PRZGA Class 6A Mega Preview, Part II

*Use code "jackson30" for 30% off your PRZ subscription*   Here, I wrap up my class 6A region preview, providing context to several region races and matchups that will shape the postseason in 2026. For part I of this list, click <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/przga-class-6a-mega-preview-part-i/">here</a>.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Region 5</h2>   Projected Order of Finish   1. East Paulding   2. New Manchester   3. Hiram   4. South Paulding   5. Alexander   6. South Cobb   7. Chapel Hill   8. Osborne   Preseason Accolades   Offensive Preseason POTY: '28 East Paulding QB [player_tooltip player_id='994376' first='Bode' last='Spence']   Defensive Preseason POTY: '28 East Paulding LB Sam Lumpkin   Preseason LOTY: '27 East Paulding DE Mason Wright   Summary   New Manchester and East Paulding are the two highest-ranked teams returning in this region, and I expect those two to duke it out for the region this year. It's a tale of two different stories this offseason. On one hand, New Manchester will have to replace leaders in almost every major statistical category, including an FBS QB signee and a 1,000-yard rusher. For East Paulding, they received most production from 2027 and 2028 prospects and bring back most of those players.   The slate isn't bare for New Manchester. KJ Clepper transfers in at QB, and the likes of '27 ATH Dontae Moore, '27 TE [player_tooltip player_id='2235913' first='Adrian' last='Guilford'], '28 Michael Hugley, '28 DL Kaiden Coleman, '27 RB AJ Rogers, '27 ATH Joshua Williams, '28 LB Christian Evans, and '29 ATH Jeremiah Floyd are all breakout candidates and received FBS recruiting attention this offseason. This team might take a few weeks to form, but the talent is here to backfill and not skip a beat.   East Paulding performed a clean sweep of my preseason POTY honors. '28 [player_tooltip player_id='994376' first='Bode' last='Spence'] is a premier QB in GA, '27 RB Philantrae Lumpkin is a true bellcow who can wear down this region, and Sam Lumpkin returns as the most productive defender in this region. DL Mason Wright is a D1 commit who quietly had six sacks last year, and he will pair up with [player_tooltip player_id='1599865' first='Treveon' last='Lewis'] to form a potent pass rush. East Paulding is proven, veteran, and catches New Manchester early in the season. That September matchup carries as much weight as any game in the state this fall.   Hiram and South Paulding highlight the next group. Hiram returns their QB in Caleb Carmichael along with a '27 breakout candidate at WR in Jemarcus Twine. LB's Gavin Dixon and Stephone Adams are right in the middle of the Hiram defense, and return as the leading tacklers from a year ago. South Paulding is the wildcard here. They lose major production from a year ago, but should be talented enough to hang around in spite of those losses. '27 RB Braylon Daniel could double his production from a year ago and should be the engine offensively.   South Cobb, Chapel Hill, and Osborne round out the region. If anybody emerges, watch out for South Cobb. Their QB, Freedom Jones, might be the most unique playmaker in the region.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Region 6</h2>   Projected Order of Finish   1. Rome   2. Kell   3. Sequoyah   4. Creekview   5. River Ridge   6. Woodstock   7. Lassiter   8. Pope   Preseason Accolades   Offensive Preseason POTY: '27 Kell RB Moonie Gipson   Defensive Preseason POTY: '27 Sequoyah LB [player_tooltip player_id='1906557' first='Drew' last='Williams']   Preseason LOTY: '27 Sequoyah OL [player_tooltip player_id='1199974' first='Brody' last='Craig']   Summary   In 2024, Sequoyah won 11 games, but finished 2nd in the region. Last year, they finally broke through, finishing 9-1 and claiming their first region title since 2003. They will hang around again this fall, but major challengers enter the region by way of Rome and Kell. Creekview, River Ridge, and Woodstock are all playoff-caliber teams, with razor-thin lines separating that bunch.   