While the GHSA state championships are already underway, Prep Ballers is continuing on with our previews of each matchup throughout the entire week.
In Tuesday's second contest, the Perry Panthers (12-2) take on the Stockbridge Tigers (12-2) in a battle of two first-time state championship participants.
Both programs boast just two losses, with three of the four total losses coming to programs from a larger classification. In addition, both teams took down known powerhouses during their respective playoff runs to secure a spot in Atlanta.
Recruiting wise, both rosters contain exactly 11 athletes that hold at least one college offer, including a number of Division I commits.
Below is a list of all players with college offers, along with a hyperlink to their recruiting profile if available.
Perry
2024 three-star wide receiver Dakarai Anderson (Cincinnati commit)
2024 three-star cornerback Maurice Hayes (Bowling Green commit)
2024 three-star quarterback Colter Ginn (11 Division I offers)
2024 tight end/long snapper Donovan Funsch (four Division I offers)
2024 wide receiver Tavares Simmons (one Division III offer)
2024 tight end Colby Dixon (one Division III and one NAIA offer)
2024 offensive/defensive lineman Jamari Haynes (one Division III offer)
2024 wide receiver Khalid Miller (one NAIA offer)
2025 linebacker Jordan Donald (two Division I offers)
2025 wide receiver Devon Smoot (two Division I offers)
2025 athlete Kory Pettigrew (one Division I offer)
Stockbridge
2024 three-star running back Jayden Scott (NC State commit)
2024 three-star safety MaLik Caswell (Marshall commit)
2024 three-star interior offensive lineman (Jacksonville State commit)
2024 defensive lineman Dylan Manuel (two Division I offers)
2024 running back Jordyn Mack (one Division I offer)
2024 defensive end Kyle Green (one Division I offer)
2024 quarterback Cobey Thompkins (three Division II offers)
2024 kicker/punter Jordan Wilson (one Division II offer)
2024 athlete Kevin Conix (one Division III offer)
2024 linebacker Jeffery Smoot II (one Division III and one NAIA offer)
Three-star linebacker Chase Taylor (11 Division I offers)
Analysis and Pick
While this matchup appears to be pretty even on paper, I give the Tigers the nod on Tuesday.
Both teams are battle tested and have been dominant in both region and playoff play, but the Tigers showed me more in the beginning of the season. Nearly taking down Douglas County and holding their own against Colquitt County — two nationally ranked opponents — is enough to convince me.
Colter Ginn will get his numbers and keep Perry in this game as long as possible, but I simply don't think it will be enough to capture the program's first state title. Give me the Tigers in a close one.
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