We are 20 weeks away from the first two games of the 23rd Corky Kell Classic. When each new football season approaches, anyone familiar with high school football in the state of Georgia can't help but think about the Corky Kell Classic.
The Classic signifies the true kickoff to the new football season as some of the state's top programs and hotbeds for collegiate talent meet on the gridiron in a football jamboree. The event was originally known as the "High School Kickoff Classic" and began in 1992 at the new Georgia Dome. Cobb County Athletic Director Corky Kell along with McEachern High School, Brookwood High School, and the Gwinnett County Athletic Director were the ones that brought the idea of bringing together some of the state's top programs and pitting them against each other to open up the season to the forefront.
The event has expanded from its humble beginnings. In the first two years four teams were featured, that then grew to three games in 1994 and eventually would continue to grow into a seven game festivity spanning two days. Corky Kell fell sick and passed away in 1995, but his lasting impact on the state would be the continued growth and opportunities the Corky Kell Classic would present. Dave Hunter, Ralph Williams and Mrs. Carole Kell announced at Corky's funeral that the Kickoff Classic would be renamed The Corky Kell Kickoff Classic from that day forward.
Under Dave Hunter's guidance, the event has continued to blossom and has become the premier football event in the southeast and possibly the nation. The purpose of the event is twofold: To promote high school football in a showcase event in a top-notch facility and to provide an environment for the high school athlete, band members, cheerleaders and all support staff to exhibit their abilities. The event has not only supplied teams and players a platform that garners national attention, but it also has been able to give back to the kids with its many charities it donates to. To this day, over $90,000.00 has been raised toward scholarship funds, money to participating schools, Cobb County teachers and coaches and to the Carole & Corky Kell Scholarship Fund. The fund began in 1995 after Corky's passing and promotes the importance of furthering students' education along with supporting counselors and coaches.
Dave Hunter, who went 6-4 all-time in the Classic as head coach of Brookwood, is proud to carry on the event with the name of his dear friend Corky. Hunter explained, "Kids are so excited to play in the Dome. It is a meaningful first game that not all schools can say they have". Last year's event was no exception. With the games all being played at McEachern High School due to a scheduling conflict with the Falcons, fans were treated to one of the most memorable Corky Kell Classics to date.
Long-time national power Valdosta pitched the eighth shutout in Corky Kell history as it defeated Brookwood 31-0. Ohio State-signee Joshua Norwood picked off two passes and recorded a team-high six solo tackles. Eventual state champion Colquitt County made
an appearance at the event and began its warpath to its first state championship since 1994. State champions have become a staple at the event as the defending champion in Georgia's highest classification has opened their season in the Corky Kell Classic four of the past five seasons. Kentucky-signee Shihiem King began his sensational senior season picking up 124 yards rushing and a touchdown as Colquitt defeated Mill Creek 31-14.
The night cap last year was one not to soon be forgotten. Former reigning back-to-back state champion Norcross held off Tucker in overtime, 32-29. The Tigers rallied back from 22-7 to force overtime, but a costly fumble in the backfield allowed Norcross to fall on the ball and secure the victory after Blake Bingham kicked a 28-yard field goal in the Blue Devils lone overtime possession.
The final game of the 2014 slate was possibly the best the event had ever seen. Host McEachern battled into the early morning with North Gwinnett in an epic shootout. The visiting Bulldogs would go on to win 52-49 in a game that finished just after 1:30 A.M. North Gwinnett trailed 21-7 in the first half, but Middle Tennessee State-signee John Urzua would set the stadium ablaze with a Corky Kell record 490 yards passing and seven touchdowns with his final score coming on a fake-spike touchdown pass to end the game.
This year's Classic promises to provide even more unforgettable memories. The same 14 schools will have a chance to build on last years' experience as the two Friday night games remain at McEachern while the five Saturday games move back to the Georgia Dome. There will be no shortage of talent with division-one bound players that have already committed like Archer's Kyle Davis (South Carolina) and Kobe Smith (NCST) in attendance along with other undecided top prospects Kiel Pollard, Bailey Hockman, Tyler Smith, Chandler Tuitt, Julian Rochester, E.J. Price, Dylan Singleton, Isaiah Pryor, Jamyest Williams, Leonard Williams, Tabarius Peterson and Josh Imatorbhebhe all taking the stage.
