Season Preview: Colquitt County embraces new identity for 2026 season

MOULTRIE — Few football programs in Georgia begin a season with a greater challenge—or higher expectations—than Colquitt County.

The Packers will find out exactly where they stand on Aug. 21 when they travel to Thomasville to face defending Class 5A state champion Thomas County Central, opening a season that also includes one of the state’s most demanding region schedules.

After finishing 9-3 a year ago, Colquitt County enters 2026 with a new quarterback, a roster built on chemistry and physicality, and the expectation of competing for another Region 1-7A championship.

Head coach Sean Calhoun believes this year’s team already has developed its own personality.

“Fast, focused and physical,” Calhoun said. “That’s who we want to be.”

The Packers face one of their biggest offseason changes under center.

With two-year starter Cohen Lawson transferring to Lee County, the offense is expected to be led by Khi Mitchell, a transfer from Mount Zion in Jonesboro. Mitchell steps into one of the state’s most scrutinized quarterback positions, replacing a proven starter while guiding one of Georgia’s perennial powers.

Calhoun believes Mitchell is one of several players poised to make a major impact this fall.

Offensive lineman Canyon Cook, defensive lineman Ty’Mhyr Moore, running back Jason Stephenson Jr. and linebacker Markeverin Graham are also among the players the veteran coach expects to emerge as difference-makers.

While talent has never been an issue at Colquitt County, Calhoun believes this team’s greatest strength may be something less measurable.

“This team enjoys being around each other and playing for each other,” he said.

That chemistry, he said, has been built through months of preparation that extend well beyond football practice.

The message to his players has remained consistent since they returned to school in January: success begins with daily habits.

“We’ve got to stay focused on the task that we’re involved in,” Calhoun said. “That means off-the-field decisions, in the classroom and hallways, in the weight room, in film, and lastly on the field.

“We can become better football players by being better people.”

That mindset will be tested every week.

Region 1-7A again figures to be among Georgia’s toughest, with longtime rivals Lowndes and Valdosta both earning preseason top-10 rankings. Calhoun believes Colquitt County’s demanding non-region schedule is intentional, giving the Packers the opportunity to prepare for the weekly grind awaiting them in region play.

“Our non-region schedule is difficult to prepare us for our region schedule,” Calhoun said. “To become region champions, we must be the most consistent team each week and make more plays than our opponent.”

If consistency becomes this team’s trademark, the Packers believe they’ll once again be playing meaningful football deep into November.

But before region championships and playoff runs take center stage, Colquitt County’s season begins with a championship-caliber opponent on opening night. This test should reveal just how quickly the Packers’ new identity has taken shape.