High School Football
Glynn Academy Red Terrors 2026 Preview
By: Garrison Ryfun
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Glynn Academy enters the 2026 season looking to make the playoffs for the 18th year in a row and the 13th time under current head coach Rocky Hidalgo.
Last season, Glynn finished 6-5 overall and 5-3 in Region 1-5A, finishing 4th before falling in the 1st round of the 5A playoffs to Jackson County.
This year, the Red Terrors move up to Class 6A as the GHSA returns to a 7-classification system for the first time since 2023.
Despite the change, Glynn will see many familiar opponents, with Brunswick, Bradwell Institute, Effingham County, South Effingham, Lakeside-Evans and Greenbrier remaining on the region schedule. Grovetown joins the region, while Statesboro and Evans stay in 5A.
With the GHSA’s new Post Season Ranking system, it may not be as easy to sneak in the playoffs as a four seed in the region.
The new Post Season Ranking Formula weighs a team’s winning percentage at 35%, its opponents’ winning percentage at 35% and its opponents’ opponents’ winning percentage at 30%. Region champions will still receive favorable treatment, but the remaining playoff spots will depend more heavily on overall record and strength of schedule.
On the field, the biggest storyline will be the second season of the flexbone offense.
The flexbone was introduced at Glynn Academy last year and immediately produced points. The Terrors averaged 29.6 points per game, the 8th-best points per game in school history and the 2nd-highest during Hidalgo’s tenure.
Returning to command that offense is rising junior quarterback Max Noonan, who missed much of spring practice while helping Glynn Academy’s baseball team make a deep playoff run. Noonan led the Terrors in rushing yards and touchdowns last season while quickly picking up the new offense.
Replacing the two-headed attack of Da’sean Howard and DJ Creighton at fullback will be one of the questions on offense for the Terrors. The Terrors have several potential options at the position, including Caiden Robinson, standout linebacker Cooper Reiss and backup quarterback Ayden Wilson, who could all see carries in the backfield.
The Terrors will have only three games to settle on their new-look backfield before region play begins, and even with the new seeding formula region play is still very important for the playoffs.
Glynn’s Schedule:
8/20/2026 – vs Calvary Day
8/28/2026 – @ Camden County
9/4/2026 – vs Savannah Christian
9/11/2026 – BYE WEEK
9/18/2026 – vs Bradwell Institute (Region)
9/25/2026 – @ Lakeside-Evans (Region)
10/2/2026 – vs Effingham County (Region)
10/9/2026 – BYE WEEK
10/16/2026 – @ Brunswick High (Region)
10/23/2026 – @ Greenbrier (Region)
10/30/2026 – @ South Effingham (Region)
11/6/2026 – vs Grovetown (Region)
After making three trips to the Augusta area for region games last season, the Terrors will thankfully make the journey only twice this year to face Lakeside-Evans and Greenbrier.
The path to the region championship has typically run through some combination of Brunswick, Effingham County, and Glynn Academy in recent years.
That is unlikely to change despite coaching changes and excellent talent that graduated for all 3 schools last year.
Brunswick still boasts an explosive backfield with Josiah Gibbons and Nigel Gardner at running back, while Effingham should continue an impressive passing game with standout wide receiver Trayvis Hunter returning on the outside.
The outlook for the Terrors’ 2026 season is very optimistic. With another year in the flexbone offense and several key contributors returning on both sides of the ball, Glynn should once again compete near the top of the region and put itself in position to extend its playoff streak to 18 consecutive seasons.
Charlton County Indians 2026 Preview
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Football has always meant something in Folkston.
For generations, Charlton County has built one of South Georgia’s proudest football traditions, a program defined by toughness, discipline and a belief that every season brings another opportunity to compete for championships.
Those expectations don’t disappear simply because the calendar changes or a new coach arrives. Instead, they grow.
The 2026 season marks the beginning of a new era for the Indians as Brandon Byram takes over a program that reached the second round of the Class A Division II state playoffs a year ago.
Charlton finished 6-6 overall in 2025, battling through a demanding schedule before seeing its postseason run come to an end against Screven County. Now, the focus shifts from what was accomplished last season to what lies ahead.
And what lies ahead won’t be easy.
