Middle Georgia 2026 high school football preview capsules

A look at all the football teams in Middle Georgia entering the 2026 season with their head coach's name, record from 2025, returning starters and key players. Make sure you check out Middle Georgia team schedules here and the Middle Georgia weekly schedule here.

GHSA
ACE
Head coach: Keith Hatcher
Region: 2-2A
2025 record: 5-6
Number of returning offensive starters: 5
Number of returning defensive starters: 6
Top players to watch: Ace Hatcher (Sr., QB); Jaylon Davis (Sr., WR); Brady Balkcom (Sr., WR); William Winters (Sr., LB)

BALDWIN
Head coach: Kevin Patterson
Region: 2-4A
2025 record: 4-6
Number of returning offensive starters: 6
Number of returning defensive starters: 8
Top players to watch: Corey Myrick (Sr., CB); Kamden Patterson (Jr., QB/DB); Tavares Hooks (Jr. RB); DJ Hill (Sr., OL/DL); Donal Hooks (Sr., OL/DL); Elijah Hurt (Jr., OL/DL); Jacob Hester (Jr., WR/RB/DB)

BLECKLEY COUNTY
Head coach: Von Lassiter
Region: 2-2A
2025 record: 9-3
Number of returning offensive starters: 8
Number of returning defensive starters: 6
Top players to watch: Brody Fleming (Sr., QB); Zyion Love (Sr., RB); Kelvin Snead (Sr., WR); Octavius Tate (Sr., WR); Damon Allen (Sr., OL); K’Marion McClinton (Sr., DL); Jason Balthrope (Sr., DL); Landry Nobles (Jr., LB); Zayden Lassiter (Sr., LS)

CENTRAL
Head coach: Jamoski Ward
Region: 2-3A
2025 record: 0-10
Number of returning offensive starters: 5
Number of returning defensive starters: 5
Top players to watch: Justin Hodges (Sr., WR/DB); Wyquavious Gathier (Jr., OLB/ RB); Carlos Griffin (Jr., LB); Quantious Hodges (Jr., WR); Tyquez Floyd (Soph., QB); Caden Waterson (Jr., LB); Kamryn Johnson (Jr., FS); Austin Shannon (Jr., SS)

CRAWFORD COUNTY
Head coach: Matt Wilson
Region: 6-1A
2025 record: 4-6
Number of returning offensive starters: 2
Number of returning defensive starters: 3
Top players to watch: DJ Dennis (Sr., LB/RB); Colton Cavendar (Sr., LB/RB); Lawson Cooley (Jr., QB); Jermiah Kornegay (Soph., ATH); AC Colbert (Jr., DL/OL); Randen Adams (Jr., OL/LB)

CRISP COUNTY
Head coach: Justin Newman
Region: 1-3A
2025 record: 4-7
Number of returning offensive starters: 6
Number of returning defensive starters: 1
Top players to watch: Derrell LJ Brown (Sr., RB); Brody Stephens (Sr., OL); Caden Lofton (Sr., QB); Richard Thomas (Sr., CB); Chance Tolbert (Sr., OL); Myles Townsend (Sr., OL); Chavarus Blanks (Jr., WR)

DODGE COUNTY
Head coach: Phillip Brown
Region: 2-2A
2025 record: 7-4
Number of returning offensive starters: 8
Number of returning defensive starters: 6
Top players to watch: Kain Mincey (QB); Jauriel Bray (WR/DB); Jeremiah Burns (WR/DB); Ke’Zyan Harris (OL/DL); Cam Hughes (RB/LB); Dorian Hughes (OL/DL); Peyton Butts (LB)

DOOLY COUNTY
Head coach: Tony Alexander
Region: 4-1A
2025 record: 1-8
Number of returning offensive starters: 5
Number of returning defensive starters: 6
Top players to watch: Jaiden Sanders (Soph., QB); Keveon McCray (Sr., WR); Ohmarian Shazer (Sr., WR); Kayvon Felton (Jr., WR); Marcus Bryant Jr. (Soph., WR); Quintorion King (Jr., OL); Charles Nance (Sr., DL); Jemonte Taylor (Sr., DB); Kehyon Colson (Jr., DB); Kenderrious Thomas (Jr., DB); Jeremiah Anderson (Jr., DB)

