Georgia High School Football Recap
Milton Shows Its Worth as Georgia’s Top Team with a Victory Over Buford
In a thrilling opening to the Georgia high school football season, Milton reaffirmed its status as the state’s top-ranked team with a hard-fought 13-10 victory over second-ranked Buford. The game was a clash of titans, with both teams nationally ranked and ready to make a statement.
Rain played a significant role in Friday night’s matchups, especially across North Georgia, where several games faced delays, suspensions, or were rescheduled for Saturday. Despite these challenges, the showdown between Milton and Buford lived up to its billing.
The Eagles, hosting the game, took a 7-0 lead into halftime. However, a band of thunderstorms caused a two-hour delay, pushing the game’s resumption well into the night.
Upon return, Buford’s defensive star, Bryce Perry-Wright, made his mark with a safety, which was the Wolves’ first score of the evening. CJ Wiley, the standout wide receiver for Milton, responded with a 17-yard touchdown catch from quarterback Luke Nickel, marking the beginning of what promises to be a spectacular season for him.
Heading into the fourth quarter with a 13-2 lead, Milton faced a late surge from Buford. The Wolves closed the gap to 13-10 thanks to a touchdown from Ethan Ervin and a successful two-point conversion. Despite the close finish, Milton managed to hold on for the win.
CJ Wiley, a four-star senior committed to Florida State, was instrumental in Milton’s triumph. He caught seven passes for 84 yards, showcasing his elite skills and making key plays against a formidable Buford defense. With 68 catches for 1,473 yards last season, Wiley is poised for another standout year in 2024.
The major concern for Buford entering the season was their offense, and Friday’s game highlighted these issues. First-year starter Dayton Raiola, stepping in for his brother Dylan, struggled with just 92 passing yards. The running game, led by Justin Baker and Ethan Ervin, contributed 111 yards on 25 carries, with Ervin scoring the Wolves’ only offensive touchdown.
It’s important to view Raiola’s performance with some context; facing the top-ranked team in the state on his debut was a formidable challenge. With plenty of season left, Raiola has room to grow and improve.
Buford’s defense, led by Perry-Wright, was impressive, keeping the high-powered Milton offense to only two touchdowns. But the Wolves will need to address their offensive struggles as they look to make a push for the Class 6A state championship.
Following their victory over Buford, Milton’s claim to the No. 1 spot in Georgia’s high school football rankings is solidified. The Eagles, who entered the season as the top team, proved their worth in a game that tested their resilience and skill. As they aim for their second consecutive state championship—this year in Class 5A after winning Class 7A last season—Milton will be a formidable opponent throughout the fall.
Despite the loss, Buford demonstrated they are still among the state’s elite teams. The season is just beginning, and both teams will be looking to build on this high-stakes opener as they progress through the year.
Collins Hill Upsets Grayson in First MaxPreps Matchup of the 2024 High School Football Season
In a dramatic start to the 2024 high school football season, Collins Hill faced nationally ranked Grayson on the road, opening their campaign against a strong contender for the Class AAAAAA title. Despite trailing by 16 points at halftime, the Collins Hill Eagles rallied in the final minutes. With just over three minutes left in the fourth quarter, a lightning delay halted the game. When play resumed, Collins Hill capitalized on a second-and-goal from the 4-yard line, with senior tight end Jaylen Burroughs scoring a crucial touchdown and converting the two-point attempt to give the Eagles a 20-19 lead.
Grayson had a chance to respond but turned the ball over on downs, and their final drive fell short. Collins Hill’s victory was highlighted by a strong performance from junior A.J. Bush and sophomore Makyree Cross, who split quarterback duties. The Eagles’ win showcased their resilience and adaptability, overcoming a challenging first half and a fierce opponent to pull off the season-opening upset. The story of the night for Grayson was crucial turnovers that worked against them.
