Thomas County Central defeated Gainesville 62-21 to capture the state championship and complete a perfect 15-0 season.

The Jackets scored early and often, taking a 14-0 lead in the first seven minutes of the game. Quarterback Jalen Johnson connected with Gary Pringle for a 27-yard touchdown pass to cap a 10-play, 72-yard drive that took 2 minutes and 49 seconds. Johnson added a rushing touchdown shortly after.

Wake Forest commit Deuce Lawrence dominated on the ground with 380 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Lawrence had 100 yards and a score in the first half alone.

“I got in the end zone because of God. It was God. He had this plan for me. That’s it,” Lawrence said.

Defense forces four turnovers

The Jackets’ defense allowed just six completions and forced four turnovers. Kobe Carnage led the secondary with two interceptions and a fumble recovery.

Pringle added his second touchdown of the night to open the second half before Lawrence put the game away with additional scores.

The victory gives Thomas County Central its second state championship in three years. Coach Justin Rogers said the team wanted to play their best football in the 15th game of the season.

“This whole team, just the way they battled and everything,” Rogers said. “Everybody else didn’t play. I mean, it was all a brand new team, everybody else around them. And just so proud of them. They set this as a goal.”

Rogers said the team focused on not peaking early and getting better each week to peak in the championship game.

“I think you saw us peaking this game on defense or offense. I mean, I thought we played our best game right here when it mattered,” he said.

Players emphasized the team’s unity throughout the season.

“Like I say, brotherhood, man. It wasn’t a brotherhood. But here, we together. We be together 24-7. I just... it’s brotherhood,” Lawrence said.

The championship marks the second state title for a South Georgia team in 2025 joining Worth County.

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