Class 4A Mega Preview, Part II

*Use code "jackson30* for 30% off your PRZ subscription*   To close the door on Class 4A, we take a look at several tight region races and which challengers emerge.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Region 5</h2>   Projected Order of Finish   1. Douglass   2. Stephenson   3. Greater Atlanta Christian   4. Westminster   5. Salem   6. Pace   7. North Springs   8. Stone Mountain   9. Clarkston   Preseason Accolades   Preseason OPOTY: '27 Stephenson RB [player_tooltip player_id='1561762' first='Jayden' last='Johnson']   Preseason DPOTY: '27 Stephenson EDGE [player_tooltip player_id='1584788' first='KJ' last='Green']   Preseason LOTY: '27 Douglass DL John Amofah Jr   Summary   This region was separated by 11 points last year, and I expect it to be a bloodbath at the top once again between Stephenson and Douglass. Stephenson is the reigning champion, and all the premier playmakers are back from that squad. 2,000-yard RB [player_tooltip player_id='1561762' first='Jayden' last='Johnson'] is back for Stephenson and gets my pick for OPOTY. A 1200 yard rusher exits behind him, so I think there is more tread on the tires here in terms of his production. Also returning is '27 QB [player_tooltip player_id='1698100' first='Zabrian' last='Boler'], who has received D1 attention. He gets his top target back in '28 WR [player_tooltip player_id='1234598' first='Noah' last='Mahoney'], who was accountable for half of the production at receiver for this team. '27 LSU EDGE commit [player_tooltip player_id='1584788' first='KJ' last='Green'] is one of the nation's elite recruits and finished with 18 sacks in 2025. Green's return will help soften the blow of the departure of their next 6 leading tacklers from last year. '27 LB Jeremiah Hill is a breakout candidate; I like the size, and he finished with 9 TFLs in 2025. '28 DB [player_tooltip player_id='2116809' first='Aaryn' last='Chastine'] will likely play both ways, but has received national buzz as a DB and is emerging as one of the best prospects in the state. Stephenson has won 3 straight region titles, and are my pick to win it again.   Douglass went 0-6 in 2020 but has increased their win total each year since and came within 11 points of winning the region last year. Similar to Stephenson, the bulk of the impact players from this team are back from last year. '27 QB [player_tooltip player_id='1619938' first='Jahlil' last='Roderique'] will presumably get the nod at QB last year, he struggled with efficiency as a junior, but has the traits and ability to take a stride forward. They return their top 3 rushers, headlined by a productive duo at RB with '27 [player_tooltip player_id='2066028' first='Jecori' last='Anderson'] and '27 Janarius Gooden. Their top 2 receivers are back in '28 [player_tooltip player_id='717436' first='Damarien' last='Parrott'] and '27 [player_tooltip player_id='2164506' first='Zalen' last='Green'], a group that should have more opportunities this year. They return a solid core on defense between '28 LB Jaylenn Wiggins, '27 LB Prince Cooper, and '27 DL [player_tooltip player_id='378902' first='John' last='Amofah Jr.'] This is a strong returning core, and don't underestimate the revenge factor this fall.   GAC will be the main challenger to Stephenson and Douglass this fall. They got back to their winning ways with a 10-win season last fall, but step into a harder region this year. '28 QB [player_tooltip player_id='1589357' first='Michael' last='Miller'] is one of the most dynamic QBs in the state, passing for over 2,000 and rushing for over 1,000 as a sophomore while accounting for 37 total TDs. '28 RB [player_tooltip player_id='1589360' first='Pierce' last='Wilson'] was the leading rusher last year, also eclipsing 2,000 yards. They return 3 of the top 4 receivers, including '27 WR [player_tooltip player_id='1954347' first='Adrian' last='Hughes'], the aforementioned Wilson, and '28 WR [player_tooltip player_id='2173872' first='Zach' last='Koons']. Both of their top tackler return from last year, including '27 Florida State LB commit [player_tooltip player_id='1613055' first='CJ' last='Ohuabunwa']. '27 LB Conner Carothers is underrated and a physical player in the middle of the defense. '27 DE Roe Williams led the way in sacks last year with 5, and he also returns. '27 Alabama EDGE commit [player_tooltip player_id='2133132' first='Tyler' last='Younger'] is one of the most traitsy players in the state and could emerge as a game-breaker if things tie together. The top talent on this team can hang around with Douglass and Stephenson, but their depth will be tested. Even if they don't match the win total from last year, this should be a playoff team once again.   