Cobb County Programs Off To Big Start In 2023

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Which Cobb County programs are off to the best start in 2023?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Redzone has the details...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Harrison Hoyas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In 7A Region 3, it's the Hoyas who are off to a big start to the 2023 season. Led by one of the best 7A defenses in the state from a statistical standpoint, the Hoyas aren't exactly lighting up the scoreboard, but they're winning game after game so far this fall. Their defense has given up over 10+ points just once this year, and that's why they're off to a 5-0 start. They've won close games over South Paulding, South Forsyth and Denmark with convincing wins over Kennesaw Mountain and Paulding County. They're currently tied with 5-0 North Paulding in the region. Quarterback Braylan Ford is playing great football and he has the Hoyas undefeated and heading towards a possible big playoff run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Walton Raiders</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Walton Raiders have been as impressive as any team in Georgia to start the 2023 season. In fact, you could make the case they are playing like the very best team in the state right now. The Raiders are clicking offensively and scoring points at will behind senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='137483' first='Jeremy' last='Hecklinski'], who has thrown for over 900 yards and 12 touchdowns through their first four games. They've just dominated every opponent so far this year, beating Grayson by 22, Brookwood by 48, Pope by 60, and Marietta by 46. They throw it well, run it well, and have one of the best and most talented defenses across the state. They're on a roll and don't appear to be slowing down anytime soon. Look for them to make a real run at the 7A state title this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Osbourne</strong> <strong>Cardinals</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A Cobb County team that has really surprised some this year, the Osbourne Cardinals appear to have one of their better teams they've had in recent memory. This is a group playing well in all three phases of the game and it's showing up on the scoreboard. They're moving the ball, putting it in the end-zone, and are playing tough, quality defense as well. They're blowing teams out and making it look easy. They won their season opener against Woodstock 56-7, beat Chattahooche 54-20, took down Lakeside 35-0, and then made easy work of Clarkston 37-6. They have good players, and they're playing well as a team. They have a big game against Walton later in the season, but they have a chance to still be undefeated by the time that game rolls around in late October.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kell Longhorns </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the most talented teams in the county, the Kell Longhorns are playing great football to start the 2023 season and are off to an excellent 3-1 start to the season. Senior QB Kamari Nix has played extremely well in the absence of [player_tooltip player_id='325240' first='Bryce' last='Clavon'], throwing for just under 700 yards and 9 touchdowns. After a tough season-opening loss to 7A power Parkview, the Longhorns have rattled off three wins in a row against Allatoona, Pope, and Sprayberry. They're one of the top teams in 5A right now, and with their talented roster, Kell could make a very deep playoff run this fall. They're well coached and have plenty of young talent on both sides of the ball. This is a program on the rise, and while they're only in 5A, they're one of the very best teams in Cobb County and across the classification.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->