Corky Kell & Dave Hunter Classic Team Previews - Hebron Christian

Hebron Christian is coming off three-consecutive winning seasons while under former head coach Jonathan Gess, who also helped the Lions win their first-ever state title last season. Additionally, Hebron Christian has rattled off nine-straight playoff appearances, and will be looking to keep the streak alive under new head coach Kenny Dallas. Dallas joined the program after eight seasons at the helm for Trinity Christian, and helped lead the Lions to three region titles (2017, 2020-21) and their first-ever state title in 2021.

Mascot: Lions

County: Gwinnett

Head Coach: Kenny Dallas (2025)

Coach’s School Record: 0-0

Coach’s Overall Record: 161-104

2024 Record: 12-2

2024 Region Rank: 2nd

2024 Playoff Finish: Finals (W 56-28, Prince Avenue Christian)

Overall School Record: 93-89 (2007-24)

State Championships: 2024 (Private)

Key Returning Offensive Starters: RB Devon Caldwell, WR Jarvis Mathurin, OL Fletcher Turk

Key Returning Defensive Starters: DB Max Steve, LB Albert Wilham

Returning Kickers: Will be replacing all-region punter Cam Eblen

Offensive Formation: Spread

Defensive Formation: 4-3

School Enrollment: 1,106

A new era for the Lions begins after their head coach, Jonathan Gess, left for Southside Christian School in South Carolina after delivering the first state championship in program history. Prominent coach Kenny Dallas now steps in for the Lions. Dallas won a state championship with Trinity Christian in 2021 and has won nine region championships in his career. He has amassed a 161-104 career record across 24 seasons.

Hebron Christian will also lose some of its key contributors from its state championship team including Gerritt Kemp (Duke), Sichan John (Virginia), Carrington Coombs (Georgia Tech), and Thomas Stallworth who all graduated. All played a significant impact in helping the Lions capture a title.

A top returner is running back Devon Caldwell, who finished with 1,458 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns in 2024. Caldwell had one of his best performances against Prince Avenue Christian in the state championship game, rushing for 180 yards and three touchdowns. Wide receiver Jarvis Mathurin had a breakout 2024 campaign and was the leading receiver for the Lions in catches (59), yards (1,106), and touchdowns (12). He will once again be a go-to player on the offensive side of the ball.

On defense Max Steve was the leading tackler for Hebron Christian last season, amassing 126 total tackles. Steve also finished with four pass deflections, two interceptions, and two fumble recoveries. Despite losing a good bit of its talent from a season ago, Hebron Christian returns key players who have championship experience to pair with a new head coach. The Lions will be a top contender in the Class A-3A Private classification this season.

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