Class 4A Blog: Under coach Umbrah Brown, Central-Carroll is rolling

It’s obvious that Class 4A is extremely deep, whether looking at the undefeated teams or highly-ranked prospects, the talent-level is endless in the classification.

Much focus goes to powerhouse programs like defending champion-North Oconee or the high-powered Creekside offense. There’s also Blessed Trinity’s star-studded defensive line, as well.

But there is one program that deserves much more attention.

Central-Carrollton.

Led by head coach Umbrah Brown in his third season in the program.  Brown served as the head coach at Paulding County for a single season before taking over at Central-Carrollton, leading the Lions to a 12-1 season and a quarterfinals appearance in his first season on the job.

Now leading the Lions, Brown has compiled a 25-4 record at Central-Carrollton and has won back-to-back region championships in his first two years as the head coach, seeking a third in-a-row one this season.

The Lions are headlined by a dynamic pair of brothers at running back in Jonaz and Jacez Walton who have been a force out of the backfield for the Lions.

The older of the two, Jonaz, is a 4-star running back in the Class of 2026 and is committed to continue his football career at Notre Dame. Walton was a preseason AJC Super 11 Selection as one of the top players in not only the classification, but in the state.

Walton has recorded 553 all-purpose yards (344 yards rushing and 209 receiving) in four games and has found the endzone seven times this season. Walton is regarded as one of the top running backs in the state and is a huge piece to the Central-Carrollton offense.

His brother Jacez is only in his sophomore year, but continues to make an impact where he can, totaling over 200 yards on the ground and two touchdowns.

At quarterback, junior JR Harris has been exceptional for the Lions in 2025, already throwing for over 800 yards, 11 touchdowns and running foe three more as well. Harris has been a reliable option for the Lions, using his quick decision-making and legs to make plays for Central-Carrollton through the first four games of the season. So far, Harris has maintained a 70% completion percentage, becoming very accurate with the football.

Sophomore wideout Alanson Handz Simmons has been effective in the passing game for the Lions, as he leads the team in receiving yards with 235 yards on 11 receptions as he has scored three touchdowns as well.

On defense, the Lions have recorded two shutouts already this season, only giving up 41 points through four games which includes 34 points from Oxford (AL) in the Lions 37-34 victory.

Though there is plenty of talent in the classification, do not overlook the Lions from Central-Carrollton to make some noise as we move further into the season.

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