The Indians open the season with three consecutive road games, beginning August 21 with perhaps their toughest non-region challenge.
Charlton travels across the state line to face West Nassau, a Florida powerhouse that finished 12-2 last season and reached the postseason after placing third in its district. It will be an immediate measuring stick for a team looking to establish its identity under a new coaching staff.
The road doesn’t get much easier a week later when the Indians visit McIntosh County Academy. While the Buccaneers finished just 5-6 a year ago, they reached the state playoffs and will present another early challenge before Charlton heads to Berrien on September 4.
The Rebels struggled to a 4-8 record last season, making that contest one the Indians will hope to use to build momentum before returning home.
Fans in Folkston won’t have to wait long for a marquee matchup.
Charlton’s home opener comes September 11 against Frederica Academy, a defending region champion that finished 8-4 and advanced to the second round of the playoffs.
One week later, the schedule becomes even more demanding when Early County visits. The Bobcats posted a 10-4 record in 2025, won their region and advanced all the way to the state semifinals before their impressive season came to an end.
Region play begins October 2 when Lanier County visits Folkston. Although the Bulldogs finished just 2-9 last season, region games often have a way of ignoring the previous year’s records, making every Friday night significant.
Charlton then travels to Atkinson County on October 9 to face a team that finished 9-1 a year ago, one of the biggest challenges on the region schedule.
After an open week to regroup, the Indians return home October 23 to host Mitchell County, a playoff team that lost a heartbreaking overtime game in the opening round last season.
The regular season concludes with two road games that could ultimately define Charlton’s postseason hopes.
First comes the annual showdown with Clinch County, one of the state’s perennial Class A powers. The Panthers finished 13-1 last season, captured the Region 2 championship and advanced to the state semifinals. Every year this rivalry delivers a physical, hard-fought contest, and 2026 should be no different.
The finale sends the Indians to Irwin County on November 6. While those Indians struggled to a 1-9 record in 2025, road region games are rarely easy, particularly when playoff berths and postseason seeding may still be hanging in the balance.
There are certainly questions surrounding Charlton County entering a season with a new head coach. There always are.
But the Tribe from Folkston has never been short on confidence. Confidence that hard work will win games. Confidence that tradition matters. Confidence that when the lights come on Friday night, Charlton County will be ready to compete.
The road through the 2026 schedule is demanding, but that has never discouraged football in Folkston.
If the Indians embrace the challenges ahead and continue building on last year’s playoff success, another memorable chapter in Charlton County football history could soon be written.
Gainesville Red Elephants 2026 Preview
By: Kenneth Harrison
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Gainesville made national news last season when they had 35 players suspended for an on-field brawl in November.
This occurred in the 5A second round win against Brunswick, 42-0. They filed and won an injunction in court to overturn the player suspensions.
The Red Elephants advanced to the 5A state championship, where they lost to Thomas County Central 62-21. The GHSA stripped Gainesville of the 5A runner-up finish after determining they used an ineligible player during the state semifinals.
Gainesville has moved up to 6A this season.
Head coach Josh Niblett left to become the tight ends coach at Colorado in January. He coached the Red Elephants for four years and had a 45-9 record with two state championship game appearances.
This caused Grayson head coach Santavious Bryant to leave and take over in Gainesville.
“We are thrilled to welcome coach Bryant back to Gainesville,” Gainesville High School Athletic Director Adam Lindsey said in a statement. “During his previous time here, he made an immediate impact on our student-athletes and our culture. Watching his growth and the incredible success he achieved at Grayson only solidified our belief that he is the right person to lead this program.”
During Bryant’s three seasons at Grayson, the Rams were 37-5. They also made the state quarterfinals three times, the state semifinals twice and won the state championship in 2024.
Gainesville has won one GHSA state title and that was in 2012 when they had Deshaun Watson.
They have several talented players on the team. Senior LB Jeremiah Proctor (6’4, 210 lbs.) is a four-star recruit and he’s committed to Pitt. He spent most of last season at safety playing up top in Cover 2.
Senior RB Nigel Newkirk (5’11, 200 lbs.) is a three-star player and an Alabama commit. He finished his junior season (14 games) with 1,496 yards and 19 TDs on 184 rushes (8.1 ypc) and added 12 receptions for 128 yards and 1 TD. He also runs track.
