The toughest question to answer in the state each year is who is the best football team in the GHSA? The newly established Class AAAAAAA houses 48 teams, some regarded as national powerhouses meaning the competition is as good as it gets in the Peach State. Colquitt County staked its claim as the best-of-the-best the past two seasons, repeating as state champions in the midst of a dynasty. This year, however, it looks like the Packers have passed the torch. But to who?
Grayson brought in a stable of Division-I recruits, putting a target squarely on their back. On paper, the Rams might have the most talent in the state and are off to a 4-1 start, the No. 3 ranking in the state and are coming off a 60-0 shutout of Rockdale County. Grayson’s only loss has come to IMG Academy, Fla., 26-7 on ESPN.
If you like flash and sizzle, Grayson is your pick for the state’s best. But for me, that’s not my style.
How about No. 2 Mill Creek? The Hawks sit at 6-0 and defeated the Wicked Witch of the East, also known as Colquitt County in the Corky Kell Classic, 34-27. Coach Shannon Jarvis’ team is a true no-nonsense, get the job done type unit. They don’t put up monster individual stats, instead grinding teams out by spreading the wealth around on offense and thoroughly dominating teams physically with their defense. Cameron Turley made some big throws against Colquitt County and is steady veteran under center.
I love what the Hawks are doing, but are they the best in the state? They very well may be, but let’s see who else is out there.
Colquitt County is still Colquitt, shaking off an unfathomable 0-4 start and winning three straight. If there’s one coach you don’t want to bet against come playoff time, it’s Rush Propst. But alas, I’m a real riverboat gambler and I’ll take that bet this year.
So who’s the best team in the state? Is it No. 4 McEachern paced by Florida State-commit Bailey Hockman? Is it No. 5 Norcross, a program with a rich history of hanging championship banners?
No, no, no.
My pick is No. 1 Roswell.
The Hornets are 5-0 and ranked No. 6 in MaxPreps Xcellent 25 poll. You want the resume? You got it. A dominating 24-7 Corky Kell Classic victory over Class AAAAA No. 1 Buford. A 34-3 shellacking at No. 8 Colquitt County, yes, at Colquitt. A 47-0 win at Archer and wins over Central Gwinnett and Milton.
Through five games the Hornets have allowed only 16 points. That’s a 3.2 point per game average. Defense wins championships right? Justin Ellis has emerged as a feared pass-rusher with five sacks with Mitch Stone tallying four himself. Roswell has eight interceptions with blue-chippers LeAnthony Williams Jr. and Xavier McKinney powering the secondary.
Offensively? Dual-threat dandy Malik Willis is elusive, throwing for 739 yards and seven touchdowns while adding 320 yards rushing and two scores. Bowling ball Sheldon Evans has 652 yards on the ground and seven scores. And through the air, Corey Reed Jr., Jayden Comma and Kentrell Barber give Coach John Ford more than enough weapons.
Right now, Roswell is the team to beat.
Loading ...
