ATLANTA, Georgia, Aug. 16 — The McEachern [Powder Springs] Indians finished 6-5 in 2024 after losing in heartbreaking fashion, 30-29, to the Newton [Covington] Rams in the opening round of the GHSA Class 6A playoffs. The Walton [Marietta] Raiders also suffered a first-round exit in the 6A bracket, falling to the Valdosta Wildcats, 35-27. Now McEachern and Walton look to bounce back in 2025, and it starts with their meeting this afternoon in the Corky Kell + Dave Hunter Classic at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Each team has multiple seniors ranked on 247sports.com’s Class of 2026 with McEachern leading the way with three while Walton has two. But Walton has the highest-ranked prospect with junior 4-star athlete Alexander Ward who is committed to Alabama.
In seven games a year ago as a sophomore, he finished third on the Raiders in all-purpose yards with 623, lining up as a receiver, kick returner, punt returner, and defensive back.
We’ll be getting under way with our live updates after the Brookwood vs. Houston County game which is currently in progress at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Cobb County Powers Walton and McEachern Set to Open Their Seasons in the Corky Kell & Dave Hunter Classic https://t.co/yqhJrpC6BC
— Georgia High School On SI (@SBLiveGA) August 14, 2025
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|| SECOND QUARTER ||
McEachern drives deep into Walton territory, but the Raiders get the stop to force a field goal. It’s pushed to the left so the Raiders avoid going down two scores.
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|| FIRST QUARTER ||
After those first couple of big plays by McEachern, it’s been relatively quiet in Atlanta. That’s the end of the first quarter.
END OF FIRST QUARTER — McEACHERN 7, WALTON 0
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A freshman Jacorey Shockley scored the touchdown. That’s a big debut on a big stage for a freshman.
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McEachern strikes first with a 97-yard punt return for touchdown, but it’s called back for a penalty.
But then they strike again with a 48-yard touchdown pass to take the early lead. A lot of fireworks from the Indians early on.
1st Qtr — McEACHERN 7, WALTON 0
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We’re off and running with McEachern and Walton in the next game of the Corky Kell + Dave Hunter Classic at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
|| PREGAME ||
Scroll down to enjoy some of our content below and take a look back at the Grayson Rams’ big win over Collins Hill last night just a few miles east of today’s games in downtown Atlanta.
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KEYS TO THE GAME …
These are two teams trying to take that ‘next step’ after first-round playoff exits. A loss would put either team on a trajectory that feels similar to how the previous season ended, and you’re looking at week three before you can even get your head above water. Building momentum with a fast start and a win out of the gate would give either team something to build on moving forward.
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SETTING THE SCENE …
This is the next game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in our lineup of Corky Kell + Dave Hunter classic games.
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TOP 25 AND THE GAME OF THE WEEK …
While you’re getting ready for this afternoon’s big game, get yourself up to speed on the preseason edition of The Sporting News High School Football Top 25.
Then check out our TSN Game of the Week Recap featuring the No. 14 Milton (GA) Eagles at the No. 12 Buford (GA) Wolves from Thursday night.
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MORE GEORGIA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL …
We’ve also got reports on some of Georgia’s top returning players by position groups here:
Georgia’s best linebackers in 2025 headlined by five-star recruits at Gainesville, Grayson
Georgia’s top 20 receivers heading into 2025 include four future Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia’s top high school football running backs in 2025 led by Georgia, Notre Dame commits
Grayson star tops list of Georgia high school football’s best quarterbacks in 2025
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OUR PRESEASON ALL-AMERICA TEAMS …
Finally, don’t miss out on The Sporting News Preseason All-American Teams that just debuted today!
The Sporting News High School Preseason All-American Offense 2025
The Sporting News High School Preseason All-American Defense 2025
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We’ll check back in here in a while with a look at some more storylines.
MORE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL HEADLINES …
Here are the top 20 quarterbacks to watch in West Texas for ’25 season
Battle of Texas defending state champs shifts location to nearby 10,000-seat stadium
Here are the top 20 quarterbacks to watch in South Texas for ’25 season
