2026 7A Region 2 Preview: Elite DB Play Headlines Tight Region

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Carrollton is the top dawg in Region 2, but in 2026, this region features nothing but playoff teams from a year ago. Not everyone can make the field, and there's not enough wins to go around, so expect plenty of emotion, stress, and everything else that comes with a tight playoff pursuit out of this region in 2026. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>2025 Standings</em></strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Carrollton 10-0 (4-0)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Douglas County 7-3 (3-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>East Coweta 3-7 (2-2)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Westlake 4-6 (1-3)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>*Chapel Hill 1-9 (0-4)*</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Northgate 8-2 (5-2) *Not in region in 2025*</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Key Returners</em></strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Carrollton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["404832"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a04db4f5bfd0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='404832' first='CJ' last='Cypher'] had the tall task of replacing Julian Lewis at QB for Carrollton, and through 1 year on varsity, he has done that job brilliantly. Cypher is cut from a similar cloth as Lewis. He is smaller, but an extremely cerebral player with an excellent feel for the game. Everything Cypher does is concise, and he plays with brilliant touch and timing. He is an explosive, snappy athlete who will only add more horsepower to the ball as he develops and gets bigger. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["423414"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a062af8c0b37"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Fielder is a premier OL prospect in the 2028 class, period. He is ranked as the best at the position by us here at PRZ, and we expect him to consistently remain at the top of that list over the next two years. Fielder is a well-rounded player with the length and foot quickness to stick at a tackle spot, and the sheer mass and strength to move inside and push people around. He plays and looks even bigger, and he carries his weight extremely well. Not much to overthink here, the tape does the talking, and he is an easy eval. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Douglas County</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1333733"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a062af8c0c17"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sam Epelle is the definition of a rare traits prospect, and he has received major national recruiting attention as a result. He is just a mound of a human being to run through and run around, naturally creating leverage and making life difficult on defenders. He does a good job of moving people and flashes some violence in space, an area of his game that will improve as his technique catches up with his size and that pad-level starts to come down. Really exciting player with NFL caliber tools if everything clicks and develops at the college level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["378431"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a062af8c0ce3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cole is a big, physical, sudden S prospect who plays all over the field and does everything well. Whether supporting the run, patrolling the deep part of the field, playing over a receiver in the slot, or chasing the ball, Cole is well equipped to handle each of those responsibilities thanks to his combination of size and speed. He is a chaos generator, consistently creating negative plays around the football. Cole is a bonafide P4 talent at a position where he is always around the action. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>East Coweta</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1647162"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a062af8c0da3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gilbert is one of the best players in Georgia, regardless of position. Here at PRZ, he has consistently been ranked as one of the best DBs in the state. He is smaller than other high-profile safeties in this class, but he can move. He is a sudden, explosive, speedy playmaker with the range to play the ball all over the field. He comes downhill violently both in coverage and as a tackler with the intent of striking and creating chaos. Gilbert can absolutely fly and is a fun watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1869207"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a062af8c0e5b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Freeman is coming off a productive sophomore season and has finally picked up some recruiting traction this offseason. If you have followed along with me at PRZ, you'll know Freeman is a name that has been on my radar since his freshman season. He is a tall, lanky prospect with a basketball background. He has always been raw, but he is starting to grow into himself and realize his potential. I will be watching him closely to see how his speed and general juice jumps as a junior. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Westlake</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["410856"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a062af8c0f18"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">It was an impressive breakout as a sophomore for Robinson, who did it somehow quietly. He was productive, but also efficient, protecting the ball while completing a high volume of passes. Robinson is a calm, composed player in the pocket who can click through reads and work the entire field without seeming panicked. His touch over the top really grabs my attention, consistently dropping it in over DBs to give his receivers a chance at the ball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1853775"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a062af8c0fd5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What a year it was for Gandy last fall, who produced at a high level both ways for Westlake. Gandy is a really cerebral, fundamentally sound receiver with an uncanny ability to break down and deceive DBs at critical points of the route. He can work across the field, and maintains his speed while doing so, helping him gradually separate. Gandy doubles as a touted baseball prospect, but his future as a reliable slot projection is most exciting here.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Northgate</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1595656"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a062af8c109b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Clements has steadily gotten better over the last two years and has taken major strides forward physically. He has morphed from the youthful stages of his growth to a bigger, well-filled-out QB prospect. He also doubles as a productive baseball player, and you can see it in his arm talent. He has a compact, quick release and is a drive ball thrower. I think Clements has a chance to break out this fall, but he will have to do it against stiffer competition, which could be what finally gets his recruitment going.