The Saints’ Reckoning: 5 Critical Questions Facing Cedar Grove High School Football In 2025
The Cedar Grove Saints football program, a perennial powerhouse in Georgia high school football, is facing one of the most pivotal seasons in its recent history. Following a tumultuous 2024 campaign marked by significant coaching turnover and a rare losing record, all eyes are on Ellenwood, GA, to see if the Saints can reclaim their dominance in the GHSA Class 3A landscape. The narrative for the 2025 season is one of dramatic change, high-stakes recruiting, and a desperate push to return to the state championship glory that fans have come to expect.
The program’s reputation as a championship dynasty, built on a foundation of five GHSA state titles in less than a decade, was severely tested by a 3-7 finish in 2024. This unexpected slump has set the stage for a compelling new era, spearheaded by a veteran college coach tasked with stabilizing the program and maximizing the potential of its elite talent pool in DeKalb County.
The New Era: Rich Freeman Takes the Helm
The most significant and immediate change for the Cedar Grove Saints in the 2025 season is the appointment of a new head coach. In a move that signaled a major philosophical shift for the program, Cedar Grove hired Rich Freeman, the former head coach of Morehouse College.
Freeman, who has extensive experience in the college ranks, becomes the 13th head coach in the Saints' history. His hiring follows a period of notable instability, which saw the program part ways with coach Roderick Moore after just one season. Moore, who inherited the program after the departure of two-time state champion coach John Adams, faced a challenging year that was "hamstrung by several transfers leaving the program."
The decision to bring in a coach with Freeman’s collegiate background—specifically from an HBCU program—underscores the school's commitment to not only winning on the field but also providing a clear pathway for its athletes to the next level. His immediate challenge is to restore confidence, halt the recent exodus of talent via the transfer portal, and re-establish the winning culture that defined the program for nearly two decades.
The Tumultuous 2024 Season: A Rare Setback
The 2024 season, which resulted in a 3-7 overall record (3-3 in Region 5-3A), was a shock to the Cedar Grove faithful. It marked the program's first losing season in 19 years, a stark contrast to their consistent run of state championship appearances.
- The Transfer Effect: The primary factor cited for the struggle was the departure of several key players through the transfer portal, which severely impacted team depth and cohesion under the new coaching staff.
- Competitive Region: While the Saints managed a respectable 3-3 region record, the overall schedule proved difficult, including a season opener against a tough Douglas County team.
- Instability: The quick turnover from Coach Adams to Coach Moore, and then to Freeman, created an environment of uncertainty that is notoriously difficult for high school programs to overcome.
The silver lining of the 2024 campaign, however, is that it provided a clear view of the team’s weaknesses, allowing Coach Freeman and his staff to implement a necessary culture reset and focus on rebuilding a sustainable, long-term program structure.
Cedar Grove’s Championship Pedigree and Legacy
Despite the recent dip, the history of Cedar Grove football remains one of the most impressive in Georgia. The Saints have established themselves as one of the state's true dynasties, particularly in the Class 3A classification. They have secured five GHSA state championships since 2016, a run of dominance that few Georgia high schools can match.
Their most recent titles showcase their ability to perform on the biggest stage. In one of their dominant championship performances, the Saints defeated Savannah Christian 49-28 to secure their fifth state title, demonstrating a powerful offensive and defensive presence. The program’s success has made them a permanent fixture in the Georgia high school football rankings and a must-watch team in the Atlanta metro area.
This legacy of winning is the foundation upon which Coach Freeman is building his 2025 campaign. The expectation is simple: return to the Georgia Dome (or wherever the state finals are held) and compete for the Class 3A crown.
The 2025 Recruiting Class and Key Players to Watch
The talent pipeline at Cedar Grove remains robust, which is a major reason for optimism heading into the 2025 season. The Saints continue to produce elite-level recruits who are highly sought after by top college football programs across the nation. The success of the 2025 season will heavily rely on the performance and leadership of these key entities:
- Bo Walker (Running Back, Class of 2025): Walker is the headliner and a massive boost to the program's prestige. He is a highly-touted recruit who has committed to the University of Georgia, one of the top college football programs in the country. His presence provides a dynamic playmaker in the backfield and a critical leader for the offense.
- Devin Carter (WR/Safety, Class of 2026): Though a rising junior, Carter is already a national prospect. He holds multiple Power Five offers from schools like South Carolina, Nebraska, Arkansas, and Florida State. His versatility on both sides of the ball makes him a game-changer.
- Andrew Leslie (Wide Receiver, Class of 2025): Leslie is another highly-rated prospect who brings size and speed to the receiving corps. He is listed as a top 2025 recruit in the state of Georgia, providing Bo Walker with a formidable threat in the passing game. [cite: 11 in step 1]
- Other Standouts: Keep an eye on players like Aaron Brooker (RB), Adam Pringle (G/DT), and Amoiry Alford (WR/CB), who will be crucial for team depth and performance in the trenches and on the perimeter. [cite: 17 in step 1]
The ability of Coach Freeman to integrate these high-profile players into a cohesive system, and to keep the recruiting momentum strong, will be the true measure of his early success at Cedar Grove. The goal is not just to win games, but to develop these young athletes for the rigorous demands of college football.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Expectations for 2025
The 2025 schedule for the Cedar Grove Saints will be a grueling test of the new regime. While the regional games within AAA Region 5 are always competitive, the Saints often schedule tough non-region opponents to prepare for the GHSA playoffs. Coach Freeman must navigate this schedule while simultaneously reinforcing the team’s mental toughness following the 2024 losing streak.
The primary challenge remains stability. The revolving door of coaches and the recent history of player transfers have created a narrative of vulnerability that opponents will look to exploit. Freeman's experience, particularly his ability to manage a roster and connect with top-tier talent, will be essential in overcoming this hurdle.
For the Cedar Grove Saints to return to the state championship conversation, they must:
- Solidify the Defense: Championship teams in the GHSA are built on defense. The Saints need to re-establish their reputation as a lockdown defensive unit capable of shutting down high-powered offenses.
- Maximize Bo Walker’s Potential: As a Georgia commit, Walker must be utilized as the focal point of the offense to control the clock and wear down opposing defenses.
- Win the DeKalb County Battles: Dominating local rivals is key to building momentum and securing a top seed in the Class 3A bracket.
The 2025 Cedar Grove Saints football season is not just a quest for another title; it is a critical mission to restore a dynasty. With Rich Freeman’s fresh perspective and a roster loaded with blue-chip talent, the Saints are poised for a dramatic turnaround that could see them once again competing for the Georgia high school football crown.
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