2026 Week 0 (Georgia & Florida)

The 2026 Season seemed to be so far away and suddenly it was the next day. With the way the schedules worked out, Georgia’s season started with four games before the rest of the state. Because of the World Cup, the schedule at Mercedes-Benz Stadium had been quite restrictive. The venue hosts the Falcons and the Atlanta United FC MLS team.

The NFL requires teams to black out dates so games can be scheduled around other events. But there’s a limit to how many dates the NFL is willing to blockout. Either single dates or the entire weekend. This is what led to the UIL State Finals getting bumped from AT&T Stadium years ago. The stadium didn’t block out the entire weekend and the NFL scheduled the Cowboys to play on a non-Sunday date that weekend.

To say that, it becomes an issue with the stadium to block out a weekend when you are working around the NFL and then have a rather well attended Atlanta United to schedule around. The World Cup condensed the MLS schedule. And made Saturdays a premium.

The GHSA had already moved their state finals from the weekend to mid-week to avoid the congestion. And now, the Corky Kell-Dave Hunter Classic was also moved to mid-week.

Not that it was new for the Corky Kell event. In the past, it had started on Wednesday night with a doubleheader. And another on Thursday. And one more on Friday. Before a Saturday block of games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

This year, though, Mercedes-Benz Stadium would still host four games. But over two days. Which doubled the costs. Tickets for fans was set at $45.10 per day. With parking at the Silver Deck on site at $24. There was some cheaper parking. But the walk in 90+ degree weather was not worth the decrease in price. most were still well over $10 per day.

On Tuesday, I left home with a plan to stop in Corbin, Kentucky for the night. My goal was to get to Corbin by 7pm. But a slightly late start, I breezed through Youngstown, but with the construction on I-680 and I-80, I had to go through Salt Springs Road near the truck stops instead of the straight shot to I-80. At I-80, though, there was a long line of stalled traffic sitting on the highway. And I was not about to drive down the ramp just to sit.

Though, taking the detour still added more time than just waiting. At least according to Google Maps. Had I seen the delay ahead of time, I would’ve taken I-680 to OH11 to Mahoning Avenue and headed through Austintown to North Jackson. And gotten through that way.

The drive through Akron on I-76 to I-71 was uneventful until I got the weather alerts. I was traveling down a wide swath of no storms. But a big storm was about to hit around the same time I reached Columbus. And it did.

I-71 through town was backed up, so I took OH315 down past The Ohio State University. But it was raining so hard, I could barely see it.

It was just south of the city, that I took some dashcam video and then posted it somewhere near the Hell Is Real billboard. Where the road got nearly impossible to see and had come to a standstill. I posted it to Twitter/X. And immediately my account was locked.

I was shocked. It was locked for 12 hours. And there was no way to dispute it. What’s worse, was that for football season just days earlier I had paid the subscription for Premium so my tweets weren’t pushed out to the world. Though, in hindsight, it didn’t do much more than usual.

Either way, I wasn’t exactly happy. So, I was back driving as the rains cleared up and it wasn’t too bad through Cincinnati through I had taken OH126 over to I-75 to the Brent Spence Bridge.

The whole way, the traffic was slow. But after clearly the construction near the bridge, the road opened up and the drive south was much faster. Though, the traffic had taken its toll on my time. I had thought I would get to Corbin by 7pm. Now I was pushing closer to 8:30pm.

And I usually stop at David’s Steak House near my hotel for dinner. I would’ve tweeted it out, had I been able to. I had enough gas to make it to Corbin, and pulled into David’s Steak House about a half hour before they closed.

It’s a buffet, and has all you can eat steak, fried fish, fried chicken, and baked chicken. The steak is good, but not great. A1 definitely helps. But for under $15, it’s a good deal. The fried fish and baked chicken is well worth it, as well. And the salad bar is fresh. With a short amount of time, I ate fast, and was done well before closing. And with a decent tip spent $21.

After eating, I drove across the parking lot to Pilot, where gas was a currently low $3.259. And then over to my hotel. Free with points.

In the morning, I had a quick start getting everything out to the truck. On I-75, things moved fast down through Knoxville and I-40. I wanted to stop at a Cookout for lunch. But, also needed ice for my sweet tea. As I had purchased a portable electric cooler for my trips. And so far, it has worked wonders.

I stopped near Cleveland. Found a gas station. And then found a Cookout not too far away. Getting a double burger basket with fries and hushpuppies. As well as a chocolate shake.