Westminster, finishing 1-8 last year, is coming off its worst season in over 30 years. Returning is '27 ATH Will Barton, two winnable QBs in '27 Christopher Kuzinak and '28 Wyatt Garfinkle. '27 Declan Jackson and '27 Alex Nu are other players to watch here. Westminster has been a model of success for decades, and they hope to get a push back to that point under 2nd-year HC Nelson Stewart.   Salem has a solid returning crop of talent, but they will be making a heavy jump to the 2A ranks. '27 QB Antonio Hampton is back, as is his top target last year in '27 [player_tooltip player_id='1923110' first='Kadine' last='McAlister']. 4 of the top 5 tacklers return, and 3 of those prospects are freshmen or sophomores. It might be a tough year-1 jump, but there's some talent on this squad to generate at least a little noise.   Pace Academy got hit hard by the transfer bug, but will return a traitsy player in '27 QB Kaiden Harley. The bottom four teams in this region won a combined 5 games last year, so there will at least be room for someone to break through and improve on their win total from a year ago.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Region 6</h2>   Projected Order of Finish   1. North Hall   2. Pickens   3. Gilmer   4. Dawson County   5. White County   6. Chestatee   Preseason Accolades   Preseason OPOTY: '27 North Hall QB [player_tooltip player_id='1896429' first='Alex' last='Schlieman']   Preseason DPOTY: '27 Gilmer LB [player_tooltip player_id='749221' first='Douglas' last='Callihan']   Preseason LOTY: '29 Pickens OL [player_tooltip player_id='1589202' first='David' last='Kirby']   Summary   North Hall dominated this region with a perfect regular season record, and they are the overwhelming favorite to win it once again. '27 QB [player_tooltip player_id='1896429' first='Alex' last='Schlieman'] was one of the most accomplished QBs in the state last fall, and returns with a year of starting experience under his belt. They'll have to completely replace the run production from last year, but '27 [player_tooltip player_id='624161' first='Cole' last='Cable'] was a 1,000-yard receiver and pairs up with Schlieman to create one of the best QB-WR duos in the state. Senior production exits by the masses on defense, but watch out for youngsters [player_tooltip player_id='1506254' first='Noah' last='Kemp'] (2029) and Cole Lindlief (2028), who are breakout candidates on defense. There's a lot of chance on this team, but they return their two best players from a year ago and have won 10 or more games for 2 consecutive years, setting a winning standard that should carry into this fall.   Gilmer was a playoff team a win ago and returns an intriguing crop of impact players. '27 LB [player_tooltip player_id='885985' first='Peyton' last='Chancey'] and '27 LB [player_tooltip player_id='749221' first='Douglas' last='Callihan'] play both ways for Gilmer and can break the game on either side of the ball. Chancey rushed for over 1,000 yards last year, while Callihan was the DPOTY in the region in 2025. They have enough complementary talent around those two to push their win total from last year and make a stronger push in this region.   Pickens finished second in this region last year and will hover around there again in 2026. '27 Ike Wynngaard rushed for 1,000 yards last fall and returns in tandem with '29 [player_tooltip player_id='1306733' first='Cal' last='Morrison'] to create what should be one of the best running games in this region. '29 OL [player_tooltip player_id='1589202' first='David' last='Kirby'] emerged as a P4 prospect on the offensive front and is an anomaly athlete in this region. They will have to replace '26 QB Hayden Jones, but '27 [player_tooltip player_id='2218001' first='Tanner' last='Bail'] started the last few games at QBs, gaining valuable experience. They will also have to replace leading receiver and Mercer bound WR McCord Purdy. They will have to replace their top 3 leading tacklers, but return '27 Jacob Stoud, who finished with 57 solo tackles (MaxPreps). '27 DB Hunter Atkins was productive on the backend against the ball and will step into a larger role as a senior.   