Pre Spring: Morgan’s Top 5 Class 4A Teams

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm not one to go on a limb and pick repeat Champs but I really like North Oconee to accomplish the feat in December. Class 4A is always loaded with talent and great coaching and 2025 will be no different. I could see any of the teams mentioned in this Top 5 hoisting the trophy in the Benz. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>(1) North Oconee Titans</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 15-0 State Champs bring back a loaded roster for 2025. QB1<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='683018' first='Harrison' last='Faulkner']</strong> ('26), a recent Georgia Southern commit, returns after leading the Titans to the Title last Fall. The #7 Ranked QB by Prep Redzone passed for over 3000 yards with 38 TDs in '24 and will have a talented cast on offense returning around him this Fall. Rising Senior RB <strong>JT Doster</strong> ('26) had a breakout 2nd half of the season and has the potential to have an outstanding season. The TE position is solid with one of the Top 2-way players in the State returning in 6'3 230 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1323161' first='Khamari' last='Brooks']</strong> ('26). Brooks is multisport standout that is also a game changer on the Titan defense from his LB spot. 2026 WR <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1042322' first='Braxton' last='Goolsby']</strong> has great speed and is a constant downfield threat. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>(2) Blessed Trinity Titans</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another "Titan" team that may give the above mentioned Titans a challenge in '25.BT was bumped in the QF round last season with a 20-7 loss to North Oconee and they will have their sights set on the Benz this Fall. This Titan team's bread and butter is their defense with Top Junior Prospect <strong>David "Dj" Jacobs</strong> returning after 31 TFL with 11 sacks in '24. Top 10 DL prospect in the 2026 Class, <strong>Lucas Small-Allen</strong>, returns as well after adding 11 sacks of his on last Fall. If you like young players, #1 Ranked 2028 DL prospect <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='950840' first='Dawson' last='Jacobs']</strong> will be back after having an outstanding freshman season recording 13 TFL and 5 sacks. A solid deep secondary with Senior <strong>Ryder Register</strong> leading the way. Blessed Trinity defense v North Oconee offense would be a fun game to see. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>(3) Cartersville Purple Hurricanes</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Hurricanes went toe to toe with the Champions last Fall and will once again be a factor in December. They have a great group of returning players on both sides of the ball and across both the offense and defensive fronts. One of the most underrated QBs in the State , <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='212305' first='Nate' last='Russell']</strong> ('26), at 6'3 190 he is very accurate, has a strong arm, and has great poise as a leader on field. His top target downfield will be recent UGA commit <strong>Brady</strong> <strong>Marchese</strong> ('26) who has blazing speed and is a dynamic pass catcher. 6'3 260 OL/DL <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='205453' first='Langston' last='Hogg']</strong> returns and is a Top 100 overall prospect in the State with tons of D1 interest. The Canes will also feature #1 Ranked LB prospect in the 2027 Class, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='378967' first='Cole' last='Crawford']</strong>, on the defensive side of the ball. The Canes are my dark horse team to win the Title. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>(4) Benedictine Cadets</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cadets lost in the 2nd Rd of the playoffs season to a tough Blessed Trinity team. The Cadets were young and battle tested last Fall and return a large majority of their production from last year. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='401555' first='Stephen' last='Cannon']</strong> , a Top 5 QB prospect, returns under center after passing for over 1000 yards last season after missing part of year to injury. Healthy, Cannon has a chance to be one of top QB prospects heading into December. 2-way standout <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='212526' first='Bubba' last='Frazier']</strong> returns at WR/DB and has vaulted his recruiting status over the last year. He is an absolute speedster with natural playmaking ability on both sides of the ball. The Cadets will be solid on defense as well with Seniors<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1201791' first='Larson' last='Little']</strong> returning at LB and Top 100 prospect <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='681155' first='Kameron' last='Cody']</strong> returning across the defensive front. The Cadets are intriguing and still relatively young but with a good group of talent and a great coaching staff they should make a deep run in December. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>(5) Creekside Seminoles</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Seminoles had a prolific offense in 2024 and game up 6 points short in the QF round to Marist. Georgia POY finalist <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='683105' first='Cayden' last='Benson']</strong> returns behind center. Benson had one of the most productive dual threat seasons last year passing for over 2000 yards and rushing for over 1000 yds with 42 TDs. Senor WRs <strong>Damien Henderson</strong> and <strong>Eric Paul Jr </strong>return after combining last Fall for 67 catches and 900 yards. You don't have a QB put up 3000 yds without a big men up front and the Seminoles have one of the best in Class 4A with 6'4 275 Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1603803' first='Jayvon' last='Perry']</strong>. A loaded 2027 Class on defense that returns multiple 10+ TFL guys from '24. 2027 LB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1096386' first='Major' last='Levell'] </strong>is a name to keep an eye on as he keeps climbing the rankings charts. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->