List of unofficial Georgia high school football state championship claims

See also List of Georgia high school football state champions.

1904: Gordon Institute

This was the first year of organized prep football in Georgia. According to the Atlanta Constitution, all previous attempts to form an association had been futile. The North Georgia Interscholastic Athletic Association met for the first time on November 4 at the Atlanta YMCA. The member schools were Boys High of Atlanta, University School of Stone Mountain, Military Academy of College Park, Gordon Institute of Barnesville, Donald Fraser Military Academy of Decatur, and Peacock.

They elected Sandy Beaver of Donald Fraser president and A.S. Bolling of Peacock secretary/treasurer.

One of the first items of business concerned the eligibility of players. Tuck Griffin had just enrolled at Stone Mountain where he was playing tackle for Coach Hope Sadler.

The other association schools “howled” their protests due to the fact that Griffin had been a regular for the University of Georgia the previous season.

The NGIAA did not have specific rules regarding eligibility until the meeting of November 4, believing them to be unnecessary. The conference ruled that Griffin was ineligible and that Stone Mountain would be “blacklisted” if they continued to use the big tackle.

Citing a concern for the safety of other players, the NGIAA feared that Griffin could kill a 15-year old opponent if allowed to participate. He sat out the following week in Stone Mountain’s 82-0 win over Boys.

The Constitution ran a season summary article on November 20 to cap the first year of organized prep football. The sporting editor for the paper maintained that “Gordon Institute is entitled to the championship of the state, while GMA is entitled to the championship of Atlanta.” Gordon had defeated GMA 39-0. The paper expressed regret that the blacklisted Stone Mountain and Gordon could not play to decide which team was truly the state’s best.

1906: University School for Boys (Stone Mountain) and Gordon Institute

In the middle of November, authorities from R.E. Lee and the University School of Stone Mountain wrote the Atlanta Constitution to declare their game on Thanksgiving to be for the state championship. Both teams were unbeaten. Gordon Institute, however, was also undefeated and lodged its claim. An editorial in the Constitution on November 25 mocked the three schools. “Prep Teams Talk Much but Do Little Playing,” read the headline. The problem was that Gordon and Stone Mountain refused to play each other. “It is easier for R.E. Lee and Stone Mountain to ignore Gordon than to beat her.” The editorial went on to take a jab at Gordon as well, saying that the Barnesville school was not entitled to any state honors until they won them on the field. The prep situation was “all hot air and no action.” Coach Frank J. Blake of Gordon wrote the paper to challenge Stone Mountain, promising them 75% of the gate if they would agree to play in Barnesville. The teams never played.

Stone Mountain, coached by Colonel Sandy Beaver, pounded R.E. Lee 35-0 on November 29 at Piedmont Park to stake their claim to the state championship. The Gordon faithful disagreed, insisting that a look at common opponents would solve the issue of supremacy. Stone Mountain beat Locust Grove by two points while Gordon downed the Grovers by six. According to that logic, Gordon was four points better than Stone Mountain. Coach Beaver countered that, in his opinion, “Stone Mountain today is two touchdowns better than Gordon.”

The Constitution asked Coach Beaver to rank the seven prep teams and pick an all-state squad. In an article on December 3, he picked his own Stone Mountain unit as the best followed by Gordon, R.E. Lee, Locust Grove Institute, Georgia Military Academy of College Park, Donald Fraser Military Academy of Decatur, and Boys High of Atlanta. Interestingly, Boys High did not have a coach this season. They played three scoreless ties with Donald Fraser.

1908: Gordon Institute

On December 3, Atlanta Constitution Sporting Editor Dick Jemison wrote, “Gordon claims the championship of Georgia on the grounds that the other prep teams refuse to meet her. If this is true, she justly claims it. All hail to the prep champions of the state.”

Their claim to state honors was bolstered by a 78-0 win over Georgia Military College at home on November 16 and a victory over Boys High of Atlanta 11-0 on November 21. Gordon lost to Mooney School of Tennessee 33-5 in a match for the “Southern Prep Championship” on December 4 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. A touchdown counted as five points until 1912.

Gordon was led by future UGA great Bob McWhorter, a junior halfback, and senior quarterback Joe Smith.

1909: Gordon Institute

On November 6, the Constitution declared Riverside Military and Gordon to be “the best prep teams in the state.” The two undefeated teams were scheduled to meet on November 15 for the “state title.” Gordon captain Bob McWhorter scored twice, once on a 60-yard run, to lead his team to an impressive 60-0 win.

The following year, McWhorter would be an All-Southern back at the University of Georgia.

1910: Riverside Military

On November 16, the Constitution reported that the state championship had come down to two teams — Riverside Military and University School of Stone Mountain.

Riverside had two wins over a strong Gordon Institue team, including a 44-0 drubbing of the defending state champions. The Cadets had even whipped the Georgia Tech freshman team 11-0.

Stone Mountain had defeated Locust Grove 49-0 and, more importantly, had tied Riverside 0-0.

“Stone Mountain and Riverside meet at Gainesville on Thanksgiving and it is then that the prep school championship of the state will be decided, and not before,” proclaimed the Atlanta paper.

On November 24, Riverside “cinched the state championship” by defeating Stone Mountain 17-6.

Newnan was another strong team in 1910. After defeating Fourth District A & M 24-0 on November 5, the Constitution remarked that Newnan had not allowed a point in three years, a span of approximately 25 games.

1911: Gordon Institute

On November 17 the Constitution declared Gordon Institute and University School for Boys (Stone Mountain) to be “the best prep schools in the state which abide by the eligibility requirements.” This was a slap at undefeated Riverside, a team that Gordon alleged to have questionable players.

Gordon defeated Stone Mountain 15-5 at Ponce de Leon Park in Atlanta on November 18 for the “prep championship of the state.”

Bob McWhorter’s younger brother Marcus was the star of the game. Gordon’s coach was Henry Williams, an all-Southern fullback at Vanderbilt in 1910.

Riverside superintendent F.L. McCoy fired off his dissent the following week, saying that “every member of the (Riverside) team is a bona fide student and under 20.” He explained that “some students have a portion of their tuition fees deducted due to services rendered the school.” McCoy opined that Gordon was upset because Lloyd Howell, who had previously starred at Gordon, was now playing for Riverside.

