Georgia high school football kicks off across the state with plenty of notable matchups this week, but few more so than the gridiron action Friday night in Milton.
It’s an opening USA TODAY Sports Super 25 clash, with the No. 10 Eagles welcoming No. 21 Buford in a Peach State headliner.
Both teams are coming off impressive 2023 seasons.
Milton went 13-2 on the year, taking the Class AAAAAAA state title after going on a 10-game winning streak. The team is back in the top 10 in 2024, featuring a senior class that includes quarterback Luke Nickel (Miami Hurricanes commit) and top-tier talent in tight ends Ethan Barbour (Georgia Bulldogs commit) and Ryan Ghea (Auburn Tigers commit), plus wideout C.J. Wiley (Florida State commit).
The defense is just as strong, led by defensive back Tyler Redmond, who is headed to Tennessee in 2025, and Arkansas commit Caleb Bell holding things down on the defensive line.
On the other side of the field, Buford looks to build on a 2023 campaign that ended with the Wolves going 11-2. A late loss to Grayson (Loganville, Ga.) ended the team’s Class AAAAAAA Region 8 run, which adds to the storyline in 2024.
Of course, many will first be looking at what’s gone this season: QB Dylan Raiola and dual-threat KJ Bolden.
However, the No. 21-ranked team has plenty of firepower on offense heading into the year, with Clemson commit Brayden Jacobs at offensive tackle. He should help a running game that features Tennessee Volunteers commit Justin Baker while creating passing opportunities for Collins Hill transfer TJ Wilcox or Dayton Raiola to find wideout Jordan Allen (Louisville Cardinals commit) and Hayden Bradley (Ole Miss commit).
Like 2023, Buford’s defense is one of the best in the country. Led by 4-star USC commit Jadon Perlotte, Kansas commit Kenyon Rivera, and Auburn Tigers commit Devin Williams, the defense is the main staple to a Super 25 preseason nod and should make for an exciting battle with the Eagles offense.
How will it all play out? If the last time these two teams played in 2019 is any indication—when Buford won a tight one 26-23—look for an all-time Georgia High School football classic.
High school football fans in Georgia and around the nation who are looking to watch the Super 25 matchup can live-stream the game on the NFHS Network.
(USA TODAY)
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