Class 2A Blog: Freshmen who are helping top football teams be great

The 2A classification is shaping up to have as much parity as it has in years, and one of the major reasons is a group of top-tier freshmen talent.

Tucker Parson, QB, Rockmart

Parson, the son of Rockmart head coach Biff Parson, is off to a fast start in his high school career. Through his first six games, he has thrown for 1,412 yards, completing 72 percent of his passes with 16 touchdowns against just one interception. He has topped 200 passing yards in five of those six games. His biggest performance came against Union County, when he threw for 328 yards and three touchdowns.

Sebastian Heard, QB, Carver-Columbus

Heard is the starting quarterback for the defending state champions. While he hasn’t put up the same numbers as Parson, he has guided the Tigers to a 6-0 record. Over those six games, he has thrown for 735 yards, completing 63 percent of his passes with eight touchdowns. His numbers have been held down by Carver’s dominance; the closest game so far was a 32-12 victory over Northside-Columbus.

Dawson Davis, RB, Cook

Cook’s freshman running back has been a driving force behind the Hornets’ bounce-back season. Through six games, Davis has carried the ball 107 times for 528 yards and six touchdowns, with four 100-yard performances. His best outing came last week against Irwin County, when he rushed eight times for 110 yards and a touchdown in a 38-0 victory.

Zach Watts, RB, Carver-Columbus

Another standout freshman at Carver, Watts is already one of the top recruits in the Class of 2029. Though not the Tigers’ feature back, he has shown flashes of greatness. Through six games, he has 32 carries for 343 yards and eight touchdowns, plus four receptions for 117 yards and another score.

Dallas Hague, RB, Stephens County

Stephens County’s leading rusher has been a key factor in keeping the Indians afloat during a slow start. Through six games, Hague has rushed 59 times for 277 yards and four touchdowns. In Week 3, he carried the ball for 107 yards and a score in a 13-7 win over Cedar Shoals. Last week, he added 56 yards and two touchdowns in a 24-20 region-opening victory against Franklin County. If the Indians make the playoffs, Hague will be one of the main reasons.

Keylan Yates, DB, Pike County

Pike County’s strong start to the 2025 season has been fueled in part by Yates. The 5-foot-11 defensive back has recorded 34 tackles through five games but has stood out most with his 13 pass deflections, 10 more than the next closest teammate. He currently ranks third on the team in tackles.

Class 2A Top 10 Schedule

No. 1 Carver-Columbus hosts Shaw on Thursday night.

No. 2 Pierce County travels to No. 9 Cook in a big region matchup.

No. 3 Morgan County heads to Macon to play Rutland.

No. 4 Carver-Atlanta travels to KIPP Atlanta.

No. 5 Rockmart is on bye.

No. 6 Callaway hosts Westside-Macon on Thursday.

No. 7 Sumter County heads to Spence in a crucial region game.

No. 8 Burke County heads to Thomson with possible region title on the line.

No. 10 Hapeville Charter heads to Holy Innocents trying to avoid an 0-2 region start.

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