1912: Gordon Institute and Riverside Military

On November 22, Gordon beat Riverside 12-7 in Barnesville to create a “triple tie” for state honors between Gordon, Riverside, and Georgia Military College (GMC). Gordon and Riverside had split two games while Gordon and GMC had tied. Riverside and GMC were set to meet in Athens on Thanksgiving Day with the state title in the balance. The Constitution cautioned that a Riverside win over GMC would “make a final ranking just a matter of opinion.” However, a GMC victory “will give them a better claim, as they will not have lost a single game all season.”

The Riverside/GMC game was delayed by two hours due to snow. A group of UGA students cleared the field, but it was still a sea of mud and slush. Riverside won 20-6 to create a tie with Gordon for the state title.

When naming the All-State team for the Constitution on December 8, Riverside coach Frank Anderson remarked that there were only “six real prep schools” in the state—Gordon Institute, Georgia Military Academy of College Park, Georgia Military College of Milledgeville, Riverside, Locust Grove Institute, and University School of Stone Mountain—when it comes to picking worthy players. He claimed that Boys High of Atlanta was not strictly a prep school.

1913: Tech High of Atlanta, Riverside Military, and Georgia Military College

On November 15, Riverside and GMC played to a 20-20 tie at Grant Field. The Constitution proclaimed in a banner headline, “Prep Teams Fight Fierce Tie for Championship of the State.” GMC then challenged Riverside to a tie-breaker game in Macon. Riverside accepted under the condition that the game be held in Athens. Negotiations broke down and the teams did not meet.

Meanwhile, Tech High registered its claim to the state title, citing its 7-6 victory over Riverside and undefeated slate. Gordon protested Tech’s assertion due to the fact that Tech had cancelled their game scheduled for November 15.

Paul Rosser of Gordon wrote that, other than Riverside, Tech had only played Atlanta schools. “These teams, as everybody knows, are not in the class of Gordon, Milledgeville, and Riverside.” Tech responded sarcastically on December 3 that they had beaten Riverside, a team that GMC could only tie, “so there you are.”

Tech supporter T.J. Day presented the team with a “State Prep Champion” cup which was put on display at an Atlanta department store.

For years to come, the Constitution would refer to Tech’s “state rag” of 1913.

1914: Gordon Institute, Darlington, and Richmond Academy

Gordon beat GMC 24-7 in Milledgeville on Thanksgiving Day, prompting the Constitution to award them the “state prep title.” However, the Darlington School in Rome had already lodged their claim on November 20.

They had not lost a game to a Georgia opponent, piling up a combined score of 160-2. Darlington had a 2-0 loss to Chattanooga High, however, to justify the Atlanta paper’s decision. Darlington issued a challenge to Riverside and Gordon, but it was not answered.

Richmond made their claim for the state title in the December 6 Augusta Chronicle after defeating Boys High 26-6 the previous day at Warren Park in Augusta. Tech High had challenged Richmond to the game in mid-November after defeating a strong Riverside team 7-6. Tech hoped that a win over Richmond would give them a clear claim to the state title. Boys High then upset Tech 3-0 and took their place in the challenge game with Richmond.

Additionally, Moultrie had an exceptional team, routing Valdosta 50-7 on November 13 for the South Georgia championship.

1915: Georgia Military College and Darlington School

Darlington made an attempt to schedule games with the state’s more established programs, hoping to establish an indisputable claim to the state title. They defeated the Atlanta schools handily, Tech 13-0 and Boys 20-0. Their most impressive victory was a 48-6 laugher over perennial powerhouse Gordon.

On November 21, Darlington registered its claim to the state championship in the Constitution, expressing a desire to play undefeated GMC in a post season game. They never met.

On November 28, GMC coach Arthur Maddox wrote: “There is never a year when it is not a popular cry among the preps, ‘we claim the championship.’ This season GMC does not have to claim it as the record stands for itself. GMC played all the leading prep schools and has outclassed them all.” Then, as a taunt aimed at Darlington, he added, “take at peek at the following,” then listed GMC’s victories over Mercer 72-0, Richmond Academy 43-25, Tifton A & M 79-0, Louisville 43-0, Riverside 18-7, and Gordon 82-0.

When choosing the All-State team for the Constitution, Maddox refused to consider any Darlington players.

1916: Tech High, Georgia Military College, and Tifton A & M

On November 24, the Constitution declared that Tech High had “a chance” at the state title. They had defeated a strong Darlington team 21-7 at Grant Field to give the squad from Rome their first in-state loss in over three years. Tech High went on to beat GMA 19-6 and Boys 6-0 to finish undefeated.

GMC also went unbeaten. Their record was tainted, though, due to failure to play Riverside and Gordon. GMC claimed the “Southern Prep Championship” with a 6-0 win over Porter Military Academy of Charleston, South Carolina.

Also, on December 1, the Tifton Aggies beat Norman Institute 26-0 to claim the championship of the South Georgia Prep Association, “as well as of the state.”

1917: Georgia Military College

GMC entertained Porter Military Academy of Charleston at season’s end for the “Southern Prep Championship.” The Constitution billed the game as a match between the “prep champions of South Carolina and Georgia.”

GMC won 13-0 and finished the year undefeated. Their only close game was a 14-13 win over Tech High early in the season.

1919: Tech High of Atlanta

The Constitution announced on November 19 that the race for the state title had narrowed to three teams - Riverside, GMC, and Tech High. All three were “neck and neck.”

Tifton lodged a protest the following week in a scathing letter to the editor, citing the sterling record of the Aggies.

Riverside and Tech met at Ponce de Leon Park in Atlanta on December 5. The Atlanta paper stated that “the game will settle all arguments pro and con for the Georgia state football championship.” The article went on to say that GMC had not played enough representative teams for consideration. Tech had only lost once, by a point to Central of Birmingham. Tech and Riverside had tied 0-0 earlier. This time, Tech blasted Riverside 47-0.

Tech's best players were Sanford "Smack" Thompson (end), Frank Wilson (center), Fred Saunders (G), Jack Sartain (T), Charley Stone (G), Albert Jordan (halfback), Frank Harris (halfback), Lindsay Bawsell (B), Tom Alexander (B), and Lucky Lake (end).

Sandy Beaver of Riverside named a state-wide all-star team on Nov. 30 and chose Wilson, Thompson, and Jordan from Tech. Thompson would play at UGA.

Saunders, Alexander, and Sartain saw combat in France during WWI with the latter receiving a Distinguished Service Cross for bravery in action. Stone served in the Marines.

