Hall County high schools are entering a season like never before. For the first time in years, there is reason for optimism at every program in the county. Though not every program will live up to or exceed expectations in 2025, the county looks to be one of the most exciting in the state.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Cherokee Bluff
2024 Record: 11-2
2024 Playoffs: Quarterfinals (L 28-42, Jefferson)
All-Region Players Returning: Six
The Bears are coming off the best season in school history and are looking to build upon the success in 2025. Cherokee Bluff has been an up-and-down program over its seven years of existence, winning 10 games three times along with two region titles, but it has not had a winning season outside of those three years. The team is looking to once again win double-digit games. They return six All-Region players from last year, including leading rusher Jackson Pirkle, who will take on an even bigger role this season. The team will have to find a new quarterback after the graduation of Brooks Brien, who threw for over 2,700 yards and 29 touchdowns last season. The Bears will choose between a pair of high-upside players: 6-foot-5, 225-pound senior Cooper Dean and 6-foot-4, 170-pound sophomore CJ Payne. No matter who wins the job, either should be a capable QB. They will once again play in one of the toughest regions in the state, with Jefferson and Oconee County both looking to compete for state titles alongside Cherokee Bluff.
Chestatee
2024 Record: 5-6
2024 Playoffs: First Round (L 33-56, Peach County)
All-Region Players Returning: Four
The War Eagles are coming off a surprising 2024 season, making the playoffs for the first time since 2016 and posting their first .500 regular season since 2013. Chestatee is heading into year three of the Stuart Cunningham era, and the team’s traditional Wing-T offense has revitalized the program. The team returns some major pieces, most notably running back Ben Plemons, who rushed for 1,524 yards and 17 touchdowns, while also being the team’s leading receiver with 182 yards and two more scores. Another major return is quarterback and linebacker Colton Steel. Steel is coming off a 62-tackle season and has been the starting quarterback for the past two years. The team ended last season by winning four of its final five regular-season games. Expectations should be for six to seven wins this season to close the gap between them and region powers like North Hall and Lumpkin County.
East Hall
2024 Record: 4-6
2024 Playoffs: N/A
All-Region Players Returning: Five
The Vikings will have their most talented team in a generation in 2025, and this is the year for Head Coach Matt Turner. Known for its explosive offenses, East Hall won’t disappoint this year, returning Region Offensive Player of the Year and Kennesaw State quarterback commit Jamarcus Harrison. The 6-foot-4, 190-pound quarterback is one of the most gifted in the state and has formed a dynamic duo with wide receiver Chasen Jones. Jones is returning from a life-threatening car crash in February, after a first team All-Region season. His recovery has been remarkable, and he’s expected to be a key contributor again. Defense remains the concern, as the team has allowed more than 30 points per game every year since 2014. They return two All-Region players on defense, linebackers Eli Buffington and Walt Jarrett, who must step up for the team to contend.
Flowery Branch
2024 Record: 4-7
2024 Playoffs: First Round (L 0-37, Ola)
All-Region Players Returning: Six
The Falcons are coming off one of their worst three-year stretch in school history. It was the first time they posted three-straight losing seasons since the school’s early years (2002–2004). Following the season, the school parted ways with head coach Jason Tester and hired Union County’s Michael Perry. Despite a 4-7 season, Flowery Branch returns significant talent. Running back Griffin Harper is back after an 800-yard, first team All-Region season. Wide receiver Brooks Recinella, a 6-foot-4, 190 pound wideout, also returns after earning first team All-Region honors. A major issue last year was inconsistent quarterback play. That may be resolved with the transfer of former West Hall starter Brett Strum, who threw for over 1,600 yards and rushed for another 565 with 14 total touchdowns. While the region remains tough, the Falcons could push for a No. 2 or 3 seed this year.
Gainesville
2024 Record: 7-4
2024 Playoffs: First Round (L 28-38, Sequoyah)
All-Region Players Returning: Three
The Red Elephants are coming off a disappointing season by their standards, but expectations remain high heading into 2025. The team returns 4-star quarterback Kharim Hughley for his junior season after a breakout 2024. The defense is elite, led by 5-star Xavier Griffin who will be joined by top-tier transfers: 4-star Jamarrion Matthews and 3-star Jeremiah Proctor. Altogether, Gainesville should be one of the best teams in 5A. The only major question is at wide receiver, where they lost two FBS players in Shane King and Jeremiah Ware. Their lines of scrimmage remain a strength on both sides of the ball. Their region is again extremely tough. While Milton may not be as dominant as in past years, they’re still talented and well-coached and will be a tough test.
