Photo Credit: Vicente Maya/ @royal_p1
Atlanta, Georgia – Depending on who you ask, the state of Georgia belongs at or near the top of the list when it comes to high school football talent in the United States. Texas will certainly have something to say about that debate, but one thing is undeniable: Georgia consistently produces elite football programs, athletes and coaches. Few events showcase that talent better than the Corky Kell-Dave Hunter Classic.
Now in its 35th year, the annual event has become one of the premier high school football showcases in Georgia, bringing some of the state’s top programs together for high-profile matchups and giving teams an opportunity to open their seasons on one of the biggest stages in the state. For South Gwinnett, that stage was the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. And the Comets were ready.
South Gwinnett wasted little time showing that the bright lights and enormous stage were not too big for them. From the opening kickoff, the Comets looked prepared, disciplined and determined to make a statement against Lanier. Early in the first quarter, South Gwinnett put together an impressive drive that ended with quarterback CJ Peoples finding the end zone on a touchdown run. The Comets offense established its rhythm early, while the defense consistently made stops and kept Lanier from finding any offensive momentum.
South Gwinnett added to its lead later in the opening quarter when Peoples connected with Cohl Hendon on a two-yard touchdown pass. Just like that, the Comets had jumped out to a 14-0 advantage. Lanier managed to get on the scoreboard in the second quarter when Noah Samples connected on a field goal, cutting into South Gwinnett’s lead. But the Comets quickly answered. A costly muffed punt by Lanier gave South Gwinnett excellent field position, and the Comets took full advantage. Running back Thomas Morris finished the drive with a two-yard touchdown run, extending South Gwinnett’s advantage to 21-3 heading into halftime.
While South Gwinnett’s offense controlled the game early, the Comets defense continued to make its presence felt in the second half. Following a punt that pinned Lanier at its own one-yard line, South Gwinnett’s defense delivered another major play. Christopher Frazier made the tackle in the end zone for a safety, adding two more points to the Comets’ total and putting even more pressure on the Longhorns. South Gwinnett continued to control the game throughout the second half, and Morris found the end zone once again midway through the half. By the final whistle, the Comets had secured a convincing 29-3 victory.
Despite the impressive victory, South Gwinnett head coach Bryan Lamar wasn’t interested in celebrating as if the season had already been won. Following the game, I asked Lamar what his message to the team would be after such a dominant performance. His response said everything about the mindset of this program. “We have a lot of work to do.” Lamar went on to make it clear that his team would not allow the excitement of a season-opening victory to overshadow the areas that still need improvement. “We’re not going to let a win cover up our mistakes.” That mentality could be one of South Gwinnett’s greatest strengths moving forward.
South Gwinnett couldn’t have asked for a better way to begin its 2026 campaign. The Comets displayed offensive efficiency, defensive toughness and the ability to capitalize when Lanier made mistakes. More importantly, they showed that they were comfortable playing on a major stage. If the Comets continue to approach the season with the same hunger and accountability displayed by Lamar after their 29-3 victory, the sky may truly be the limit.