Sept. 26 Georgia Tech "scrubs" 6-18 L at Grant Field Oct. 4 McCallie of Chattanooga 25-7 W at Grant Field Oct. 11 Dahlonega W at Grant Field Oct. 18 Riverside 0-0 T at Ponce Oct. 25 Savannah 27-0 W away Alexander two TD's Nov. 1 Lanier 40-0 W away, game called at 11:00 to play due to rain Nov. 16 Central of Birmingham 12-13 L at Grant (dance held that night for teams) Nov. 21 GMA 13-0 W at Ponce, Bawsel two TD's for City Title Nov. 29 Boys 3-0 W at Grant, Jordan 28-FG in downpour 3 first downs each Dec. 6 Riverside 47-0 W at Ponce, Jordan 2 TD's, Alexander 2 TD's

1920: Valdosta and Richmond Academy

Valdosta

Valdosta had a perfect record this season, defeating Athens 20-13 in a “north-south” playoff at season’s end. The claim to state honors, however, is unusual. It was not until October 25, 1923 that the Atlanta Constitution reported that “in 1920, the Valdosta High School Wildcats won the state title by defeating Athens by a narrow score.”

Perhaps, Valdosta made the claim in 1920 and it was not mentioned in the Atlanta paper. The Valdosta booster club disavowed this championship in the 1970’s.

Richmond Academy

Augusta Chronicle 11-21-1920 Academy Eleven Defeats Savannah High; Prep Champs Savannah, GA., Nov. 20, 1920 - Richmond Academy proved it's claim to the prep championship of the state is no empty cry on defeating Savannah High School this afternoon in a thrilling encounter, 13 to 0.

Both touchdowns being made in the second quarter after Benton, the Blue and White's best bet, had left the game on account of injuries.

The game started when High School kicked off to Richmond. After playing in midfield for awhile High School started a drive for the opposing goal which brought the ball up to Richmond's 15-yard line. The Purple and Orange held on this line, however, and Benton essayed a drop kick. The ball went low and was given to Richmond on their own one-foot line. Sherlock punted, but High School again brought the ball up. Again Benton tried a drop kick with the ball in midfield.

The second quarter started disasterously for High School when the jump shift of the Augustans carried the ball to High School's three yard line. Three time the Blue and White held and then Benton was knocked out. This proved to be a terrific blow to High School, for Sherlock was able to carry the ball over for a touchdown. He failed to kick goal, however.

Richmond then kicked off and after Richmond had regained the ball on a fumble Cleckley dashed 40 yards for a touchdown. This time the kick of Sherlock sent the ball between the uprights for another point. Benton returned to the game in the third quarter and his presence was immediately felt. Time and again in the last two quarters Richmond broke through the Blue and While line only to be stopped by the fierce tackling of Benton and Blount. Benton's line smashing and Blount's end running were key features of the game. Ably assisted by Rahal, these two backs split the Purple and Orange line to pieces only to be forced to punt after they had reached the limit of their ability. During the interval between the two halves about 100 High School students, headed by the band, performed a snake dance on the field. A feature of the game was that neither team was penalized at all. Both teams played a clean and gentlemanly game. The shining lights for High School Benton, Blount, and Rahal. While Ceckley and Sherlock were the Richmond stars. A crowd of about 1,200 witnessed the game.

1921: LaGrange and Athens

LaGrange

LaGrange made its first claim to the state title on November 19, insisting that a distinction should be made between “prep” and “high school” teams.

LaGrange lost to GMC 13-0 despite being a four-touchdown underdog. This led the LaGrange authorities to write, “By virtue of their showing against the State Prep champions (GMC), the LaGrange High School claims the high school championship of Georgia. Should there be any other claimants for the championship; the LaGrange High School will gladly play any high school team composed of bona fide students to decide the matter.” A high school was limited to one attendance area, but “prep” schools had students from all over the South.

Athens

Athens High based its claim on a 42-0 win over previously undefeated Dublin on December 2 in Athens. In a series of post season challenges, Dublin refused to play LaGrange, choosing once-beaten Athens instead.

LaGrange responded to the Athens claim with disbelief, pointing to their common opponent as proof. “We recall that University School (U.S.B of Atlanta) defeated Athens 21-7 and LaGrange defeated University School 27-7. Athens will, therefore, experience some difficulty in making LaGrange believe they have the best high school team in Georgia. We now lay formal claim to the state high school championship for 1921 and will arrange a game with Athens or anybody else.”

1923 Emanuel County Institute and Richmond Academy

Emanuel County Institute

Emanuel County Institute's claim was made in the December 1, 1923 Augusta Chronicle:

Following Victory Over Waynesboro E. C. I. Eleven Claims State Title Special to The Chronicle. Graymont, Ga., Nov. 30.--The victory of Emanuel County Institute over Waynesboro High School leaves E. C. I. in position to claim state championship among high schools that are members of the State Accredited High School Athletic Association, having won all seven of such games played.

In a most thrilling game of football Varnedor's Bulldogs were on Thursday victorious over the plucky Waynesboro High School team on Rountree Field in Twin City, the playground of Emanuel County Institute, by the decisive score of 20 to 0. Both teams played good, hard, clean football. At the beginning of the second half Pritchard raced through the whole field for a touchdown from kick-off, scoring in 20 seconds from the sound of the whistle. Rountree, at quarterback, played a wonderfully consistent game for E. C. I. byrant, E. C. I.'s broad-shouldered linesman, was a power of strength and received several passes for long gains over the visitors. W. Johnson made several spectacular gains through the line and around end. Just before the end of the fourth period he carried the ball for a 50-yard gain almsot scoring again. Waters, Durden, Coward, Grimes, Wilson, and Pryor all played well for E. C. I. Blount, Mobley, and Burton played best for Waynesboro.

Richmond Academy

ARC claimed the championship with a 6-0 win over Riverside on Thanksgiving 1923. November 29, 1923. This story ran in the November 30th, 1923 Augusta Chronicle.

Richmond triumphs over Riverside 6-0 Musketeers Now Have Claim To State Prep Championship Following Victory Yesterday

The Richmond eleven of 1928 will go down in history. In the days of the remote future it will be known to those of that younger generation as the first Musketeer team to triumph over Riverside Military Academy. Young stalwart warriors who participated in that glorious struggle at Academy Park yesterday afternoon will when they are grandfathers take the little ones upon their knees and tell them of this epoch in local athletics; they will point with pride to Richmond’s 6 to 0 victory over Riverside.

Yesterday was truly Thanksgiving Day in at least one respect to students and followers of historic old Academy of Richmond County. For years Richmond has tried hard to down the prep eleven from the Gainesville institution each time their hopes had been shattered but yesterday at last they were realized. It was a great victory but one in which the grit and sportsmanship of the conquered was almost equally as great as that of the conqueror.