DUBLIN
Head coach: Roger Holmes
Region: 2-2A
2025 record: 9-3
Number of returning offensive starters: 8
Number of returning defensive starters: 7
Top players to watch: Jalen Dardy (Sr., G/DE); Domimarkeyo Walden (Sr., T/DT); Deontae Walker (Sr., T/DT); Travion Bostic (Sr., CB/RB); Dontavious Cannon (Sr., FB)

EAST LAURENS
Head coach: Jesse Hicks
Region: 2-2A
2025 record: 3-8
Number of returning offensive starters: 9
Number of returning defensive starters: 9
Top players to watch: Major Floyd (Jr., WR/DB); Bryson Hazley (Jr., WR/DB); Sky Snead (Sr., QB/DB); Jeremiah Rozier (Sr., RB/LB); JaBryan Bigham (Sr., RB/LB); Keay Ellington (Soph., RB/QB/LB); Lagen Mack (Jr., RB/DE); Dianco Murray (Sr., TE/LB); Ja'Tuan Wright (Soph., OL/DL); Kayleb Butler (Sr., OL/DL)

GMC
Head coach: Gavin Tierce
Region: 5-1A
2025 record: 4-7
Number of returning offensive starters: 6
Number of returning defensive starters: 7
Top players to watch: Cason Dennis (Sr., QB); Evan Stasney (Sr., FB/LB); Chris Alexander (Sr., RB/DB); Gonzalo Caballero (Sr., OL/LB); Matthew McDade (Sr., OL/DL)

HAWKINSVILLE
Head coach: Tim Suttles
Region: 4-1A
2025 record: 9-3
Number of returning offensive starters: 3
Number of returning defensive starters: 4
Top players to watch: Marting McDonald (Sr., RB); Johnathan Solomon (Sr., DE); Jakori Pickett (Sr., OLB)

HOUSTON COUNTY
Head coach: Jeremy Edwards
Region: 2-6A
2025 record: 10-2
Number of returning offensive starters: 7
Number of returning defensive starters: 6
Top players to watch: Zion Paul (Sr., LB); Baylin Mills (Sr., OL); Austin Stinson (Sr., RB); Joshua Pettigrew (Sr., TE); Harrison Ludwig (Sr., PK)

HOWARD
Head coach: Trey Porter
Region: 2-4A
2025 record: 2-8
Number of returning offensive starters: 6
Number of returning defensive starters: 5
Top players to watch: TaShawn Poole (Sr., ATH); Zavion DeShazier (Sr., QB); Kingsley Ware (Sr., ATH); Tristian Sands (Sr., LB); Charles Ellington (Jr., DB); Duke Gibson (Jr., LB); Dre Christian (Jr., WR); Tyrell Webb (Jr., DL); Julius Ramsey (Soph., RB); Isiah Taylor (Soph., RB); Zayleon Coleman (Fr., WR)

JONES COUNTY
Head coach: Justin Montgomery
Region: 2-5A
2025 record: 6-4
Number of returning offensive starters: 8
Number of returning defensive starters: 5
Top players to watch: Trey Allen (Jr., WR/DB); Cayden Gilmore (Sr., WR); Travis Miller (Jr., RB/DB); LaQuan Pendleton (Soph., RB); Alex Hammond (Sr., OL/DL); Cameron Sherman (Sr., OL); Thomas Gosier (Sr., OL/DL); Barrett Rosenberger (Jr., OL); Cam Wilkes (Jr., OL); Elijah Mack (Jr., OL); Drew Williams (Sr., TE/LS); Jonathan Hurley (Sr., QB); Jacob Watts (Sr., PK/P); Machai Bellamy (Sr., DL); Brandon Jones (Jr., DL); Zaire Jones (Jr., LB); Thad Smith (Sr., LB); Hunter Hardwick (Sr., LB); Chase Hasty (Sr., LB); Ayjuan Fuller (Jr., DB); Rashad Williams (Soph., WR/DB)

