Class 5A State Championship Preview: Calhoun vs. Warner Robins

We’ll have a massive North Georgia vs. Middle Georgia battle for the 5A State championship this season as the 13-1 Warner Robins Demons take on the always powerful 12-2 Calhoun Yellow Jackets. The Demons are reigning state champions and the Yellow Jackets are looking to add another championship to their storied program. Here are a few standout players to know about in this epic 5A state title game... &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="224857" first="Cole" last="Speer"] – WR – 2022 – Calhoun </strong> One of the biggest playmakers in all of North Georgia, the star wide-out from Calhoun (GA) is committed to the in-state Georgia Bulldogs and he’s expected to have a championship game coming off a two-touchdown performance in the semi-finals against Blessed Trinity. The 6-foot-0 180-pounder was a 5A 1st Team All-State selection last year after catching 59 passes for 1,151 yards and 11 touchdowns last season, and followed that up with another outstanding season as a senior. He’s a natural route runner with great hands who can hurt a defense in a number of ways. He’s excellent on the screen game, underneath passing game, and he’s a downfield threat as well. Look for him to see the ball often against the Demons. &nbsp; <strong><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/local/player/stats.aspx?athleteid=b967adb2-b890-432f-a85c-c8996cb3b396&amp;ssid=97e3f828-856d-419e-b94f-7f41319fe3d3"><span class="first-name">Daveon</span> Walker</a> – Warner Robins</strong> The Warner Robins offense is clicking on all cylinders right nowm scoring 4+ points in five of their last seven games. A big reason why is the play of senior, Daveon Walker. One of the top playmakers in Middle Georgia, Walker is a 6-foot-2 180-pound possession receiver with 4.61 40-yard dash speed. Walker has some of the best hands in the state and does a nice job of turning and twisting his body in the air to make a tough grab. He can reach back and snag the ball when it’s thrown behind him and makes it look easy while he does it. He’s been a reliable weapon all season for the Demons in the passing game, catching 60 passes so far for 1,154 yards and 13 touchdowns. Walker is currently committed to Vanderbilt. &nbsp; <strong>Christian Lewis – Quarterback – Calhoun</strong> One of the top 2022 QBs up I75, Lewis has led the Calhoun offense to a big season so far, scoring 40+ points in six games this season. He’s mobile, he can make plays with his legs, and he has a quick release. He gets the ball out quickly to his playmakers and throws a nice deep ball down the field with touch. He’s mastered the Calhoun offense by now and always makes sure his guys are in the correct position. He’s playing great football but he’ll need to continue that Friday night against a tough Demon defense. &nbsp; <strong>Vic Burley – Warner Robins</strong> The 5-star from Warner Robins is one of the top pass rushers not only in Georgia, but in the entire country for the 2023 class. The elite defensive end has great size at 6-foot-5 265-pounds and is coming off an excellent junior season this year where he made 54 tackles and got to the QB five times. He can rush the passer, he can get off blocks, and he knows how to set the edge against the run. He already looks like a college defender and he’ll be able to play for the school of his choosing when the time comes, holding offers from Georgia, Clemson, Alabama, Florida, and just about everywhere else. &nbsp; <strong><a class="player-name js-profile-link" href="https://www.hudl.com/athlete/8191811">[player_tooltip player_id="33979" first="Gage" last="Leonard"]</a> - DB - Calhoun</strong> A hard-hitting run defender from the safety position, Leonard is tough senior who has played extremely well recently leading the Calhoun defense to an impressive performance the past few weeks. He’s quick, instinctive, and knows his position. He’s a sure tackler and can sneak his way into the backfield in a hurry. He can help on offense as well, giving the Yellow Jackets a sure-handed athlete who gives it his all on every play. Look for him to play plays on both sides of the ball in his final game. &nbsp; <strong>Jay Carter - LB - Warner Robins</strong> A tackle machine for the Demons this year, Williams is a standout senior and one of the hardest-hitting linebackers in the region. He can line up inside or outside and can really get after the QB if he has an open lane. He’s a sure tackler and brought a physical presence to the Demons defense. On the season, Carter made 130 tackles, making him one of the more productive linebackers across 5A this season. He also added 23 TFLs and 9 sacks on the season. He can fly to the football and knows how to wrap up when he gets to the ball carrier. Look for him to load up the stat sheet once again in Saturday’s championship game.