I was making great time as I entered Georgia. Traffic was flowing fast down I-75 with speeds well above average for the road. Enough so, that when I got to Atlanta, I took the I-285 south along the west side of the metro area toward the airport. Where my hotel was for the next two days.

Checked into the Super 8, and then headed into the city along I-85 and some streets to get to the Silver Deck by the stadium. Prepaying my reservation for $24. Which was $6 cheaper than paying at the lot.

After parking. I got my cameras ready and my spare batteries situated. And took one last try to get onto Twitter. The 12 hours had expired, but the login system requires a text message to your phone, and it wasn’t sending out those text messages. And was apparently a problem others were experiencing. But at that moment, it worked.

I then headed out into the nearly 100 degree weather, across the plaza to the northwest corner of the stadium to the media entrance. Had to wait in line, checked in to get my credential, and then into the stadium through security. Luckily being at field level, it was a quick walk to the now very familiar tunnel to the field.

And had about 15 minutes before kickoff. Because I had made the mistake of thinking the first game kicked off at 5:30pm, not 5pm.

Luckily, that wasn’t an issue.

#1 – Lanier v. South Gwinnett

With such a quick setup for the game, I hoped to get through the first game without much issue. But it was surprisingly hot on the field. Both teams were new for me. Both from Gwinnett County, east of Atlanta. My 1741st and 1742nd different teams. South Gwinnett opened up with a big lead. Going up 21-3 at the half. A safety seemed to crush the spirits of Lanier who were already trailing by three scores. And a touchdown sealed the win for the South Gwinnett Comets, 29-3.

At the end of the third quarter, I left the field and went up to the main concourse. The stadium only had the TV side open for fans. Which meant a long walk around the west endzone to get to the concessions. Purchased one of Mercedes-Benz Stadiums famed cheap drinks at just $2.18. Which is all-you-can-drink.

Had a few cup fulls, and then went and sat in the corner of the endzone to watch the end of the game. And decided to sit out the first half of the second game.

#2 – North Gwinnett v. Grayson

I had seen both teams previously. Having seen North Gwinnett for the sixth time. And Grayson now for the second time.

I was hoping this was going to be a good game. it was projected to be a close game. But, North Gwinnett stormed out to a big lead, 22-0. Despite that, I headed back down to the field. Photographing the second half. Two more touchdowns in the third quarter started the running clock, at 37-0. Before Grayson scored three touchdowns, to lose 37-22. But the running clock stays active, even if the margin drops back below the 35 point threshold.

I was anticipating the running clock, as it did help get the game finished faster. I didn’t get done with the game until 11:35pm. Getting the last tweet out and traversing the bowels of the stadium to the Silver Deck. But couldn’t figure out, along with two other photographers, how to get to the elevators without going through the main ground entrance to the Silver Deck.

I headed back to my hotel, following the recommendation to avoid I-85 due to an accident. Taking I-20 to the I-285 loop. And to my exit. Where I saw many options for chicken wings. And decided to check up with one.

I settled on “Lost in da Souse Kitchen” about a mile south of the hotel. The wings were $10 for 10. I ordered a split of Buffalo and Hot Lemon Pepper. And then added the “Rice over Chicken Souse”. I wasn’t really sure what to expect. But it looked tempting.

I drove it back to the hotel and got situated. And opened the Rice over Chicken Souse first. It’s a soft rice that absorbs a lot of the sauce. It’s more of a thin gravy and the chicken is baked in the gravy and very loose and pulls apart. It’s very good. It had potatoes and a large piece of carrot. Both also cooked down into the sauce and was very tender.

It was well worth the $10 charge. The wings, not so much. They tasted great. That was not the issue. But for $10 for 10, they were very tiny wings. Ten wings didn’t fill even half a styrofoam takeout container. It may have been pricy at just over $36 total. But it was a good local place opened late.

I didn’t do much else after my late dinner. Getting to sleep in was more pressing. I figured I would have time to do photos, but I had made one major mistake. I had forgotten my card reader at home. I noticed this in Corbin, and ordered one on Amazon to be delivered nearby. But it would not be arriving until Thursday afternoon. Which meant, not enough time to be ready to use it. I also bought another camera lens hood. So, my forecasted Friday night game wouldn’t have an issue with the weather.

So, I just lounged in the hotel room until 3pm and headed out. With right in-right out from the street, I headed south and stopped at the Bojangles for lunch. And got a sweet tea as I had forgotten to pour one myself in the room. The sweet tea had little ice, and was warm. So it melted faster than I could keep up with it. As for Bojangles, it was nothing special. A little overcooked than usual.

