High School Football: North Gwinnett upsets No. 10 Grayson

ATLANTA, Ga.- All the hype heading into the Corky Kell + Dave Hunter Classic’s Day 1 games was surrounding nationally ranked No. 10 Loganville (Ga.) Grayson as they took on Suwanee (Ga.) North Gwinnett on Wednesday night. [ $19.99 gets you a FULL year of On3 | Rivals national coverage ] The Bulldogs heard everyone loud and clear, making a thunderous statement in the second game of the Georgia high school football season. North Gwinnett blanked Grayson in the opening half and rode a masterclass performance en route to a 37-22 victory, marking the first upset of the 2026 campaign. The first play of the game told everyone everything they needed to know about how the Bulldogs were approaching the night as a flea flicker from Elam Rahman to Evan Hawkins connected for 53 yards. After one play, North Gwinnett (1-0) was already deep in Grayson territory, with the Bulldogs capping off the drive with a 7-yard scoring strike from Rahman to South Alabama commit Christian Jackson. It wouldn’t take the Bulldogs long to find pay dirt once again as Hawkins took an end around and scored from seven yards out, combined with a two-point conversion make put North Gwinnett ahead 15-0. A stunned Grayson (0-1) squad never seemed to find their footing offensively as Deuce Smith was harassed at every turn as he completed five of his first 10 passes of the night, but was sacked multiple times. North Gwinnett entered halftime with a commanding 22-0 lead and they didn’t let up to start the second half as NC State three-star linebacker commit Jake Godfree intercepted a Smith slant pass and returned it 56 yards to the house. Up 29-0, the Bulldogs kept their foot on the proverbial gas pedal throughout the evening as the Rams could never find way back into the game at any point. The Bulldogs’ defense held Grayson’s offense in check all night as the unit never seriously threatened to score in the first half and got most of their points in the final period. North Gwinnett will have next week off before they hit the road and take on Collins Hill on Aug. 28. The Rams will look to shrug off the rough regular season opening showing next Friday (Aug. 21) against Sandy Creek on the road. More about North Gwinnett High School “North Gwinnett High School, located in Suwanee, GA, is known for its strong academic programs and robust athletics. The Bulldogs compete in various sports, with football and basketball being key programs. They participate in the Georgia High School Association and are a part of a highly competitive region. Their commitment to excellence in sports is evident in their state championships and consistent athletic performance across multiple disciplines.” More about Grayson High School “Grayson High School, located in Loganville, Georgia, is a prominent public school recognized for its strong academics, competitive athletics, and active extracurricular programs. Offering a variety of AP and honors courses, the school prepares students for college and future careers. Grayson’s athletic teams are highly successful, frequently winning state championships and showcasing school pride. Emphasizing leadership, community involvement, and personal development, the school ensures students are well-rounded and ready for future challenges.”