated Osborne, and will then have dates with North Cobb and Walton to follow. The Mustangs are an experienced team full of seniors. They have a chance to show what they are capable of against some of the best talent the state has to offer. Depending on how they perform in the following few weeks, Kennesaw Mountain could be riding high on momentum headed into postseason play.

As we gear up for the second half of the season, the state title is getting closer and closer. The usual contenders, Buford, Grayson, North Cobb, Colquitt County, Parkview, Mill Creek, are all in the picture, but there are some sleeper teams that deserve a mention as well.