Grayson vs. North Gwinnett Live Score Updates for Corky Kell Season-Opening Showdown

Follow for Live Score Updates as No. 2 Grayson and No. 8 North Gwinnett meet Wednesday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in the Corky Kell + Dave Hunter Classic.

Follow High School for Live Score Updates as Grayson and North Gwinnett square in the Corky Kell + Dave Hunter Classic as the 2026 Georgia high school football season gets underway. | High School On SI

Two teams ranked in the Top 10 of the 2026 High School On SI Georgia Preseason Top 25 State Rankings collide on Day 1 of the high school football season in Georgia, as No. 2 Grayson faces No. 8 North Gwinnett in the nightcap of a doubleheader in the Corky Kell + Dave Hunter Classic at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

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Preview

What: Grayson vs. North Gwinnett in the Corky Kell + Dave Hunter Classic
When: Wednesday, Aug. 12 - 8 p.m.
Where: Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Grayson Begins New Era Under Greg Carswell

A new era begins at Grayson (12-1 in 2025), where Greg Carswell has been promoted to head coach of the Rams.

Deuce Smith is back as Grayson's starting quarterback after passing for 2,355 yards and 24 touchdowns last season. Smith stepped into the starting role after four-star quarterback Travis Burgess, now at North Carolina, suffered a season-ending knee injury in the second game of the 2025 season.

With Smith at the helm, Grayson remained undefeated until the Class 7A quarterfinals, where the Rams suffered a 34-14 loss to eventual state runner-up Carrollton. As the Rams begin their 2026 season, the offense will rely on Smith, running back Ashton Turner and wide receiver Aaron "AB" Black. Leading the way up front will be five-star offensive lineman Jordan Agbanoma.

Defensively, Grayson is led by four-star edge rusher Elijah Tillman, an Alabama commit.

North Gwinnett Brings Experienced Offense

North Gwinnett (12-2 in 2025) also saw its season end with a playoff loss to Carrollton in the state semifinals. The Bulldogs played two quarterbacks last fall – senior Elam Rahman and junior Banks Holcomb - and both should see time against Grayson. The two combined for more than 2,400 yards passing and 31 touchdowns.

Whichever quarterback is in the lineup, North Gwinnett has experienced targets in tight end Max Patterson, a Pittsburgh commit who caught 38 passes for 439 yards and seven touchdowns last season, and wide receiver Evan Hawkins, who had 732 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 2025.

Defense will remain a team strength for North Gwinnett. North Carolina State commit Jake Godfree retuns at linebacker after recording 141 tackles, including 18 for loss and eight sacks. Ewan Glass, Gabe Autry, Marshall Brown and Bryson Ford all return after strong seasons for the Bulldogs.

With both teams returning experienced quarterbacks and proven playmakers, the opening-night matchup should provide an immediate test for two programs with championship aspirations.