Class 2A

Who: No. 7 Hapeville Charter (10-4) vs. No. 1 Carver-Columbus (14-0)

When: Tuesday, 5 p.m. 

About Hapeville Charter: Quarterback Keylan Pope has thrown for 300-plus yards in the last three games, all victories over state-ranked opponents. The offense operates behind an offensive line bolstered by Alabama signee Chris Booker, with Ray Damond Stiggers and all-region selection Traeven Jones the primary ball carriers. The defense features Zion Crawford, an Alabama State signee who has seven interceptions, who was joined on the all-region team by DB Anthony Brooks, LB Rashad Williamson and DL Chauncey Sibley. Hapeville entered the playoffs as No. 12 in the GHSA’s Postseason Formula ratings. The Hornets have won nine in a row since losing to Carver-Atlanta, a game that ultimately determined the Region 5 championship. Hapeville won the state title in 2017 under coach Winston Gordon, the school's only coach since it opened in 2011.

About Carver-Columbus: Defending state champion Carver is led by first-year coach Jarvis Jones, a former Carver standout who went on to star at the University of Georgia. The Panthers are led on offense by freshman quarterback Sebastian Heard, who has thrown for 1,623 yards and 19 touchdowns, and by a trio of outstanding running backs – Kelston Tarver (1,386 yards, 21 TDs), Zach Watts (977 yards, 17 TDs) and JaKobe Caslin (813 yards, 19 TDs). The defense, which recorded eight shutouts during the season, allows only 5.4 points per game and is led by Texas A&M signee Tristen Givens. Carver entered the playoffs as No. 3 in the GHSA’s Postseason Formula ratings. Carver won its first state championship in 2007 under coach Dell McGee, now the head man at Georgia State.

Series: Carver leads the series 2-1. Hapeville won the last meeting 34-26 during the regular season in 2023.