In Countdown to Kickoff, WALB Sports’ Aaron Meaux and McKenzie Blaze break down everything you need to know before football season in South Georgia. Watch LIVE and view previous episodes on WALB.com, the WALB News 10 app and on streaming apps at 7 p.m. every weekday from July 28 to Aug. 12.

SOUTH GEORGIA, (WALB) — GHSA Class 2A Region 1 enters the 2026 season with five programs navigating significant roster transitions. Cook and Brooks County are new to the region. Fitzgerald is in its second year under head coach Wes Tankersley. Berrien is working to build on last year’s playoff breakthrough. Thomasville is replacing nearly 30 seniors

Cook Hornets: New coach, veteran roster, unsettled quarterback

Cornelius “Pig” Brown takes over as head coach at his alma mater with more than 20 returning seniors on the roster. Brown played at Cook and said familiarity with the program and players gives him an opportunity to establish his identity quickly.

“Very excited to be coaching, be the head coach of my alma mater,” Brown said. “I just can’t wait to get this thing rolling.”

The Hornets return sophomore Dawson Davis and middle linebacker Jabari Dawson, who will anchor a new three-down front with five defensive backs. Cook also needs to replace linebacker Braylen Bennett, who transferred to Valdosta. An open quarterback competition between senior Jayden Joiner and sophomore Nole Register remained unresolved heading into the preseason.

“When you see us on August the 21st, hopefully we have our guy and we’re going,” Brown said. “We’re just going to go with who gives us the best chance to win football.”

Cook opens Aug. 21 at Swainsboro. They begin region play against Berrien on Oct. 2.

Berrien Rebels: Offensive line youth, defensive twin presence

Berrien carries confidence into the season after last year’s playoff breakthrough but faces an offensive rebuild. Gene Watson has graduated, and four new starters are in place on the offensive line — including Eli Yawn, who started at center as a freshman a year ago.

“The offensive line is super young,” coach Dean said. “We graduated four starters, but those guys have really gelled and meshed together.”

Dean said the team is working to replace Watson’s production by committee rather than relying on a single player.

Defensively, the Rebels return the Mathis twins. Durrell Mathis moves from cornerback to linebacker, while Travell Mathis — who did not play last year — is competing for a starting corner role. Sophomore linebacker Kim Wesley also returns with varsity experience.

Berrien opens with non-region games against Lanier, Early, and Charlton Counties before hosting Thomasville on Sept. 25. A three-game region run — Cook, Brooks County, and Fitzgerald — follows.

Brooks County Trojans: Star power returns, supporting cast is young

Brooks County enters its first season in Class 2A coming off a third-round exit last year and a state title appearance the year before. Senior quarterback Junior Burrus and Auburn-committed tight end and receiver George Lamons return as the team’s primary offensive weapons.

“Just for Junior to be able to know that he’s got George out there that he can throw the ball up to and he’s going to go up and make a play for them — that’s great,” coach McFather said.

The Trojans lost Trae Stevenson and Damari Baynard. Caden Cobb takes on a larger role at running back. Freshman Trae’rel Stevenson steps into the role vacated by his older brother. Jayden Bryant is also among the players expected to take on expanded responsibilities.

The non-region schedule includes games against Worth County, Pierce County, and Crisp County — two of those on the road. A three-game region stretch at Thomasville, Cook, and Berrien follows and could carry region title implications.

McFather said the program intentionally schedules difficult non-region opponents to prepare for the postseason. “They like to play physical, they like to play the standard brand of Trojan football fast, give yourself a chance, and then hopefully you’re playing in December,” he said.

Fitzgerald Purple Hurricane: Veteran line, young skill group, new quarterback

Fitzgerald came within one point of a deeper playoff run last year. Wes Tankersley enters his second season with more familiarity and a full offseason in place.

The Hurricane lost standout Victor Copeland to graduation. Junior Caden Cowan — younger brother of last year’s starting quarterback Matthew Cowan — takes over under center with limited varsity experience.

“You worry about inexperience, but coach is going to find a way to make sure he’s comfortable,” Tankersley said. “And if he’s not, you’re going to see it early on.”

Fitzgerald plans to build its offense around a veteran offensive line, a run-heavy attack, and play-action passes. Tankersley said the goal is for Cowan to manage the game rather than carry the offense.

“We’re going to be a run-heavy offense, but the one thing that we did a really good job of towards the end of the year was hitting play action off of that,” Tankersley said.

Receiver and running back Darryon “Pookie” Devine, who missed time to injury last year, is healthy and can play multiple positions. The non-region schedule includes games against Clinch County, Irwin County, Dodge County, and Worth County. Fitzgerald hosts three of its four region games — at Adel for the Cook matchup is the lone road region contest.

Thomasville Bulldogs: Massive senior class graduates, new faces at every level

Thomasville enters the season replacing nearly 30 seniors. Christian Hayes transitions from a two-year starting role at cornerback to quarterback. Hayes is described as a mobile runner and track athlete.

“Chris is more of a, he’s a really good runner. He’s a track guy who throws the ball well,” coach DeLay said.

The Bulldogs lost quarterback Cam Hill, running back Levante Cole, running back A.J. Hill — who transferred to Valdosta — and wide receiver Nigel Pittman. Four new offensive linemen are in place, and the defensive front is also largely new.

DeLay said continuity along both lines is the primary development area before region play.

“Four new offensive linemen, the starters have to find a way to communicate, have to find a way to grow together, while the defensive front is also new,” he said.

The non-region schedule opens with Cairo, Bainbridge, Worth County, and Seminole County — with the Sept. 4 game listed as a bye. Five consecutive region games begin Sept. 25 at Berrien, followed by home games against Brooks County and Jeff Davis, a road trip to Fitzgerald, home games against Bacon County, and a Nov. 6 matchup against Cook.

GHSA football begins Friday, Aug. 21.

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