LAMAR COUNTY
Head coach: Travis Ellington
Region: 2-3A
2025 record: 10-1
Number of returning offensive starters: 6
Number of returning defensive starters: 8
Top players to watch (with their name, position and grade in school): Conner Little (OL); Ayden Little (OL); Amari Bentley (OL); Josh McDade (RB); Jayden Doctor (WR); Hayden Dickerson (WR); Josiah Chambers (DL); Carson Howell (DL/RB); Bryson Johnson (DL/OLB); AJ Vereen (LB); Josh McDade (DB); Elijah McKenzie (DB); RJ Starks (DB); Jayden Doctor (DB)

MACON COUNTY
Head coach: Spoon Risper
Region: 6-1A
2025 record: 5-6
Number of returning offensive starters: 9
Number of returning defensive starters: 8
Top players to watch (with their name, position and grade in school): Noah Parker (Sr., RB); Jewun Westberry (Sr., OL); Dezi McKenzie (Jr., WR/DB)

MARY PERSONS
Head coach: Brian Nelson
Region: 2-4A
2025 record: 5-5
Number of returning offensive starters: 7
Number of returning defensive starters: 5
Top players to watch: CJ Banks (Sr., RB/LB); Isaiah Hendricks (Sr., WR); Daniel Jungberg (Sr., WR); Cam Proctor (Sr., DE); Nasir Griffin (Sr., DE); Deaven Davis (Sr., DB); Jordan Singleton (Sr., QB); Mason Stephens (Sr., WR); Tyson Hare (Jr., OL); Connor Carr (Jr., OL); Braylen Perry (Jr., DB); Jumon Smith (Jr., DL); Carson Barnett (Jr., ATH); LJ Zellner (Jr., RB)

NORTHEAST
Head coach: Jeremy Wiggins
Region: 2-3A
2025 record: 10-3
Number of returning offensive starters: 10
Number of returning defensive starters: 6
Top players to watch: Jordan Wiggins (Soph., QB); Kortnei Williams (Sr., DB); Scottavian Thomas (Jr., WR); Tavares Tinsley Jr. (Sr., WR); Keiland “Juju” Miley (Jr., DB)

NORTHSIDE
Head coach: Daniel Williams
Region: 2-6A
2025 record: 1-9
Number of returning offensive starters: 6
Number of returning defensive starters: 7
Top players to watch: Elijah Patmon (Sr., DL); Broderick Humphrey (Sr., DB); Jeremiah Rozier (Jr., OL); Travis Walker (Jr., LB); Ja'Caleb Green (Jr., LB); Ja'Noah Hicks (Soph., ATH); Destyn Stripling (Jr., DB); Trisrian Harry (Jr., WR); Brian Tuck (Soph., WR/DB); Aarian Smith (Jr., RB); Bennie Soloman (Jr., RB)

PEACH COUNTY
Head coach: Marquis Westbrook
Region: 2-4A
2025 record: 10-2
Number of returning offensive starters: 8
Number of returning defensive starters: 8
Top players to watch: Ashton Barton (Sr., RB); Phorrest Sinkfield (Sr., OL); Josh Reis (Sr., WR); Caiden Ivory (Sr., QB); Hunter Hill (Jr., OL); Zion Ellison (Jr., RB); Ace Blunt (Sr., LB); Denim Williams (Sr., LB); DeAndre Stinson (Sr., CB/RB); Dylan Perry (Sr., SS); Kamorious Smith (Jr., FS); David Rodriguez (Sr., PK/P)

