The Douglas County Tigers are coming off their best season in nearly 60 years, with a 13-1 record and an appearance in the state semifinals. The rest of the state is taking notice of Douglas County’s status as a perennial state playoff contender.
The Tigers have been invited to open the 2024 season at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Aug. 17 against powerhouse Cedar Grove in the annual 2024 Corky Kell + Dave Hunter Classic. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
Tigers Coach Johnny White said he’s hoping fans from across the county will pack the stands.
“This is the first time that a Douglas County school has ever been invited,” White said of the annual kickoff event, which is in its 33rd year highlighting the state’s top programs. “So, we need the whole county to come out. We want to represent our county to let them know that we play good football, not just at Douglas County, but at all the other schools in the county. I mean, it's a county event, in my opinion.”
White, DCHS Principal Kenja Parks, DCHS Assistant Principal and Athletic Director James Richards, DCSS Athletics Director Eric Collins and Tigers junior defensive end Jordan Carter and his parents attended a special luncheon Monday for representatives from all teams competing in the event this year.
White calls Carter “one of the most special athletes I’ve ever been able to coach.”
“He's coachable, he works hard, he takes instruction,” he said. “And he always wants to know after every practice what can he do better. So the sky's the limit for that kid. Right now he's ranked the No. 2 junior in the state. He's top 25 in the country for the '26 class. So the sky's the limit for him.”
Tickets to the game can be purchased online. The game will also be televised on Peachtree TV.