As another Georgia high school football season kicks off, championship expectations, national recruits and marquee matchups once again dominate the conversation across the Peach State. From powerhouse programs loaded with Division I talent to rising contenders looking to crash the ******* le picture, there is no shortage of storylines heading into the 2026 season.
1. Buford Wolves: Until you knock them off, it is hard not to put Buford on top. The Wolves know how to win. They expect to win. Buford lost a lot, especially at the skill positions, but new names will step in, led by quarterback DJ Hunter, they will play a tough schedule and be ready for December when that time comes.
2. Thomas County Central Yellow Jackets: Thomas County Central may have been playing the best football in Georgia when the season ended last year. Some key contributors graduated, but return many key contributors, and when all is said and done in December, it would be surprising to see the Yellow Jackets hoisting up the trophy for a third time in four years.
3. Creekside Seminoles: Maurice Dixon and Creekside had the perfect 15-0 season a year ago and broke records while doing so. Their offense scored 845 points in 15 games, so can they repeat? The Seminoles are the one to beat. They lost some key players, but 15 starters return, and it is a good mix of linemen and skill guys. The move up to 6A will be something to watch.
4. Gainesville Red Elephants: Gainesville has a new head coach in Santavious Bryant. He won a state ******* le at Grayson in his first year as the head coach there in 2023. Don't be surprised if he leads the Red Elephants to the same accomplishment this season. The Red Elephants have been knocking on the door, and they have the pieces to compete for a ******* le again in 2026.
#elephants #georgia #december #thomas
1. Buford Wolves: Until you knock them off, it is hard not to put Buford on top. The Wolves know how to win. They expect to win. Buford lost a lot, especially at the skill positions, but new names will step in, led by quarterback DJ Hunter, they will play a tough schedule and be ready for December when that time comes.
2. Thomas County Central Yellow Jackets: Thomas County Central may have been playing the best football in Georgia when the season ended last year. Some key contributors graduated, but return many key contributors, and when all is said and done in December, it would be surprising to see the Yellow Jackets hoisting up the trophy for a third time in four years.
3. Creekside Seminoles: Maurice Dixon and Creekside had the perfect 15-0 season a year ago and broke records while doing so. Their offense scored 845 points in 15 games, so can they repeat? The Seminoles are the one to beat. They lost some key players, but 15 starters return, and it is a good mix of linemen and skill guys. The move up to 6A will be something to watch.
4. Gainesville Red Elephants: Gainesville has a new head coach in Santavious Bryant. He won a state ******* le at Grayson in his first year as the head coach there in 2023. Don't be surprised if he leads the Red Elephants to the same accomplishment this season. The Red Elephants have been knocking on the door, and they have the pieces to compete for a ******* le again in 2026.
#elephants #georgia #december #thomas
7 days ago