QB Kharim Hughley (5’11, 205 lbs.) is also a three-star recruit and he’s committed to Clemson. Last year he completed 172 of 286 passes (60.1%) for 2,596 yards with 34 TD and 10 INT. Also carried the ball 61 times for 394 yards and 9 TD.
OT Tyler Ford (6’6, 307 lbs.) is committed to Miami. IOL Bryson Hurt (6’4, 300 lbs.) is committed to NC State.
Here is the 2026 schedule:
8/22 @ Buford
9/5 @ East St. Louis (Illinois)
9/11 vs. McEachern
9/18 vs. OCA (South Carolina)
9/25 vs. Alpharetta
10/2 @ Roswell
10/9 @ Johns Creek
10/16 vs. Riverwood
10/23 vs. Milton
10/30 @ Lanier
Week 1 against Buford will be tough. They’re the top team in 7A. They were undefeated last season and won the state and national championship but they have lost over twenty players from that team. This is a nationally televised game.
East St. Louis typically plays a tough national schedule against teams like Bishop Gorman (Nevada), IMG Academy (Florida) and American Heritage (Florida). I expect this to be a tough game.
McEachern is another 7A team that should be ranked in the top 10. They were 10-1 last season.
Region 7-AAAAAA play begins week 4 against Alpharetta. The only non-region game the rest of the season is against Riverwood.
Roswell was 12-2 last season and beat Gainesville, 37-35. I think they’ll be the toughest competition in the region. Milton is also a very good team.
I expect Gainesville to compete for the 6A state championship in 2026.
Valwood Valiants 2026 Preview
By: Joseph Stuckey
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The Valwood Valiants are looking to take charge during the 2026 football campaign.
Valwood is located in one of South Georgia’s football hotbeds in Valdosta.
The Valdosta area is also home to GHSA football powerhouses Valdosta High School and Lowndes County High School, and they are right down the road from Thomas County Central High School.
Valwood will compete in the GIAA 2A classification that will send 8 teams to the state playoffs based on MaxPreps power rankings.
For Region play, they will play in A/AA District 3, which consists of Brookwood School (Thomasville), Sherwood Christian Academy (Albany), Southwest Georgia Academy (Damascus), and Southland Academy (Americus).
In 2024, Valwood competed in the GIAA AAA classification and made it to the State Championship at Georgia Southern University’s Paulson Stadium, where they fell to Deerfield-Windsor 19-15.
Last season, they went 6-4 and lost in the Elite Eight to Frederica Academy. John Milledge Academy would eventually win the AAA state title.
So for this season, with Valwood moving down to the AA classification and having success at the AAA classification, one could expect Valwood to make a strong run in the state playoffs.
Some of the AA teams that are contenders and that they could meet come playoff time include The Brentwood School (Sandersville), which won the AA state title last season, and Pinewood Christian Academy (Bellville), which is also coming down from the AAA classification alongside Valwood.
Now let’s take a look at their very unique 2026 schedule.
To start the season, the Valiants will take on nearby Atkinson County, which will be one of the rare matchups between a GHSA and GIAA school this season.
In years past, there were plenty of these matchups, but with the GHSA’s new power ranking system being implemented across all classifications, it has caused that number to drop drastically.
From my understanding, GHSA teams receive no added benefits of playing a non-GHSA team in terms of power rankings.
But for GIAA schools, it does affect their MaxPreps power rankings; the thought is GHSA teams play tougher opponents and normally benefit GIAA teams’ power rankings, even with a loss.
Even with that said, On3 gives Valwood a 74% chance of winning this game against Atkinson County.
As the season continues, they will play Deerfield-Windsor, which, as I mentioned above, beat Valwood in the 2024 state championship. Deerfield-Windsor is an AAA school, and On3 basically has the game at a coin toss, with a 53/47 split.
Valwood will also take on Cottonwood High School, which is just over the state line near Dothan, Alabama. This is also one of the rare matchups between a GIAA school and an out-of-state school.
The Valiants will also take on George Walton Academy, which made a deep run in the AAAA state playoffs last season.
