The upcoming football game between McEachern High School and Hillgrove High School is drawing attention in Powder Springs, Georgia. Both teams are ranked and undefeated, and their campuses are only three miles apart.
Cobb’s Director of Athletics Don Baker described the event as, “Two ranked, undefeated teams three miles apart is Friday-night Georgia football at its best.” The last time this rivalry had similar stakes was in 2019, when McEachern won a closely contested game that determined the region championship. That year, McEachern remained undefeated until losing in the quarterfinals of the state playoffs.
Hillgrove’s recent performance has also been strong. Last season, they were eliminated in the quarterfinals by Carrollton, who later became the state runner-up. This season, Hillgrove leads Class 6A in scoring with an average of more than 46 points per game and has allowed only 13 points total so far.
Both teams have notable players on offense and defense. For McEachern, key contributors include lineman Darryl Rivers and sophomore defensive back Casey Barner. Hillgrove’s offense is led by senior quarterback Donovan Mack, while linebackers Chris Carbin and Jameson McCullough anchor their defense alongside cornerback Jaidan James.
The matchup will be broadcast statewide on Georgia Public Broadcasting. Hillgrove Athletic Director Jonathan Brown said, “It’ll be a sellout crowd for sure. It is also being televised on Georgia Public Broadcasting, so all eyes in the state will be on this game. McEachern is going to bring their best; Hillgrove is going to bring their best, and we’re going to represent Powder Springs on Friday night!”
McEachern Athletic Director Myra Camese commented: “It is going to be a great game. It’s going to be a game of intense competition and may the best team win. We are excited for it and looking forward to it!”
The outcome will determine not only local bragging rights but also which team secures a region title and home playoff games. Both head coaches emphasized preparation rather than distractions from the rivalry’s hype.
Hillgrove Head Coach Justin DeShon stated: “These types of moments are rare, and so many folks have worked extremely hard to get here. We have a veteran group that understands that without focus and execution, we have nothing. We are reminding them that in this moment, the only thing that matters is blocking, tackling, and effort.”
McEachern Head Coach Kareem Reid added: “It will be a special night for Powder Springs. The significance of the game is hard to ignore, but as coaches, we are emphasizing keeping the main thing the main thing. We have a blueprint for how our week needs to go in terms of our preparation. For us to have success on Friday night, we’ll need to stick to that script.”
Both schools have rich traditions within Cobb County athletics. According to Don Baker: “As close as these schools are in miles, they’re just as close in tradition… Hillgrove–McEachern is a showcase of the high-quality football and first-class programs that come out of the Cobb County School District… McEachern’s been playing since the 1960s with 450-plus wins and 20 region titles. Hillgrove boasts the most NFL players from any Georgia high school… The series itself is nearly split, with eight wins for Hillgrove and seven for McEachern…”
This year’s contest marks another significant chapter in one of Cobb County’s most competitive rivalries.