PERRY
Head coach: Kevin Smith
Region: 2-5A
2025 record: 4-7
Number of returning offensive starters: 5
Number of returning defensive starters: 0
Top players to watch (with their name, position and grade in school): Mardi Cobb (Sr., QB); Kam Oliver (Jr., RB); Brhyson Gordon (Jr., WR); Dakarai Felder (Sr., WR); JD Arnett (Sr., WR); Jamorian Brown (Sr., WR); Joshua Latson (Sr. T); Kyle Jones (Sr., LB); Jayson Agulto (Jr., CB); Vince Knight (Jr., DL)

RUTLAND
Head coach: Anthony Williams
Region: 2-3A
2025 record: 0-10
Number of returning offensive starters: 7
Number of returning defensive starters: 4
Top players to watch: Jakayden Hill (Sr., LB/RB); Zemerian Johnson (Jr., ATH); Donavan Rutledge (Sr., WR/DB); Isiah Wheeler (Sr., ATH); Malachi Scarborough (Jr., OL); Amir Flournoy (Jr., OL/DL)

SCHLEY COUNTY
Head coach: Darren Alford
Region: 6-1A
2025 record: 7-5

SOUTHWEST
Head coach: Roderick Cummings
Region: 2-3A
2025 record: 3-7
Number of returning offensive starters: 3
Number of returning defensive starters: 2
Top players to watch: Ajaivion Wilson (Jr., QB); T’korrian Davis (Jr., RB); Justin Humphrey (Sr., LB); Ke'Won Johnson (Sr., OL/DL); Trevonne Rice (Sr., OL/DL); Jamir Harden (Sr., WR/DB); Lantonio Hill (Sr., RB/LB)

SUMTER COUNTY
Head coach: Will Rogers
Region: 1-3A
2025 record: 12-2
Number of returning offensive starters: 7
Number of returning defensive starters: 4
Top players to watch: Joc Dice (Sr., WR); Natylli Lewis (Sr., TE/LB); Jaydin Galloway (Soph., WR/DB); Glendon Hill (Soph., WR/DB); Jamiquel Soloman (Sr., DL); Juan Aguirre (Sr., PK/P); Joe Minter (Sr., OL); Aaden Ramirez (Sr., OL); Ayden Arnett (Jr., OL); Jordan Holmes (Jr., RB); Caiden Rogers (Fr., RB); Max Copley (Soph., QB); Briceton Terry (Sr., LB)

TAYLOR COUNTY
Head coach: Jess Devoursney
Region: 6-1A
2025 record: 7-4
Number of returning offensive starters: 8
Number of returning defensive starters: 7
Top players to watch: Leland Holder (Sr., QB); TyQuavion Pinkard (Sr., WR/DB); Adrian Chatman (Sr., RB/LB); Kendarius Richardson (Sr., WR/DB), Amari Mathis (Jr., OL); Malik Parks (Jr., OL); Trace Hill (Sr., DE); Zayquan Dozier (Soph., DT); Garrett Raines (Jr., LB); Dontavious Banks (Sr., DB)

TWIGGS COUNTY
Head coach: Ashley Harden
Region: 5-1A
2025 record: 0-10
Number of returning offensive starters: 4
Number of returning defensive starters: 5
Top players to watch: Terrell Coley (Jr., ATH); Jamarkus Stephens (Sr., TE/LB); Malaki Brooks (Sr., QB/DB); Jaden Jones (Sr., OL/DL); Jacob Williams (Sr., OL/DL)

UPSON-LEE
Head coach: Logan Winkles
Region: 2-4A
2025 record: 5-5
Number of returning offensive starters: 2
Number of returning defensive starters: 3
Top players to watch: Jy Garmon (Sr., RB/OLB); Landen Holloway (Sr., DL); Jayden Dugger (Sr., DL/FB); Chestin Howard (Sr., RB/LB); John Bentley (Sr., S); Isaiah Davis (Jr., TE/DE); Jon Neal (Sr., CB/WR)