Rome made quite a few headlines this offseason, but the public perception might not be indicative of this team in 2026. This is going to be a strong group up front. Keep an eye on '27 DL [player_tooltip player_id='2123505' first='AJ' last='Adams'] and '27 DL Jy'Quice McCrary. '28 ATH Tylan Simpson is a top returning playmaker for Rome. People close to the program have told me the 2029 and 2030 classes are talented, so expect some youngsters to emerge. This staff is experienced, and the wins are available on the schedule.   Kell should be the main competitor against Rome. This group loses a lot of senior talent, but '27 RB Moonie Gipson should have his best year yet in this region, should he stay healthy. '27 Donte Grant and '27 [player_tooltip player_id='673339' first='Brock' last='Burrus'] will be a fun duo to watch this fall, with '29 WR [player_tooltip player_id='1404813' first='Zamir' last='Jackson'] emerging as a legitimate P4 prospect this offseason. '28 QB [player_tooltip player_id='2205330' first='Boston' last='Pierce'] will be the X factor; he is a solid prospect in his own right and is surrounded by weapons, plus D1 talent on the OL. Omarr Luke, [player_tooltip player_id='942130' first='Kamoni' last='Adams'], and Carlos Barneman are three to watch on defense, all of whom have received recruiting attention. This group is talented and has the firepower to win this region.   Sequoyah has a lot to replace. Gone is Will Rajecki, one of the most decorated players in school history. QB Kolby Martin also exits after throwing for 2000 yards. They lose their top 7 leading receivers, an FBS prospect on the OL, their leader in sacks, and their top DB. '27 [player_tooltip player_id='1906557' first='Drew' last='Williams'] is a P4 commit at LB and was Sequoyah's leading tackler a year ago. '27 OL [player_tooltip player_id='1199974' first='Brody' last='Craig'] is another D1 prospect, and he returns on the offensive line. The slate isn't bare, but younger players will have to step up and find their way if Sequoyah wants to repeat as champs. '27 FBS LB prospect [player_tooltip player_id='1660212' first='Trace' last='Washington'] and '27 DB Danny Palmese transfer in on defense and raise the floor of this team.   Woodstock has the biggest returning crop of talent in the region. '27 Army QB commit [player_tooltip player_id='1544914' first='Graham' last='Burmeister'] returns, as does '27 WR [player_tooltip player_id='1954335' first='Rylan' last='Hubbard'], '27 DE [player_tooltip player_id='1924618' first='Djibril' last='Ba'], '27 OL Parker Angel, and '28 LB Caleb Vigna. This has been one of the best runs in Woodstock football history, and this senior class is a major reason why. They lost their HC, but promoted internally, so the culture should stay the same as this senior class comes together for one more push.   October 9th's matchup between River Ridge and Creekview will carry major implications. Creekview battled through injuries last year, but made the playoffs. They should be able to run the ball well this fall behind '27 [player_tooltip player_id='2241947' first='Carson' last='Lott']. '29 [player_tooltip player_id='1644119' first='Bryant' last='Kealhofer'] is emerging as a P4 talent at OT, and '27 [player_tooltip player_id='2241944' first='Zack' last='Reis'], '27 [player_tooltip player_id='2241961' first='Hayden' last='Hansen'], and '27 JD Russell give Creekview a solid core to build around on defense. River Ridge returns their starter at QB in '27 Hunter Lockermann, and '27 RB [player_tooltip player_id='2108021' first='Micah' last='Pugh'] could double his production from a year ago.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Region 7</h2>   Projected Order of Finish   1. Gainesville   2. Milton   3. Roswell   4. Lanier   5. Alpharetta   6. Riverwood   7. Johns Creek   Preseason Accolades   Offensive Preseason POTY: '27 Gainesville QB [player_tooltip player_id='885409' first='Kharim' last='Hughley']   Defensive Preseason POTY: '27 Gainesville LB [player_tooltip player_id='2098539' first='Darryn' last='Williams']   Preseason LOTY: '27 Gainesville OL [player_tooltip player_id='1214574' first='Tyler' last='Ford']   Summary   This is a true three-headed monster, and one of the only regions in Georgia with three teams that should be considered state championship contenders. Gainesville didn't win this region last year, but they went to the state championship game, and I would consider them favorites this time around. '27 QB [player_tooltip player_id='885409' first='Kharim' last='Hughley'] is entering year 3 as a starter, and is one of