Under new coach Kevin Saunders, Apalachee football snapped its 29-game losing streak with a 29-9 win over Chattahoochee, which was a 15-point favorite according to the Maxwell ratings.

Saunders is not new to rebuilds or finding ways to in struggling programs. He also ended a 31-game losing streak in his first season at Gilmer in 2019.

Saunders took over the Apalachee job when Mike Hancock, stepped down in March. Hancock resigned his position to seek counseling for grief and depression.

In September 2024, a school shooting at Apalachee took the lives of two students and two educators. Among them was Richard “Ricky” Aspinwall, the football team’s defensive coordinator.

Jayden Johnson led Stephenson to a statement 24-0 win over Mays on Saturday. Johnson ran for two touchdowns in the win... you can check out both below, courtesy of @najehwilk on X.

Stephenson also avenged a 19-12 loss to Mays in its 2024 season opener.

Casey Barner's special teams clinic continued in the third quarter with another long touchdown. 

This time, it came in the form of a fake punt. Barner lined up with the "bear" blockers that protect that punter, took a direct snap and sprinted to the edge. 

Barner beat the Walton defense to the edge for the first down, juked a defender and hurdled through another's outstretched arms. His next-level speed handled the rest. 

McEachern now leads 36-10 with 4:25 in the third quarter.

Clarke Central did just enough in the second half to hold off cross-town rival Cedar Shoals in the "Classic City Championship."

The Gladiators took a 13-12 lead for good with a 20-yard field goal, per @saramtidwell on X.

Cedar Shoals missed a 40-yard field goal of its own later in the fourth quarter.

Casey Barner continues to dominate for McEachern. The five-star safety has made key plays on all three sides of the ball. 

Barner was on the receiving end of a 39-yard touchown catch off a successful trick play. The reverse pass left the speedy Barner wide open down the right sideline to take a 23-10 lead in the third quarter. 

McEachern leads Walton 16-10 at halftime of the third game of the Corky Kell + Dave Hunter Classic. The Indians built their lead on explosive touchdowns from receiver JaCorey Shockey and safety Casey Barner. 

Statistical leaders - Halftime

Passing: McEachern QB Calvin Pittman  - 7/11, 105 yards, 1 TD

Rushing: Walton RB Chris Peacock - 4 rushes, 34 yards

Receiving: JaCorey Shockey - 3 catches, 79 yards, 1 TD

McEachern's Casey Barner has shown everyone at the Corky Kell + Dave Hunter Classic why he's the top-ranked 2028 player in the state. 

The five-star recruit is mainly recruited as an elite safety, but he's shown off as a weapon in the special teams game, too. 

Barner scored McEachern's second touchdown on a 98-yard kickoff return. 

Barner also returned the game's opening kickoff to the house, but it was negated by a McEachern penalty.

Darlington jumped out to a 28-6 halftime lead and held the Mustangs off just enough for a 28-26 season-opening win. 

The Tigers avenged a 46-27 loss to Mt. Vernon in 2024's season-opener.

The "Classic City Championship" is the latest victim of weather delays this weekend in Georgia. 

Cedar Shoals' stadium was evacuated and the field is facing heavy rain, according to @saramtidwell on X.

Cedar Shoals led Clarke Central 6-3 at halftime. 

Houston County QB Ryan Maxwell found Jase Jordan on a 17-yard touchdown pass with seven seconds left to beat Brookwood 31-24. 

Ryan made his first career start in Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday. He finished with 23 completions for 219 yards and two touchdowns.