VETERANS
Head coach: Steve Devoursney
Region: 2-6A
2025 record: 2-8
Number of returning offensive starters: 5
Number of returning defensive starters: 2
Top players to watch: Jaden Durham (Sr., OL); Christian Chambliss (Sr., OL); Tyler O'Neal (Jr., OL); Kaden Guiterrez (Sr., WR); Deric Ingram Jr. (Sr., DB); Tylan Glover (Sr., DB)

WARNER ROBINS
Head coach: Shane Sams
Region: 2-5A
2025 record: 7-5
Number of returning offensive starters: 7
Number of returning defensive starters: 3
Top players to watch: Zavier Cannon (Jr., WR/DB); Chandler Dyson (Jr., QB); Makahi Scott Atkinson; EJ Adside (Jr., WR/FS); AJ Alexander (Sr., RB/OLB); Jaden Hill (Jr., RB); Khari Ptomey (Soph., RB); Damani Cooper; Ben Adkins (Jr., WR); Peyton Zitterman (Sr., TE/FB); Leroy Sampson

WESTSIDE
Head coach: James Harris
Region: 2-4A
2025 record: 3-8
Number of returning offensive starters: 8
Number of returning defensive starters: 7
Top players to watch: Anthony Horton (Jr., LB/FB); Jaiden Stephens (Jr., QB/RB/WR); Sean Hollis (Sr., OLB/T); Thomas Russell (Jr., DE); Tyleik Flint (Jr., RB)

WEST LAURENS
Head coach: Kip Burdette
Region: 3-4A
2025 record: 13-1
Number of returning offensive starters: 4
Number of returning defensive starters: 5
Top players to watch: Maxx Chafin (Jr., DE); Leroy Mack (Sr., LB); Jonathan Toney (Sr., T); Christian Rozier (Sr., T); Justin Blash (Sr., RB); Braylen Robinson (Jr., RB); Jaden Stanley (Sr., DB/WR); JD Hogan (Jr., DB/WR); Duggan Malone (Jr., QB/PK)

WILCOX COUNTY
Head coach: Stephen McDuffie
Region: 4-1A
2025 record: 7-4
Number of returning offensive starters: 6
Number of returning defensive starters: 5
Top players to watch: Lorenzo Dennard (Jr., QB); Kameron Cooper (Sr., RB); Talon McKinney (Sr., TE/LB); Deacon Harper (Sr., TE/DE); Brody Ashton (Sr., DL); Malachi Murphy (Jr., WR); Jordan Cliett (Fr., FS); Jude Womble (Soph., PK)

WILKINSON COUNTY
Head coach: Mack McCord
Region: 5-1A
2025 record: 4-7
Number of returning offensive starters: 3
Number of returning defensive starters: 5
Top players to watch: Quenterrion Stanford (Sr., QB/DB); Tyler Hogan (Soph., TE/DE); Amare Todd (Jr., LB/RB); Jamill Jackson (Sr., LB/RB); Cha'marrion Hall (Sr., DB/SB); Victor Peacock (Sr., DL/OL); Jason Hurst (Jr., DL/OL); Javeon Thomas (Soph., DL/OL); Daverie Walker (Soph., DB/QB)

GIAA
CFCA
Head coach: Ted Belflower
2025 record: 5-6
Number of returning offensive starters: 6
Number of returning defensive starters: 8
Top players to watch: Jack Sipps (Sr., OL/DL); Carter Welch (Sr., QB/LB); Gabe Blanks (Jr., TE/DE); Barron Hamilton (Jr., WR/DB); Dayne Blanks (Jr., WR/DB); Shephard Tanner (Soph., RB/LB/K); Cole Bemis (Soph., RB/LB)

CRISP
Head coach: Clint Inman
2025 record: 0-10
Top players to watch: Evan Baker (Sr., C/DE); Ridge Davis (Sr., WR/RB/P/DB); Jackson Wade (Sr., RB, WR, LB)

