The 2025 season was one to remember for the Morgan County Bulldogs, who captured a region championship, reached the GHSA quarterfinals and completed the program’s first undefeated regular season in more than 50 years.
Their historic run ended Nov. 28 with a 34-22 home loss to Hapeville Charter.
Since then, Morgan County has graduated 20 seniors and is beginning a new chapter in a new region, with a return to Class 3A after the GHSA reinstated Class 7A for the 2026-28 reclassification cycle.
Head coach Clint Jenkins is entering his sixth season leading the Bulldogs and is looking forward to seeing a new group emerge. He said many of the younger players have stepped up to replace last year’s senior class.
“We lost a ton of defense, and some really good kids. That was a really good class; we won a bunch of football games with them, but it’s one of those things where nothing lasts forever,” Jenkins said. “But I’m really proud of some of our guys that have stepped up this summer.”
Offensively, the Bulldogs return several experienced linemen but will have new starters at quarterback, running back, and wide receiver.
Jenkins has not yet named a starting quarterback after Davis Strickland held the position for the past two seasons before graduating. Junior Gunner Braswell and sophomore Bryce Blasingame are competing for the job.
Jenkins said Braswell handled his role well over the summer, while Blasingame took most of the snaps during spring practice and the Bulldogs’ scrimmage because Braswell was finishing the baseball season.
“It’s been a situation where both of these guys are a year better,” Jenkins said. “We’re still sorting some things out with both of them and trying to improve in spots, but I think we’re very capable at quarterback again with those guys.”
Despite replacing several starters from last season on both sides of the ball, Morgan County returns a solid senior core that includes Remcoe linemen Drew Breda and Raj Singh, running back Alex Corrias, wide receiver Cole Wesley, defensive end Harrison Mitchell, and safety Grant Smith.
Jenkins said he has high expectations for Corrias and Wesley after both gained valuable experience last season. He also expects Breda and Mitchell to anchor the offensive line.
“Cole played a good bit and had some big catches for us last year. He’s a guy at receiver that’ll definitely be coming back with some experience, and the expectation is for him to have a good season,” Jenkins said. “Alex played a good bit last year behind Christian (Monfort) and did a good job for us. He was very productive when he went in the game, and he’s had a good summer. Harrison Mitchell played a ton for us on the offensive line, so he and Drew will anchor that group.”
Jenkins said he is also excited about the returning talent on defense and expects several offensive players to contribute on both sides of the ball. He pointed to junior Owen Stinnett and sophomore Aiden Lawrence as two players who could make a significant impact defensively.
“We’re going to be looking for some younger guys to jump in there and help us a little bit,” Jenkins said. “Stinnett will be a guy that I’m looking forward to seeing play on the defensive front, and with Aiden Lawrence, I’ve been really pleased with the way he’s played on defense at safety.”
Morgan County also returns to Region 8-3A this upcoming season, where it will renew rivalries with Elbert County, Franklin County, Hart County, and Stephens County. Hebron Christian, the two-time defending Class 3A/A Private champion, and Lumpkin County are also in the same region.
Jenkins expects the new region to provide a tougher week-to-week challenge.
“No disrespect to where we were, but I think top to bottom, this is probably a much better region,” Jenkins said. “It’s kind of one of those regions where I think there’s a lot of parity, with some teams, and it’s going to be one of those deals where you’ve got to show up every week.”
The Bulldogs open the 2026 season Aug. 21 at home against Madison County.