Frederica Academy is also on the schedule for a revenge game against Valwood, as Frederica was the team that knocked them out of the playoffs last season. Valwood is slated to win this game based on On3’s prediction.
Then they will have 2 higher-classification opponents in Tiftarea Academy (AAA) and Calvary Christian Academy (AAAA) before opening district play against the other 4 teams in their district to finish the regular season.
I predict the Valiants could only have a few losses this season and could end up being really close to the 10-win mark and compete for the #1 seed in the AA playoff bracket.
Statesboro Blue Devils 2026 Preview
By: Colin Lacy
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Coming off a second-round appearance in the GHSA State Playoffs last season, Statesboro High has taken enormous steps forward each of past three years under Head Coach Matt Dobson and the Blue Devils’ staff.
2026 sets up to be more of the same with Statesboro looking to burst into a newly revamped region and make a deep run into the playoff field.
After a 2-2 start to the 2025 season last year, the Blue Devils went on a five-game winning streak with wins over Bradwell Institute, Lakeside, Brunswick, Evans and South Effingham.
Statesboro had hopes to win the region title up until the final week of the regular season last year with having to deal with a lot of adversity through the year.
A lot will be talked about with Beckham Jarrard (and rightfully so), but even when Jarrard missed multiple games with injury in the middle of the five-game win streak, the Blue Devils were able to continue to thrive.
Davis Harrison was able to take over and with contributions from Keon Childers, Gage Newsome, and other weapons.
While the roster continues to be littered with talent for Dobson, the main focus continues to be on Beckham Jarrard.
The now junior has had a busy offseason bouncing from some of the best college camps in the country and garnering well deserved attention from the top schools in the country just entering his junior campaign.
In two seasons for the Blue Devils, Jarrard has racked up over 2,800 passing yards, rushing for almost 700 more and scoring 28 combined touchdowns.
Jarrard is a phenomenal talent on the field, but to me what sets him apart as a next level talent is the mindset and dedication to, he has shown to the mental side of football.
We mentioned in a story from last season how Jarrard breaks down virtually every throw he makes (in a game and practice) on video with former NFL QB Coach Pat O’Hara.
While there are some questions that will be answered early in the season for “the Boro”, Matt Dobson and company believe that they have the answers to them.
Statesboro will have to find replacements for Keon Childers who was one of the best rushers and receivers in the region in the past few years along with Gage Newsome, the top receiver for the Blue Devils last year who both graduated after the 2025 season.
SHS will look to some returners to take a big step forward along with at least one transfer into the program.
Someone that has produced in a number of different roles for Statesboro already in his career but would be my pick to take a massive step for his senior year is Davis Harrison.
Harrison has worked as a receiver, quarterback (as we mentioned earlier), and now is listed on the roster as a tight end but is someone that is a leader in the squad that could really put up some big numbers this year.
The other player that I believe will have a massive year in his first year in a Blue Devil uniform is DJ Brooks.
Brooks transfers to Statesboro this year from cross-county rival Southeast Bulloch and looks to sure up the running back room for Statesboro with Keon Childers’ departure.
Brooks averaged over 6.0 yards per rush with a pair of touchdowns in limited action for Southeast Bulloch last year as a sophomore but is a physical player that can be a beautiful counter punch (and weapon for) to Jarrard.
Statesboro will try to improve on the 2nd round appearance last year that saw the final record sit at 8-4 and will be a force to be reckoned with in a much tougher region after the GHSA realignment.
Camden County Wildcats 2026 Preview
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
There is something different in the air around Chris Gilman Stadium.
Maybe it is the arrival of a new head coach. Maybe it is the return of August football in Kingsland. Or maybe it is simply the belief that Camden County football is ready to begin writing its next great chapter.
Whatever it is, the 2026 season feels important.
The Wildcats enter the year under first-year head coach Tucker Pruitt, a proven winner who brings a championship resume and a clear vision to Camden County.
Pruitt won big at Fitzgerald, captured a state championship, took teams deep into the playoffs, and spent last season leading Appling County to a region title.
Now, he steps into one of Georgia’s most tradition-rich programs with the task of restoring Camden to consistent statewide relevance.
That journey will not come with an easy schedule.
