Georgia’s high school football season officially begins on Aug. 16, but scrimmages start on Aug. 2, which is wild. So, the next couple of weeks will be busy, but I am excited for the ride as I enter year four of covering the sport.
This year will be different without my former co-worker Brendan Koerner, who’s moved on as sports editor of the Walton Tribune. Still, Smith Communications is ready to bring Lake Country the best coverage.
There will be many storylines to follow this season, especially with several new coaches and faces around the area.
Putnam County’s Joel Harvin enters year two after the War Eagles made the Class AA playoffs last season but didn’t maximize their potential in Harvin’s first season. They return a lot of talent, though.
Last year, Gatewood came up just a few plays short of its fourth state championship in six seasons. However, the Gators appear just as loaded as last season, with many key pieces coming back for long-time coach Jeff Ratliff.
Greene County came close in the second round last year to defeating defending state champion Bowdon, which won another title a few weeks later. The Tigers have a new quarterback, and two Division I commits returning in Kevin Wynn (Florida State) and Steve Miller (Miss State). Head coach Terrance Banks has the program rolling there.
Last season, Morgan County won its first region title in several years and got its first playoff win in over a decade. The Bulldogs are primed for another good year, returning a solid junior class under coach Clint Jenkins.
Lake Oconee Academy had its best season in 2023 under head coach Patrick Stewart. However, the Titans face a real test this season in their first year of being able to make the playoffs, so everyone will be watching to see if they can make a run when it counts.
Football acclimation week for the Georgia High School Association and Georgia Independent Athletic School Association will end this month, so we’re getting close to the start of the new season.
Our annual Lake Country High School Football Preview Magazine is already in the works, so watch out for it.
Lastly, good luck to all Lake Country athletes and coaches. Stay hydrated, and let’s get this football season going!