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1698785"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a062af8c1169"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Schettini is one of the best self-made prospects in GA, breaking onto the radar almost purely with just his production. It is refreshing to watch, and he has emerged as one of the best at the position in the 2028 class. He has a low center of gravity, twitchy in the short areas, and burns sub-11 in the 100M. He is a well-covered player for us here in GA, and at the risk of sounding like a broken record, I will just be quiet and ask that you watch the tape here to understand the intrigue.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">X Factors</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Carrollton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["622410"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a062af8c123e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Boyd is currently ranked here in GA as the best 2028 DB in the state. As a sophomore, he was extremely productive against the ball, and his continued growth into one of the leaders for Carrollton will help set the tone for the Trojans. Boyd is a playmaker in coverage, but his willingness and ability to drop his shoulder and embrace contact is what tie his game together. More major offers for Boyd this offseason have tied together his recruitment.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Douglas County</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1544940"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a062af8c1314"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Green is another big, physical safety for Douglas County and helps make up one of the best secondary units in the entire country. Green is a fairly similar player to [player_tooltip player_id='378431' first='Adryan' last='Cole'] in the sense that he is a physical run supporter, but he has the speed and twitch to carry routes and roam the field. He is really hard to drop the ball over, and he makes his presence felt on every snap thanks to his length. Another bonafide P4 talent roaming the field for Douglas County.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>East Coweta</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1676609"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a062af8c13e4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Maestre played both ways for East Coweta last fall, and if he does it again, there is a chance no other player on this list is more beneficial to his team's success than this kid. He is a big, fluid player as a receiver capable of separating and playing above the rim. He rallies hard after the football as a defender, and his size casts a large shadow in the secondary. He could play on either side of the ball in college, and he gifts East Coweta two elite players for the price of 1.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Westlake</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2091206"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a062af8c14b2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I actually wrote up [player_tooltip player_id='2091206' first='Cortez' last='Jones'] last week, so here is a look at what I had to say about him:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"This isn't my first look at Jones, who popped on my radar late last fall. Since then, he has seen his stock rise over the last few months. Jones projects out as an LB and has a lot of space to add to his long, lean frame. He has the range and athletcism to play over a TE in the slot, or just slide out and play as a big nickel. He is plenty equipped speed-wise to run around the field, but he is a patient pursuer and leverages the ball carrier well in space. Plenty of tread on the tires here."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Northgate</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1922898"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a062af8c1578"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">As I said earlier, the growth of [player_tooltip player_id='1595656' first='Ledger' last='Clements'] and the passing game in general will be a huge factor in the year Northgate has, so expect leading returning receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1922898' first='Treveon' last='Gill'] to be a true X factor for Northgate. He is a smaller receiver, but doesn't play like it. He cuts through cushion and plays with excellent body control and tracking skills for his size. He is a reliable player who can go get the ball at an elite level for a sub 6'0 receiver.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Region Risers</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2132086"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a062af8c1644"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Carrollton graduates a highly productive RB, and Archer is the obvious candidate to step up and fill that role after a splashy freshman campaign. This kid is built far beyond his years, coming in at a stout, strong 5'10 200. He is a feisty, scrappy runner who occupies space with controlled chaos, fighting hard to squeeze the most out of each rep. His size works to his advantage in short yardage spots and in space, where he can power through arm tackles and stay upright. It should be a big fall for Archer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"KJ Howard","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"200","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Douglas County","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a062af8c1826"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This is my first look at Howard, who is tacking on some recruiting attention this offseason. He had a fairly productive sophomore season, but is expected to step up and play a bigger role as a junior. I am instantly intrigued with his sub-11-second 100M and LJ over 22 feet, especially at 200 pounds. Howard is a stout, hard-nosed football player who just throws himself around and launches himself into ball carriers. He is a true run-and-chase defender with impressive speed, and I think there's a chance more P4 programs get involved here.