Georgia high school football is back. Here’s what fans can expect in Week 1

It’s time to strap on the shoulder pads and helmets because Georgia high school football is officially back.

Week 1 is full of exciting matchups, including tonight’s WSB-TV Sports Zone Game of the Week Rabun County at Jefferson.

It’s the No. 1 team in 2A versus the No. 1 team in 4A and both teams have players committed to some of college football’s top programs like the University of Georgia.

LIVE Game of the Week coverage begins on Channel 2 Action News starting at 4 p.m. Watch Sports Zone Friday for Week 1 highlights on Channel 2 at 11:30 p.m.

Other top games this week will be featured in the 30th annual Corky Kell Classic. This year’s field includes, Buford vs. North Cobb, Kell vs. McEachern, Mill Creek vs. Parkview, North Gwinnett vs Hoover (Ala.), Walton vs. Lowndes and Brookwood vs. Collins Hill.

Scores for all games can be found each week here on WSBTV.com.

The Georgia High School Association says local schools should use the appropriate protocols outlined by their local health departments.

“Our goal continues to be to provide sports and activities for our students with safety being the top priority. The SMAC (Sports Medicine Advisory Committee) will continue to meet on a regular basis to consider changes in COVID data,” the association said.

The GHSA will not track positive cases this year and each school district will manage its own protocols and how it will manage fans until the state playoffs.

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Clayton County Public Schools announced they will operate the county’s three football stadiums at 50% capacity during the upcoming season. The county is citing the rise in COVID-19 cases and protecting students and families as the reason for the restrictions.

Clayton County is strongly encouraging fans in attendance to wear mask and social distance during games.

Meanwhile, Atlanta Public Schools will have a new clear bag policy that limits size and type of bags that fans can bring into stadium. The new procedure is in line with the district’s COVID-19 protocols to help spectators spend less time waiting in lines.

At least one local game has already been canceled. DeKalb County Schools canceled Friday’s McNair vs. Forest Park football game over concerns with the rising COVID-19 cases.

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