As the sixth season of Georgia High School Association (GHSA) sanctioned flag football begins, Cobb County schools are preparing for another competitive year. The district has a strong history in the sport, with four state championships in five seasons—Hillgrove High School in 2021, Pope High School in 2023 and 2024, and McEachern High School in 2024. Cobb teams have also finished as state runners-up twice.
This season marks a change as all 16 Cobb high schools will compete in the newly formed Division 5 (D5), following an increase in divisions by GHSA due to the sport’s growth. The teams are divided into two areas.
In Area 3, Pope Greyhounds begin their title defense led by quarterback Abbey Bensman, last year’s Georgia AAA Player of the Year. “Having Abbey back is huge,” said Pope head coach Kevin Fraser. “She’s like a coach on the field and even calls plays at times. Her knowledge of the game, strong arm, accuracy, and decision-making really set her apart.”
Allatoona High School aims to return to its previous form with senior quarterback Lyla Paradiso and receiver Alex Harris leading the offense. Head coach Jordan Davis highlighted senior Aubrey Moore as “an incredible all-around athlete who will be a difference maker.” Harrison High School starts with new head coach Griffin Wattley and looks to build on last year’s record wins. Wattley said about junior Nickeal Pruitt: “Her ability to affect the quarterback and the entire offensive play is unlike anyone else in Cobb.”
Kell Longhorns return key players including juniors Maddie Harden, Marleigh Grace, and Brynna Burrus—the latter already holding a program record for flag pulls. Lassiter High School’s first-year head coach Campbell Price expressed optimism about building on last season: “The 2024 season laid a strong foundation.” North Cobb Warriors feature senior Amaia Hardy aiming for a deeper postseason run.
Walton High School hopes for improvement after an injury-plagued season with freshman quarterback Lola McMasters taking over behind center. Kennesaw Mountain and Sprayberry round out Area 3.
Area 4 features defending champions McEachern coming off an undefeated season under head coach Jake Burgdorf. “We will be very competitive again this season. I’m excited to see what we can accomplish,” Burgdorf said. The team returns seniors Saniyah Dickens and Desirae Holley but must replace graduate Chelsea Njoku, who was responsible for most of last year’s touchdowns.
Holley is expected to take on more responsibility after being rated No.9 overall player in Georgia by MaxPreps for 2025 and described as “one of the top big-play threats in the country.” Other Area 4 teams include Campbell Spartans beginning their inaugural season under Jaaran Nesbitt; Hillgrove looking to rebuild; Osborne Cardinals entering their second year; Pebblebrook aiming for playoff contention; South Cobb coming off its first winning season; and Wheeler joining efforts to challenge McEachern.
Several athletes from Cobb gained national attention by participating in this summer’s Atlanta Falcons Regional Flag Football Competition before advancing to play at an NFL Flag tournament in Ohio.
Cobb County continues to be recognized for its achievements as female athletes gain more visibility within flag football across Georgia.
