Jefferson Dragons and Sandy Creek Patriots Set to Clash in GHSA Class 3A Football Championship
Jefferson High School’s football team is poised for a highly anticipated showdown with Sandy Creek High School on Wednesday, December 17th, at 4:15 p.m. at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, vying for the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) Class 3A state title. This marks the second consecutive year the Dragons will compete for the championship, having previously defeated West Laurens 17-13 in the semifinals to secure their place.
Dragons Aim to Break Through After Recent Runner-Up Finishes
Led by fourth-year head coach Travis Noland, Jefferson enters the contest with a stellar 13-1 record and an impressive four consecutive Region 8 titles. Despite their consistent success, the Dragons are seeking their first state championship since 2012, having fallen as runners-up in both 2020 and 2024. The team is currently ranked No. 20 in the state.
Patriots Seek First Championship Title
Sandy Creek (14-0), ranked No. 17 in Georgia, presents a formidable challenge. Under the guidance of third-year head coach Darius Smiley, the Patriots are undefeated and have secured back-to-back Region 2 championships. While Sandy Creek boasts a rich football tradition with four previous state titles – in 2009, 2010, 2012, and 2022 – they have yet to claim a championship in the modern era, having never reached the finals before this year.
Offensive Powerhouses Collide
The Patriots’ offense is spearheaded by junior quarterback Caleb Hill, who has demonstrated exceptional passing prowess with 142 completions for 2,353 yards, 23 touchdowns, and only four interceptions. Hill’s versatility extends beyond the passing game, as he has also contributed 398 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. However, the true engine of the Sandy Creek offense is senior running back/linebacker Amari Latimer, who has amassed an astounding 2,323 rushing yards and 42 touchdowns on 230 carries, averaging over 100 yards per game in 14 contests.
Jefferson’s offensive attack is anchored by senior quarterback Colton Grant, who has completed 60 of 103 passes for 886 yards and 8 touchdowns, adding 422 rushing yards and 12 scores. Senior tight end/linebacker Darren Pinkard leads the Dragons’ ground game with 571 yards and 10 touchdowns, supported by junior wide receiver/linebacker Eli Primm (330 yards, 5 touchdowns) and freshman running back CJ Hays (833 yards, 8 touchdowns), who stepped into a key role after a season-ending injury to junior running back/linebacker Max Brown during Week 5.
Defensive Prowess on Both Sides
Sandy Creek’s defense is a force to be reckoned with, led by junior defensive end/linebacker JT Austin, who has recorded 16 sacks and combined for 26 quarterback hurries alongside senior defensive end/linebacker/tight end Evan Harvey. The Patriots’ secondary is equally impressive, with senior cornerback/strong safety Chase Usher, junior wide receiver/cornerback Corey Hadley Jr., and sophomore cornerback/wide receiver Nathan Holston combining for six interceptions. Usher has also made significant contributions on special teams, blocking a field goal and causing three fumbles, while junior defensive end/tight end Sheldon Bliss has forced an impressive 10 fumbles.
Jefferson’s defense is anchored by Eli Primm, who has tallied 100 tackles. Junior running back/linebacker Dylan and cornerback Jacob Berardinelli have combined for 212 tackles, while senior free safety/wide receiver Mack Gaddis adds another 73. Pinkard contributes with 6 sacks and 2 interceptions, and Shyne Parham and Chance Payne have combined for 6 interceptions.
Statistical Dominance and Playoff Performance
Sandy Creek has been dominant throughout the season, outscoring opponents 573-146 and recording three shutouts, including a decisive victory over Douglass in the quarterfinals. Jefferson has also demonstrated offensive firepower, outscoring opponents 454-172, with 161 of those points coming in the playoffs. The Dragons’ sole loss of the season came against North Oconee, the 2024 Class 4A state champion, who subsequently lost to Marist in the quarterfinals.
This championship matchup promises to be a thrilling contest between two well-coached, statistically impressive teams, each vying for state glory.
