All stats and expectations can be thrown out the window when these two neighbors/rivals meet. We saw that last season when Hiram went to Paulding Co as a big favorite and lost 33-13. The Hornets will be looking for revenge opening week at home.
Paulding Co Patriots
The Patriots were the surprise team in NW/W Georgia for 2022, making the playoffs in the very competitive Region 5-6A. They will be led by new head coach Eric “Sumo” Robinson who had success the last two seasons at South Paulding. Paulding Co is having to replace a lot of graduating Seniors at important positions but they have a solid Senior core of players with some very talented underclassmen.
4 Players to Watch
#24 Daniel O’Neal (’24 LB/RB): I saw this guy at Camp a few weeks ago. Quick hard hitting LB.
#5 Andre Gianopoulos (’26 RB): The 5’11 180 Gianopoulos led the Patriots in rushing last season and was of the top freshman RBs in our coverage Area.
#16 JRod Abrams (’25 DB): ran a blazing 40 at Troy Camp this Summer. Could have a breakout season in ’23.
#19 Mason Bryant (’25 QB): Slated to take over the reins at QB. The 6’3 185 rising Junior has had a good offseason and is one to watch.
Hiram Hornets
The Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde team of NW/W Georgia. On paper this team is one of the best in the Area. They have not finished above .500 since 2014 but I have a feeling this may be the season the Hornets finally get over the hump. On the downside they do play in the toughest 5A Region in the State and every week is a battle. They would love to get this game under their belt early in the season.
4 Players to Watch
#10 Walter Matthews (’24 TE): The 6’7 240 TE is committed to USC and is one of the top overall players in our Area.
#74 Jameson Riggs (’24 OL): Arguably the best OL in NW/W in the 2024 class. The 6’5 300 senior has offers to play at just about every P5 school in the South.
#1 Chase Tyler (’24 DB): The 6’4 170 #1 basketball player in our coverage area recently committed to Duke as a WR/DB.
#65 Clinton Richards (’24 DE): 6’4 280 DE Wake Forest Commit.
CalPreps Prediction: Hiram by 11
NwGaFootball Take: On paper Hiram by 11 looks like an easy pick, but as we saw last year anything can happen in this game. I like Hiram’s experience plus being at home. I give them the edge …Hiram 28 Paulding Co 14.