Colquitt County Packers working toward national championship

Introducing Albany Sports Sunday! A free newsletter filled with Albany-area sports news delivered to your Email Inbox on Sunday during the academic year. Click Here to get yours!

MOULTRIE – The Colquitt County Packers, one of Georgia’s top high school football teams, are setting their sights on an impressive season with clear goals: winning both the region and national championships.

In the first preseason Top 100 High School America poll, the Packers are ranked No. 23 in the nation, with only Milton (9) from Alpharetta, ranked higher among teams from the state. Milton is the defending state champion in Class 7A but with new GHSA realignment, Milton has dropped to 5A and will not compete with the Packers for the state championship. They could however, face Lee County.

Packers head coach Sean Calhoun has been preparing his team since January, focusing on building strength, refining strategies and enhancing skills through rigorous training.

“We have two main goals: win the region championship and win the national championship,” Calhoun said. “We’ve put in the work since January in the weight room, film room and through spring practice and all the summer workouts, 7-on-7s and padded camps.”

The Packers are entering the season with strong team chemistry and resilience.

“We are a tight-knit team who is very tough and ready for the challenge of the season and our very difficult schedule,” Calhoun said.

One of the team’s greatest strengths is its unity, followed by its athleticism.

“We have to lean on our togetherness and toughness when games are going our way and, more importantly, when they are not,” Calhoun said.

However, the team acknowledges the need for more game experience and reps.

“The only way to address that is to play the games, watch film and learn as much as we can as fast as we can,” Calhoun said.

The Packers have a roster full of standout talent. On defense, senior defensive linemen Amari Wilson, committed to East Carolina, and Jartavius Flounoy, committed to Charleston Southern, will anchor the line. Defensive back Jah’Boris Fuller, with numerous college offers, and juniors Ry’Sheed Fuller (DB), Chance Sims (LB) and Brayden Ruis (LB) add depth and skill. Senior Ramsey Dennis (DB/RB) and junior Alfonso McNeil (DB) are also expected to play crucial roles. On offense, the team will rely on senior offensive linemen Khalil Collins, committed to South Florida, Casey Scott and Matthew Dillon. Running back Day’Shawn Brown, with numerous college offers, and senior wide receiver Sam Miller will be key playmakers.

Special teams are bolstered by senior kicker Brett Fitzgerald, who has numerous college offers, and nationally ranked long snapper Chason Glenn.

The Packers are also looking to newcomers and underclassmen for significant contributions. Freshmen Cohen Lawson (QB) and Gavin Henderson (WR), along with junior offensive lineman Kaden Calhoun, have shown great potential.

The coaching staff remains consistent, with John Cooper as offensive coordinator, Stan Luttrell as strength and conditioning coach, Jeremy Rowell as defensive coordinator and Brian Simmons as special teams coordinator. Their experience and continuity provide a solid foundation for the Packers’ season.

Region and state

The Packers compete in one of the toughest regions in 6A and aim to win the region title. Valdosta, Lowndes, Richmond Hill, Camden County and Tift County are the region opponents the Packers will face.

“We always want to win the region championship and think we can compete for that,” Calhoun said. “Every team in our region can beat us on any given Friday night if we do not play our game.”

As the Colquitt County Packers gear up for the season, their combination of talent, toughness and teamwork sets the stage for a promising year. With lofty goals and a determined mindset, the Packers are ready to tackle the challenges ahead and strive for excellence on the gridiron.