After a preseason scrimmage against Florida power The Bolles School on August 14, the Wildcats open the regular season at home against Brunswick on August 21. The Pirates went 9-3 last season and reached the playoffs before falling to Gainesville, giving Camden an immediate test against a strong coastal opponent.
One week later, Glynn Academy comes to Kingsland. The two programs have not met in several years, adding a little extra intrigue to a rivalry matchup that once carried plenty of familiarity. Glynn finished 6-5 last season, but records rarely matter much when old rivals get back together.
September will reveal even more about Camden’s toughness.
The Wildcats travel to Benedictine on September 4 to face a program that went 11-3 last season, won the Region 1-4A championship and came within one play of a state title, falling 42-39 to Creekside in the championship game. That matchup may be one of the best non-region measuring sticks on the entire schedule.
Camden then returns home for three straight games against Florida opponents. Amos P. Godby visits on September 11 after a 5-7 season in which it still finished second in its district. Ed White follows on September 18 after going 9-3 and winning its district. On September 25, Camden hosts West Broward, a team the Wildcats beat 32-13 last season, but one that finished 12-3 and should arrive looking for payback.
By the time Camden reaches its October 2 bye week, Pruitt and his staff should have a clear picture of where the Wildcats stand.
Then comes the gauntlet of play in the newly re-established Region 1-7A.
There may not be a tougher four-game stretch in Georgia high school football. Camden opens region play October 9 at Lowndes, last year’s region champion. The Vikings went 10-2 before falling to North Gwinnett in the second round.
Richmond Hill comes to Chris Gilman Stadium on October 16 after finishing 6-5 and reaching the playoffs. Then Camden travels to Valdosta on October 23 to face a Wildcats team that went 12-2, finished second in the region and reached the quarterfinals before losing to Buford.
The regular season closes October 30 at home against Colquitt County, another heavyweight that went 9-3 last season and advanced to the second round before falling to Grayson.
In other words, nothing will be handed to Camden County. But maybe that is exactly the point.
Pruitt has emphasized discipline, physicality, accountability and toughness since arriving in Kingsland. With veteran defensive coordinator Alan Rodemaker joining the staff and transfer quarterback Xavier Collins adding experience to the offense, the Wildcats have reasons for optimism.
The road back will be demanding, but Camden County has never been a program built on shortcuts. This is a place where expectations are earned under the lights, in the weight room and through the grind of Friday nights.
The 2026 season is more than a schedule. It is the beginning of a new era. And in Camden County, new eras still come with old expectations.
Brunswick High Pirates 2026 Preview
By: Jason Bishop
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The Brunswick High Pirates had their 2025 season end at the hands of the Gainesville Red Elephants in the second round of the GHSA playoffs.
Last season ended in controversy as the Pirates and Red Elephants had the game called early due to a benches clearing brawl that made national headlines.
Despite the controversy BHS enters the 2026 season coming off of a 9-3 season and a region title.
They also come into 2026 as a team in transition. Gone are record-setting QB Grant Moore and 4-star TE Heze Kent; 2 vital cogs in the Pirates prolific offense from last year that bludgeoned defenses all season long.
Also gone is former Head Coach Garrett Grady who is now coaching in Douglas with the Coffee County Trojans.
Enter Dr. Byron Slack to take over as the Pirates head man. Slack spent several years on the Camden County staff during the championship years and comes over from Cook County after spending 4 seasons as Head Coach with the Hornets.
Slack will make an emphasis on team discipline and bring out the best in the Pirates on defense; an area that has been inconsistent for the Pirates for over a decade.
Despite losing key cogs on offense BHS does return some key playmakers on offense. Most notably running backs Nigel Gardner, Josiah Gibbons and WR Waseem Murray.
Both Gardner and Gibbons rushed for over 1,000 yards and combined for almost 30 touchdowns last season.
Murray was the Pirates best playmaker in open space and was dangerous every time he got the ball in his hands. Murray had 700 all-purpose yards and 5 touchdowns.
At QB the Pirates will either have senior Keegan Walker or junior Eli Overton under center.
BHS will move up from 5A to 6A and play in Region 1-6A with Glynn Academy, Effingham, South Effingham, Bradwell Institute, Grovetown, Greenbriar and Lakeside.
Brunswick will kick off the season on August 21st against Camden ‘Between The Bricks’ at Glynn County Stadium.
