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SOUTH GEORGIA (WALB) — Class 6A Region 2 enters the 2026 season as one of the most competitive regions in Georgia, featuring a defending state champion, a program looking to rebound from a down year, one of the most experienced rosters in the state and a rebuilding team entering year three under its head coach.

Thomas County Central, Coffee County, Lee County and Tift County each face distinct questions heading into the fall. The Yellow Jackets carry the weight of a title defense with 23 seniors gone. The Trojans of Coffee County return a veteran offensive line after a 4-7 season. Lee County brings back a roster deep with multi-year starters. And Tift County, 3-7 a year ago with an 0-5 region record, is focused on closing the gap in a region head coach Jeff Littleton described as one that requires belief before it can produce wins.

Thomas County Central: Defense carries the load

The Yellow Jackets lost 23 seniors from last year’s title team, including quarterback Jalen Johnson and running back Christian Lawrence. Head coach Justin Rogers said the team will need to win differently in 2026, acknowledging the offense will not replicate last year’s output.

TCC returns four starting defensive linemen in Prince Che, Isaiah Andrews, Isaac Andrews and Jatavious Wyche. Coach Rogers described the group as the backbone of the 2026 team and the primary source of leadership.

The secondary is an area of uncertainty. With limited returning experience in the back end, the coaching staff is expected to deploy shell coverages early in the season to limit one-on-one matchups at cornerback and provide safety support.

On offense, the Yellow Jackets will turn to quarterback Aidan McPherson and a committee backfield that includes Jordan McNeil, Jamarion Paytee and receiver Jabari Watkins. The offensive line returns one confirmed starter in Jesse Tew, along with Corey King, who logged snaps in 2025. TCC finished 2025 with more than 800 points scored — a total only two other teams in Georgia history have reached — but Rogers said the offense will not replicate that output in 2026.

Rogers described his roster with one word: teenage. He said the team has not yet made the maturity turn it needs, but expects growth as the season progresses.

The Yellow Jackets open Aug. 21 against Colquitt County before non-region games against Lincoln and Lithonia. TCC then faces Brooks County before entering region play against Lee County, Veterans, Houston County and Tift County, with Coffee County on Oct. 30 closing the home schedule.

Coffee County: Bigger, healthier, and built to run

The Coffee Trojans finished 4-7 in 2025, a result head coach Mike Coe attributed in part to injuries and turnovers. The Trojans return their starting offensive line intact — all five linemen stand at least 6 feet tall and weigh at least 245 pounds.

The group includes sophomore center Markez Curry, who started as a freshman at 6-foot-2, 300 pounds, and tackle Messiah Mack, who has committed to UAB. Also returning are Caidon Odoms, King Lewis and Devean Lindsey at guard.

Coach Coe said the Trojans will continue to build around the run game but will incorporate option and RPO elements developed in part from an offseason trip to Ferris State. Tyler Dowling, a former wide receiver and running back, will start at quarterback. Coe described Dowling as a smart leader but not a traditional pocket passer.

Coffee returns both starting linebackers and both starting defensive backs. The program added defensive line coach Dalton Bynum from Thomas County Central. Ball security was cited as the primary concern heading into 2026, after a season marked by repeated turnovers.

The Trojans open with the Corky Kell Classic against Parkview before home games against Ware County and Zephyrhills Christian. Region play begins Sept. 25 at Tift County, followed by Lee County on Oct. 2. A bye week precedes home games against Houston County and Northside before Coffee travels to TCC and closes on the road at Veterans.

Lee County: Loaded roster, persistent questions in big games

Lee County head coach Dean Fabrizio said his 2026 team is the most experienced he has had at Leesburg, returning starters across the offensive line, skill positions and linebacker corps.

Jordan Bush returns as the starter at quarterback after playing quarterback and running back in 2025. Fabrizio said Bush gives the Trojans the best chance to win and must increase his decisiveness under center. Colquitt County transfer Cohen Lawson is expected to move to defense rather than compete for the quarterback spot.

The receiving corps includes Jaden Upshaw, Destin Bell and tight end Carter Blackwell. Running back Dominique Ball also returns.

The offensive line returns four starters: Kaison Moore, Larry Mosley, Larry Jackson and Shavezz Dixon, who has committed to North Carolina. Mike Robinson is competing for the starting center role.

On defense, linebackers Greg Batson and Jace Murray are multi-year starters. Cornerbacks Trey Bush and Montravious Clay have started since their freshman seasons. Defensive end KJ Johnson is the only returning starter on the line, with Mekhi Bennett, Garrett Nash, Adarius Shazer and Walker Roberson also in the rotation.

Lee County hired a new defensive coordinator, Bull Barge, from Worth County, which won a state championship in a recent season.

The Trojans open the year against Hapeville Charter, Carrol City and Sequoyah before facing Colquitt County on Sept. 11. Region play begins immediately after with Thomas County Central at home, followed by Coffee County, Veterans and Northside. A home game against Houston County closes the region schedule on Nov. 6.

Fabrizio said his team has won six of the last nine region championships and expects to compete for another in 2026.

Tift County: Year three under Littleton, focused on belief

Tift County finished 3-7 in 2025 with an 0-5 record in region play. Head coach Jeff Littleton, in his third season, said the Blue Devils are more competitive and more physical entering 2026.

Junior Ty Roberts is expected to start at quarterback after showing promise in a limited role last season. Roberts takes over for Damieon “Pookie” Dixon, who is moving to safety on defense. Tift County lost 1,100-yard rusher Kamari Holloman and will replace him by committee.

Wide receiver Dai’jon Hayes returns after recording 854 receiving yards in 2025. Three receivers return in total: Q Smith, Vandorian Simmons and Hayes.

The offensive line replaces four starters but returns James Carr at left tackle, listed at 6-foot-7, 285 pounds.

Defensively, Bryce Robinson and Arman Carter return on the line. Linebacker Tanner Fechner, who holds a Georgia State offer, is described as an anchor of the unit. Dixon’s move to safety is expected to add both athleticism and leadership to a largely new defensive roster.

Tift County also added defensive coordinator Andy McCollum, who previously coached at Middle Tennessee.

The Blue Devils open against Luella on Aug. 21. Then they travel to Effingham County in week 2 before facing Lambert and Crisp County. Region play begins at home against Coffee County on Sept. 25, followed by road games at Houston County and Thomas County Central, then home against Northside and Lee County. Tift County plays the last game of the regular season at Veterans on Oct. 30.

Littleton said his team’s weight room numbers and speed are comparable to other teams in the region. He identified belief as the primary thing the Blue Devils must develop in 2026.

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