the most decorated passers in recent GAHSFB history. '27 Alabama commit [player_tooltip player_id='662615' first='Nigel' last='Newkirk'] rushed for over 1600 yards as a junior. Collin Porterfield and [player_tooltip player_id='2132890' first='Legend' last='Wilmont'] were productive receivers a year ago, and reinforcements arrive to strengthen the rest of the pass-catching core. [player_tooltip player_id='1214574' first='Tyler' last='Ford'], [player_tooltip player_id='1648878' first='Bryson' last='Hurt'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1214567' first='Carter' last='Mathis'] make up the most stout OL in the state, and all three are P4-bound. '27 LB [player_tooltip player_id='2098539' first='Darryn' last='Williams'] is another FBS prospect, he was a productive tackler and had 6 INTs from his LB spot. [player_tooltip player_id='734231' first='Jeremiah' last='Proctor'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1158144' first='Zachary' last='Ingram'] are a talented 2027 duo at DB, and elite 2028 DB Ja'lil Goley transfers in as well.   There is a rolodex of talent on this Gainesville team. They won 12 games a year ago, hired Grayson's head coach, and should be considered a favorite to win the state championship in 2026.   Milton QB [player_tooltip player_id='409921' first='Derrick' last='Baker'] got injured in week 1 and missed the rest of the season. It felt like they had to scratch and crawl the rest of the year, but still won 8 games. Baker is back and healthy. Baker's return will only strengthen an already talented pass-catching core of [player_tooltip player_id='662267' first='Jordan' last='Carrasquillo'], [player_tooltip player_id='416494' first='Grant' last='Haviland'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2144127' first='Aedyn' last='Meintzer']. [player_tooltip player_id='1091397' first='Jazz' last='Lewis'] transfers in to add a YAC threat. The OL is young, but anchored by '29 [player_tooltip player_id='450408' first='Landon' last='Ghea'], '28 [player_tooltip player_id='1197755' first='Joshua' last='Evans'], and '28 [player_tooltip player_id='1620592' first='Michael' last='Pickard']. The defensive front is also strong, with [player_tooltip player_id='415080' first='Christian' last='Hunter'] returning in the middle as one of the best players in the region. '27 LB [player_tooltip player_id='308502' first='Blaize' last='Battaglia'] is one of the most productive players in this region and is right in the middle of the action for Milton. '28 DB Kee Wonsley was an all-region player from a year ago, and the premier player in this secondary. With a healthy squad, Milton is dangerous, can move the ball in a lot of ways, and will emerge as a threat to get back to Mercedes-Benz.   Roswell won this region and finished with 12 wins a year ago, but lost a multi-year starter and decorated leader at QB in KJ Smith. They also lose their leading rusher, and the region defensive player of the year. Regardless, the returning core of this group is both deep and talented. '27 WR [player_tooltip player_id='1732905' first='Dre' last='Cousey'] and '28 TE [player_tooltip player_id='2226537' first='Sean' last='Smith'] are top returners as playmakers. '27 [player_tooltip player_id='2119703' first='Miller' last='Westerfield'] is an FBS OL prospect, he will anchor the front alongside '28 Hudson Rockhill. I love the core on defense with '27 DB Ian Foust, '27 DB Tyler Pressnall, and '28 LB [player_tooltip player_id='1959575' first='Jake' last='Smith']. [player_tooltip player_id='1217921' first='Jaxon' last='Holly'] transfers in as one of the best 2027 EDGE prospects in the nation. '27 [player_tooltip player_id='1698115' first='Matthew' last='Schletty'] and '28 [player_tooltip player_id='410849' first='Pierson' last='Degala'] transfer in at QB to help settle the departure of KJ Smith. Once again, Roswell is a threat to make another playoff push.   Lanier returns some talent, such as '27 ATH Ben Vanden Dos and '27 OL [player_tooltip player_id='1613058' first='Jared' last='Hill']. They also return their starter at QB, so this is the team outside of the big 3 that impresses me the most. It is a transitional year for Alpharetta, but there is some talent here. '28 [player_tooltip player_id='2119572' first='Calvin' last='Landy'] is emerging as a premier OL prospect in Georgia.   