Our State Championship Game of the Week takes us to the Mercedes Benz in Atlanta! This is a rematch of the 2012 State Championship between the Jefferson Dragons and Calhoun Yellow Jackets.
JEFFERSON
Jefferson (11-3) had to buckle down at the end of the Semifinals win over LaGrange, as a very intense catch/no-catch in the end zone was ruled incomplete, and the Dragons survived. It marked a perfect record at home in 2024, going 9-0. The #1-ranked and top-seeded Dragons have leaned heavily on Gavin Markey, who has now more rushing yards (1,568) than passing (1,428), and 39 total TDs (16 passing, 23 rushing). The defense allowed some big chunk plays, but also limited the run game significantly. The result was allowing 13 points – marking a 9th time this season in allowing 14 or fewer points. For the first time since 2020, Jefferson is playing for a state title. They average 15.9 defensively, and have 2 players (Rett Hemphill and Max Brown) with 130+ tackles.
CALHOUN
Calhoun (11-3) started the season 1-3, playing against all larger classification schools. Since they started region play though, the Region Champion Yellow Jackets reeled off 10 consecutive wins, including the 4 playoff victories to get here. In that span against its own classification, Calhoun is 10-0 with a 35.8 offensive average and 11.9 defense. That’s extremely impressive. Freshman QB Trace Hawkins had a monster 4-TD passing game. This program is used to big games, playing in the title game for the 10th time (first since 2021). They last won in 2017. Hawkins’ favorite target has been SR Emaree Winston. He’s a 4-star TE Texas signee. Limited that duo will be a tough assignment
BY THE NUMBERS (2024)
JEFFERSON
- 11-3 (8-AAA Champions)
- Region Standings: 1st
- 34.5 OFFENSE AVG
- 15.93 DEFENSE AVG
- #1 State Ranking
CALHOUN
- 11-3 (7-AAA Champions)
- Region Standings: 1st
- 30.57 OFFENSE AVG
- 15.86 DEFENSE AVG
- #5 State Ranking
GAME HIGHLIGHTS
OUR PREDICTION
We typically make a case for both, with our official pick linked below. Let’s begin with the Dragons. If they can do more of what they did in the first 3 games of the playoffs, they’ll win. Last game, several penalties and a few huge passing plays allowed for LaGrange to nearly come back and steal that one. If Jefferson plays clean football, they will win. Calhoun is dangerous. They’ve won 10 straight for a reason. If freshman QB Trace Hawkins stays within the game plan, and 4-star Emaree Winston gets multiple looks in the red zone, it could favor the Yellow Jackets. OUR PICK: SEE HERE
DO WE BRING LUCK?
We’ve been witness to 27 Jefferson games dating back to 2013. In that span, the Dragons have rewarded that by going 24-3, including 12 straight wins going back to the 2022 season.
DETAILS OF THE MATCHUP
TIME: 4 PM Kickoff
PLACE: Mercedes Benz Stadium / Atlanta, GA
LAST MEETING: 2012: #7 Jefferson 31, #1 Calhoun 14 (State Championship)…