Haralson County vs Mount Pisgah Christian | Georgia High School Football | August 15
The buzz is back in the air as the 2025 Georgia high school football season kicks off, and one of the early matchups to watch features Haralson County traveling to take on Mount Pisgah Christian on Friday, August 15, at 7:30 PM. This non-conference battle brings together two determined programs from different parts of the state, both hungry to start their seasons strong and build momentum toward playoff contention.
Mount Pisgah Christian School, nestled in Johns Creek, GA, is known for its balanced football program and a growing reputation in Class A. Meanwhile, Haralson County, based in Tallapoosa, GA, carries the grit and tenacity of a battle-hardened program looking to reclaim its dominance in Class AA. While both teams share identical records from last season (25-26), the road ahead in 2025 presents new opportunities and challenges—and it all begins with this matchup.
Here’s your full breakdown of this compelling Georgia high school football opener.
The Matchup at a Glance
- Game: Haralson County Braves vs Mount Pisgah Christian Patriots
- Date: Friday, August 15, 2025
- Time: 7:30 PM
- Location: Mount Pisgah Christian School, Johns Creek, GA
- Tickets: Available on GoFan
- Type: Non-Conference Game
Watch Live Streamon NFHS Network!
While this matchup doesn’t impact regional standings, it’s a critical game for evaluating talent, testing schemes, and building early-season confidence. Both head coaches will be watching closely as new starters take the field and returning veterans look to lead the charge.
Team Profiles
Haralson County Braves (Tallapoosa, GA)
- 2025 National Rank: 7,312
- Georgia Rank: 363
- Class Rank (AA): 47
- Record (2024): 25-26
- Key Stats: 0-0 overall, 0 PF, 0 PA (season opener)
Haralson County enters the 2025 campaign with something to prove. They finished last season in the middle of the pack but showed flashes of elite-level football, particularly on defense. Known for a run-heavy offense and a hard-nosed defensive front, the Braves excel in wearing down their opponents over four quarters.
Coach Matt Thompson has emphasized physicality and conditioning during the offseason, and it’s clear the team aims to return to the form that saw them reach the playoffs two years ago. Their offensive line is one of the most experienced units in Region 5-AA, and they’ll look to dominate the line of scrimmage early.
Mount Pisgah Christian Patriots (Johns Creek, GA)
- 2025 National Rank: 5,080
- Georgia Rank: 296
- Class Rank (A): 37
- Record (2024): 25-26
- Key Stats: 0-0 overall, 0 PF, 0 PA (season opener)
Mount Pisgah Christian is no longer flying under the radar. With back-to-back winning seasons, they’ve become a dangerous opponent in Georgia’s competitive Class A landscape. The Patriots play a more balanced brand of football, combining a dynamic passing game with a disciplined defense.
Head Coach Paul Standard has developed a reputation for building smart, fundamentally sound football teams. His squads often avoid costly mistakes and play with a calm, controlled tempo. With several key returning players on offense, including a strong quarterback-receiver duo, Mount Pisgah is looking to launch their season with a statement win at home.
Key Players to Watch
Haralson County Braves
- RB #4 Mason Cole: A tough, downhill runner who thrives between the tackles. Expected to carry the offensive load with 20+ touches per game.
- LB #52 Cameron Ford: A senior leader on defense and the team’s top tackler last season. Brings energy, reads plays well, and hits hard.
- OL #75 Tyler Cummings: The heart of the offensive line, Cummings is crucial for creating holes in the run game and protecting the quarterback.
- QB #10 Logan Ward: A game manager-type quarterback who’s improved his deep ball accuracy over the offseason. Will need to stay poised under pressure.
Mount Pisgah Christian Patriots
- QB #12 Eli Hunter: A confident and efficient passer, Hunter threw for over 2,000 yards in 2024. He leads the offense with poise and timing.
- WR #1 Jace Fields: The Patriots’ top target in the passing game—fast, elusive, and capable of stretching the field vertically.
- DL #90 Jordan Moss: A relentless edge rusher who can disrupt the backfield with ease. He’ll be key in stopping Haralson’s run game.
- DB #21 Chase Martin: The team’s top defensive back, Martin is known for his ball-hawking skills and lockdown coverage.
Coaching Showdown
Both teams are led by respected coaches who approach the game with different philosophies.
- Matt Thompson (Haralson County): Emphasizes physical football, time of possession, and discipline. His teams are tough, grounded, and play old-school smashmouth football.
- Paul Standard (Mount Pisgah Christian): Prioritizes balance, execution, and limiting turnovers. He has built a culture of consistency and precision at Mount Pisgah.
This coaching battle will play a significant role, especially when adjustments need to be made in the second half. Expect both teams to test each other’s weaknesses early and adapt quickly.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Haralson’s Run Game vs Mount Pisgah’s Defensive Front
If Haralson can run the ball effectively and dominate time of possession, they’ll keep Mount Pisgah’s offense off the field. The Patriots’ front seven must step up to limit early gains and force third-and-long situations. - Eli Hunter vs Haralson Secondary
Mount Pisgah’s quarterback will test the Braves’ defensive backs with quick passes and occasional deep shots. Haralson needs to maintain tight coverage and avoid giving up explosive plays. - Special Teams Impact
In a game that could come down to a single possession, field position and special teams play will be vital. Watch for key returns, missed field goals, or blocked punts to swing momentum.
Game Outlook & Intangibles
Both teams enter this game evenly matched in terms of talent and coaching, but their contrasting styles make it a chess match. Haralson County will try to dictate the tempo with their ground game, while Mount Pisgah aims to capitalize on precision and speed.
A few intangibles to consider:
- Home Field Advantage: Mount Pisgah’s home crowd can energize the team, especially if they start fast.
- Early Season Jitters: Expect a few miscues as both teams shake off the offseason rust.
- Turnovers: Winning the turnover battle could be the difference in a tight game.
Prediction
Both teams have reasons to believe they’ll walk away with the win, but the home crowd, experienced quarterback play, and balanced offense may give Mount Pisgah Christian a slight edge.
Predicted Final Score:
Mount Pisgah Christian 27, Haralson County 20
Expect a tight contest through three quarters, with the Patriots pulling away late thanks to a big play on offense or a key stop on defense.
