Special football section highlights local high school teams

ALBANY — Today’s edition of The Albany Herald includes a special section about the coming high school football season, with schedules, photographs and previews of the 2025 season for 13 southwest Georgia teams.

Also included are features on some of the region’s top performers, a group that Sports Editor Joe Whitfield has dubbed the Fabulous 15. 

Whitfield has been working furiously over the past several weeks, interviewing coaches and players and visiting camps to get the rundown on how this season might unfold for area teams.

“Putting together The Albany Herald’s special football section is one of the highlights of my year,” Whitfield said. “Meeting and talking with the players and coaches from across the area always brings an energy and excitement that’s hard to match. Every conversation offers a glimpse into the hard work, determination and pride that make high school football such a special part of our community. Those moments — whether it’s hearing about a summer of early-morning workouts or the bond between teammates — are what bring the stories to life.”

Inside today’s special section, fans will get a first take on area teams at Dougherty, Monroe and Westover high schools, the public schools in the city, and private schools Deerfield-Windsor and Sherwood Christian Academy. Other area schools featured include Baker County, Terrell County, Lee County, Terrell Academy, Colquitt County, Baconton Charter, Mitchell County and Worth County.

“It’s a lot of work to gather all the details, line up photos, and craft each article, but the reward is worth every late night and early deadline,” Whitfield said. “Being able to showcase each school and spotlight some of the athletes who represent them is a true joy. These young men have their own stories of perseverance, leadership and passion for the game, and seeing them recognized in print is one of the best parts of my job. This section isn’t just about football — it’s about celebrating the people and communities that make it so meaningful.”

So dig in, get the low-down on what promises to be an exciting high school season. After getting all the up-front information, support your local schools by showing up for their games. But if you aren’t able to attend their battles under the Thursday, Friday and Saturday night lights, you can read about them in The Albany Herald and at albanyherald.com.