I am intrigued with Dawson County, and if anybody takes that next step this fall, it's Dawson County. '27 QB [player_tooltip player_id='886277' first='Gunnar' last='Weaver'] returns after an efficient junior season. Leading rusher '27 Cody McBrayer is back after rushing for over 1100 yards and tacking on 13 TDs. They will have to replace their top two leading receivers from last year, but 2028 Brody Sorenson did lead the team in yards per catch as a sophomore. '27 OL Caden Sasser was an all-region performer a year ago, and he pairs with '27 Brody Schutte for a fairly strong offensive front. Defensively, they return about half of their production from last year. '28 Jayden Cohen is the leading returning tackler and added 2 INTs. Avery Martin is another productive 2028 against the ball, finishing with 1 INT and 5 PBUs. Dawson County has had three straight losing seasons, but they didn't have a losing season from 2014-2022. Jaybo Shaw was a strong hire back in December 2024, and I think this program made a leap last year and could make another as they look to break this lull in 2026.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Region 7</h2>   Projected Order of Finish   1. Calhoun   2. Northwest Whitfield   3. Heritage   4. Adairsville   5. Ridgeland   6. Southeast Whitfield   Preseason Accolades   Preseason OPOTY: '28 Calhoun QB [player_tooltip player_id='409989' first='Trace' last='Hawkins']   Preseason DPOTY: '27 Adairsville LB Matthew Cook   Preseason LOTY: '27 Ridgeland OL/DL Rob Burgess   Summary   2 out of region losses were the only blemishes on the regular season schedule for Calhoun, as they proceeded to go undefeated and dominate the region with blowout losses weekly. They are the overwhelming favorite to win this region once again. '28 Clemson QB commit [player_tooltip player_id='409989' first='Trace' last='Hawkins'] is the prize in this region and has contributed since his freshman season. A stable of RBs return, including a 1K-yard rusher in '27 [player_tooltip player_id='662802' first='Hudson' last='Chadwick']. '28 [player_tooltip player_id='1670547' first='Isiah' last='Nalls'] and '28 [player_tooltip player_id='950765' first='Tony' last='Reid'] both added over 400 yards while averaging over 6 YPC. Calhoun will have to replace their top 4 receivers from last year, but the run game will cool off the pressure of that group. 6 of their 7 leading tacklers are gone from a year ago, with '28 DB [player_tooltip player_id='1590355' first='Drew' last='Huff'] returning as the most productive defender from last year. [player_tooltip player_id='662802' first='Hudson' last='Chadwick'] will flip around and play some defense as well. They take a hit on depth, but they have mismatches all over the field, and I predict them to go undefeated in region play once again.   Northwest Whitfield finished second in this region last year and is my pick to land there again in 2026. NW returns a solid crop of playmakers on offense. '27 WR [player_tooltip player_id='1922587' first='Kade' last='Mitchell'] was close to 1,000 yards last fall, and he joins forces with the returning '27 [player_tooltip player_id='2141060' first='Zirous' last='Davison'] and '27 Kyle Cummings. They will have to replace their leading rusher and a 2500 yard passer in Nuckolls, but before Nuckolls there was Owen Fisher, and before him there was Luke Shiflet. They've created a revolving door of productive QBs here, and whoever emerges this fall will have some weapons to work with. Watch out for '29 [player_tooltip player_id='2141062' first='Smith' last='Browning'] in the QB room. The aforementioned Cummings will flip around and play some defense, where I believe he is the best corner in this region. They also return '27 LB Daimian Tostado, '27 DB Max Harrison, '27 LB Harlan Cook, and '27 LB Stone Hobbs, who all received all-region recognition. Northwest Whitfield has not had a losing season in over a decade, and their sustained success will carry into this fall.   