I got to the stadium by 4pm. And parked nearly in the same spot I had the day before. Again, spending $24 for parking. Back inside the stadium, I had a better time with the earlier part of the game. Until that heat just sits on you. Despite air-conditioning running throughout the stadium, the field seems to miss much of it as it cycles around through the seating bowl. Not that it was 90, or anything crazy like that. But it sits and radiates the heat.

#3 – Brookwood v. Cambridge

First game of the day was the Brookwood Broncos and the Cambridge Bears. Brookwood is one of the regulars at the Corky Kell Classic. While Cambridge were in it for the first time. This was my first time seeing Cambridge as well, and my 1647th different team for me. I stayed on the field as long as I felt necessary. The game opened with Brookwood putting on a clinic. And going up 49-0 at the half. With that, I decided to head upstairs. Get another drink as I had the previous day. Watch the second half conclude from the stands. And then get a feel for the second game before heading down to the field to photograph the second and final game from Georgia. Just a field goal and a lone Cambridge touchdown occupied the second half. As Brookwood won, 52-7.

This time, I had bought the souvenir soda, which was twice the price, but a much better cup. It was a little bigger than the paper cup you’re given for the regular. But, as I found out from Wednesday, the paper doesn’t hold up for long. And really sweats. The plastic souvenir cup held the ice better, as well. I sat up in what was my usual spot in the corner. Giving me a full field panorama.

#4 – Roswell v. Walton

My feet were really bugging me as well. I later found out I had a blister, which was not that great but also not much of an issue. Just not fun to walk on though the cortisol really takes care of that once you start walking around on it.

At first, though, I was upstairs. And the game started to look like a blowout. Walton went up 14-0 fter one, and it looked like it would much worse than that. And then Roswell got a pick six. And the wind went out of the Walton sails. two more touchdowns by Roswell made it 18-14. With the underdogs holding the lead.

With quite a game going on, I powered through my foot pain, and went downstairs for the last half of the game. Roswell was my 1648th different team. And interestingly, my second Roswell, as I had seen Roswell, New Mexico play at Las Cruces Mayfield at the Field of Dreams in Las Cruces.

Roswell added another score in the third to go up 25-14. And had what seemed like all the momentum on their side. Until Walton’s star QB Christian Peacock went 36 yards on the ground to cut the lead to 25-20. But late in the game, Roswell added one more score. To go up 32-20, and to hold on to win.

After the game, I found a new way through the stadium. But still wound up taking the long way. The southeast corner elevator was available, and I was told by another reporter the previous night you can get to the skybridge to the third level of the parking deck from the concourse. If that was true, I didn’t see the signs for it. Or any open doors. Instead, I was then going around the eastern concourse to the endzone, and outside into the plaza. Where I was at the upper level of the Silver Deck, and not the ground floor which doubles as the field level inside the stadium.

Getting to take I-85 south as there was no traffic issues, I got toward my hotel and Google Maps was still routing me in a weird way. Turns out, it thought my hotel was located on the exit ramp from I-85. Which didn’t make any sense. But I headed past my hotel for one more stop for wings.

This time across the street from Lost In Da Souse to go to Southside Wings. A small storefront in a small plaza. And ordered ten Hot Lemon Pepper wings and lemon pepper fries.

Both were great. It was then plans for a short night as I had a long drive to central Florida planned for Friday.

I had originally planned for a game farther south. But the drive would make it difficult. There wasn’t much for routes that would take me along I-95 and the Atlantic coast. The other problem is that some of these games were just scrimmages. So, I had to scrutinize which in the schedule were games (Kickoff Classics) and which were just scrimmages lumped together.

I was heading in to Florida to get my daughter. And drive her home after spending a week with family and going to Disney World. So, I needed something far enough south to be close to her for Saturday. And settled on Wildwood.

Why?

Because I had been to Wildwood before. It’s the town where the Florida Turnpike splits from I-75. A town, like many in Florida, full of hotels, and restaurants, and truck stops.

I stopped for gas near Macon. And then for Cookout once again. This time getting a cajun chicken sandwich basket.

Getting into Florida, I couldn’t get a photo of the sign. Or so I thought. And then stopped at the welcome center for the bathroom and to get the sign there (as Florida has signs at the welcome center just for photo opportunities).

Things were good until just north of Ocala when a downpour formed. And it kept evolving right from the same spot along the west central part of the start. Moving west/northwest slowly.

