Stratford Hungry for First State Championship Victory in Over Two Decades in Season Rematch with Brookstone
10-2 Eagles ride five-game surge into GIAA 4A championship
MACON, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – Stratford Academy is back on the big stage. For the first time since 2022, the Eagles will play for a state championship – and this time, they’re chasing their first GIAA 4A crown in more than two decades.
Under second-year head coach Paul Carroll, Stratford (10–2) has powered its way into Saturday’s title game at Mercer University, where they face a familiar opponent in Brookstone. The Eagles throttled the Cougars 41–14 on Sept. 19, but Carroll stressed that a rematch in December is a far different challenge.
“[This season has] been up and down,” Carroll said. “We’ve hit some roadblocks on the way – several roadblocks. One thing our kids have done is they haven’t taken the detour. They’ve actually just kind of went through those roadblocks. We’ve overcome a lot of adversity with injuries and tough losses, and I’m just proud of these guys.”
Despite going 2–2 in region play, Stratford enters the championship on a five-game winning streak, outscoring opponents 202–37 during that span. Carroll said the key Saturday will be stopping Brookstone’s run game, limiting explosive plays, and creating some of their own.
“As everybody knows, it’s hard to beat somebody twice,” he said. “They’re a different football team, but we are too. Let’s line it up and see who’s got the best football players, who’s going to play the hardest and the toughest.”
Brothers in the Spotlight
Among Stratford’s biggest storylines is the family trio leading the Eagles: junior wide receiver Jett Johnston and sophomore twins Tucker and Tate. The brothers, who grew up tossing a football in their backyard, will now take the field together in their first state championship.
“Crazy, just crazy,” Jett said. “We’ve had some rough patches, I’ve had some injuries, but as a team we ended on a high note. It’s unreal. I couldn’t have asked for more than getting to play with [my brothers].”
Tucker echoed the excitement as he prepared for his first title appearance in any sport.
“We started off strong, then fell back those two games, but it’s good to roll into the playoffs,” he said. “They’ve gotten better, we’ve gotten better too. We’re going to have to come out fast and attack all four quarters.”
Tate, who plays on the defensive side, said their journey from backyard football to Friday night lights makes Saturday even sweeter.
“It’s been a fun year, but hectic – a roller coaster with injuries,” he said. “If we shut them down defensively and play how we’re supposed to play, we should be good.”
Carroll praised the Johnstons’ work ethic and personality – three different players with one shared impact.
“All three of them are different, but the same in that weight room,” he said. “Their enthusiasm and energy filtered throughout our football team.”
A Chance for Redemption
Senior lineman Evan Devenney remembers the Eagles’ last trip to the championship in 2022 – a 10-0 shutout loss to St. Anne-Pacelli. This time, he’ll be on the field rather than watching from the bench.
“My freshman year we made it, and it’s a whole different thing compared to regular season games,” Devenney said. “I’m hoping to go in there, show off and see what we’ve got.”
Carroll told his team this week that every high school player dreams of ending their season on the state’s biggest stage.
“This is a great opportunity,” he said. “We got here because of the hard work in the offseason and in the weight room. We’re not changing anything now – we tell our players keep it simple stupid, play hard-nosed football and grind it out.”
Saturday marks the seventh-ever meeting between Stratford and Brookstone. A win would secure the Eagles’ fourth victory in the series and the program’s ninth state championship.
Kickoff for the GIAA AAAA State Championship game is set for 6 p.m. at Mercer University’s Five Star Stadium.
