DeKalb football schedule loaded with big games

August 21, 2026 Reginald Fuller

DeKalb has a rich tradition in high school football. In 2025, multiple DeKalb teams made it deep into the state playoffs, several programs continued to improve, multiple athletes signed college scholarships on National Signing Day. The big games and star athletes won’t stop in 2026.

The games to watch for DeKalb teams begin during opening week on Aug. 21 and with DCSD’s inaugural Kickoff Classic on Aug. 22, featuring several matchups between DeKalb County teams. The action will continue through the regular-season finales on Nov. 6, followed by the playoffs. Below are some of the most anticipated games from the complete DeKalb schedule, which is available at dekalbschoolsga.org/athletics and MaxPreps.

Stephenson vs. Southwest DeKalb, Aug. 22 at Hallford Stadium

Two of DeKalb County’s top teams will finally go head-to-head for the first time since 2023 in the inaugural DCSD Kickoff Classic. Southwest DeKalb brings a prolific offense led by DeKalb’s passing yards and touchdown leader Braylon Carter along with standout receiver and Liberty University commit Jordan Christie. On the other sideline, Stephenson will counter with one of DeKalb’s stingiest defenses, anchored by edge rusher and LSU commit K.J. Green. Jaguars running back and Middle Tennessee commit Jayden Johnson will also look to make his mark after rushing for more than 2,000 yards during the past two seasons.

Marist vs. Brookwood, Sept. 11 at Marist School

Coach Alan Chadwick will seek to inch closer to the title of most winningest coach in Georgia but will have to get past Brookwood that was ranked 25th in the state and was one win shy of making it to the 6A state championship game last season. The matchup will feature a formidable War Eagles defense going up against an offensive unit that features Brookwood quarterback and Auburn commit Gary Chatman leading the way for the Broncos.

Columbia vs. Cedar Grove, Sept. 25 at Cobb Stadium

Columbia and Cedar Grove will renew their rivalry for the first time since 2018. Both programs have changed since their last matchup with both teams having new coaches in Columbia’s Greg Barnett and Cedar Grove’s Rich Freeman. The matchup will feature a young and promising core for both teams including Columbia’s running back Dequarrion Trammell and receiver Damarion Davis with senior quarterback Czar Daniels leading the way. For the Saints, quarterback Brandon Davis along with running back Brenden Flounory will seek to lead Cedar Grove to victory in this renewed rivalry.

Tucker vs. Southwest DeKalb, Oct. 9 at Hallford Stadium

The matchup between Tucker and Southwest DeKalb always seems to be a showing of prolific offenses, ending in thrillers where either one of these programs can take home the victory. Last season, the Panthers took home the bragging rights with a 40-35 victory, but Tucker will seek a victory in this year’s game. The game will feature two of DeKalb County’s best quarterback prospects in Braylon Carter and Boston College commit Jace German along with other prospects flying around the field including Tucker receiver and Georgia State commit Joziah Horne and linebacker and Texas A&M commit Izaiah Williams.

M.L. King vs. Jonesboro, Oct. 23 at Hallford Stadium

After an historic 10-2 season last year, coach Joel Kight and the Lions will look to repeat the same formula from 2025, but in Class 5A. On Oct. 23, the team will seek to take on Jonesboro that has remained a prominent force throughout 5A. Players to look out for are Lions quarterback Javion Dobbs and receiver Aaron Graham.

Chamblee vs. Decatur, Oct. 29 at North DeKalb Stadium

Decatur holds a 4-2 advantage in “Battle of the Bulldogs,” although Chamblee won the most recent meeting, 36-10, in 2025. Coach Robert Swank and Chamblee will look to inch closer to tying the record with a victory against Decatur this upcoming season, while Decatur Coach William Felton hopes to pull further away with the lead as they look toward to an end-of-season game that could determine playoff placement.