Riverwood and Johns Creek round us out at the bottom. Riverwood will have to replace QB [player_tooltip player_id='636958' first='AJ' last='Rahal']. Johns Creek has a chance to be the story of the 2026 season if they can even win 1 game.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Region 8</h2>   Projected Order of Finish   1. Jackson County   2. Habersham Central   3. Clarke Central   4. Mountain View   5. Walnut Grove   6. Loganville   7. Apalachee   8. Cedar Shoals   Preseason Accolades   Offensive Preseason POTY: '27 Jackson County RB [player_tooltip player_id='1584819' first='Daylan' last='Maxwell']   Defensive Preseason POTY: '27 Apalachee CB [player_tooltip player_id='1604611' first='George' last='Murray'] III   Preseason LOTY: '27 Jackson County OL [player_tooltip player_id='2105754' first='Tyler' last='Smith']   Summary   Jackson County quietly went about their best season in school history until they pulled off an upset win over Milton in the playoffs, introducing themselves to many and building momentum headed into 2026. [player_tooltip player_id='1584819' first='Daylan' last='Maxwell'] returns after a prolific sophomore season where he rushed for over 1800 yards and was the X factor offensively. '27 OL [player_tooltip player_id='2105754' first='Tyler' last='Smith'] has picked up P4 attention, and he returns for his senior season to anchor the front. Backup '28 RB Jayson Lee is back and a good prospect in his own right, breaking 600 yards last year. Defensively, they return veterans with elite production, such as '27 DB [player_tooltip player_id='1657014' first='Tyler' last='Mobbs'] and '28 LB [player_tooltip player_id='1869205' first='Noah' last='Bade']. Jackson County lost their QB from last year, but in transfers App State QB commit [player_tooltip player_id='438058' first='Ben' last='Musser'] to ease that blow. Jackson County is the clear favorite and will be one of the best rushing teams in the state in 2026.   Habersham Central returns the majority of its production from a year ago and should emerge as the top challenger to Jackson County. [player_tooltip player_id='1546328' first='Paris' last='Wilbanks'] is the top returning QB in this region, and he gets back his go-to threat in '27 WR Jay Feltus. Defensively, this was an active group, and they return '27 Paris York and '27 Sutton Porter, two productive DBs against the ball. They will have to replace their leading rusher, but they have continuity at QB, bring back their top playmakers, and look to build off a 5-1 region record.   I am eyeing Clarke Central and Mountain View in the next group. Clarke Central returns their top playmaker in '27 [player_tooltip player_id='1646707' first='La'Gracion' last='Little'], a breakout candidate in '28 Zyon Philips, their top 2 QBs from a year ago, and the region lineman of the year in '27 Skylan Smith. Defensively, they return rising senior talent across the board. Mountain View went 1-9 last year, but they leave their gauntlet of a region and look to turn their talent into more wins. Look out for elite '28 DB [player_tooltip player_id='1734393' first='Elijah' last='Reeves'] and breakout candidate at QB in '28 Zion Butler.   Walnut Grove will have to battle through losses to their leading rusher, top leading receivers, and top productive tacklers on defense. However, there is some talent that can backfill here. '28 DB [player_tooltip player_id='1055223' first='Nathan' last='Nunn'] has consistently generated some buzz for the last few years. Several all-region players return on both sides of the ball for Walnut Grove.   Loganville went 1-9 a year ago, but returns most production and is more experienced. '27 RB Zach Hill was a first-team all-region player last year, which will help take some pressure off '28 QB Lamario Dorsey. '29 TE [player_tooltip player_id='1988183' first='Kellen' last='Palmer'] has emerged as a legitimate P4 prospect and is a breakout candidate. This team should improve its win total,   Apalachee has my preseason pick for DPOTY and Kansas State DB commit [player_tooltip player_id='1604611' first='George' last='Murray'] III and brings back an all-region ATH in '27 Colin Eishen. Cedar Shoals was winless last year, but brings back a handful of all-region players and a young QB with varsity experience.

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