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List: Most recent finals appearance for remaining 16 teams

December 10, 2016 - Atlanta, Ga: Benedictine offensive lineman Bailey Clark (50) celebrates their win over Fitzgerald in the Class AA state championship game Saturday at the Georgia Dome December 10, 2016, in Atlanta, Ga. Benedictine won 49-26. PHOTO / JASON GETZ

Credit: Jason Getz

Credit: Jason Getz

December 10, 2016 - Atlanta, Ga: Benedictine offensive lineman Bailey Clark (50) celebrates their win over Fitzgerald in the Class AA state championship game Saturday at the Georgia Dome December 10, 2016, in Atlanta, Ga. Benedictine won 49-26. PHOTO / JASON GETZ
By
Dec 7, 2021

Hughes is the only one of 16 finalists making its first championship-game appearance. It’s the first time this century for two others. Half are back from last season.

First - Hughes

1967 - Carver (Atlanta)

1993 - Thomasville

2007 - Carver (Columbus)

2016 - Benedictine

2017 - Calhoun

2018 - Milton

2019 - Cedar Grove

2020 - Brooks County

2020 - Buford

2020 - Collins Hill

2020 - Fitzgerald

2020 - Irwin County

2020 - Prince Avenue Christian

2020 - Trinity Christian

2020 - Warner Robins

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About the Author

Todd Holcomb covers high school sports across the state. He rejoined The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2025 and has worked with the AJC in varying capacities since 1985. He is a co-founder and editor of Georgia High School Football Daily.

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August 20, 2021 - Kennesaw, Ga: Buford wide receiver Tobi Olawale (4) celebrates his receiving touchdown with running back Victor Venn (6) during the second half against North Cobb at North Cobb high school Friday, August 20, 2021 in Kennesaw, Ga.. Buford won 35-27. JASON GETZ FOR THE ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION

Credit: Jason Getz

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