Class 2A Blog: Who can challenge Carver-Columbus?

Class 2A may have the most dominant team of any class in the state of Georgia. Carver-Columbus looks like a 5A roster, loaded with FBS and Power Four talent. The Tigers are coming off their second state title. The real question in 2A is can anyone dethrone them?

The 2025 season will feature multiple extremely talented 2A teams competing for a chance to challenge the Tigers for a state title. At the top of that list is Callaway. The 2020 2A champions have been a powerhouse for the majority of head coach Pete Wiggins’ 20 previous seasons. In that span, the Cavaliers have made it to the quarterfinals or better 10 times, half of Wiggins’ tenure. While not the most talented roster on paper, Callaway consistently plays above its talent level and is always a tough out.

Defending runner-up Burke County will also be a threat to Carver. The Bears went from an 8-3 record in 2023 to a 13-2 mark in year two of head coach Franklin Stephens’ tenure. Stephens is no stranger to success, having won two championships (2008 and 2011) at Tucker. If the program continues its upward trajectory, and Stephens could work some more magic. the Bears could be in position to dethrone Carver.

Burke County’s region rival, Thomson, is another championship contender. The Bulldogs won the 2A championship in 2022. The 2025 squad looks very different, but head coach Michael Youngblood and his staff still know how to win on the biggest stage.

The 2023 champions, Pierce County, may be the most underrated championship threat heading into 2025. Head coach Ryan Herring has consistently had the Bears playing above their talent level. Pierce County has made it to the quarterfinals or better every season since 2020, winning two championships in that span. They are one of the few teams in the class with consistent championship pedigree, and they are very dangerous.

Year 10 could be the breakthrough season for Biff Parsons and the Rockmart Yellow Jackets. The Northwest Georgia power has been consistently good throughout Parsons’ tenure, including a championship appearance in 2018. Over the past three seasons, the Yellow Jackets have taken things to another level, making the quarterfinals or better in all three and adding another championship appearance in 2023.

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