Luckily, the rain was minimal in Wildwood. Though, it wasn’t going away. I drove around town, trying to find a welcome sign. But the traffic was slowing down my plans. I finally headed over to the school, and the municipal building and water tower were across the street. And then made my way over to the field. I parked. And was there about 45 minutes prior to the scheduled kickoff.

With the lens hood, I got situated and was just taking my zoom lens in for the game. I walked in, and went to the concessions and bathroom first. And then went back to the exit and sat and waited out the weather. Until word that the kickoff would be delayed due to lightning.

The game wouldn’t kick off until 7:50pm.

#5 – Wildwood v. Citrus

Now, this was a game, but in Florida these Kickoff Classics aren’t part of the playoff calculations. They’re similar to non-league games in the WPIAL to start the season.

However, in Florida the games aren’t hiding as regular season games the way non-league scheduled games in WPIAL would be seen. They have more leeway in how things will be structured. For this one, kickoffs are played. But punts and PAT attempts are uncontested and unreturned. The play happens. But no one rushes the punter. Or, goes after the returner. Just as the return would field the ball and the play would be stopped there.

The Wildwood Wildcats and Citrus Hurricanes were the 1745th and 1746th different teams I’ve seen. Located about a half hour apart, for all intents they’re rival communities kicking off the season.

Wildwood opened the game with four first half touchdowns. And had a comfortable 28-0 lead at the break. One more touchdown in the third quarter started the running clock. And kept the game moving briskly.

Citrus finally scored on a short run at the end of the third quarter. In the fourth, Wildwood added a statement touchdown, to hold on to win, 41-7.

After the game, I went back to my car and booked a hotel for the night. Staying in town, just off I-75 at a Days Inn. Stopping for Taco Bell from across the street. Which was not the best.

In the morning, I checked out fairly early. Another night, and morning, of not getting caught up on photos. Resolving to get photos done once I was home in Ohio. As I had a lot of driving to do. And things would move slower with my daughter riding along.

Leaving Wildwood, I took a straight line down the Florida Turnpike to Orlando, and the Beachline (formerly Bee Line) east to I-95. And then south toward Miami.

Original plans were to drive to Fort Lauderdale, but instead were going to meet about an hour north in Jupiter. This made for a quicker day. But also, a longer day. After getting my daughter and all her things packed away, we stopped at a Publix to buy some snacks for the road. And I wanted to try one of the Chicken Tender Subs I had heard so much about from online.

And there was a line. A long line. I was going to give up on it. But, waited out the line and ordered a Buffalo Chicken version as they were on sale for $8.99 for the foot long. It was good. Not great. Not fantastic. But it was well worth the price. You get a lot of hoagie for the price. Even if you had to pay the full price.

Leaving Jupiter, I drove north along I-95, stopping at a Pollo Tropical. Just one of my last chances to stop at one of my favorite regional fast food chains. I got the chicken breast with rice. And had the curry and cilantro lime sauces.

After that, it was a quick drive north along I-95 and bypassing Jacksonville on I-295 to the east. And into Georgia. Stopping in Richmond Hill for the night.

On Sunday, it was a long drive home. I-95 into South Carolina. A stop near Orangeburg for Cookout. And then gas in Columbia. The drive north through North Carolina and Virginia moved quickly, but then West Virginia didn’t go to plan.

I didn’t want to take the Turnpike. As the price was now $4.50 per booth. But I was not planning to take US19 and further up I-79 into Pennsylvania. There are ways to shunpike the tolls in West Virginia. And the first one is the hardest to bypass. So, I accepted the toll and moved on. The second one? Well, I tried.

To Google Maps’ credit, there was a red line on the road. But it was a little more than just a slowdown. The road was completely flooded. So, it was quickly back to the Turnpike. And I didn’t even attempt to bypass the third one. As it, too, rain along a creek and wasn’t worth taking the risk.

In Ripley, it was another stop for gas at Sheetz, and some hot dogs.

I dropped my daughter off. And then went home. Finally calling it a week around 11pm.

ECONOMICS

For the weekend, I drove 2,634 miles. Spending $244.88 on gas and $295.33 on food. Both solo and with my daughter on the return trip. I spent $48 on game expenses. Entirely the two days parking in Atlanta. And $24.25 was for Amazon delivering the card reader and lens hood to me. Lastly, I spent $250.36 on hotels for the five nights. One of those being a redeemed free night.

Overall, I saw six new teams. And only one new stadium in Wildwood. It was my first non-playoff game I had seen in Florida. Previously seeing the three Burger King Bowl games at FAU in Boca Raton. As well as two state championship games in Fort Lauderdale.