Georgia Elite Classic returns to Rome with remarkable eight-game slate

The city of Rome is proud to welcome back the Georgia Elite Classic this Dec. 26-28 to host its 13th annual all-star extravaganza and provide the stage for an unforgettable eight-game lineup. First introduced in December of 2013, the Georgia Elite Classic has grown into an event like no other and this year’s games will showcase the top talent from six different graduating classes in addition to a thrilling flag football double-header that will feature an underclassmen game and an upperclassmen game.

Each matchup will be broadcast live from Rome’s Barron Stadium on Atlanta News First (Channel 46) and streamed live on the Atlanta News First app. From your home, download the free ANF+ app anywhere you stream — FireTV, AppleTV, Roku and YouTubeTV — simply by searching for “Atlanta News First” on those platforms. If you are on the go, you can download Atlanta News First for free in the app store on your Apple or Android device. You can also watch live here on the WANF – Special Events channel.

"I'm excited for it to be back in Rome," said Rusty Mansell, Chairman of the Georgia Elite Classic Selection Committee. "I know the city and our community embraces this event and will roll out the red carpet again for the top players in the state of Georgia to be on the biggest stage for all-star games. It's such an economic impact for our community, especially being right after the holidays when normally there would be nothing. This is a huge impact to our city, and to the event."

This year will have a two-day lineup with middle school and flag football games on Saturday and then an exclusive lineup of four separate high school games with a freshman, sophomore, junior and senior game closing out the lineup on Sunday.

Appling County defensive line coach Tye Bailey will lead the Gold Team against Kell head coach Bobby May and the Blue Team in the 7th Grade All-Star Game, while Thomasville offensive coordinator Israel Troupe will look to lead the Gold Team and achieve his third-straight coaching victory in the Classic against Kennesaw Mountain head coach Caleb Carmean and the Blue Team in the 8th Grade All-Star Game. The Upperclassmen Flag Football All-Star Game will be coached by Grayson flag football head coach Jacob Parker and Columbus head coach Christian Grier. McEachern’s All-State wide receiver Desirae Holley will suit up for the Gold Team and state championship Harris County quarterback Madalynn Cauley will lead the Blue Team. Rome flag head coach Jared Skippy Hughes and the Gold Team will face Pace Academy head coach Felicia Slaton and the Blue Team in the Underclassmen Flag Football All-Star Game.

The head coaches for Sunday’s four-game marathon includes Justin Scott (Senior Blue), Robert Paxia (Senior Gold), Erik Foster (Junior Blue), Derek Russell (Junior Gold), Brian Miller (Sophomore Blue), Robert Edwards (Sophomore Gold), Gordon Dudley (Freshman Gold) and Trevor Thomas (Freshman Blue). Two-time Gwinnett County Quarterback of the Year Jordan Do will represent Archer High School on the Blue Team in the Senior All-Star Game. Harris County teammates Preston Jenkins and Liam Cauley will look to lead the Blue Team’s defense in the Junior Game against the Gold Team and quarterbacks Baylor Cobb (Brentwood), Matthew Schletty (Alpharetta) and Jordan Singleton (Mary Persons). Gwinnett County’s leading receiver Robbie Dunn Jr. will suit up for the Blue Team in the Sophomore All-Star Game with Duluth’s Jaylin Porter and Greater Atlanta Christian’s Pierce Wilson starring in the opposing secondary for the Gold Team. In the Freshman All-Star Game, Milton offensive lineman Landon Ghea will be back to lead the Gold Team after earning MVP in last year’s 8th Grade Game and the Blue Team is led by Cartersville’s Athens Davenport—one of the top Class of 2029 prospects in the state.

2025 EVENT SCHEDULE

Saturday, Dec. 27

9:30 AM – Underclassmen (Gold) vs. Upperclassmen (Blue) Flag Football All-Star Game

10:45 AM – Underclassmen (Blue) vs. Upperclassmen (Gold) Flag Football All-Star Game

NOON – Underclassmen Flag Football All-Star Game

1:15 PM – Upperclassmen Flag Football All-Star Game

2:30 PM – 7th Grade All-Star Game

5:15 PM – 8th Grade All-Star Game

Sunday, Dec. 28

9 AM – Senior All-Star Game

11:45 AM – Junior All-Star Game

2:30 PM – Freshman All-Star Game

5:15 PM – Sophomore All-Star Game