Dalton Public Schools -

Dalton, GA - Dalton Public Schools is celebrating a historic weekend for its middle school football program, with all three grade-level teams advancing to their Georgia Middle School Athletic Association (GMSAA) state championship games. The 7th-grade team captured the 2025 State Championship title, while both the 6th- and 8th-grade teams earned State Runner-Up honors—marking one of the strongest collective postseason performances in district history. Superintendent Dr. Steven Craft spoke highly of the athletes’ achievements and the bright future ahead for Dalton football.

“I could not be more proud of all three of our middle school teams and the way they represented Dalton this weekend,” Craft said. “For each of them to earn a place in the state championship — and for our 7th grade team to bring home the title — speaks to the grit, discipline, and heart of our athletes. The future is incredibly bright for these young men and for our football program. I’m deeply grateful for our players, coaches, administrators, families, and the entire Dalton community for the support that makes moments like this possible.”

The 6th-grade team, led by first-year Head Coach Matthew Simpson, finished an impressive 11–2 season and secured the State Runner-Up title after a hard-fought championship game against Creekview. The young team demonstrated exceptional growth and determination, with standout contributions from running back Xavier Black, wide receiver Robert Rangel, defensive back Levi Searels, defensive lineman Brian Hassett, and offensive lineman Chavi Martinez. Hammond Creek Middle School Principal Heather Lawson celebrated the team’s performance and the spirit they displayed throughout the season.

“Watching our 6th graders battle to a state runner-up finish was inspiring,” Lawson said. “Their hard work, heart, and teamwork show what Hammond Creek students are capable of. I’m thankful for our coaches, our families, and the entire community for standing behind these athletes every step of the way.”

The 7th-grade team delivered one of the most memorable playoff runs in program history, fighting through four consecutive road games to earn the GMSAA State Championship. Under the leadership of Head Coach George Woods, the team overcame the odds, defeating the top-seeded Cherokee Warriors in the final to avenge a previous region championship loss. The championship lineup featured key performances from wide receiver Grayer Ballard, tailback Lepre Stewart, linebacker Bo Browning, linemen Wesley White and Colton Conger, quarterback Arian Camp, tailback Durante Harkless, defensive back Christian Robinson, and multi-position athletes Julian Ochoa and Briggs Bennett. Woods praised the resilience and unity of every team in the program.

“Iron sharpens iron, and this weekend our boys proved it,” Woods said. “You have to step into the fire to understand what it takes to compete at this level. Our 6th- and 8th-grade teams battled their way to state runner-up, and our 7th-grade boys came out as champions. I couldn’t be prouder of how each team pushed one another, grew together, and showed the heart of Dalton football.”

The 8th-grade team, also under Woods’ leadership, concluded an outstanding 11–3 season as Region Champions and State Runner-Up to Cartersville. This season marked the end of an exceptional three-year run for a class of athletes who won the state championship in 6th grade, finished as state runners-up in 7th grade, and again as state runners-up in 8th grade. Led by contributions from defensive end Malachi Long, athletes Brayden Beltran and Elias Jordan, running back Carter Macon, tight end Ryan Johnson, linebacker Zach Suttles, wide receiver Chase McCullough, athlete Kelvin Hudson, offensive linemen Mikey Lopez and Thomas McInnish, defensive lineman TJ Dalton, and quarterback Hudson Ruppert, the team’s success extended far beyond the scoreboard. Dalton Junior High School Principal Spencer Gazaway commended their culture and character.

“They fought with heart, lifted each other up, and carried the ‘Woo’ culture with everything they had,” Gazaway said. “Their journey this season meant more than any scoreboard.”

Middle School Athletic Director Curtis Carson also recognized the significance of the district’s accomplishments, noting the dedication and discipline demonstrated across all levels of the program.

“I couldn’t be more proud of our football programs,” Carson said. “All three of our teams earning a spot in the state championship game – and our 7th grade team bringing home the title – speaks volumes about their hard work, dedication, and determination. Our players and coaches have invested countless hours into doing things the right way, and their commitment to excellence has truly paid off. This is a special moment for our schools and our community.”

A significant part of the program’s consistency and growth is the result of strong, steady leadership across the coaching staff, including the guidance of Coach George Woods, Director of Athletic Development and Middle School Football. Woods—along with Offensive Coordinator Scott Houghton, Defensive Coordinator Matt Evans, and 6th-grade Head Coach Matthew Simpson—has helped build a developmental structure that supports athletes from 6th through 8th grade. Over the past several years, this collaborative coaching team has contributed to multiple state championship appearances, sustained competitive success, and a culture centered on growth, accountability, and doing things "the right way."

This season’s achievements reinforce Dalton’s reputation as a rising force in middle school football and signal an exceptionally bright future for the district’s high school program. With a state championship, two state runner-up finishes, and a leadership team committed to excellence, Dalton Public Schools proudly celebrates one of the most successful seasons in the middle school program history and extends its gratitude to the athletes, coaches, families, administrators, and community members who continue to support the tradition of Dalton football.