Riverside fought a great game, had victory within its grasp and then let it slip between its bare finger tips. Rushed off their feet in the first quarter, every on e of the eleven men who represented Riverside fought with that grim determination in the remaining periods which not only stayed Richmond’s advances but on two occasions threatened to turn the tide of battle.

Richmond Handicapped Handicapped by a slow, wet field, Richmond went into the game, nevertheless, determined to win. The game began with an exchange of punts, each of the two elevens trying out the other’s strength; both were fearful of their opponent. In this exchange Richmond gained the advantage, Gillman’s punts ranging farther than did Riddle’s who did the kicking for Riverside. As the initial period drew to a close, Richmond gained possession on the ball in midfield.

Then followed a series of smashing drives, in which a fake-buck-off tackle play featured, and the ball was carried beneath the very shadow of Riverside’s goal. Gillman was called upon to carry the ball, he had been a great factor in putting it where it was. He swept into the fray and was apparently over the goal line, but the whistle had sounded before he made his last wriggle. A few more inches were needed. “Red” Brinson, a veritable battering ram, was called into action at this critical period and drive his body through a mass of Riverside forwards for the few inches needed for a touchdown. Samuel failed to make the point after touchdown in an attempted drop kick.

Riverside Takes Offensive After that Richmond’s attack was not consistent. From a dangerous offensive its play was mellowed into a bare threat and then into a defensive machine, striving with its greatest effort to turn away a most dangerous threat. Twice Riverside had the ball at the very vitals of the Richmond goal and twice was the attack turned back, but it took super human effort to do than and then it was that one of the outstanding stars of the game came to the fore front. Many spectators, perhaps, did not see this play. It occurred in the third quarter when Riverside threatened Richmond’s goal, which at this time was on the West. Vaden, Bray, and Harris had carried the ball to Richmond’s one foot line; It was fourth down and goal to go. The play was under way; it appeared that the ball had been carried over, but when the mass of human flesh had been separated, the ball lacked an inch or more of it’s objective and went over on downs.

Ferguson was the man who stayed that attack. He was the man who entered that gap made by Riverside interference just a flash before the back with the ball dived into that same hole. He saved the day, but for his bulk in that hole, Riverside would have scored a touchdown.

Many Stars There were many stars. They were too numerous to mention and Richmond had the better in the matter of heroes. But Riverside put up a gallant fight and completely played the local preps off their feet in the second half. But for the absence of some break they would have scored a touchdown.

Statistics of the game show that Richmond had the better of the first period, that the second was divided, and that the third and fourth were decidedly Riverside’s. Riverside lacked the final punch, however, to put the ball over when it had been worked into an advantageous position while Richmond had that punch at least on one occasion and that was enough to win. Those who have seen the Musketeers in action during the season, are agreed that the team was not at its best on the offense yesterday, that it was handicapped seriously yesterday by the wet condition of the field.

They are also agreed that the slow field gave Riverside’s superior weight was of better advantage that it would have been had the field been dry, when Richmond’s flee, precise backfield machine could have gotten into action.

As the result of yesterday’s victory and other victories over high standing elevens of the state, Richmond is now laying claim to the prep championship of Georgia. It appears that they claim to this title is justly made and a most worthy one.

Claim to State Title University School of Atlanta is laying claim to the title, but Richmond has just as good a claim or better. Savannah was defeated by University School, 13-9, while Richmond defeated Savannah 27-0. University School defeated Riverside 26-6, while Richmond was able to beat Riverside only 6-0. However, the Richmond team was handicapped on a wet field, stacking up against a heavier team and especially against a heavy Riverside backfield, which gave them the advantage under wet conditions. Light, fast back of the Academy were badly handicapped especially on strong end runs.

At that Richmond held Riverside scoreless, something no other Georgia team has done this season. University School beat Tech High 6 to 0, and Riverside and Tech High tied 6-6 so that eliminates Tech high. There are no other likely contenders, so far as is known.

Another point in Richmond’s favor is that it has not been scored upon by a team in the state of Georgia. Results of games in Georgia are as follows: Richmond, 64; Statesboro A. and M., 0. Richmond, 41; Gordon Institute, 0. Richmond, 27; Savannah High, 0. Richmond, 6; Riverside, 0.

The account of the game in detail follows:

First Quarter Richmond kicked to Riverside to open the game and the latter, after failing to gain the necessary distance, returned the kick, Riddle doing the punting. Richmond was held for downs and there followed an exchange of punts in which Gillman, punting for Richmond, had a decided advantage and gained considerable yardage for his team in the exchange. Near the end of the first period, Richmond started its march down the field for the one and only touchdown of the grueling battle. After receiving Riddle’s punt, near midfield, Richmond back ripped off their first first down. Gillman went around end on a fake buck formation for 12 yards and added 19 yards by the same play. Riverside time out. The ball was near the Riverside goal. Brinson squirmed for a gain of three feet and went over on the next play. Samuel failed in the attempt for the point after touchdown via the dropkick route.

Ferguson kicked off 30 yards to Riverside. Riverside’s ball on it’s own 30-yard line. Bray broke through the line for 13 yards. He added three more on the next play. The quarter ended here with the ball on Riverside’s 48-yard line.

Second Quarter Valden got one yard. Time out Richmond. Riddle punts 35 yards and it’s Richmond’s ball on its own 35-yard line. Gillman gained 4 yards and Williams lost 2. Gillman punted 40 yards, Riverside fumbled and Pund recovered for Richmond on Riverside’s 40-yard line. Gillman failed to gain. Pass incomplete and Gillman was forced to punt, the ball going over Riverside’s goal line. It was brought out to the 20-yard line and give to Riverside. Riddle kicked for 30 yards on the first play. Sack gained 5 yards and Powell went over for first down. Gillman clipped off 5 yards and Sack got four. O’Connor made first down. Gillman plunged through the line for 5 yards but Powell lost 4. Gillman made 15 yards and the pass which was attempted was incomplete, the ball going over to Riverside on it’s own 20-yard line. Riddle kicked 40 yards to O’Connor, who returned 8 yards. Powell broke through for 15 yards. Pass incomplete. Sack gained 12 yards, but O’Connor lost 2. Powell’s thrust at the line failed. Gillman lost a yard from scrimmage and then tried a drop kick from his 25-yard line, which went wild. The ball was then Riverside’s on it’s own 20-yard line. Riddle punted 40 yards and it was Richmond’s ball in midfield as the half ended.