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["558365"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a062af8c1901"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The window is open for Prince Arnold to step up as a lead disruptor up front for Westlake, and he has my attention. He is all of 6'5 200, and still has some seasoning and room to grow. He is quick off the line and has a hot motor, but it's really his upside that intrigues me. I would love to check in on this kid a year from now to see how he grows. Definitely someone P4 coaches need to keep tabs on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Kai Rutherford","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'5u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"210","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"5926","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Northgate","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a062af8c1ace"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Similar to Arnold, this kid is easy to dream on. He is tall, lean, and can move. He is a basketball athlete and acts as a run-and-chase defender. His speed, burst, and long strides offer him plenty of range and the speed to flag the football down. As he gets stronger and fills out, I am intrigued to see how he turns speed to power as a pass rusher. Absolutely a D1 caliber player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><em>The Contenders</em></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Carrollton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With a freshman QB and several other productive underclassmen, Carrollton ran through this region a year ago and finished the regular season undefeated. Heading into 2026, they are overwhelming favorites yet again. [player_tooltip player_id='404832' first='CJ' last='Cypher'] is back to carry on a historic run of Carrollton QBs over the last half-decade, young playmakers like [player_tooltip player_id='2134895' first='Rontre' last='Welch'] and [player_tooltip player_id='995354' first='Keaires' last='Miller'] are set to step up, the offensive line is anchored by [player_tooltip player_id='423414' first='Kweli' last='Fielder'], and they will showcase several rising juniors and seniors on defense with production from a year ago, such as [player_tooltip player_id='622410' first='Tyler' last='Boyd'], [player_tooltip player_id='1633221' first='Kamari' last='Butler'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2151293' first='Jamir' last='Lee'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Carrollton graduated several seniors to the college ranks, but they have the depth and young talent to patch those losses and not skip a beat as they look to continue their winning ways deep into 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Douglas County</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Douglas County is who I expect to emerge as the biggest challenger to Carrollton in the region, just like a year ago. Several playmakers on both sides of the ball have graduated, but young talent like Jeremiah Mathis and [player_tooltip player_id='1591595' first='Faraji' last='Tucker'] should emerge for new QB [player_tooltip player_id='1234800' first='Trey' last='Byrd'], who is playing behind an OL anchored by [player_tooltip player_id='1333733' first='Joshua' last='Sam Epelle'], one of the nation's best. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensively, Douglas County has one of, if not the best, secondary unit in the state with [player_tooltip player_id='378431' first='Adryan' last='Cole'], [player_tooltip player_id='1544940' first='Kennedy' last='Green'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2131796' first='Zaydrean' last='Jackson']. Douglas County graduates 30 sacks from a year ago, but [player_tooltip player_id='950083' first='Steven' last='McClendon'] is expected to step up as a breakout candidate and the lead disruptor up front.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There will be some new faces, and there is plenty of talent to replace, but as usual, this is one of the most talented teams in the state, and they should be 1 win away from the region again, if they can handle business everywhere else. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>The Darkhorse</em></strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Westlake</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I would consider Westlake my dark horse here. Having [player_tooltip player_id='410856' first='Cannon' last='Robinson'] returning at QB gives them a chance, and rising senior playmakers such as [player_tooltip player_id='1631860' first='Jacob' last='Jackson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1853775' first='Elias' last='Gandy'], and [player_tooltip player_id='661861' first='Roscoe' last='Hayes'] offer Robinson plenty of weapons to get the ball to. Their top 5 leading tacklers return from a year ago, they have a solid DB duo in [player_tooltip player_id='1226227' first='Khamani' last='Estrada'] and [player_tooltip player_id='942229' first='Royal' last='Walker'], and they should take a step forward as a team when it comes to the pass rush. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Westlake was able to get into the playoffs last year, and while the schedule is tough, they should get off to a hot start, and home games against Carrollton and Westlake at least give them a shot to make some noise. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>The Rest</em></strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>East Coweta</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After Carrollton and Douglas County, you could really mix and match this region in whichever order you want, and you wouldn't get any pushback from me. East Coweta, another playoff team from 2025, has the talent to make some noise. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jax Bowles is an underrated, winnable player at QB. They return their two leading rushers from a year ago in Justin Brown and Ricky Howell. 3 of their 4 leading receivers return in [player_tooltip player_id='1647162' first='Chance' last='Gilbert'], [player_tooltip player_id='1676609' first='Walter' last='Maestre'], and Isaiah Alford. Gilbert and Maestre will flip around and play some defense, where they will partner up with [player_tooltip player_id='1869207' first='Delbert' last='Freeman'] to form one of the best DB trios in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They lose some umph on the offensive front, but the majority of their playmakers are back with a year under the belt, making the playoffs another realistic expectation for the 2026 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Northgate</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Northgate is the true wild card here. Last year, Northgate finished the regular season at 8-2 with a 5-2 record in region play, marking their first 8-win season since 2016. Much of the talent that helped them make noise last year returns. [player_tooltip player_id='1595656' first='Ledger' last='Clements'] is back at QB, and I am expecting another step forward this fall. [player_tooltip player_id='1698785' first='Woody' last='Schettini'] is back at RB and raises the floor of this team a lot. Leading receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1922898' first='Treveon' last='Gill'] returns, as does underrated talent on defense looking to break out. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This team is good, but they're not only making the jump up to 7A this year, but doing it in a region where every returning team from a year ago made the playoffs. They are talented, but have the most to prove. We will learn a lot about them very quickly, especially after a coaching change.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Games to Watch</em></strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>August 21st: Carrollton at Rome</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>September 3rd: East Coweta at North Cobb</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>October 9th: Carrollton at Douglas County</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>October 30th: Westlake at Northgate</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>November 6th: Douglas County at Westlake</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->