FPD
Head coach: Brett Collier
2025 record: 8-4
Number of returning offensive starters: 5
Number of returning defensive starters: 5
Top players to watch: Jacob Rodgers (Sr., OL/DL); Harris Everitt (Sr., WR/DB); Sam Bryant (Sr., WR/DB); Cash Hickman (Sr., OLB); Graham Moore (Sr., LB); Cash Walker (Soph., QB); Dylan Reeves (Soph., RB/LB)

FULLINGTON
Head coach: Mike Ashley
2025 record: 5-7

JOHN MILLEDGE
Head coach: J.T. Wall
2025 record: 11-1
Number of returning offensive starters: 7
Number of returning defensive starters: 7
Top players to watch: Asa Wall (Jr., TE/LB); Duke Hurt (Jr., RB); Jamel Cooper (Sr., RB); Abe Gainous (Jr., LB); Lane Rhodes (Soph., ATH); Nathan Snow (Jr., QB); Malek Dorsey (Jr., DB); Kellen Eady (Sr., OL/DL)

MOUNT DE SALES
Head coach: Robert Slocum
2025 record: 2-8
Number of returning offensive starters: 7
Number of returning defensive starters: 5
Top players to watch: Bryson Harrell (Jr., RB/WR/OLB); Dexter Scarborough (Jr., OL/DL); Benjamin Burney (Jr., QB); Braylon Mitchell (Sr., WR/DB); Kayden Paul (Soph., DB); Josh Devereaux (Soph., RB/LB); Eli Battle (Soph., WR/DB)

SOUTHLAND
Head coach: Chance Jones
2025 record: 7-5

STRATFORD
Head coach: Paul Carroll
2025 record: 11-2
Number of returning offensive starters: 8
Number of returning defensive starters: 8
Top players to watch: Jett Johnson (Sr., WR/DB); Travis Dugger (Sr., DL/TE); Tucker Johnston (Jr., QB); Aaron Jefferson (Soph., LB/RB); George Dunn (Sr., WR/DB/K); Joshua Butts (Sr., WR/DB); Thomas Gregory (Sr., OL/DL); Morris Butler (Soph., RB/LB)

TATTNALL SQUARE
Head coach: Barney Hester
2025 record: 0-10
Number of returning offensive starters: 5
Number of returning defensive starters: 4
Top players to watch: Tate Morris (Sr., QB/RB/DE); Andrew Pecorilli (Sr., LB); Slayton Skinner (Sr., LB); Champ Price (Sr., WR/DB); Champ Castlin (Sr., WR); Jaden Barajas (Sr., OL/DL)

TRINITY CHRISTIAN
Head coach: Bruce Lane
2025 record: 5-6
Number of returning offensive starters: 5
Number of returning defensive starters: 6
Top players to watch: Andrew Helton (Jr., OL/LB); Tayt Evans (Sr., RB/LB); WillJ Harris (Jr., RB/DE); Asher Evans (Jr., WR/DB); Mason Lane (Jr., RB/LB); Blake Sims (Jr., OL/DL)

WESTFIELD
Head coach: Chad Campbell
2025 record: 8-4
Number of returning offensive starters: 8
Number of returning defensive starters: 6
Top players to watch: Brock Johnson (Sr., QB); Stone St. Clair (Sr., WR); Win Hoots (Sr., WR); Sammy McGehee (Sr., DE/T); Caleb Andrews (Sr., DE/T); Carter Black (Jr., LB); Brooks Bentley (Jr., LB); Banks Reddick (Jr., NG/G)

WINDSOR
Head coach: Dylan Bass
2025 record: 4-8
Number of returning offensive starters: 3
Number of returning defensive starters: 7
Top players to watch: Hunter McGreggor (Sr., MLB/HB); Heath Woodard (Sr., QB); Connor Riley (Sr., T/NG); Walker Jones (Sr., TE/OLB); Jadyn Hardeman (Sr., WR/SS); Ryder Dale (Jr., WR/FS); Scottie Puckett (Jr., RB/ILB)