Score, Richmond 6; Riverside, 0.

Third Quarter Richmond kicked off 40 yards to Bethea, who, in a beautiful exhibition of broken field running, returned 35 yards. It was Riverside’s ball on Richmond’s 45-yard line. O’Connor intercepted a Riverside pass and returned it 6 yards from behind his own line of defense. Brinson crashed over right guard for 4 yards. Richmond was penalized 5 yards for being offside. Gillman punted 30 yards and it was Riverside’s ball on the 50-yard line. Harris got one yard, but Bray was down in his tracks attempting to throw a pass. Another pass was grounded and Riddle punted thirty yards. It was Richmond’s ball on it’s own 20-yard line. Both elevens were ruled offside. Williams fumbled and Riverside recovered. The ball was still on Richmond’s 20-yard line. Bray got 8 yards, Vaiden added three off left tackle. Bray got 2 yards and Vaiden was stopped without a gain. He came back on the next play, however, and gained 5 yards to register first down. Bray made one yard and Harris 3 through the line. Vaiden got 3 over left tackle. Vaiden failed to gain the bare inch or more needed to put the ball over the goal line on his team’s fourth down and the ball went to Richmond. Standing deep behind his own goal line, Gillman punted the ball 30 yards our of danger temporarily. It was Riverside’s ball on Richmond’s 25-yard line. O’Connor intercepted a forward pass and it was Richmond’s ball on it’s own 20-yard line. Gillman punted 25 yards and it was Riverside’s ball on Richmond’s 40-yard line. A Riverside pass was incomplete, but Harris gained 4 yards. Vaiden 2 and 3 in three drives at the Musketeer’s line. The quarter ended with Riverside in possession of the ball on Richmond’s 9-yard line and fourth down.

Fourth Quarter Vaiden opened the fourth period by making the necessary yardage for first down while Bray got one more yard and Vaiden again came tot he fore and squirmed through the line for 3 yards. Riverside was making its gains through Richmond’s line. Harris made one yard but on the next play Richmond forwards closed in on Vaiden who failed to gain and the ball went over on downs. It was Richmond’s ball on it’s own 3-foot line and Gillman from behind his own goal punted out 35 yards, giving Riverside the ball on Richmond’s 30-yard line.

A pass was incomplete and on the next play Harris was downed in his tracks trying to pass by Richmond forwards. Samuel intercepted a pass from Harris and the ball is Richmond’s on it’s own 25-yard line. Gillman punted 50 yards and Riverside got the ball on its own 32-yard line. After Vaiden had made one yard through the line, Riddle broke a loose for 15 yards and first down. Riddle failed to gain on the next play. Harris fumbled and Richmond recovered on Riverside’s 43-yard line.

Brinson failed at the line and Powell managed to gain a bare yard. Gillman failed to gain on the next play and then punted 26 yards out of bounds.

Riverside’s ball on it’s own 30-yard line. Riddle got 12 yards form a punt formation play and a pass, Smith to Vaiden netted 15 yards. Time was pressing Riverside. Two passes were attempted in quick succession, Bray tried the line without success and another pass was grounded as teh time-keeper’s whistle announced the end of the game.

Score, Richmond, 6; Riverside, 0.

Line up and summary:

Merguson || LT || Moore

Richmond (6)	Pos	Riverside (0)
Miller	LE	Brisois
Wall	LG	Huff
Pund	C	Bahnsen
Scott	RG	Forsyth
Thomas	RT	Bethea
Samuel	RE	Riddle
O’Connor	QB	Merritt
Williams	LH	Harris
Brinson	RH	Bray
Gillman	FB	Vaden (Captain)

Score by periods

Riverside	0	0	0	0	0
Richmond	6	0	0	0	6

Scoring touchdowns, Brinson.

Substitutes: Richmond, Hudson for Samuel, Herndon for Thomas; Powell for Williams, Cook for Wall, Sack for Brinson, Cook for Scott. Riverside, Autrey for Huff, Hiers for Brisbois, Smith for Bray, Johns for Hiers, Morgan for Forsyth, Autrey for Morgan.

Officials: Caswell(Virginia Polytechnic Institute), referee; Sancken (Georgia), umpire; Allen (Richmond), field judge; Olsen (Y.M.C.A.), head linesman.

1924: LaGrange

LaGrange, led by second-year coach and former South Carolina star T.W. Gressette, had a powerhouse team in 1924. A strong running game featured the speedy Mike Fisher and the bruising 190-pound fullback Jeff Bolden. The Grangers beat West Point 69-0, Carrollton A & M 86-0, Newnan 40-0, Boys 14-0, Griffin 62-3, Hartwell 70-6, and Moultrie 28-13 on Thanksgiving Day in a game billed as the state championship. The team lost twice—once to a “prep” school (Monroe A & M 30-0) and once to the Oglethorpe College freshmen (6-0). The games with Monroe and Oglethorpe were not on the original schedule, but were added after Carrollton High and Auburn High cancelled.

1925: LaGrange, Gainesville, and Richmond Academy

LaGrange

T.W. Gressette had a phenomenal team at LaGrange. With huge Jeff Bolden back at fullback, the offense (known as the “Gressette shift”) was almost unstoppable. The Grangers beat Carrollton 34-0, Bethlehem (AL) College 21-0, Rome 6-0, Marietta 32-0, Columbus 18-0, Boys 20-6, Greenville 35-6, Athens 27-0, Decatur 82-0, and Albany 61-13.

The Constitution ran a story on November 13 that caused much consternation at LaGrange. Sports writer Julian Griffin cited Gainesville High’s three-year undefeated streak and challenged any team to top it. Coach Gressette replied that “LaGrange has faced a much harder schedule than Gainesville” and declared LaGrange’s record to be “superior to that of Gainesville High, which claims the state high school championship.” The coach challenged Gainesville to a post season game, but the teams never met.

Gainesville

Gainesville, coached by J.H. Pittard, went undefeated for the third straight season. They took resounding victories over Madison 83-0, Toccoa 21-0, Monroe High 93-0, Decatur 44-0, Hartwell 20-12, Marietta 74-0, Griffin 42-0, Lavonia 47-0, and Athens 34-0.

Pittard’s team won 32 straight games from 1923-25 by the combined score of 1053-63.

It is not clear in the Constitution if Gainesville actually claimed state honors or if Coach Gressette of LaGrange just made that assumption.

Marist also had a good team in 1925, going 7-0 with wins over Boys, Griffin, and Darlington. Coach Joe Bean refused to allow his Blue Cadets to claim state honors, however.

