The Raiders had a lot of guys learn on the job last season. Carson Parker and Zeke Whittington developed as playmakers, and gained the chemistry that came with it. Both are still underclassmen. Though Habersham loses some key pieces, notably guys like Alex Aaron, Caleb Wade, and others. However, the youth got great experience, and for the first time in several years, coach Benji Harrison returns his starting QB. Typically, it’s been a one-and-done at QB for Habersham for quite some time. With several playmakers returning, and a year better and more seasoned, the expectation is high in the all-new Region 8-AAAAAA.

Head Coach: Benji Harrison, 8th season
2021 Record: 3-7; No Playoffs

“Compete for the Region Championship,” exclaims Harrison of the Raiders’ expectation for 2022.

2022 Schedule

AUG 5 @ EAST HALL *SCRIMMAGE

AUG 19 @ STEPHENS COUNTY

AUG 26 vs WHITE COUNTY

SEP 2 BYE

SEP 9 vs CENTRAL GWINNETT

SEP 16 @ FORSYTH CENTRAL

SEP 23 vs LANIER^

SEP 30 @ JACKSON COUNTY^

OCT 7 BYE

OCT 14 @ GAINESVILLE^

OCT 21 @ NORTH FORSYTH^

OCT 28 vs APALACHEE^

NOV 4 vs SHILOH^

^REGION 8-AAAAAA GAME

Personnel & Schemes

Key Departures: Caleb Wade, Alex Aaron, Noah Wilson, Simarcus Burney

No doubt Wade, Aaron, and Wilson will be missed on the defense. Those guys were reliable and consistent. Next man up for the Raiders at several positions.

Key Returning Players: Carson Parker, Zeke Whittington, Braydon Wright, Blandon Grizzle, Carter Barrett

Parker is the key to the offense. He will keep defenses honest with his ability to run the ball. He showed that very well. Making reads last year and making the appropriate pass was something that he did better as the season progressed. How much better has he gotten? Whittington will make his job a good bit easier, as he’s next level. Grizzle will need to provide more production than Habersham had last year in the run game for the spread to be more efficient.

Up & Coming Players: Unknown

Offense: Spread/Multiple

Carson Parker is back at QB with a year under his belt at the varsity level. He learned on the job and is better for it. Blandon Grizzle will tote the rock quite a bit. He’s back, but several guys can help carry the load in the run game. Parker, by the way, is part of that equation as he is a dual threat. Standout receiver Zeke Whittington is back as the leading receiver. Several guys can make the big play at that position as well.

Defense: 3-3 Stack/Multiple

Braydon Wright (LB) is back at the MLB spot for the Raiders. He will be a 3-year starter and has to be the leader of the defense. Bandit: Carter Barrett will take over at safety and is a very aggressive player moving from OSLB last year. The corners have all played a significant amount of time and have gained invaluable experience.

Trenches: “We have six guys returning on the OL that all started a significant number of games last year,” states Harrison. “I feel like we have enough depth at OL to to be a very solid unit.”

Strengths & Areas of Focus

Strengths: “I think our biggest strength could be returning playing experience,” says Harrison. “We played with a bunch of young guys last year. They now have a year of experience under their belt. All of our OL that will be playing this year started at some point last season.”

Focusing On: “Our focus has been pretty simple – it’s really not been about addressing one thing,” adds Harrison. “Our focus has been about  getting better each day. With so many young guys playing last year, they have worked extremely hard because now they know exactly what it takes to compete in 6A. We’ve done that through the weight room and skill development every day.”

GAME-BY-GAME & SEASON PREDICTIONS FOR HABERSHAM CENTRAL