High school football season kicks off with excitement as all 11 Under the Lights teams prepare for their opening games on Friday, August 21. Teams are eager to make a fresh start, showcasing new coaches and strategies. Notable matchups include defendings champions Moody against Briarwood, and Clay-Chalkville facing Georgia鈥檚 Creekside. Each school is determined to build on last season's performances, with a mix of returning stars and new leadership in place. Follow for updates and full coverage each week.

By the Numbers
  • Moody scored a record 574 points last season, winning the state championship with 13 wins.
  • Clay-Chalkville finished 15-0 last season, clinching the Class 6A state championship.
State of Play
  • Coaches are making their debuts, like Moody's Kyle Tatum and Chelsea's Tad Niblett, bringing new strategies to their respective teams.
  • Several teams are aiming to break losing streaks in their season openers, with Briarwood looking to end a four-year opener loss trend.
What's Next

As the season progresses, teams will seek to assert dominance in their respective regions. Upcoming matchups will test the strength of new leadership and game tactics in the following weeks. Competing teams will also look to establish momentum early in the season with key victories.

Bottom Line

The start of the high school football season heralds a time of renewal and rivalry, with teams eager to outperform last year's records and expectations. Engaging matchups and fresh faces will shape the course of the season, making each game impactful. Remember, the opening games set the tone for what lies ahead.