Richmond Academy

Richmond Academy made its claim to the state prep championship in a Nov. 27, 1925 article in the Augusta Chronicle. The undefeated team based its claim on a victory over eventual GIAA champion Riverside by the score of 13-0 on Nov. 25, 1926, Thanksgiving Day.

Coach Jules L. Carson Key players: Leonard Hudson E (captain) Jim Mason E ? Daniels T Warren Lokey T Dutch Lucky G ? Stelling G Delmar Owens C Dick Edwards HB Alvin Baird HB Eddie Mulherin QB Tom Bruce FB

Article from the Nov 27, 1925 Augusta Chronicle

Cadets 13-0 Victory Cinches State Title 3,000 Witness Game BY GENE EMIGH Before a crowd estimated at 3,000, the team of Richmond Academy won undisputed claim to the prep championship of Georgia yesterday by defeating the strong Riverside team, previously undefeated in Georgia and claimants of the GIAA championship of the state, by a score of 13 to 0. Outclassing their opponents in all departments, the Musketeers played the best game of prep football ever seen in Augusta. The Musketeer defense was at its best, holding Riverside at bay all through the game. In one instance, the vicious tackling of Baird and Edwards carried Riverside for a total loss of 23 yards in three plays.

All through the game the stands were in an uproar, some, three or four thousand voices urging the "Wonder Eleven” on to victory. Such spirit as has not been seen in many a moon was to be seen and heard all during the game. Donald Saxon and "Jit" Harrison, who served so well in the role of cheer-leaders, are to be complimented on the fine cheering that was given the team.

The Academy's decisive victory over Riverside assures them the privilege of being one of the teams to play in Augusta early in December for the Southern prep title. The Academy’s opponent will be named at a later date.

Fine Football Richmond won its game by exhibiting the best football that has ever been seen on Academy field. The first touchdown came as a direct result of a beautiful 40-yard return of a punt by Mulherin in the second quarter. Edwards, star Musketeer halfback, cut a Riverside player who was in the path of the brainy Musketeer field general, leaving him free to continue his dash. Tom Bruce was unstoppable, making two pretty runs of 6 and 4 yards, putting the ball on Riverside's one-foot line. After three tries had failed to pierce the Riverside line, Bruce tore off tackle for the touchdown. Mulherin kicked goal. Twice later in the game, Mulherin kicked field goals from the 30-yard line.

To pick stars in the Musketeer line-up would resolve itself into a roll-call of the Academy squad, for no man who went into the game for Richmond could have played a better game. The real star, however, sat on the Musketeer players' bench, watching his team play the game as they had been taught to play it. Clean, hard, fighting every inch of the way, the Musketeer "Wonder Team" is a standing tribute to Jules L Carson, for four years football mentor at Richmond Academy. Such football genius as was displayed by the Musketeers in winning the prep championship of Georgia is not a mere accident, nor can it be said that the Musketeers owe their greatness to any man other than their quiet, resourceful, unassuming coach.

Developed Great Team Taking a squad of unknown strength, composed largely of boys who played last season on the company football teams at Richmond, Coach Carson set about developing a team that should be better than that of 1923. To many of the most enthusiastic supporters of the Academy, this was virtually impossible, for no prep team had ever been seen in Augusta that equaled the state champions of two years ago. With only three men back who had played on the regular team last year, Coach Carson was faced with the task of building a football machine. With the aid of the excellent spirit that has been maintained throughout the season by the nervy Musketeers leader Captain Leonard Hudson, and his team, he has produced a team that will go down in history of prep football in this city as the best ever.

"Wonder Team" Many of the fans are of the opinion that the present Musketeer machine could defeat either of the two teams that played here last year for the southern prep title. Being undisputed champions of the state, the Musketeers now lay claim to the title that was won by Tech Hi last year in Augusta. It is expected that a game will be arranged in the near future between the "Wonder Team" and the prep champs of South Carolina.

No team could play the brand of football that the Musketeers played yesterday afternoon without every man in the line-up putting out all he had all through the game. The only method that is feasible for mentioning the stars is by going down the list of players that represented the Purple and Gold in yesterday's tilt.

The powerful Musketeer line held Riverside at bay all during, the game, making some of the best defensive plays that have ever been made on Warren Field. The only way that the Gainesville boys could gain was on end runs, these being well scattered by the brilliant work of the ends. "Dutch" Lucky played the best game of his career at Richmond, getting all his tackles at all points on the field. Lucky's work on guard was the best that one could ask. Stelling, on right guard, was well up to the high standard that he has maintained all season, breaking through on several occasions to hurl the Riverside backs for losses. Owens, at center, got more than his share of the tackles, and what is infinitely more important, made every snap-back in the game perfect. His fine snapping has been a large factor in developing confidence in the Academy backfield this year.

Daniels Star Daniels, Musketeer left tackle, was in the fray all of the game, making himself useful in every play. His work in rushing punts and passes was a great aid to the team. On the defense Daniels probably has no equal in Georgia, and on the offense too much can not be said about him. To this stalwart tackle goes the credit for leading the powerful interference that opened the holes through which Tom Bruce, spectacular Musketeer fullback, for most of the 105 yards that he made from scrimmage during the fracas. Warren Lokey, playing with an injury that has kept him out of the game for a week, held his side of the line in fine shape, going through to hurl the Riverside backs for losses on several occasions.

Captain Hudson and Jimmie Mason, ends deluxe, played the hardest games of their careers in stopping the dashes of the fleet Riverside backs around the Musketeer flanks. These two players great skill in dumping the interference, leaving the runner exposed to the fierce tackling of Edwards and Baird, who tackled harder in yesterday’s game than ever before. These two men have played a large part in the success of the team; both of them being accomplished pass receivers and stonewall on the defense. Sheridan, who took Mason's place in the second quarter, pulled several fine plays, throwing Riverside back for a big loss on the first play after he was substituted.

Backfield All Good. The wonderful little musketeer backfield can not be lauded sufficiently. The six back who played in yesterday's game showed up better than ever before, tearing, smashing, and outwitting their opponent at every hand's turn. Tom Bruce, who has gotten better and better as the season progressed, reached the peak yesterday in his wonderful performance. Carrying the ball time after time for neat gains, Bruce broke loose twice, for sixteen yards and then for 38 yards, amassing a total of 105 from scrimmage. Bruce's interference work figured in several of the runs made by other players, especially Speth's 35 yard return of an intercepted pass and Hudson's 40-yard return of a kick-off. His ability to kick out of bounds was a great help to the team.

