Have you ever been to a showdown where two heavyweights walk in, undefeated legacies on the line, and only one gets to leave with the crown? That’s what’s cookin’ at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 18th, as Carrollton and Grayson square off in the Georgia State Championship. On one side, we’ve got the No. 1 ranked Trojans, rockin’ a perfect 14-0 record, chasing history with their first state title since the late 90s. Across the field, the Grayson Rams, 13-1 and loaded to core with defensive monsters, are looking to prove they still run the Georgia town. You couldn’t script a better matchup if you tried.
Let’s break it down: Carrollton’s squad is straight fire this season, led by their golden boy QB Julian Lewis. This kid is low-key banged up with a thumb injury. But that ain’t stopping him from slinging that pigskin all over the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on the 18th. This kid’s got stats that belong in a video game—10,484 career passing yards, 140 touchdowns, and a 39-3 record as a starter. Not gonna lie, this kid is low-key better than Bryce Underwood. Oh, and did we mention he’s already signed with Colorado? Yeah, Prime Time himself got this dude locked in. And Lewis isn’t carrying this team solo; he’s got a dream team around him, like Kimauri Farmer, who’s racked up 1,256 rushing yards and 20 TDs, and a defense stacked with D-I talent like Zelus Hicks (Texas) and Shamar Arnoux (Florida State).
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Meanwhile, Grayson isn’t just here to make up the numbers. Tyler Atkinson, their co-region player of the year, is an absolute smasher with 127 tackles and 27 tackles for loss this season. And QB Travis Burgess? The man’s got over 2,000 passing yards and has been a dual-threat headache and trauma for defenses all season. With a defensive unit that’s practically a D-I recruiting fair—Atkinson, Anthony Davis, and Josiah Victor among others—the Rams are ready to lock up Carrollton’s flashy-looking offense.
Let’s talk legacy. Carrollton’s got seven 7 championships, but their last one came back when Bill Clinton was your prez. Look, this is their first legit shot at the big-school crown since joining the highest classification in 2022. On the flip side, Grayson’s been literally dominating this century with 3 state titles (2011, 2016, 2020) and double-digit wins in 17 of the last 18 seasons.
If it wasn’t for the Monarchs. They’d be the bully of high school football. Both teams are chasing glory, but Carrollton’s hunger low-key feels different. They’ve got the entire nation’s eyes on them, sitting pretty in the top 10 of five national polls.
Carrollton Trojans vs. Grayson Rams: battle plan
So, what’s it gonna come down to? Carrollton’s offense is all about big plays and relentless pace. If Julian Lewis gets cooking early, it’s gonna be a long night for Grayson. But Grayson’s defense isn’t just gonna sit back and watch the show. They’ll be sending heat all night, led by 5-star Atkinson and Davis, looking to rattle Lewis and force mistakes.
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On the flip side, Grayson’s offense needs their QB Travis Burgess to step up big time, literally. He’s gotta out-duel Lewis and find guys like Alex Sanchez and Jaylon Williams in open space. If Grayson’s offensive line can handle Carrollton’s D-line and pressure, the Rams might just maybe grind this one out.
Here’s the tea: Carrollton’s got the flash, the swagger, and the undefeated record. But Grayson’s got that underdog grit and a defense that can punch you in the mouth. If Lewis can stay cool under pressure and avoid any hit to a prior injury, Carrollton is winning their eighth title. But if Grayson’s D-line takes over and Burgess makes a few plays, don’t be in awe if the Rams walk away with the trophy.
This ain’t just a game; it’s a battle of Georgia’s best. Carrollton wants to bring back that old-school championship vibe, while Grayson’s out to prove their dominance in the new era. No matter who takes the dub, this one’s gonna be an instant classic. You better get locked in at 7 p.m., because history’s about to go down at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Don’t blink.
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Can Carrollton's Julian Lewis outshine Grayson's defense, or will the Rams' grit steal the spotlight?
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Can Carrollton's Julian Lewis outshine Grayson's defense, or will the Rams' grit steal the spotlight?
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