Corky Kell & Dave Hunter Classic Team Previews -- South Paulding

South Paulding is one of the newer schools in Paulding County, and the football team was established in 2006 and since has had a double-digit win season just once, coming back in 2013. The Spartans now look to get back to that winning mentality in 2025 with year-three head coach Maurice Allen.

Mascot: Spartans

County: Paulding

Head Coach: Maurice Allen (2023-25)

Coach’s School Record: 6-15

Coach’s Overall Record: 6-15

2024 Record: 3-7

2024 Region Rank: 5th

2024 Playoff Finish: N/A

Overall School Record: 98-94

State Championships: N/A

Key Returning Offensive Starters: Kade Wigginton (QB), Tyler Chukuyem (OL), Matt Patchin (WR)

Key Returning Defensive Starters: Jaleel Shakir (LB), Joakim Gouda (LB), CJ Mathis (ATH)

Key Newcomers: Isaiah Ford (WR/DB), Dejon Goins (DB), Canyon Carter (WR/DB)

Returning Kickers: Wyatt Hardee (K)

Offensive Formation: Power Spread

Defensive Formation: 3-4 Multiple

School Enrollment: 1,905

South Paulding is coming off a season where it was just a three-point loss away from going to the playoffs (31-28 to East Paulding). South Paulding is looking to turn the tables on that, starting with the Corky Kell & Dave Hunter Classic. The Spartans return a squad full of playoffs that are hungry for another chance to make the playoffs.

Its offense is one of the strongest in 5A, most notably 4-star offensive lineman Tyler Chukuyem (Florida commit) will be manning down the trenches. It also returns starting quarterback Kade Wigginton as well as Matt Patchin, the team’s leading receiver from last season. The offense averaged 18.5 points per game in 2024 and will have to counter the strong linebacker and secondary of Kell.

The defense is also returning a few starters. This includes linebacker Jaleel Shakir who will be one to watch as he has to take down Kell’s Moonie Gipson on the offensive side of the ball. Also, Joakim Gouda returns and is looking to add some support in dealing with both the pass and the run game. If South Paulding is to come out on top, the Spartan defense will need to show up and stop what will be one of the most electrifying offenses in the entire state.

To purchase tickets to this year's Corky Kell & Dave Hunter Classic, please click here!