This Friday, September 12, 2025, a premier Georgia high school football matchup is set to take place as the No. 25 Carrollton Trojans travel to Gainesville to face the No. 10 Gainesville Red Elephants.¹ This is a highly anticipated non-conference game that is being featured as the MaxPreps Game of the Week and will have a major impact on both teams’ seasons and their respective state rankings.² Carrollton, a perennial powerhouse, is coming into the game with a perfect 4-0 record, led by freshman quarterback C.J. Cypher.³ The Trojans are looking to continue their dominant season and make a statement against their rival. Meanwhile, Gainesville, a formidable program in its own right, is also a highly respected team with a perfect 3-0 record.⁴ The Red Elephants, led by a lockdown defense and key players like Alabama commits Xavier Griffin and Jamarion Matthews, will be looking to continue their undefeated season and make a breakthrough into the MaxPreps Top 25.⁵ The outcome of this game will be a significant indicator of each team’s potential for a deep playoff run and will have major implications for state rankings.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: High School Football

Who: Carrollton vs Gainesville

When: Friday, Sep. 12, 2025

Local time: 7:30 PM

Location: Georgia

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Who will win this matchup?

Based on recent performance and overall team strength, this is a very close matchup with a slight edge to Carrollton. Both teams are undefeated and highly ranked, with Carrollton at No. 25 nationally and Gainesville at No. 10 in the state. Carrollton’s offense has been explosive, putting up an average of 45 points per game, showcasing their ability to move the ball and find the end zone against strong competition. Their freshman quarterback, C.J. Cypher, has been exceptional, completing over 72% of his passes for more than 700 yards and eight touchdowns.⁶

Gainesville’s defense has been the star of their season, allowing less than 10 points per game.⁷ Their defense, led by two Alabama commits, will be a tough challenge for the young Carrollton quarterback. For Gainesville to have any chance at an upset, they will need a near-perfect performance from their defense and a strong running game to control the clock and limit turnovers. While Gainesville has a strong program and home-field advantage, Carrollton’s high-powered offense and experience playing against elite competition make them the more likely winner in this contest. The game is expected to be a high-scoring affair with both teams putting on a show for the fans.

Two Team Records, History, and Recent Results

Team History

Carrollton High School: The Trojans, from Carrollton, have a long and storied football history. They are a consistent powerhouse in Georgia high school football, with a history of making deep playoff runs and winning numerous league and regional championships. The program is known for its high-powered offense and its ability to compete with top-tier opponents. The rivalry between Carrollton and Gainesville is a long-standing tradition in Georgia high school football. Carrollton defeated Gainesville last year with a final score of 45-16.⁸

Gainesville High School: The Red Elephants, from Gainesville, also have a long and respected football history. They are a consistent winner in their league and have a history of making deep playoff runs. The program is known for its discipline and physical play and has produced numerous college and professional-level players. The rivalry between Carrollton and Gainesville has been a one-sided affair in recent years, with Carrollton winning the last three matchups.⁹

Team Recent Results

Carrollton Recent Results

The Trojans are off to a perfect 4-0 start to the season with four dominant wins.¹⁰

Gainesville Recent Results

The Red Elephants have had a strong start to the season with a perfect 3-0 record.¹¹

Carrollton Team Upcoming Games Schedule

After their game against Gainesville, the Carrollton Trojans will continue their challenging conference schedule with a series of crucial league matchups.

Gainesville Team Upcoming Games Schedule

Following their matchup with Carrollton, the Gainesville Red Elephants will continue their demanding schedule with a series of crucial league games.