FanVerse Sports | GHSA Football Playoff Preview | Class 4A
DECATUR, Ga. — Another regular season is in the books, and once again, the Stephenson Jaguars find themselves exactly where they expect to be: competing for a GHSA state championship.
The Jaguars wrapped up an impressive 2026 regular season with a 9-1 record, capturing the Region 5-4A championship and securing another trip to the state playoffs. For a program that has established itself as one of the gold standards of high school football in DeKalb County, simply reaching the postseason is no longer the ultimate goal. The expectations are much higher.
Despite entering the season with youth at several key positions, Stephenson’s coaching staff has continued to build a winning culture that has made the Jaguars one of the most respected programs in the county and across the state of Georgia. But the road to a 9-1 record wasn’t without adversity.
The Turning Point: Responding to Adversity
Every championship-caliber team faces a moment during the season that tests its character. For Stephenson, that that moment came early. After suffering their only regular-season loss to the Tucker Tigers, the Jaguars faced an important challenge the following week against Griffin. A second consecutive loss could have shifted the momentum of their season and raised questions about how this young team would respond. Instead, Stephenson answered the challenge. In a hard-fought contest, the Jaguars defeated Griffin 40-33, showing the resilience and determination that would ultimately define their regular season.
That victory proved to be one of the most significant moments of the year.
Rather than allowing one loss to turn into two, Stephenson responded with a statement victory that helped put the Jaguars back on track. From that point forward, they continued building momentum, eventually finishing atop Region 5-4A. For a team with several young contributors, learning how to respond to adversity could prove invaluable when the postseason begins.
Jayden Johnson: A Record-Breaking Running Back With Bigger Goals
Player to Watch | Senior Running Back
One of the biggest reasons Stephenson enters the playoffs with championship aspirations is senior running back Jayden Johnson. The Middle Tennessee State commit has already cemented his legacy in DeKalb County football history, becoming the county’s all-time leading rusher during the regular season.
Johnson surpassed the previous record of 5,055 career rushing yards, reaching 5,076 yards when he broke the historic mark in October. However, individual accomplishments are only part of the story. For Johnson, the ultimate prize remains bringing a state championship to the 701.
Throughout the season, Johnson has demonstrated the ability to carry the Jaguars’ offense while providing veteran leadership for a team with several younger players. His combination of production, experience and determination makes him one of the most important players to watch during Stephenson’s playoff run.
When the competition gets tougher and possessions become more valuable, having a proven running back capable of making game-changing plays could be the difference between advancing and going home.
Johnson has already made history. Now he has an opportunity to add a state championship to his legacy.
Kwame Green Jr.: A Defensive Force Opponents Must Account For
Player to Watch | Edge Rusher
While Johnson provides the offensive firepower, edge rusher Kwame Green Jr., better known as KJ, gives the Jaguars a dangerous presence on the defensive side of the football. Green has established himself as a force along the defensive front, presenting difficult matchups for opposing offensive tackles. His ability to disrupt plays at the line of scrimmage will be especially important as Stephenson prepares to face some of the state’s top programs. In playoff football, defensive pressure can change the outcome of a game in an instant. Whether it’s disrupting an opposing quarterback’s rhythm, creating pressure on passing downs or helping contain the running game, Green’s presence will be critical. If Stephenson hopes to make a deep postseason run, its defense will need to continue playing at a high level, and Green figures to be a major part of that effort.
A Proud Program Still Chasing the Ultimate Prize
Stephenson football has long been associated with winning. Year after year, the Jaguars have remained competitive in region play, produced talented student-athletes and established themselves as a program capable of competing against some of Georgia’s best. But despite that sustained success, one major accomplishment continues to drive the program and its supporters: a state championship. For the Stephenson community, the desire to bring home a state title runs deep.
The Jaguars have experienced successful seasons and memorable playoff runs, but the opportunity to finish a season as the last team standing remains the ultimate goal. This year’s team has several qualities that could make a championship run possible. They have a proven rushing attack led by one of the most accomplished running backs in DeKalb County history. They have defensive playmakers capable of disrupting opposing offenses. Most importantly, they have demonstrated the ability to overcome adversity and respond when challenged. Still, regular-season success guarantees nothing once the playoffs begin. Every opponent presents a new challenge, and every Friday night becomes an elimination game.
For Stephenson, the focus must remain on taking things one game at a time.
First-Round Matchup: Stephenson vs. New Hampstead
The Jaguars will open their postseason journey on Friday, November 13, when they welcome New Hampstead to Dekalb County. For Stephenson, the first-round matchup represents another opportunity to prove that this team is capable of competing for much more than a region championship. The Jaguars have spent the entire season building toward this moment. Now comes the opportunity to turn regular-season success into postseason victories. With Johnson leading the ground attack, Green anchoring the defensive front and a coaching staff familiar with the expectations surrounding Stephenson football, the Jaguars have plenty of reasons to be confident heading into the playoffs.
However, confidence alone won’t be enough. Execution, discipline and limiting mistakes will become increasingly important as the competition intensifies. The Jaguars have already proven they can win games. The next challenge is proving they can win when the stakes are at their highest. For Stephenson, the road to the playoffs is complete. Now the road to a state championship begins. And for the 701, the hope is that this journey ends with something the community has been chasing for years: a GHSA state championship trophy.