Heritage rounds out the top 3, and returns some of the more intriguing players in the region.'27 QB [player_tooltip player_id='1907646' first='Caden' last='Hight'] returns after a productive junior season. '27 Jax State WR commit Brayden Stroker also returns, and forms what I think is the best QB-WR duo in the region with Hight. '27 ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1907670' first='Cohen' last='Fletcher'] is also back after averaging nearly 20 yards per catch last fall. '27 LB Brayden Hudson is the leading returning tackler and received first-team all-region honors last year. '27 DB [player_tooltip player_id='1907633' first='Caiden' last='Foster'] was all-region as well, and snagged 2 picks on the year. They are veteran in all the right places, and will be neck and neck with NW Whitfield yet again for this second spot in the region.   Adairsville won 10 games in 2022 but has dropped their win total by 2 games every year since then. The pieces are here to get back above .500, headlined on offense with returning '27 QB Braxton Elrod. '28 RB's Zeke Carter and Javian Carson are a solid RB duo. '27 LB Matthew Cook is probably the most prolific defender in this region, finishing with 6 sacks while averaging over 7 tackles per game. This team is very much junior- and senior-led in 2026 and is a candidate to improve their win total.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Region 8</h2>   Projected Order of Finish   1. Monroe Area   2. Oconee County   3. Cherokee Bluff   4. East Jackson   5. East Hall   6. West Hall   Preseason Accolades   Preseason OPOTY: '27 Oconee County TE [player_tooltip player_id='1648852' first='Mason' last='Hall']   Preseason DPOTY: '27 Cherokee Bluff DB [player_tooltip player_id='1648899' first='Dylan' last='Haley']   Preseason LOTY: '27 Oconee County OL [player_tooltip player_id='2106685' first='Gavin' last='Bray']   Summary   This region trades Jefferson for East Jackson and Hoschton (not playing football in 2026), meaning there is no returning region champion and opening up a tight race at the top.   Monroe Area is my pick to win the region this fall. '28 QB/ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1988544' first='Cooper' last='Shumate'] returns after wearing down defenses to the tune of 1200+ rushing yards in 2025. Shumate acts as the leading rusher, and they get back '27 WR Bryce Bell, who accounted for 90% of the receiving production last fall. 4/5 leading tacklers return on defense, including the likes of '27 LB [player_tooltip player_id='1906890' first='Cortavious' last='Scott'], '27 DB Mason Scarborough, '27 DB Mandela Manga, and '27 LB Jockese Miller. They will lose their leader in sacks and a ball hawk in the secondary, but talented, tough two-way players are littered across this defense, and they should be tough again on this side of the ball. Monroe Area can wear you down on both sides of the ball, which I think will be the difference-maker.   '27 Oconee County TE [player_tooltip player_id='1648852' first='Mason' last='Hall'] is a prized recruit and won POTY honors in this region a year ago. '27 RB Josh Weifel will form a solid duo with '27 RB [player_tooltip player_id='1659704' first='Darius' last='Darden'] in the backfield. They will have to replace their QB from last fall, but whoever steps in has a mismatch threat at their disposal. '27 Furman commit [player_tooltip player_id='2106685' first='Gavin' last='Bray'] returns on the OL and received all-region honors in 2025. They will have to replace veteran defenders, but do return all-region players in '27 DL Robert Evans and '27 DB Wyatt Elsner. Darden, who was a productive rusher in 2025, returns as the leading tackler on defense. Oconee County has a strong crop of impact players returning and is a strong contender to win this region outright.   Cherokee Bluff will have to replace a 2,000-yard passer at QB, but they return their top playmaker in '27 [player_tooltip player_id='1631841' first='Jackson' last='Pirkle'], who led the way in rushing as a junior. They lose their top WR, but '27 Tennessee DB commit [player_tooltip player_id='1648899' first='Dylan' last='Haley'] will flip around and play both ways, and put up over 500 yards in 2025. Haley is the prized defensive prospect in this region and couples up with '27 DE Antonio Rushin, '27 DL Hudson Davis, '27 LB Connor Cook, and '27 Maddax Sutolovich, who were each all-region players a year ago. Someone will have to step up at QB, but there is talent on this team, enough to make a push.   East Jackson has to replace a plethora of senior producers and welcomes in a new HC. This will be more of a transitional year, but the program has held pretty steady for the past couple of years and should hover around their win total from last year.

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