Dick Edwards and Alvin Baird, at the halves, played the prettiest game from a defensive standpoint that has ever been seen in Augusta. In the third period Riverside completed a short pass, Baird rushing in to stop the receiver on the 2-yard line. On the next play the whole Musketeer line smothered an attempted buck. Then Edwards threw Riverside for a 7-yard loss. On the next play Baird tackled a Riverside back ten yards behind the line of scrimmage., hitting him so hard the he fumbled the ball which Edwards recovered for an additional five yards. This stopped the only real threat made by the Riverside team. Both of these players are excellent on interference and can gain when called on. Edwards clipping off 43 yards in yesterday's contest. Hill, playing his last game, and Speth played exceptionally well while they were in the game.

Eddie Mulherin covered himself with glory, kicking three perfect drop-kicks, two from the thirty yard line. This brings his total of consecutive good kicks to twelve. Conducting his team in faultless fashion Mulherin found time to scintillate a little himself. In four tries he got 21 yards from scrimmage and it was his 40-yard return of a punt that put Richmond in striking distance when the touchdown was made in the second period. His two drop-kicks from the 30-yard line, one from the side of the field, clinched the victory.

Game in detail Daniels kicked off 40 yards, Riverside returning 20 yards. Riverside fumbled on the return and Hudson recovered. Edwards failed to gain around left end, tripping. Edwards skirted left end for 1 yard. Bruce went over right tackle for 4 yards. On fourth down, Bruce punted over the goal. Riverside's ball on their own 20-yard line. The visitors made two yards around right end on a fake punt. Baird and Bruce making the tackle. Edwards smeared Riverside for a 2-yard loss on another fake punt. Riverside punted the ball 40 yards and Mulherin returned 5 yards. Musketeer's ball on their won 40 yard line. Baird smashed right guard for one yard. Time out for Baird. Bruce out through left tackle for 5 yards. Bruce again hit left tackle, gaining 2 yards. Bruce booted the ball 20 yards and out of bounds.

The visitors made one yard over center, Owens and Daniels making the tackle. Riverside skirted right end for 10 yards. Edwards made a beautiful tackle. Riverside lost one yard around left end. Mason and Edwards making the tackle. Riverside made one yard over right tackle. Owens and Bruce making pretty tackles. A long pass by Riverside netted 20 yards. Mulherin downed the receiver in his tracks. Riverside hit left tackle for 3 yards, Edwards making the tackle. Richmond called time out. Riverside failed to gain over right tackle, Bruce and Lucky tackling. Riverside cris-crossed around left end for 5 yards, Lucky, Baird, and Mason tackling all at once. Riverside made two yards over right tackle, Daniels making the tackle. The ball went to Richmond on downs.

Bruce punted 50 yards and Riverside returned 15 yards. Riverside's ball on their own 45-yard line. Lucky, Daniels, and Bruce held Riverside for a 1-yard loss. A pass by the Gainesville boys was incomplete. Riverside was penalized five yards for off-side. One attempted pass. Riverside was thrown for an 8-yard loss by Hudson and Lucky. Edwards intercepted a pass on Richmond's 25-yard line. Bruce punted 38 yards, Riverside returning seven yards. The ball was brought back and Richmond penalized 15 yards. Bruce booted the ball 30 yards, Mulherin and Mason tackling the receiver on the spot. Riverside failed to gain around left end. Lucky, Bruce, and others making the tackle. Hudson prevented a gain around right end. Riverside plunged through left tackle for six yards Edwards and Bruce making the tackle. A bounding Riverside drop-kick was stopped by a Riverside man on the 1-yard line.

Score at the end of the first quarter: Richmond 0 Riverside 0.

Second Quarter The Gainesville boys were penalized 5 yards. Bruce punted 25 yards, Hudson making the tackle. On a left-end run Stelling and Lucky stopped Riverside for a 2-yard loss. Time out for Riverside. A pass was incomplete. Riverside drop-kicked low on a try for a field goal, the ball rolling across the goal. Richmond's ball on their own 20-yard line. Edwards broke loose for a 15-yard run around left end but the whistle had blown so the ball was taken back 14 yards. Bruce punted 30 yards, Riverside returning five, Mason made the tackle. Riverside received a 5-yard penalty for off-side. Hudson tackled Riverside for a 10-yard loss on an attempted trick play. The visitors punted 30 yards. Mulherin returned 20 yards side-stepping, stiff-arming and doing some beautiful running.

Bruce plunged left guard for five yards. Speth went in for Edwards; Hill substituted for Baird; Hill failed to gain over right guard. Mulherin bucked center for three yards. Bruce punted thirty-five yards, the ball rolling out of bounds on the six-yard line. Riverside punted twenty-seven yards and Bruce was tackled in his tracks. Henderson went in for Lokey. Speth lost ten yards on a pretty try around end. A pass was incomplete. Sheridan substituted for Mason. A pass was broken up. Bruce punted twenty yards out of bounds. Riverside’s ball own their own twenty-eight- yard line. Riverside went around right end on a fake punt for five yards. Hudson and Bruce making the tackle. Sheridan threw Riverside for a five-yard loss on a left end run. Riverside made five yards around left end, Speth and Bruce tackling.

Riverside punted thirty yards to Mulherin who wiggled his way for forty yards through the entire Riverside team. Richmond's ball on Riverside's eleven-yard line. Daniels plunged right tackle for one yard. Speth made a pretty run through left tackle but failed to gain. Bruce hit left tackle for six yards. Bruce went over left tackle for four yards and first down, placing the ball on Riverside's one foot line. Mulherin failed to gain through center. Bruce hit right guard hard, but failed to gain. Speth failed to gain on a long left-end run. Bruce dived over left tackle for a touchdown. Mulherin kicked goal. Score Richmond 7, Riverside 0.

Daniels kicked off to the visitor’s five-yard line, Riverside returning five yards; Hill made a pretty tackle. Strass and Eubanks went in for Richmond. Riverside failed to gain over left guard, Eubanks making the tackle. A pass was incomplete. Riverside booted the ball forty-five yards, the ball falling dead. Hill plunged right tackle for two yards. Stelling hit right guard for two yards.

Score at the end of the first half: Richmond 7, Riverside 0.

