FanVerse Sports | GHSA Class 3A Playoff Preview
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — The Columbia Eagles have been flying high all season, and now they have their sights set on something much bigger: a GHSA Class 3A state championship. Under the leadership of head coach Greg Barnett, the Eagles have put together an impressive 2026 campaign, finishing the regular season with an 8-2 record and capturing the Region 6-3A championship. However, Columbia’s success didn’t happen overnight. It has been the result of a challenging schedule, experienced leadership, and a roster filled with talented playmakers on both sides of the football. Barnett has never been one to shy away from competition. Long before the current GHSA Postseason Rankings (PSR) system placed greater emphasis on strength of schedule, Barnett consistently challenged his teams with difficult opponents. This season, that philosophy appears to have paid off in a major way. The Eagles aren’t simply entering the playoffs hoping to compete. They have given themselves every reason to believe they can make a serious run at the Class 3A state championship.
The Turning Point: A Statement Win Over Hapeville Charter
Every championship-caliber team has a defining moment during the regular season. For Columbia, that moment came against Hapeville Charter. The Hornets entered the 2026 season with championship experience, having reached Mercedes-Benz Stadium the previous year before falling to Carver-Columbus in the Class 3A state championship game. That made Columbia’s matchup against Hapeville much more than another regular-season contest. It was an opportunity for the Eagles to prove they belonged among the state’s top programs. And they delivered. Senior quarterback Czar Daniels put together an outstanding performance, picking apart the Hapeville defense and showcasing his ability to control a football game through the air. Daniels’ command of the offense was on full display as Columbia secured a statement victory over one of the classification’s most respected programs. From my perspective, that was the game that changed everything. Watching Daniels operate against a defense of that caliber made one thing clear: Columbia has the talent and leadership to compete for the 2026 Class 3A state championship. Beating a program with recent state championship game experience was more than just another victory. It was a confidence-building moment that demonstrated how dangerous the Eagles could be when playing their best football.
Players to Watch: Experience, Leadership, and Explosive Talent
Championship runs are often determined by the performances of a team’s most dependable playmakers. Fortunately for Columbia, the Eagles have several athletes capable of making a difference when the stakes are highest.
Czar Daniels | Senior Quarterback
Everything starts with Daniels. The senior signal-caller has been the unquestioned leader of Columbia’s offense throughout the season. His ability to make throws at different levels of the field, read opposing defenses, and remain composed in critical situations has been instrumental in the Eagles’ success. Daniels has demonstrated that he can take over games with his arm, but his greatest value may be the leadership and confidence he brings to the offense. As Columbia prepares for postseason competition, having an experienced quarterback who can deliver in big moments could prove to be the difference between an early exit and a deep playoff run.
Gemere Adams | Linebacker
While Daniels leads the offense, linebacker Gemere Adams has been one of the anchors of Columbia’s defense. Adams has provided consistency, physicality, and leadership throughout the regular season. His presence in the middle of the defense will be especially important as the Eagles prepare to face opponents looking to establish their running games during the postseason. If Columbia hopes to make a championship run, Adams and the Eagles’ defensive unit will have to continue playing at a high level.
Damarion Davis and Jamarion Davis | The Davis Twins
Another dynamic element of Columbia’s roster is the Davis twins, Damarion and Jamarion. Both have made significant contributions on both sides of the football, giving the Eagles additional versatility and athleticism. Their ability to impact games in multiple ways makes them valuable assets heading into the postseason. Whether making plays offensively or stepping up defensively, the Davis twins are two athletes opposing teams will need to account for.
Demarco Cody | Freshman Athlete
One of the most exciting aspects of Columbia’s roster is the emergence of freshman athlete Demarco Cody. Despite being one of the younger players on the team, Cody has already demonstrated the dynamic ability that makes him a player worth watching. His athleticism and playmaking potential give Columbia another weapon heading into the playoffs. For a team already loaded with experienced talent, having a freshman capable of making an impact adds another dimension to the Eagles’ championship aspirations.
Built for a Championship Run?
There is a difference between being a good regular-season football team and being built to compete for a state championship. Columbia appears to have many of the ingredients necessary to make that transition. The Eagles have an experienced quarterback who can make all the throws, a defense featuring playmakers at multiple positions, and a head coach who understands the importance of preparing his team through difficult competition. Perhaps most importantly, Columbia has already faced and defeated opponents with championship-level experience. That matters in November. As the competition gets tougher and the margin for error becomes smaller, teams must rely on their preparation, discipline, and ability to execute under pressure. Barnett’s approach to scheduling challenging opponents could prove especially valuable during the postseason. Rather than entering the playoffs untested, the Eagles have already experienced the type of competition they can expect in the weeks ahead. Of course, winning a state championship will require Columbia to put together its best football when it matters most. Protecting the football, limiting costly mistakes, and maintaining defensive consistency will be essential. But make no mistake: the Columbia Eagles have the pieces to make a legitimate run at the Class 3A state championship.
First-Round Matchup: Columbia vs. Beach
The Eagles will begin their postseason journey on Friday, November 13, when they host the Beach Bulldogs in the opening round of the GHSA Class 3A state playoffs in DeKalb County. Columbia will enter the matchup with home-field advantage, confidence, and the momentum of a region championship. For Barnett and his Eagles, the goal is no longer simply to prove they belong among the state’s best. The opportunity is now in front of them to turn an impressive regular season into something historic. Columbia has the quarterback. Columbia has the defensive playmakers. Columbia has the experience. Now comes the biggest test of all: putting everything together for a championship run. The Eagles have been soaring all season. The question now is just how high they can fly.
Stay locked in with FanVerse Sports for continued coverage of the Columbia Eagles and the 2026 GHSA State Football Playoffs at FanVerseSports.com.