The Pirates will take to the road the week after that to take on Groves. BHS gets a bye the following week and then return home in week 4 to take on national power Grayson at Glynn County Stadium.
Region play starts for the Pirates on September 18th against Grovetown up in Augusta.
BHS then hosts Greenbriar and then travels to Hinesville to square off with Bradwell on October 2nd.
Brunswick High will then take a bye to get ready for the City Championship game against the Glynn Academy Red Terrors on October 16. This game will go a long way in determining who will win the region.
Technically the Pirates will be the home team against Terrors and will be the first of three consecutive home games; the other two will be against South Effingham and Effingham.
Brunswick will close the regular season against Lakeside on the road in Augusta.
I am predicting the Pirates will be serious contenders to win the region. In my opinion who ever wins the City Championship Game will also hoist the region championship trophy at season’s end.
Bulloch Academy Gators 2026 Preview
By: Joseph Stuckey
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Recently, I was able to get my first glimpse of the 2026 Bulloch Academy Gators football team.
They met up with the Jenkins County War Eagles in a thud-style practice. So, my observations do have to be taken with a grain of salt, as a thud practice is padded, but tackles don’t get taken to the ground.
The Gators return a lot of impact players, not just from last season but also several who made an impact during the 2024 GIAA 4-A State Championship run.
The Gators have made 3 straight trips to the Elite Eight and beyond (2023: Final Four; 2024: state title; 2025: Elite Eight).
The 2027 class of athletes at Bulloch Academy has the potential to be the best in school history when it comes to players advancing to the collegiate level.
On the Offensive side, for the 3rd straight year, #6 Sam Hubbard is set to lead Mark Lefebvre’s Wing-T attack. Over the summer, Sam committed to play baseball for Georgia Southern after graduation.
Bulloch Academy always has an impressive offensive line, and this year looks to be no different, as Griff Sumner and Slaton Roberts look to lead the big guys up front in the trenches.
Also, along the O-line is senior Colin Grooms, who is very versatile and may serve as a tight end at times and rush the quarterback on defense as an edge.
When naming offensive weapons, you have to start with the versatile athleticism of #17 Rocco Reiss, who you will see play numerous positions throughout the season.
Then the receiving corps includes the very athletic Nick Eason Jr. and Georgia Southern commit Billy Crider.
#20 B.J. Smart looks to be the one who will take the most handoffs at running back; you will also see Maddox Lee and Connor Perry get involved on the offensive side of the ball.
On the flip side of the ball, Chris Kearson’s defense is anchored right up front on the defensive line by Kennesaw State commit Braylon Cone.
You will also see several other players rotated around on the D-line, including Bo Crider and then the aforementioned Colin Grooms coming off the edge.
At linebacker, one guy that really caught my eye was #9 Tate Williams, who will look to clean up what little gets by Cone and company.
In the secondary, the 2 cornerstones are J.B. Roach and Nick Eason Jr., who will look to defend opposing teams’ passing attacks.
As far as kickoffs and punting, it looks like it will be #16 Case Woodrum handling kickoffs, field goals, extra points, and punts.
There are also a few younger players I am interested in seeing develop over this season.
Quarterback Landon Mitchell looks to be the future starter after this season and has shown potential.
A few other players I look to make an impact are Jame Lee, Hunter Chance, and Camden Mager.
The expectations are high for this team as they head into the 2026 campaign. Many around Statesboro have State Championship aspirations, and this team definitely has the talent to make another deep run into the playoffs.
McIntosh County Academy Buccaneers 2026 Preview
By: Jason Bishop
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Coach Warren Bradley enters his 8th season as the McIntosh County Academy Buccaneers Head Coach in his second stint holding that position.
Bradley took over the Bucs program in 2019 and has stabilized MCA’s football ranks. Before the hiring of Bradley, the Bucs employed 5 different head coaches in 7 seasons.
Bradley has not only stabilized the program, but he also has re-vitalized winning habits into the Bucs program and turned MCA into a perennial playoff team.
In 2025 the Bucs made the playoffs for the again under Bradley. MCA has made the playoffs every season in Coach Bradley’s tenure in his second go-round.
