Class 2A Blog: Carver-Atlanta football getting back to form

Carver-Atlanta looks to move back into championship contention after a big Week 1 victory. The Panthers enter 2025 following a bounce-back 2024 season in which they went 9-3 and reached the second round of the playoffs. That was a major turnaround from 2023, when the program finished 2-8, its worst record since 2011.

The Panthers have been one of the most consistent programs in the City of Atlanta under coach Darren Myles. Since 2012, Carver has made the playoffs every season, a stretch that includes four trips past the second round and, most notably, a 2021 state runner-up finish. Outside of 2023, the program has finished .500 or better every year in that span.

Carver looks to build on last year’s second-round appearance. They opened this season with a 12-7 win over a resurgent Southwest DeKalb team. While the Panthers also won their opener last season, this year’s performance was highlighted by a dominant defensive effort. They now head to Luella for Week 2, a matchup they lost 18-13 a year ago. If Carver can get past Luella, a 4-0 non-region record is realistic, as their only non-region losses last season were to Luella and Decatur by a combined 15 points. Region play could be tougher this year with Holy Innocents’ emerging as a contender, but a 9-1 regular season is within reach.

Carver’s top player is high 3-star Boise State commit Terrious Favors, one of the most dynamic athletes in Georgia. Though he projects as a cornerback at the next level, Favors is also a dangerous offensive weapon and a difference-maker on special teams. His versatility could ultimately determine how far the Panthers go.

Overall, Carver has the talent to make a run to the quarterfinals, or even deeper, if the team plays to its potential. With experience, depth, and star power, the Panthers should firmly be in the conversation for the Region 5 championship.

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