When your golden boy QB’s got a thumb that’s looking questionable, it’s enough to make a fan base sweat. Carrollton’s Julian Lewis has been slinging passes like he’s straight out of a highlight reel all season, but heading into the Georgia State Championship on December 18 against Grayson Rams, that thumb injury has folks holding their breath. The Trojans are chasing their first state title since the late 90s, sitting pretty at 14-0, but without their Gatorade Georgia Player of the Year under center? Well, let’s just say backup plans don’t always come with fireworks. Or do they?

Enter Dylan Bishop. You probably haven’t heard his name shouted from the rooftops, but Carrollton’s backup QB isn’t just any second-stringer. Standing 6’2” and weighing 160 pounds, Bishop has been quietly waiting for his shot behind one of the best quarterbacks in the country. And when Julian Lewis went down with that thumb injury against Hillgrove in the quarterfinals, Bishop didn’t blink. He stepped onto the field, took control of the offense, and led the Trojans to an easy 46-6 blowout win. The stat line? Clean and efficient—10 completions for 123 yards and three touchdowns.

For someone who hasn’t had much time in the spotlight this season, Bishop’s poise under pressure turned heads. Sure, his 200 passing yards and five touchdowns on the year don’t exactly scream QB1, but let’s put it into perspective: The Trojans revolves around Julian Lewis, who has 10,484 career passing yards and 140 touchdowns. When you’re playing behind that kind of talent, your moments are limited. But when it counted, Bishop showed up—and that’s exactly what Carrollton head coach Joey King and fans need to see.

What makes the Division AAAAAA ranked for 1 stat and top 6 in AAAAAA Region 2 for 1 stat, and the top 72 in Georgia Volleyball Coaches Association for 1 stat, intriguing is his dual-athlete pedigree. This guy isn’t just a football backup; he’s a standout baseball player too, known for his agility and precision. That athletic versatility translates to his game on the gridiron—he’s mobile, quick, and has the kind of cool-under-fire energy coaches love. “He doesn’t play like a backup,” says a Carrollton assistant coach. “Dylan’s a guy you trust to step up and get the job done.”

Of course, Carrollton isn’t alone in this fight. Across the field stands Grayson, the 13-1 Rams, a powerhouse itching to spoil the Trojans’ perfect season. If Lewis isn’t 100%, Bishop might be tasked with matching Grayson’s offensive firepower.

Dylan Bishop might need to be the bishop for Carrollton

Carrollton isn’t the only team with something to prove. Across the field stands Grayson—the 13-1 Rams—ready to play spoiler to the Trojans’ dream of a perfect season. Grayson is a powerhouse in every sense of the word, and they’re itching to take down a Carrollton squad that’s been nearly unstoppable all year.

Dylan Bishop has to step in under the brightest lights of his young career. Bishop, who’s spent much of the season watching from the sideline, might be tasked with matching Grayson’s relentless offensive firepower. And let’s face it—asking a backup QB to deliver on a stage this massive is no small favor. But if Carrollton fans are sweating, they can take comfort in one thing: Bishop has shown that he’s no ordinary clipboard-holder. He’s got the arm strength, the instincts, and—most importantly—the swagger to keep his cool when the game’s on the line.

So, will Lewis shake off the injury and deliver his hero moment, or will Bishop rise to the occasion and pen his own chapter in Carrollton history?