The state of Georgia is one of the top football states in the country at the prep level. And across the state, for lack of better words, there’s talent all over the field.
Year after year, senior players who aren’t necessarily the biggest of names have made major impacts on their team’s football seasons. These players, who may not be playing for the University of Georgia or Alabama, decide games, region championships, and state championships. In many cases, the development of these players is what makes the difference between a team having a mediocre or an exceptional season.
North Georgia power Gainesville is coming off another successful year. Under second-year head coach Josh Niblett, the team has grown back into one of the premier powers in the state. This season, the team will face challenges they have yet to encounter during his tenure. While the team is the most talented Coach Niblett has had, they are looking to replace most of their defensive back room. The sole returning starter is hybrid safety/linebacker Cash O’Callaghan. O’Callaghan is entering his third year starting for the Red Elephants in 2024; however, for the first he is the leader of the secondary. He was the team’s third-leading tackler last season, finishing with 54 total tackles. With Appalachian State safety Nick Taylor graduating after last season, O’Callaghan will have every opportunity to have an All-State caliber season.
Gainesville’s biggest rival, Flowery Branch, will be rebuilding after losing the vast majority of its team from last season. Their most notable losses on defense were at the linebacker position, including AJC First-Team All-State selection and Region 8-5A Defensive Player of the Year Cam Haynes, and First-Team All-Region selection and three-year starter Frank Perez. In their place, Buford transfer Jackson Prehar will have to step up. Prehar spent his first three seasons with Buford as a backup. At 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds, he has the prototypical build for a linebacker. The Falcons have gotten the most out of all their linebackers. Prehar will be no exception while he looks to become the fourth linebacker in three years to join the college ranks out of Flowery Branch.
North Paulding has been a team that gets the most out of every player on the field. Coach Don Stark has led the Wolfpack to back-to-back playoff appearances, hosting playoff games in both years and winning the school’s second region title in 2022. The team will be losing much of its defense from last season, including its top six tacklers. Its top returning player on defense is defensive back Marcus Roach. Roach is one of the most physically imposing defensive backs in the state. Standing at 6-foot-5 and 185 pounds, he is a massive player with underrated speed. At his size, he has the ability to be a versatile defender, capable of playing at either linebacker or safety. He should anchor the back end of the defense taking pressure off a young defensive front giving them time to develop.
Legendary head coach Keith Maloof has a history of great running backs, and last year’s top running back, Kevin Maven, was no exception. The then-junior had a great season, though he was overshadowed by star quarterback Watkins, who rushed for over 1,000 yards last year. While overshadowed, Maven still had a great season, rushing for over 900 yards and scoring 8 touchdowns. With the now-graduated AJ Watkins gone, the offense will turn to a more traditional look with Dylan Muhamed, who split time with Watkins last year, taking over full-time. With a more traditional passer, Maven will get more carries and should have an even bigger season in 2024.
Peachtree Ridge will have to revamp their receiving corps in the 2024 season due to the graduation of Myles Abernathy and Lamar White, who combined for over 1,200 yards last season. Tyeion Cofield will be tabbed to replace Myles Abernathy. Cofield, the team’s fourth-leading receiver from last year, is the team’s top returning X receiver, catching 26 passes for 479 yards and 3 touchdowns. At 6-1 185 pounds Cofield is a big physical receiver who has the speed, length and size to be the Lions top wide receiver next season. Cofield, along with slot receiver King Thomas, will give the Lions a dynamic pair of wide receivers that will be hard even for the best secondaries to shut down.
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