Second Half The Gainesville eleven kicked off. Hudson received the ball on the fifteen yard line, making a wonderful run for forty yards. He was tripped by the last Riverside tackler. Edwards circled left end for ten yards and first down. Bruce plunged left tackle for seven yards. Bruce hit left tackle for four yards and another first down. Time out for Riverside. Mulherin plunged center for a two yard gain. Baird cut through left guard for two yards, and again for three yards. Mulherin, standing on the thirty yard line and to the side of the field, drop-kicked goal. Score, Richmond 10, Riverside 0.

Daniels kicked off to Riverside’s ten yard line. Riverside returned eight yards, Hudson making the tackle. Riverside hit left guard for one yard, Lucky and Edwards tackling. Riverside made five yards over left guard, Stelling making the tackle. Riverside made five yards over left tackle, Baird stopping the attack. First down for Riverside. They failed to gain over left guard, being stopped by Stelling. Riverside failed to gain on a trick play. A Riverside pass was incomplete, Edwards breaking it up. Riverside pass was incomplete. Edwards breaking it up. Riverside punted 50 yards; Mulherin let the ball roll. Richmond’s ball on the Musketeer’s 13 yard line. Bruce punted 30 yards. The receiver was tackled in his tracks by Mason and Daniels. Riverside failed to gain over left guard. Riverside circled right end for one yard; Baird and Hudson making a beautiful tackle. A long Riverside pass was broken up by Edwards, but it was claimed that Edwards interfered with the receiver and Riverside was given the gain. Riverside’s ball on the Musketeer’s 12 yard line. Riverside lost one yard over right guard, Daniels tackling. Riverside hit right tackle for one yard. A completed pass put the ball on the two yard line, with first down. Baird mad a fine tackle to stop the receiver. Time out for Richmond. Riverside lost one yard over left tackle, the whole team tackling. Edwards threw Riverside for a seven yard loss on a left end run, making a wonderful tackle. Baird threw Riverside for a 15 yard loss on a right en run, causing Riverside to fumble. Richmond recovered, Edwards getting the ball.

Edwards cut around right end for nine yards; the ball was stolen by Riverside. Mulherin went over center and out of bounds for a ten yard gain, making it first down. Edwards hit left tackle for four yards. Time out for Richmond. Bruce went over left tackle for 16 yards and first down on a delayed buck, dragging two tacklers the last ten yards.

Score at the end of the third quarter: Richmond 10, Riverside 0.

Last Quarter Musketeer’s ball on their own 53 yard line. Bruce plunged left tackle for four yards. Edwards lost tow yards around left end. Edwards gained one yard around right end. A punt by Bruce was blocked. Riverside recovered on their own 55yard line. Riverside circled right end for a four yard gain, Hudson and Owens tackling. Mason hit Riverside for a five yard loss. A pass was incomplete. Riverside punted 25 yards, Mulherin making a fair catch. Mulherin wedged through center for six yards. Edwards cut around left end for three yards. Bruce made a wonderful run through left tackle, gaining 28 yards. He was finally dragged down by the safety man. First down on Riverside’s 43 yard line. Time out by Richmond for Edwards.

Bruce plunged left tackle for five yards with fine interference by Baird. Baird plowed through left guard for three yards. Richmond was penalized five yards for delay. Edwards lost ten yards around right end. Bruce punted 30 yards, Riverside returning five yards. Lucky made the tackle. Riverside’s ball on the own 26 yard line. Two Riverside passes were incomplete, one being broken up by Hudson. Mulherin broke up a third pass. Riverside punted 30 yards to Mulherin, who returned five

Baird plunged left tackle for two yards,. Bruce hit left tackle for four yards and fumbled, the ball falling into Lucky’s arms. Speth slipped through left tackle for one yard. Richmond was penalized fifteen yards. Bruce punted 30 yards and out of bounds. Riverside tossed a pass. Speth slipped under it like lightning and ran 33 yards, to Riverside’s 13 yard line. On this run Bruce cut two sure tacklers. Time out for Riverside. Speth took three tacklers in going around left end for one yard. The ball was brought back and Richmond was penalized five yards for offside. Baird failed to gain over right guard. Speth cut around left end for two yards. Bruce plunged left tackle for two yards. Mulherin, standing on Riverside’s 30 yard line, drop kicked a beautiful field goal. Score, Richmond 13, Riverside 0.

Daniels kicked off to the 20 yard line and Riddle returned 25 yards. Mulherin broke up a Riverside pass. Riverside failed to gain over center. A Riverside pass netted 9 yards, Baird making a pretty tackle. Riverside plunged center for two yards, Owens holding like a rock. Speth intercepted a Riverside pass and shook four tacklers to make a five yard return. Richmond was penalized 15 yards. Bruce hit left tackle for five yards. Bruce plunged right guard for one yard.

Score at the end of the game: Richmond 13, Riverside 0.

The lineups:

Richmond Academy		Riverside
Hudson(C)	LE	Laval
Daniels	LT	Knickerbocker(C)
Lucky	LG	Scott
Owens	C	Farmer
Stelling	RG	Griswold
Lokey	RT	Sewell
Mason	RE	White
Mulherin	QB	Riddle
Baird	LH	Wright
Edwards	RH	Duckworth
Bruce	FB	Freeman

Referee: Bachman. Ohio Umpire: Caswell, V. P. I. Head Linesman: Sancken, Georgia Time Keeper and Field Judge: Wilson, W. & L.

1926: LaGrange

LaGrange defeated Albany 13-6 at Albany on November 25 to cap the third straight season in which the team had not lost to a high school opponent. According to the Constitution, LaGrange was the “undisputed” champion of North Georgia and Albany was the best of the South. Fullback Jeff Bolden’s 70-yard run clinched the game. LaGrange’s wins came against Opelika 27-0, Carrollton 13-0, Bowden College 26-3, Barnesville 3-0, Cedartown 33-2, Marietta 33-7, Greenville 21-7, and Athens 19-12.

1929: Toccoa

Toccoa High made a claim for the state championship in the December 13 Atlanta Constitution.

Having just defeated Lincolnton 13-0 in a challenge game, the Stephens County school declared its preeminence in a season summary. Toccoa beat Lavonia 7-0, Gainesville 6-0, Lavonia 19-6, Griffin 14-0, Centerville 28-6, Elberton 12-0, Washington 25-0, Hartwell 12-0, and Lincolnton 13-0. Four future UGA stars played on this squad—John Bond, John McKnight, Marion Gaston, and W.A. Cooper.

1930: LaGrange

LaGrange made its claim for the state high school championship on November 22 after blasting Newnan 33-0 at home to cap an undefeated and untied season. LaGrange then clobbered previously undefeated Tallassee, Alabama 32-0 in a post season game.