Georgia High School Football Games of the Week: Aug. 21-23

Georgia took the high school football spotlight last week as the season got underway in the Peach State. Some big early results have set the table as teams begin to get in the swing of things moving forward.

Headlining this week’s matchups are a pair of top-25 clashes — per the Massey Ratings — while some of the state’s top teams take on opponents looking to crack the rankings heading into the end of August. Mother Nature wreaked havoc last week, so the state will hope for clear skies when kickoff arrives later this week.

Moody (Ala.) vs. No. 16 Gainesville

When: Thursday, Aug. 21 at 7 p.m. ET
Where: City Park Stadium, Gainesville, Ga.

Gainesville (1-0) opened its season with a breezy 26-7 win over Marietta last week. With five-star linebacker Xavier Griffin and four-star edge rusher Jamarion Matthews — both of whom are committed to Alabama — dictating things on defense, junior quarterback Karim Hughley (Clemson commit) is leading the charge with his arm and his legs on offense. The Red Elephants will be a force all fall.

They’ll look to defend home turf on Thursday as Moody makes the trip across state lines for its season-opener. The Blue Devils, led by four FBS commits and star junior edge rusher Ba’Roc Willis, open as the No. 23 team in Alabama.

Gainesville defeated Moody 31-7 in Alabama last season.

Massey Prediction: Gainesville 38, Moody 14

No. 14 North Cobb vs. No. 15 McEachern

When: Friday, Aug. 22 at 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Walter H. Cantrell Stadium, McEachern, Ga.

Despite it being just the second game of the season for both squads, it could be the biggest for North Cobb (1-0) and McEachern (1-0), as this is the lone ranked matchup currently on the schedule for either side.

Eyes will be on North Cobb quarterback and recent Notre Dame commit Teddy Jarrard, one of the top junior gunslingers in the nation. The Warriors defeated Archer 28-14 last week with Jarrard and stud sophomore running back Zachary Belyeu leading the way.

McEachern bulldozed Walton 50-17 inside Mercedes Benz Stadium last week, with sophomore athlete Casey Barner accumulating three touchdowns and 341 total yards. The Indians now gear up for their home-opener and a much tougher task. Senior wide receiver Nalin Scott (Nebraska commit), defensive lineman Darryl Rivers (Tennessee) and running back Jayreon Campbell (Indiana) help headline the McEachern roster.

Massey Prediction: North Cobb 28, McEachern 21

No. 17 Coffee vs. No. 22 Ware County

When: Friday, Aug. 22 at 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Memorial Stadium, Waycross, Ga.

Another early ranked showdown between 1-0 squads will see Coffee head to Waycross for a bout with Ware County.

For the No. 17 Trojans, they trudged past Bainbridge for a 28-14 win last week behind a four-touchdown game from senior Kentavius DeBruce. The running back finished with 162 yards and also made his presence felt on the defensive side of the ball.

Ware County started slow last Friday against Appling County, but it used a 43-point second half to coast to a 55-7 victory. The Gators are coming off a 6-7 campaign in 2024 and will look to keep their early momentum rolling in what will be one of the toughest matchups on their schedule this fall.

Massey Prediction: Ware County 30, Coffee 27

No. 1 Buford vs. Benedictine Military Academy

When: Friday, Aug. 22 at 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Memorial Stadium, Savannah, Ga.

Buford (1-0) opened its brand-new stadium with an impressive 20-13 win over defending state champs Milton last week. Now, the Wolves hit the road and head to Savannah for a showdown against Benedictine Military Academy (0-1), which is looking to pull off a shocker.

Buford’s roster features a whopping dozen Power Four commits, with senior quarterback Dayton Raiola (Nebraska), running back Dylan McCoy (NC State), edge rusher Bryce Perry-Wright and safety Tyriq Green (Georgia) among the many names featured.

Benedictine dropped a tight 27-24 contest at No. 10 Colquitt County last week and the challenge only gets tougher this weekend. The Cadets have plenty of talent themselves, notably junior edge rusher LaDamion Guyton (Texas Tech), Rivals’ No. 1 overall prospect in the 2027 cycle. He’ll try to keep Raiola and the Wolves in check as senior QB Stephen Cannon (Texas Tech), wide receiver Bubba Frazier (Notre Dame) and Co. gun for an upset to get back on track.

Massey prediction: Buford 41, Benedictine 13

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee vs. No. 2 Grayson

When: Friday, Aug. 22 at 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Grayson Ram Stadium, Loganville, Ga.

After beginning its 2024 season with a shocking upset loss at home to Collins Hill, Grayson (1-0) exacted some revenge last week with a 51-3 win on the road. Now, the Rams return home rust-free for their second game against Rabun Gap-Nacoochee.

The Grayson roster is jam-packed with talent and is headlined by five-star linebacker Tyler Atkinson (Texas) and four-star quarterback Travis Burgess (North Carolina). Burgess tallied four touchdowns last week in the win over Collins Hill.

It’ll be a tall task for Rabun Gap-Nacoochee in its season-opener this Friday. The Eagles do boast an offensive line that features three ranked prospects, including four-star tackle Wilson Zierer (Auburn) and rising junior tackle Elijah Hutcheson.

Massey Prediction: Grayson 43, Rabun Gap-Nacoochee 14

How to Follow Georgia High School Football

For Georgia high school football fans, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the state, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the gridiron excitement in the Peach State.