Last season the Bucs finished 5-5 in the regular season and that was good enough to get into the playoffs as four seed. MCA finished the season overall at 5-6, losing in the first round of the GHSA playoffs to #1 seed Johnson County, 34-7.
MCA enters 2026 with high expectations as they are returning starting RB Earnest McIntosh for his senior season.
The Bucs also find themselves in a new region. Region 3-1A will consist of MCA, Portal, Montgomery County, Emanuel County Institute and Claxton. This region lines up far easier than the last two seasons for the Bucs. While the region added Montgomery County, gone are the powerhouses of Metter and Screven County.
The Bucs will kick off the 2026 campaign at home at The Ship in Darien against Long County on August 21st.
Week two will also be at home against former region foe Charlton County.
The Buccaneers will take to the road in week 3 against Georgia Military and then in week 4 pay a visit to Liberty County to take on the Panthers.
MCA will return home on September 18th against Jeff Davis and then will host Screven County the following week at The Ship.
After a bye the following week region play kicks off for the Bucs against ECI in Darien
The Buccaneers return to the road on October 23rd against the Claxton Tigers.
MCA returns home on Halloween weekend to take on Montgomery County and then will wrap up the regular season on the road against the Portal Panthers.
MCA is a legit contender to win the region in 2026.
Keep in mind the GHSA will be transitioning away from ranking teams according to how they finished in their region and instead will use power rankings rank playoff participants. What this does is place huge importance on non-region tilts as well as the region games as far as seeding.
I am picking MCA to finish the 2026 season with a 9-1 record and to win Region 3-1A.
Worst case for the Bucs, by my estimation, will be an 8-2 mark finishing second in the region.
The Buccaneers have not made a deep run in the playoffs in some time. I think this year that changes. I believe MCA is definitely an Elite 8 team, at worst, in 2026.
Valdosta Wildcats’ Dynamic Duo
By: Ron Reagin
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Local restaurant and hangout, Big Nick’s was recently packed as friends, family, teammates, and coaches filled every seat and it was standing room only.
Valdosta High running backs Deron Foster and Marquis Fennell announced their college decisions in front of Valdosta’s faithful fans.
Foster, the every-down back, will head west to Oregon State. Fennell, the explosive playmaker, utility back, will take his talents to Stanford.
Before they head west, they will try to top last year’s performance for the Wildcats. The duo accounted for 64% of all touchdowns last season and 57% of total yards as juniors with both averaging over 100 yards per game in what was a tremendous offense top to bottom.
Deron Foster chose the Beavers over offers from Stanford, Liberty, and Georgia State. The decision came down to the opportunity to play for associate head coach and running backs coach Lee Marks, who has a strong track record developing backs, and new head coach JaMarcus Shephard’s vision.
Foster rushed for 1,329 yards and 15 touchdowns last season, adding 148 receiving yards and two more scores. He posted nine 100-yard rushing games and sees himself stepping in early in Corvallis.
Marquis Fennell had a long list of suitors, including Colorado, Florida State, and Georgia Tech, but chose Stanford for the combination of football opportunity and elite academics. His mother, Leslie, played a big role in emphasizing the long-term value of the education.
Fennell had a monster junior season with 2,505 all-purpose yards, including 1,480 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns on the ground, plus 764 receiving yards and 10 scores through the air.
He expects to be a versatile running back who can impact games from the backfield or out wide to present multiple problems for opposing defense.
Both backs rushed for over 1,000 yards. The last time the Wildcats had 2 rushers over 1,000 yards, was back in 1988 with Isaac Cesar and James Roberts.
Head coach Shelton Felton praised both as great players and even better young men and leaders.
“You’ve got Live at 5 (Foster), you’ve got Category 4 (Fennell),” Felton said. “They are really great kids on and off the field… I’m blessed to have those two as part of my program.”
Both players expressed relief at getting their commitments done early, though Foster admitted he’s not quite ready to move on from the Friday night lights. “There’s nothing like high school ball,” he said.
With unfinished business after falling just short of a state title, both are motivated for a bigger senior season in 2026.
“We all know we have unfinished business,” Fennell said.
This commitment night caps a special chapter for Valdosta’s backfield while setting the stage for what should be another strong year for the running back duo and the Wildcats.
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