By: Kenneth Harrison

TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services

It’s been a while since Parkview has been a serious contender to win a state championship. The Panthers have won four state championships. The last is from 2002, when they won three consecutive state titles. They are looking to change that in 2023.

They were 8 – 4 in 2022 so they do have a solid team. The Panthers are led by five-star wide receiver Mike Matthews. He’s rated as the No.4 player in Georgia for the Class of 2024.

Matthews earned all-region, all-county and all-state honors in 2022 after catching 48 passes for 1,031 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also starred on defense with 23 tackles and two interceptions. He’s 6’1, 180 pounds and he’s a member of Parkview’s basketball team.

Matthews prides himself on his work ethic. “I want people to know you can always count on me,” Matthews said. “I want to be one of those guys. To be known for that rather than just being one of those five-star guys. I don’t really take breaks, even during the week. After practice, I’m always working and making extra effort. I’m about the effort and extra work.”

Senior corner back Jalyn Crawford is a four-star player and ranked No.21 in state.

“I’ve been working hard at off-man (coverage),” Crawford told 11 Alive. “In the (NFL) and in college, they do more off-man coverage. Some teams do press, but it’s more off-man systems. That’s why it’s something I’ve been really working on and trying to get better at.” While at Parkview, Carter earned a reputation as a press coverage corner that can lock anybody down. “I love to compete,” he said. “That’s what I love best about playing cornerback. When the ball is in the air, it’s mine.”

They have another playmaker, three-start defensive back/wide receiver Antonio White. He’s committed to Rutgers.

Senior offensive tackle Jordan Floyd is also a three-star recruit and he’s committed to Georgia Tech. Floyd is 6’5 and 295 pounds so he has great size.

Junior offensive tackle Cortez Smith is a four-star recruit and he’s the same size as Floyd.

They begin the season by playing at Kell in the first game of the Corky Kell Classic. The Longhorns went 10 – 2 last year so they are a good team. I give the edge to Parkview but this should be a close game.

Week two is at home against Shiloh. The Generals finished the regular season 5 – 5 and made it to the playoffs last season. Parkview beat them 20 – 8 in 2022.

After a bye week the Panthers play North Gwinnett. The Bulldogs also won ten games last season. Parkview beat them 48 – 21.

Week four is home against St. Pius X Catholic. St. Pius is a 6A school so Parkview has an advantage.

The following week is another home matchup against the defending state champions, Mill Creek. The Hawks won big in 2022, 40 – 17. A lot of players from that team graduated so I expect the Panthers to get revenge.

The first region game is against South Gwinnett. That’s followed by playing Archer and Newton. These should all be easy wins.

October 27^th is against archrival Brookwood. I expect it to be close because it is a rivalry game.

The season finale is at home against Grayson. I expect the Rams to be ranked No.2 in the state. This is the first time that Parkview will play a team with more talent than them.

I expect Parkview to win nine regular season games and make a deep playoff run.