News Summary
As high school football teams in Georgia reach the halfway mark of their season, Week 6 features intense rivalries and significant matchups, particularly in the Augusta area. The standout clash is Grovetown versus Grayson, the top-ranked team nationally, while Aquinas takes on Westside in a classic public vs. private school rivalry. Harlem faces West Laurens for a rematch, and North Augusta encounters Gilbert, who has dominated previous meetings. Richmond Academy looks to build on their recent win, while Strom Thurmond aims to continue their success against Lincoln County.
Augusta, GA – Week 6 of the high school football season in Georgia marks a pivotal moment as teams reach the halfway point of their schedules. This weekend features several matchups that carry a playoff-like intensity, particularly in the Augusta area, where local teams will face significant challenges and rivalries.
The standout game this week is the matchup between Grovetown and Grayson, the No. 1 team in Georgia and ranked No. 4 nationally according to MaxPreps. Grovetown will host Grayson, the reigning 6A state champions, in what is expected to be their most formidable test of the season. In their last encounter, Grayson decisively defeated Grovetown 63-0, highlighting the challenge ahead for Grovetown. Grayson boasts a roster filled with high-level recruits, including five-star linebacker Tyler Atkinson, who is committed to Texas, and four-star linebacker Anthony Davis Jr., committed to Mississippi State. Additionally, Grayson’s junior quarterback, Deuce Smith, has recorded four touchdowns and nearly 600 passing yards this season. For Grovetown to compete effectively, senior receiver Tremail Boyd will need to deliver an outstanding performance.
Another significant event this week will be the game between Aquinas and Westside, featuring a classic public versus private school rivalry. Historically, Westside leads the series 7-2, having secured a narrow victory of 21-16 in last year’s contest. Aquinas will rely on the talents of senior wide receiver Jack Rhodes, a Virginia commit who has scored nine touchdowns and averages almost 170 receiving yards per game. Westside counters with senior running back Tamari Curry, who has consistently surpassed 170 rushing yards in games this season and has five touchdowns to his name.
Harlem will welcome West Laurens for their second all-time meeting, with Harlem having previously won 28-7 in their first matchup. Harlem’s offense features standout players such as senior receiver Jayden Futrell, who recorded three interceptions in their last game, and senior running back Malik Tyler, who had 140 rushing yards and one touchdown in that same match.
In another noteworthy rivalry, North Augusta will face Gilbert, a contest in which Gilbert has emerged victorious in their previous two meetings, winning by an average margin of 36 points. Gilbert’s senior quarterback, Kaden Kingery, supports a dynamic offense that includes running back Jiraiya Staley and receiver Adam Lepley. North Augusta will depend on senior running back Mike Doe to produce significant offensive plays this week.
Richmond Academy achieved their first victory of the season last week, defeating Howard 43-19. The team is led by sophomore quarterback Carson Hand and junior receiver Lo’than McBride, who averages nearly 100 receiving yards per game and leads the team with five touchdowns. Meanwhile, Cross Creek has faced difficulties, losing their last three games after winning the season opener against Josey. Cross Creek’s offense primarily relies on their rushing efforts, with numerous players contributing to the ground game.
Strom Thurmond continues to shine this season, having improved their record to 3-1 after a convincing 35-13 victory over Emerald. Key contributors to Strom Thurmond’s success included Deonte Phillips, Shaheed Williams, Zy Rouse, and Jakari Gordon, while their defense effectively constrained Emerald’s offense, limiting them to a 40.9% completion percentage and recording five sacks. Emerald’s Christopher Dean managed a rushing touchdown and gained 160 rushing yards during the matchup.
Looking ahead, Strom Thurmond is set to travel to Lincoln County, while Emerald will take on Wren on October 3.
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Additional Resources
- Augusta Chronicle: Week 6 of Augusta Area High School Football
- MaxPreps: Football Recap: Strom Thurmond’s Defense
- Augusta Press: High School Football Scoreboard Week 6
- WJBF: Football Friday Night 2024 Week 6 Scores Highlights
- Wikipedia: High School Football in the United States
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
