By: Ron Reagin

TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services

The Colquitt County Packers enter the 2026 season coming off a solid 9-3 campaign that included a 4-1 region mark and a second-round playoff appearance.

Under head coach Sean Calhoun, who is entering his fifth season at the helm, the Packers continue to rank among South Georgia’s most consistent programs and one of the toughest outs in the state’s largest classification.

2025 Season Recap: Colquitt finished 9-3 overall and tied for one of the top spots in Region 1-AAAAAA.

The Packers handled most of their schedule with physical play on both sides of the ball and showed they could compete with top competition.

Their three losses came against strong opponents, all of which made deep playoff runs.

Running back Jae Lamar, a Georgia commit, led the way with 1,015 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns in just 10 games.

Quarterback Cohen Lawson threw for over 2,000 yards and 19 touchdowns in his second year as the starter, while wide receiver Antwan Lockett provided a big-play threat with 40 catches for 811 yards and 10 scores.

Key Returners and Leadership The biggest losses are Lamar and Lawson (who has transferred to Lee County). Both will be hard to replace.

However, Lockett is back to stretch the field, and the Packers have depth at the skill positions along with returning offensive linemen who should help maintain continuity up front.

Dual threat QB Khi Mitchell transferred in from Mt. Zion and should contribute early and often.

On defense, several experienced linebackers and secondary players return to keep the physical identity Calhoun has built.

Colquitt usually excels in special teams as well, producing strong field goal kickers, returners and a physical front with blocked punts and field goals every year.

Emerging contributors who saw significant snaps in 2025 will be asked to step into larger roles, including the competition at quarterback.

2026 Schedule Highlights: The Packers open with one of the toughest non-region games in the state, a road trip to defending Class 5A state champion Thomas County Central on August 21.

Home games against Monroe, Cook County, and Lee County follow, along with Florida tests against Lincoln and Rickards.

Region play includes trips to Richmond Hill and Camden County, a home date with Valdosta on October 16, and the season finale at home against Lowndes on November 6.

This is a challenging slate that features multiple quality opponents. Under the new PSRF playoff seeding formula, the strength of schedule should help Colquitt if they take care of business against the tougher teams on their schedule.

Outlook: Colquitt County has the experience, coaching stability, and talent to contend again in Region 1-AAAAAA.

Replacing the production of Lamar and Lawson will be a major focus, but the returning skill players, key transfers and depth give the Packers a chance to remain competitive on offense.

The defense should continue to play with the physical style that has defined the program under Calhoun.

South Georgia fans can look forward to the traditional matchups with Valdosta, Lowndes, and Camden. These games will tell the tale for the Packers’ postseason, similar to the other teams in this stacked region.

The Packers enter 2026 looking to improve on last year’s 9-3 mark and make another deep postseason run.

Mack Tharpe Stadium will be ready for another exciting fall. The Pack is loaded with opportunity.