Calhoun’s Tydus Curtis (4) outruns the lunge of a Brooks County defensive player in the Georgia state playoffs last year. Calhoun has played in five consecutive Class AA state finals.Some are perennial powers in their respective classification, others have rosters dotted with college-level talent. Whatever the formula, these are the area’s five must-see high school football teams this season (listed alphabetically):
Baylor Red Raiders
(Division II-AA)
Coach: Phil Massey
Over the last three seasons, few area programs can match the level of talent or the playoff success Baylor has produced. After two state-runner-up finishes, the Red Raiders narrowly missed returning to the title game last year; and while they’re young this season, there is plenty of talent to make them contenders again. If for no other reason, Baylor is worth watching just on the chance that senior all-state kicker Rafael Gaglianone is a threat to break the state record of a 61-yard field goal. Speed running back George Porter, junior quarterback Nick Tiano and gifted sophomore receiver Gage Upshaw also are capable of highlight-reel plays.
Calhoun Yellow Jackets
(Georgia Class AA)