The Corky Kell + Dave Hunter Classic celebrated high school football return at the Atlanta Marriott Northwest on Monday where attendees of the annual kickoff luncheon geared up for the historic 32nd annual classic that will be played Aug. 16-19 with a spectacular 11-game lineup. Corky Kell founder Dave Hunter and I.J. Rosenberg addressed the crowd and recognized all the partners and sponsors that have helped make this event possible—like the National Guard, GeorgiaConstructionCareers.com, Sportsturf, 92.9 The Game, Atlanta News First, DawgNation and countless others. GHSA Executive Director Dr. Robin Hines, and a collection of county athletics directors, administrators and school principals were also present and shared lunch, courtesy of Zaxby’s, with representatives from all 22 schools participating in this year’s star-powered Corky Kell lineup.
One of the youngest head coaches in Georgia Grayson coach Santavious Bryant (28 years old) talked about the upcoming 2023 season and how special it is to compete in the Corky Kell next weekend.
“I am really looking forward to my guys being able to showcase all the work that they put in this offseason and finally letting the world see what they have done,” said Bryant. “It’s an honor and a blessing and very exciting for our kids to be able to showcase their talents on that platform and I am just blessed to be a part of it.”
Norcross head coach Keith Maloof will hit a special milestone next Saturday at the Corky Kell against the Marietta Blue Devils as he gears up to coach for his 25th season at Norcross High School. Maloof is 215-96 at Norcross with six region championships and two state titles.
The Corky Kell luncheon featured numerous stars and college commits. Mill Creek defensive back Trajen Greco (Georgia Tech commit), Kell linebacker Justin Logan (Arkansas commit), Norcross defensive end Jackson Bussey (Appalachian State commit), McEachern defensive back Daniel James (Cincinnati commit), Grayson tight end Kylan Fox (UCF commit), Walton quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (Wake Forest commit) and Walton linebacker Aston Woody (North Carolina commit).
Parkview WR 5 star Mike Matthews (Tennessee commit) shared some of his goals for the season and the most important thing you need as a wide receiver playing football.
“Personal goal is I want to have is to lead my school in receiving yards and a team goal is I want to win state,” said Matthews. “As a receiver it is important to have confidence. If you don’t have confidence in your routes, the quarterback won’t throw you the ball. If you are confident, then you will get the ball.”
Play-by-play veteran Matt Stewart took over the mic and hosted the most exciting part of the luncheon as he spoke to all 22 head coaches about their upcoming matchups. This entertaining press conference moved from table to table, beginning with Wednesday’s double-header of North Atlanta vs Johns Creek and Parkview vs Kell and closing with all four of Saturday’s matchups. Friday’s first game—which is Fellowship Christian vs. Mt. Pisgah will be played at Fellowship Christian in Roswell this year. With Day 2 of the luncheon on Tuesday, Creekside vs. Kennesaw Mountain and Cass vs. Rome will be celebrated along with Fellowship Christian and Mount Pisgah. When Monday’s luncheon ended, Stewart reminded the audience that the football season was just over a week away from kicking off at Johns Creek High School. Check out this year’s full schedule below and tune in to PeachtreeTV and the Atlanta News First app to watch all the matchups.
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