Corky Kell & Dave Hunter Classic Team Previews - Walton

The Walton Raiders head into the 2025 season surrounded by uncertainty. Coming off one of their worst campaigns in recent memory, the Raiders face the challenge of replacing many of their top players. Despite the turnover, the program still boasts several high-end recruits and one of the most respected coaching staffs in the state. The most notable storyline entering the summer is the quarterback competition. A pair of promising 2028 prospects, Pierson Degala and Christion Peacock, will battle it out to see who earns the starting job and leads the offense into the new season. Head coach Daniel Brunner enters his ninth season at the helm, coming off the most difficult year of his career. Looking to spark a turnaround, Walton has brought in new offensive coordinator Levi Brown, who aims to revitalize a unit that struggled throughout 2024.

Mascot: Raiders

County: Cobb

Head Coach: Daniel Brunner (2017-25)

Coach’s School Record: 73-27

Coach’s Overall Record: 73-27

2024 Record: 7-4

2024 Region Rank: 2nd

2024 Playoff Finish: First Round (L 27-35, Valdosta)

Overall School Record: 356-198-1

State Championships: N/A

Key Returning Offensive Starters: Noriega Thompson (RB), Jude Cascone, (TE), Max McRaney (WR)

Key Returning Defensive Starters: Noah Lavallee (LB), MJ Burnett (DB)

Key Newcomers: CJ Jordan (TE), Christion Peacock (QB), Jordan Peacock (WR)

Returning Kickers: Bryant Gunnels (P)

Offensive Formation: Spread

Defensive Formation: 3-4

School Enrollment: 2,685

The Walton Raiders’ offense is the biggest question mark heading into the 2025 season. With new starters taking over at nearly every major position, there are more unknowns than certainties. The quarterback battle will be a key storyline to watch this summer, featuring two contrasting styles: Pierson Degala, a more traditional pocket passer, and Christion Peacock, a dynamic dual-threat athlete. In the backfield, Noriega Thompson is expected to lead the way. He returns after rushing for 566 yards and five touchdowns in 2024. However, the passing game is more uncertain. Walton loses its top two receivers from last season and returns just 505 of the team’s 1,994 total receiving yards. That said, there is still talent at the skill positions. Max McRaney, a 6-foot-3 wideout, is the leading returning receiver after catching 23 passes for 246 yards last season. Jude Cascone, the team’s top tight end, is healthy after missing time with injury and will be a reliable target. He still managed 214 yards and a touchdown last year. One of the most intriguing additions is CJ Jordan, a 6-foot-7 former backup quarterback who has transitioned to tight end. His size and athleticism should make him a valuable red zone threat and matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.

The coaching staff, as always, will look to maximize the talent on the roster. New offensive coordinator Levi Brown brings an impressive resume. He helped River Ridge to a 7-4 record in 2024 and oversaw the best offensive season in school history. Prior to that, he served as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Valdosta State, giving him both college and high school experience.

On defense, Walton will be anchored by standout linebacker Noah Lavallee, the team’s most highly-touted senior recruit and a Florida State commit. Lavallee totaled 124 tackles and eight tackles for loss last season, and his leadership will be crucial in stabilizing a defense looking to take a big step forward. In the secondary, MJ Burnett is a name to know. The 6-foot-3 defensive back has seen his recruitment explode this offseason, and for good reason. He made 47 tackles and tallied seven pass deflections in 2024, and he’s expected to take on an even larger role this season. With his size and ball skills, Burnett is poised to become one of the top defensive backs in the state for the Class of 2027.

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