Unofficially the 80th meeting between these two rivals going back to 1923. The Bulldogs lead the overall series 52-25-2 but you can throw out all records and history when these two meet. If you only have the time to attend one game this season, this is the one. Packed house and roaring crowd is a guarantee, but get there early.
Rockmart Yellow Jackets
The Yellow Jackets head into the 2023 season with a school record 6 consecutive Region Titles under their belt. Head Coach Biff Parsons enters his 7th year at Rockmart having led the team to the playoffs all 7 years, including a State Title appearance in 2018, with a 71-15 overall record during that stretch. He passed Ed Pharo last season as the winningest coach in program history.
4 Players to Watch
#1 JD Davis (’24 QB): Starts his 3rd year leading the Jacket offense. Efficient passer with only 1 INT in 191 attempts over the past two seasons.
#22 Brent Washington (’24 LB/RB): One of the best two way players in NWGA. Only had 65 carries last season but scored 10 TDs with 7.25 ypc average.
#26 Nahzir Turner (’24 Ath): I think this guy has a breakout season in ’23. Will be all over the field for the Jackets.
#2 Tristen Anderson (’25 WR): The 6’3 Junior is one of the highest rated WR prospects in our area. Only had 8 receptions in ’22 but averaged over 22 ypc.
Cedartown Bulldogs
The Bulldogs went 14-1 last season and came up the nose of a football short of their 1st State Title. They graduated a lot of guys to the next level and the question around is are they rebuilding? I saw them back in the Spring and I can tell you they are just reloading. Head Coach Jamie Abrams and staff have done an outstanding job in their 3 seasons with the Dawgs. The NwGaFootball COY last season has compiled a 33-6 record, the best 3 year stretch for the Cedartown program in over 20 years.
4 Players to Watch
#27 Tae Harris (’25 WR/DB): A speedster that is an early UGA commit.
#32 Jakoby Diamond (’25 NT): The 6’1 265 NT likes to get after in the trenches.
#7 Michael Gibbons (’25 RB/LB): The 5’10 205 Junior is set for a breakout season.
#56 Beau Ball (’26 OL): The 6’4 304 Sophomore is one of the top lineman in the ’26 class in our Area.
Calpreps Prediction: Cedartown by 21
NwGaFootball Take: It has been since 2016 that a game in this series has been won by 21 or more points. I see this years contest as a knock down drag out to the final whistle. I give the Dogs the edge at home. Cedartown 23 Rockmart 15.