Two Defending State Champions Set to Reunite at Thomas County Central’s Summer OTA Camp

Two of Georgia’s best public-school football programs will share the field again this summer when Thomas County Central hosts its annual padded OTA camp on July 15 and 16.

The Yellow Jackets will welcome Creekside, Troup, Baconton Charter and Calhoun County to Thomasville for two days of competition, but the biggest storyline is the return of Thomas County Central and Creekside.

Both programs are coming off perfect 15–0 seasons and state championships.

Thomas County Central captured the Georgia Class 5A title, while Creekside completed its own undefeated championship run in Class 4A. Now, the two defending champions will reunite at the same event that helped set the tone for both teams one year ago.

According to people familiar with last summer’s camp, the work between Creekside and Thomas County Central was among the most physical—and possibly the hardest-hitting—padded camp action they witnessed during the offseason.

That intensity proved to be valuable preparation. Both teams carried the physicality and momentum from the summer into historic seasons, combining to finish 30–0 with two state championships.

This year’s meeting should offer another revealing early look at two teams expected to remain among Georgia’s strongest public-school programs in 2026.

Thomas County Central and Creekside will not be the only teams gaining valuable work. Troup, Baconton Charter and Calhoun County will also participate, creating a five-team field with multiple styles, classifications and levels of experience.

The opening session is scheduled for 4 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15, followed by a second session at 9 a.m. on Thursday, July 16.

Summer padded camps are not official games, but they can provide an important early measuring stick. Coaches get the opportunity to evaluate execution, toughness, communication and depth against unfamiliar opponents before preseason practices and scrimmages begin.

One year ago, the two programs tested each other in an extremely physical setting. A few months later, both were standing as undefeated state champions.

Now they will do it again.

Event Details

Event: Thomas County Central Summer OTA Padded Camp
Location: Thomas County Central High School
Dates: July 15–16, 2026
July 15: 4 p.m.
July 16: 9 a.m.

Participating Programs
Thomas County Central
Creekside
Troup
Baconton Charter
Calhoun County

— Alex | T25PS