The 2023 GHSA Football season concluded with the first championship matchup (Milton 31, Walton 21) in Georgia’s highest classification without a Gwinnett County or South Georgia team since 1985’s title game between Clarke Central vs. Warner Robins. Historic anomalies aside, Gwinnett County was loaded with elite talent and performers this season and the Gwinnett Daily Post honored those players with its All-County selections on Tuesday. This list also includes dozens of underclassmen that will be among the state’s top prospects when the 2024 season kicks off.
Earning Gwinnett County Coach of the Year was Peachtree Ridge’s Matt Helmerich. The former Johns Creek head coach led the Lions to a share of the Region 7-7A title this season in his second year at PTR and achieved the program’s first 10-win season since 2009. Sophomore defensive back Dorian Barney was named First Team All-County and produced 32 tackles and four interceptions this season. The Defensive Player of the Year was awarded to Buford’s KJ Bolden. The UGA-signee did it all for the Wolves this season, but his defensive contributions produced 33 tackles and four interceptions—two of which were returned for scores. Offensively, Norcross’ AJ Watkins earned Offensive Player of the Year. Watkins threw for 1,114 yards and nine touchdowns and also rushed for 1,103 yards and 17 touchdowns with 24 catches for 371 yards and three touchdowns as a receiver. Finally, the Athlete of the Year went to Mill Creek’s Trajen Greco. The Missouri-signee and US Army All-American finished the year with 41 receptions for 549 yards and 10 touchdowns and he also rushed for 107 yards, while producing 25 tackles and two interceptions.
Grayson quarterback J.D. Davis highlights the First Team Offensive and beat out Buford quarterback Dylan Raiola—who earned a spot on the Second Team All-County Offense. Davis finished his senior season with 3,088 passing yards, 35 touchdowns and just one interception. The other notable first-teamer was Brookwood’s Caitlyn Soroka. The junior kicker finished the year 20-of-20 on PAT’s and was 7-of-8 on field goals with two successful onside kicks and a game-winning field goal against Carver-Columbus.
First Team
Offense
QB J.D. Davis, Grayson, Sr.
RB Cam Robinson, Mill Creek, Sr.
RB Quinton Slaughter, Providence Christian, Sr.
WR Caleb Lee, Providence Christian, Sr.
WR Mike Matthews, Parkview, Sr.
WR Jamie Tremble, Wesleyan, Sr.
TE William Wallace, Archer, Sr.
OL Aidan Banfield, Mill Creek, Sr.
OL Jordan Floyd, Parkview, Sr.
OL Waltclaire Flynn, Grayson, Sr.
OL Jeremiah Schine, Mill Creek, Sr.
OL Cortez Smith, Parkview, Jr.
ATH G.L. Tiberia, Greater Atlanta Christian, Sr.
KR John Cineas, Grayson, Sr.
LS Landon Murphy, Hebron Christian, Sr.
PK Caitlyn Soroka, Brookwood, Jr.
Defense
DL Cole Funderburk, North Gwinnett, Jr.
DL Deuce Geralds, Collins Hill, Soph.
DL Eddrick Houston, Buford, Sr.
DL A.J. Pigford, South Gwinnett, Sr.
LB Josh Anglin, Mill Creek, Sr.
LB Tyler Atkinson, Grayson, Soph.
LB Jadon Perlotte, Buford, Jr.
LB Andre Thompson, Norcross, Sr.
LB Antonio White, Parkview, Sr.
DB Dorian Barney, Peachtree Ridge, Soph.
DB Jalyn Crawford, Parkview, Sr.
DB Jaylin Lackey, South Gwinnett, Sr.
DB Antonio Molder II, Norcross, Sr.
DB Jaiden Patterson, Mill Creek, Sr.
P Cooper Johnson, Mountain View, Sr.
Loading ...
