Defending Georgia high school football state champion Thomas County Central picked up right where they left off from an undefeated season last year in a 54-7 win vs Monroe.
The Yellow Jackets had five different players score rushing touchdowns in the win, and scored on the first play from scrimmage.
Senior Ah’Mad Ponder took the opening handoff 66 yards for the first points.
Fellow senior AJ Clark, junior Christian “Deuce” Lawrence, and sophomores Kobe Carnage and Evan Martin all found pay dirt as well.
Thomas County Central @tcchsyjfootball had 5 different players record rushing TDs in last night's 54-7 win vs Monroe:
#21 @ahmadponder21
#14 @CarnageKobe
#4 @_AJCLARK4
#2 @0fficial_deuce
#23 @DripDropEvan
Full Game Highlights 🎥: https://t.co/OWU1zSHZeO pic.twitter.com/W3MfIrQFl3
— THE PLATFORM (@THEPLATFORMDR) August 17, 2024
Returning junior quarterback Jaylen Johnson was sharp throughout. He found junior Rodney Dunbar for a 39 yard passing touchdown in the first quarter.
Thomas County Central 2026 QB Jaylen Johnson ( @johnson_jaylen1 ) hits 2026 WR Rodney Dunbar for a 39 yard touchdown in @tcchsyjfootball 's 54-7 win vs Monroe
Johnson threw for 19 TDs and nearly 1800 yards as a sophomore last year for the 15-0 state champion Yellow Jackets per… pic.twitter.com/XwC4nJlPmt
— THE PLATFORM (@THEPLATFORMDR) August 17, 2024
Johnson threw for 19 touchdowns and nearly 1800 yards as a sophomore signal caller for last year’s squad.
Junior defensive back Eddie Guerra notched a pick six in the game as well for the stingy Thomas County Central defense.
Pick six for Thomas County Central 2026 DB Eddie Guerra ( @eddieg_1002 ) in season opening win over Monroe @tcchsyjfootball
Sophomore Season Highlights: https://t.co/ziUredLNTC
Full Game Highlights 🎥: https://t.co/OWU1zSHZeO pic.twitter.com/UKDdyEWK7W
— THE PLATFORM (@THEPLATFORMDR) August 17, 2024
Senior kicker Drew Reneau also impressed. He made a 40 yard field goal, had a punt downed inside the 20, and had multiple touchbacks.
Thomas County Central 2025 K/P Drew Reneau ( @DrewReneau ) made a 40 yard field goal, had a punt downed inside the 20, and multiple touchbacks in @tcchsyjfootball 's season opening win
More video of Drew: https://t.co/pNgCDUvba0
Full Game Highlights 🎥: https://t.co/OWU1zSHZeO pic.twitter.com/IyaLo6xbC5
— THE PLATFORM (@THEPLATFORMDR) August 17, 2024
Sophomore edge rusher/outside linebacker Isaiah Andrews looked solid in his first career varsity start. He was in the backfield plenty and will be a name to know as he continues to progress in the program.
Thomas County Central (GA) 2027 DE/OLB Isaiah Andrews (@_isaiahgokrazy) was all over the field in the season opener vs Monroe. The sophomore is one to watch in south Georgia this season.
Full Game Highlights 🎥: https://t.co/OWU1zSHZeO pic.twitter.com/B2ITGTmX53
— THE PLATFORM (@THEPLATFORMDR) August 17, 2024
The Yellow Jackets won the 6A state championship in Georgia in 2023 with a 49-28 win over Woodward Academy.
With the GHSA eliminating the 7A division this year, Thomas County Central is competing in 5A this season.
Check out full highlights from the game on the DR Sportz YouTube channel or below