Lake Oconee Academy’s 2026 football schedule will feature plenty of tests, including several teams with recent playoff success, a rivalry matchup, and a new GHSA playoff format that gives the Titans another path toward the postseason.
The Titans under head coach Patrick Stewart will open the season Aug. 21 at home against Mount Pisgah Christian, marking the first meeting between the two programs. However, Stewart said he and his team have become familiar with the Patriots through scouting and by facing common opponents in recent seasons.
“They’re a really good bunch,” Stewart said of MPC. “They’re really physical up front, so it’ll be good to see how our most important group – our offensive and defensive lines – match up against theirs.”
LOA will hit the road the following week to face another Patriots team Aug. 28, this time in Greenville. Despite Greenville finishing 3-7 last season, Stewart believes the matchup will provide a good early test against players with plenty of athletic ability.
“Their record doesn’t show it, but they have a lot of athletic kids and a lot of speed,” Stewart said. “It’ll be good for us to see how we do on the edges and how we match up with their athletes.”
The Titans will then return home to face Crawford County on Sept. 4. The two teams have history, with LOA earning a win over the Eagles two years ago on Crawford County’s homecoming.
“They’ll definitely be looking to put one on us,” Stewart said. “We’ve seen them in OTAs (organized team activities), and a lot of our guys know their guys, so it’s always a good battle and rivalry.”
LOA will then travel Sept. 11 to Twiggs County, which went winless last season, before returning home for one of its biggest early-season challenges on Sept. 18 against Brentwood.
Brentwood enters the season as the defending GIAA Class 2A state champion and returns a roster full of talent, including a running back with Division I offers. Stewart said the War Eagles will provide a good measuring stick for his team.
“That would definitely be our biggest test going into that part of the season,” he said. “They didn’t lose anybody; they’re great everywhere.”
The matchup will also serve as preparation for region play, as Brentwood’s Wing-T offense will give the Titans a look similar to what they will see from Lincoln County later in the season.
LOA will next visit Towers Sept. 25 before returning home Oct. 2 for its annual rivalry game against Greene County, which will also serve as the Titans’ homecoming game.
Stewart said the rivalry atmosphere makes the game one his players always look forward to.
“That’s what Friday Night Football is about,” Stewart said. “It’s a cross-town rival, everybody gets there, and it’s our homecoming. It’s going to be a great atmosphere.”
Following an open date, the Titans will begin region play Oct. 16 at Washington-Wilkes. The Tigers return athletic quarterback Mayson Mingle, who impressed as a freshman last season.
“He is super athletic,” Stewart said. “Even if we’re great in coverage on the back end, he can still make plays happen with his feet. He does really well making busted plays look like plays.”
LOA will host Warren County Oct. 23, followed by another open date before its regular-season finale Nov. 6 at Lincoln County.
The Red Devils, who advanced to the state championship game last season, will provide perhaps the toughest challenge on the Titans’ schedule. Stewart said Lincoln County’s success comes from its physical style and execution.
“They do what they do extremely well,” he said. “They’re physical, and they’re a state championship-contending team for sure.”
The 2026 season will also bring a major change to GHSA football, with Class A returning to a single classification rather than split into Divisions I and II. Power ratings will determine playoff qualification.
After missing the playoffs last season, Stewart believes the new system gives his team more opportunities.
“I think it will help us a lot because I think we’ll be really competitive in non-region, and then even in the region games this year,” Stewart said. “Every game matters, and we’re going to treat them like such.”