Johnson-Gainesville
2024 Record: 0-10
2024 Playoffs: N/A
All-Region Players Returning: One
The Knights have a new coach for the first time since 2020. Donovan Odom inherits a program that has struggled throughout most of its history. Johnson has gone winless in six of the past nine seasons, including holding the two longest losing streaks in county history. They will look to star player Monty Young, who led the team in rushing and receiving yards last year. He is the only major offensive returner and will be the team’s leader. On defense, Nate Couget returns after leading the team with 53 total tackles. This season should be viewed as a foundational year in a long-term rebuild.
North Hall
2024 Record: 10-3
2024 Playoffs: Quarterfinals (L 17-49, LaGrange)
All-Region Players Returning: 13
The Trojans are coming off their best season since 2012. Under Head Coach Chad Pender, now in year three, the team took another step toward championship contention. They return an impressive 13 All-Region players. Most of last year’s offense is back, including both starting quarterbacks, starting running back, and 3-star offensive lineman and Region Lineman of the Year Mason McGill. The defense remains stout with the return of Parker Carlton, Dawson Reed, and Walker Davis, all first team All-Region selections. North Hall should be the region favorite again, but challenges remain from Lumpkin County and a resurgent Dawson County under new head coach Jaybo Shaw.
West Hall
2024 Record: 4-6
2024 Playoffs: N/A
All-Region Players Returning: Four
The Spartans enter a new era under Head Coach Naji Lyons. The program has seen significant turnover, with several key players graduating or transferring after 2024. Most notably, star running back Elijah Hayes graduated, and starting quarterback Brett Strum transferred to Flowery Branch leaving major holes. In addition, defensive lineman Shelton Maynard, one of last year’s top players, is no longer with the team. The top returning player is Nasser Aliou, a first team All-Region defensive back who will now play both ways and be one of the team’s top weapons. West Hall has a realistic chance to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2017. The schedule is similarly tough, but if the young talent develops, the team could make a strong push similar to Chestatee last year.
PRIVATE SCHOOLS
Lakeview Academy
2024 Record: 9-2
2024 Playoffs: GIAA Quarterfinals (L 12-35, Deerfield-Windsor)
The Lions are coming off the best season in school history, winning nine games and making the quarterfinals. They return their best player, Kyari Burch, for his senior season. The 6-foot, 150-pound athlete threw for over 2,000 yards and 23 touchdowns, while rushing for 443 yards and three scores. On defense, they return Ryker Kohler, the team’s leading tackler with 86 stops and nine tackles for loss. The team should continue progressing, still seeking its first playoff win, and perhaps a run at the state title.
Lanier Christian
2024 Record: 9-3
2024 Playoffs: GAPPS AA State Champs (W 14-13, Cherokee Christian)
The Lightning are coming off a dominant 9-3 season that brought the first state championship in school history. They return quarterback Drew Kalinauskis, who threw for 1,300 yards and 21 touchdowns and added 111 yards and four scores on the ground. They will need to replace standout running back Noah Freeman, who rushed for 1,100 yards and 16 touchdowns. However, both of their top receivers, Andrew Batusic and Ben Hargis, return. The defense is anchored by the return of its six leading tacklers. Expectations should be high once again.
Riverside Prep
2024 Record: 0-10
2024 Playoffs: N/A
The Eagles are currently in one of the worst stretches in school history. The team is on a 35-game losing streak, having not won a game since early 2021. The program is heading into year two under head coach Jeff Lee, and they return some pieces that could help them break that streak. The most notable returner is senior running back Jacques Chiller. The 5-foot-10, 200-pound back rushed for 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns last season, while also adding 133 receiving yards and a touchdown. The Eagles will need to take a clear step forward if they hope to end the streak. Coach Lee and his staff must focus on developing talent in the trenches to help the team become competitive and respectable once again, however, it will be a long road back to the top.
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