Corky Kell & Dave Hunter Classic Team Previews - Creekside

Creekside enters the 2025 season looking to build on one of the most dominant runs in recent Georgia high school football. The Seminoles are coming off another strong campaign, reaching the state semifinals for the third time in the last four seasons and making at least the quarterfinals for the fourth-consecutive year. This sustained success has solidified Creekside as one of the premier programs in the state. A big reason for the optimism heading into this year is the return of a large portion of last season’s offensive production, led by All-State quarterback Cayden Benson. Benson was the engine of the offense in 2024 and will once again be counted on to lead the Seminoles both on and off the field. With a roster full of talent, experience, and championship-level expectations, Creekside is well-positioned to make another deep playoff run in 2025.

Mascot: Seminoles

County: Fulton

Head Coach: Maurice Dixon (2017-25)

Coach’s School Record: 66-33

Coach’s Overall Record: 66-33

2024 Record: 10-3

2024 Region Rank: 1st

2024 Playoff Finish: Semifinals (L 21-27, Marist)

Overall School Record: 273-127

State Championships: 2013 (5A)

Key Returning Offensive Starters: Cayden Benson (QB), Damien Henderson (WR), Eric Paul Jr. (WR)

Key Returning Defensive Starters: Sean Williams (DB), Major Levell (LB), Tavarre Terrell (EDGE)

Key Newcomers: Gary Walker (ATH)

Returning Kickers: Delano Jones (K)

Offensive Formation: Spread

Defensive Formation: 3-4

School Enrollment: 1,665

The Seminoles’ offense will once again be led by star quarterback Cayden Benson. Benson was spectacular in 2024, throwing for nearly 2,400 yards and 30 touchdowns, while adding over 1,000 rushing yards and 12 more scores on the ground, leading the team in both categories. His dual-threat ability makes him one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the state. He’ll have help this year with the return of two of the team’s top three wide receivers. Sacramento State-commit Damien Henderson is the top returning target after hauling in 596 yards and three touchdowns last season. Eric Paul Jr., who holds several Group of Five offers, also returns. Paul contributed 302 receiving yards and four touchdowns, while adding another 291 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.

One of the most intriguing additions to the offense will be junior athlete Gary Walker, who’s expected to take on a much larger role in 2025. Walker, already holding five FBS offers including one from Boston College, is projected to take over as the team’s lead running back following the graduation of Corey Mims. At 6-foot, 190 pounds, Walker is a more traditional power-back, complementing the passing game.

Defensively, Creekside continues to thrive under head coach Maurice Dixon, with a unit that has been among the best in the state for several years. The Seminoles haven’t allowed more than 20 points per game since Dixon’s second season at the helm, a testament to their consistency and discipline. The defense boasts high-end talent at all three levels. In the secondary, 3-star safety and FAU-commit Sean Williams anchors the back end after a breakout year in 2024, when he recorded three interceptions and 21 pass deflections. At linebacker, Major Levell returns after leading the team in tackles with 117 total stops and 16 tackles for loss, asserting himself as a dominant run-stopper. Up front, Tavarre Terrell is a game-wrecker off the edge. He was among the state leaders in sacks last season with 15, while also tallying 26 quarterback hurries and 21 tackles for loss.

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