FORT VALLEY, Ga. — It’s a big weekend for Bibb County athletics.
The inaugural Gridiron Classic will have its first games played at Wildcat Stadium at Fort Valley State University.
Kevin Grooms, the CMAA District Director of Athletics, said that he’s wanted to put this project together since his time as the Athletic Director with Northeast High School.
Standing together with all 12 teams with their head coaches and players in attendance was an emotional moment for him.
“I wanted to shed tears,” Grooms said. “To see a vision, one of your visions, go through something you thought about six or seven years ago. (To) actually see it come to fruition, I have no words.”
Six games will be played between Friday, Aug. 16 and Saturday, Aug. 17. Below is a breakdown of each matchup.
Dougherty County vs Central - Friday @ 2 p.m.
Central High School is coming off a 1-9 season in 2023 and is looking to start the season off right against an opponent from southwest Georgia.
The Chargers have the advantage of returning last season's starting quarterback. Justin Redford returns under center after passing for 704 yards last season and three touchdowns.
“It's huge having that continuity with him,” head coach Jarrett Laws said. “When he first started last year, we were teaching the basic things in football…It begins and ends with him, so he’s doing a good job of setting the tone for us.”
Linebacker Nikee Walker also returns for his senior season with the Chargers. He led the team in tackles and is a player Laws is excited to have back.
Macon County vs Southwest - Friday @ 5 p.m.
Two Central Georgia teams face off first the first time at 5 p.m. on Friday.
Macon County and Southwest will play against each other for an opportunity to start out the season strong.
Macon County finished 10-3 in 2023 and had a deep run in the postseason before losing 38-14 against Telfair County.
While key players like Jakeyveon Parker return, the Bulldogs have the task of replacing long term head coach Dexter Wiliams. Kurt Williams steps in with the goal of continuing the team's winning ways.
Meanwhile Joe Dupree is back for his 12th season with Southwest High School. The team went 6-5 last season, and is looking to improve this year.
“We’re returning our front seven, so with the experience that they had last year, going to the playoffs and an offseason workout, I think they’re going to be tremendous,” he said.
Peach County vs Northeast - Friday @ 8 p.m.
Rounding out Friday’s slate of games are two key teams in Central Georgia.
Head coach Marquis Westbrook, who won two championships with Warner Robins, went 4-7 in his first season as Peach County's head coach.
This year, he'll look towards returning quarterback DJ Hudson. Hudson threw for 1,495 passing yards, 21 passing touchdowns while running for 423 yards and four rushing touchdowns.
Head coach Jeremy Wiggins led his program to an 8-3 record last season..
Former 2000-yard rusher Nick Woodford is also back for his senior season. He only played six games last season before suffering an injury, but still ran for 951 yards and 11 rushing touchdowns.
Wiggins said he’s expecting a big Peach County crowd considering how close they are to Fort Valley State University.
“I think our fans will show up, and I think hopefully everybody’s fans are,” Westbrook said. “It’s going to be a great event. This is an awesome opportunity for high school kids to play in a college venue in front of a lot of different fans… I hope our kids will be up for the challenge.”
Bleckley County vs Rutland - Saturday @ 12 p.m.
Bleckley County and Rutland will kickoff day two of the Gridiron Classic at noon.
Bleckley County had a 9-3 season last year, but lost to Irwin County in the playoffs.
The Royals return starting quarterback Kam’Ryn Everette, who threw for 1,707 yards and 22 touchdowns last season.
“It’s been huge,” head coach Von Lassiter said. “He’s improved as much as new players I’ve ever seen. He’s played really well in the last two scrimmages and we’re excited for him to lead our offense and be a leader of our team.”
He’s joined by rising junior halfback Joshua Stanley, who ran for 1,343 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns last season.
Rutland, meanwhile, is coming off of a 4-6 season, which was head coach Anthony Williams’ first year at the helm.
Howard vs Westside - Saturday @ 3 p.m.
Longtime rivals will be facing off on Saturday’s second matchup.
For Westside, longtime head coach Shedrick Risper returns after a 8-3 season. He’ll have quarterback Paul Risper step into a full-time starter role after throwing for 336 yards and five touchdowns last season.
Howard, meanwhile, will be rolling with a new head coach in Trey Porter. He’ll have the task of replacing a large amount of talent that left the team after a 5-5 season in 2023.
“It’s a natural rival,” Risper said. “The last two years have been phenomenal games that ended in some of the two best games in the the state… We know that they’re going to come give us their best shot, and we’re going to give them our best shot. I think it makes for a great game.”
Perry vs Baldwin County - Saturday @ 6 p.m.
Perry, the reigning AAAA classification state champion, will be entering 2024 with big expectations.
Perry head coach Kevin Smith said he's excited to match up against Baldwin's physical style of play.
“Ever since I’ve been at Perry, it’s always been a knock down, drag out (game),” Smith said. “They’re a very physical team, it doesn’t matter who the coach is. They’ve always been physical.”
He also added that he’s excited to have running back Ahmad Gordon back this year. Gordon ran for 1,811 yards and 34 touchdowns last year.
While Baldwin County head coach Kevin Patterson is new to the team, starting quarterback Lamar Pounds returns as the team’s starting quarterback. He threw for 832 yards and seven touchdowns.
He’ll also have running back Sadur Salahuddin back, as the junior will step in as the full time starter after a 735 rushing yard and six touchdown season.