Photo Credit: @elishotthat
Atlanta, Georgia – The Pebblebrook Falcons will begin the 2026 season with an opportunity unlike any in program history. For the first time, the Falcons will compete in the prestigious Corky Kell Classic, opening their season against Clarke Central in one of Georgia’s premier high school football showcases. The invitation represents more than just another game on the schedule. It is a sign that Pebblebrook is earning respect across the state and gives the Falcons an opportunity to measure themselves against one of Georgia’s quality programs from the opening kickoff.
The excitement surrounding the program stems from the leadership of second-year head coach Rodney Hackney, better known as “Coach Hack.” After spending his first season establishing a foundation, Hackney enters Year Two with a clear vision of where he wants the Falcons to go. His focus throughout the offseason has been creating a tougher, more disciplined football team capable of competing every Friday night. That commitment was evident throughout the summer.
FanVerse Sports covered one of Pebblebrook’s padded camps, and one thing immediately stood out—the level of competition. Rather than scheduling easy opponents, Coach Hack deliberately invited quality programs to challenge his team in live, physical situations. Following the camp, Hackney explained why he places such an emphasis on padded competition.
“I like real live situations,” he told FanVerse Sports, noting that he preferred conducting padded camps over traditional 7-on-7 events whenever possible.
To further challenge his players, Hackney incorporated a goal-line tournament format into camp, creating pressure-filled scenarios that forced his team to execute when every play mattered. For Hackney, however, the physical work is only part of the equation. His biggest objective this summer has been developing mental toughness. “Everywhere I have been that has been successful, the team was mentally tough,” Hackney said during his interview. That mindset has become the foundation of Pebblebrook’s offseason and could ultimately determine how far the Falcons climb in 2026.
On the field, sophomore quarterback Matthew Benton is expected to lead the offense after an impressive offseason. Benton dedicated himself to improving throughout the summer, and his confidence has grown tremendously heading into his second varsity season. The Falcons believe his development will be a major key to their offensive success. Pebblebrook also expects versatile athlete Tyree Carter to make an impact on both sides of the football. Carter’s athleticism gives the Falcons another dynamic playmaker, contributing in the secondary while also creating opportunities on offense.
Wide receiver Ethan Moore is another player poised for a breakout campaign. His ability to stretch the field and make explosive plays should provide Benton with another reliable target as the Falcons look to become more dangerous offensively. Although Pebblebrook finished with just three victories last season, the record doesn’t tell the entire story. The Falcons narrowly missed a playoff berth after suffering two heartbreaking losses that proved to be the difference between postseason football and an early offseason.
With another year in Hackney’s system, a roster that has embraced the challenge of becoming mentally tougher, and a quarterback continuing to mature, optimism is growing around the program. The season opener against Clarke Central in the Corky Kell Classic will provide an immediate measuring stick. Regardless of the outcome, the experience should prepare Pebblebrook for the challenges that lie ahead GHSA competition.