North Gwinnett Gets The Best of MacEachern
In a standout performance to kick off the season, North Gwinnett showcased their experience and depth with a convincing 39-17 victory over McEachern at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. After last year’s disappointing loss, the Bulldogs, led by seasoned quarterback Ryan Hall, demonstrated their growth and readiness. Hall threw for 127 yards and three touchdowns while also contributing 69 rushing yards. His pivotal 62-yard touchdown pass to senior Erik Ronning in the fourth quarter was a key moment, helping to restore North Gwinnett’s lead after McEachern had closed the gap.
North Gwinnett’s defense also played a crucial role, with seniors Braxton Kyle and Jalen Gist sealing the win through an 18-yard fumble return touchdown. The Bulldogs set the tone early with a balanced attack, including a 25-yard touchdown pass from Hall to Nicholas Bookman and a 52-yard field goal by Constantine Dallis. Despite a late surge from McEachern, North Gwinnett maintained control and executed effectively in all three phases of the game. Coach Eric Godfree praised the team’s overall performance and resilience, highlighting their ability to respond under pressure.
Mill Creek defeats Lambert 56 – 26
Mill Creek High School also overcame a significant weather delay to secure a commanding 56-26 victory over Lambert in a game that extended into early Saturday morning. Despite the interruption, the Hawks demonstrated their offensive firepower, amassing 305 rushing yards and averaging 10.9 yards per carry. Daniel Smith led the ground attack with 196 yards and two touchdowns, while Jacob Blevins and Gabe Hatchell-Van Drie added crucial contributions. One of my favorite last names in all of Georgia football, Quarterback Shane Throgmartin threw for 171 yards, including three touchdown passes—two of which came early to give Mill Creek a 20-0 lead. The defense also made its mark, with Connor Faber recovering two fumbles and scoring a touchdown just 10 seconds into the game. Although Lambert closed the gap to 20-12, Mill Creek quickly reasserted control in the second half with additional touchdowns from Hatchell-Van Drie and Smith, ultimately sealing a dominant win.
Maloof vs. Maloof goes to Father and Norcross High School
In a dose of personal enjoyment during the anticipated Maloof Bowl 2.0, featuring a father-son showdown between Keith Maloof’s Norcross Blue Devils and Tyler Maloof’s Lanier Longhorns, the game lived up to its billing as an eventful clash that stretched into the early hours. Common theme of the night, after enduring a two-hour weather delay and an unexpected 18-minute stadium lights outage, Norcross emerged victorious with a 31-10 win. The game, which started at 7:30 p.m. and concluded just before 1 a.m., saw Norcross pull away in the second half after a tight first half, where they led 17-10 at halftime.
Norcross quarterback Dillon Mohammed was instrumental, throwing for 254 yards and two touchdowns, while running back Kobe Robinson added 104 rushing yards and a touchdown. Jahsaun Clarke also contributed significantly with two touchdowns. Despite Lanier’s impressive performances, including a 60-yard touchdown run by Tojuan Peyton, penalties and key turnovers hindered their efforts. Keith Maloof praised his son Tyler’s coaching, acknowledging the growth and potential of the Lanier program while celebrating his own team’s resilience and disciplined play.
Walton Holds Off Brookwood
In the below, Corky Kell Classic at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 17, 2024, Walton’s MJ Burnett made a crucial second-quarter interception against Brookwood, helping lead his team to a 30-21 victory. The game was part of the annual showcase that highlights high school football talent from across the region. Walton’s secured the victory with a solid performance throughout the match.
Conclusion
The return of Georgia high school football sparked tremendous excitement across the state, rekindling cherished traditions and delivering thrilling competition for students, fans, and teams alike. The season openers were packed with memorable moments, from the major upset by Collins Hill to the Maloof Bowl clash that extended into the early hours to Mill Creek’s explosive victory. The energy and enthusiasm surrounding the games was refreshing, as fans reveled in electrifying performances and players embraced the chance to create lasting memories and showcase their talents. With exhilarating games and fierce confrontations to come, opening day proved to be a standout, uniting communities and celebrating the spirit of high school sports. And we haven’t even gotten to South Georgia football yet! Stay tuned folks…it’s going to be a great ride!