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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The city of Brookhaven's mayor and City Council last week decided to remove the colored panes of glass from the dome of Brookhaven's new City Centre after residents objected to the brightness of the colors, seen here Friday, June 27, 2025. (Reed Williams/AJC)

Credit: Reed Williams/AJC