Clay’s Court: Picking my favorite football pictures from 2024 as the 2025 season approaches

In honor of us only being four Fridays away from high school football being back (counting the scrimmages on August 1) I decided to pick my favorite picture of each Houston County team from last season.

There were a lot of memorable moments from every team and I have countless photos capturing them, so it’ll be tough to narrow it down to only six.

Let’s get started:

Houston County

This one is admittedly basic, but when I think about the start of last season this is the one that comes to mind.

My first game was actually Warner Robins at Lee County, one of my three road trips (I’m generously counting my trip to Fort Valley) of last year’s opening weekend. But this is the picture I feel like captures the beginning.

The beginning of my second year at the Houston Home Journal, the beginning of another level up of the sports section and the beginning of another football season watching some of the best talent in Georgia.

So, yes, basic. But still meaningful to me.

Northside

There were not a lot of good moments for Northside in 2024.

They went 2-8, which is their fourth-worst finish all-time. They also had a bottom five finish in points scored and allowed the most points in a season in Eagles history.

That doesn’t mean there weren’t some cool shots to be had, though, like the one I picked from Michael Hardison Jr.

Michael is one of several photographers that I’m lucky to have, especially around football season.

The photo I chose is Bryan Allen literally laying out for a catch against HoCo. It’s one of those photos that has everything you want in the frame.

You have Jayden Wright in the back after the throw, the defenders turning to look at Allen, the ball coming right at a completely horizontal Allen. It’s chefs kiss.

Perry

I picked this one for Perry because I think it was my favorite thing that any Houston County player did after a big play.

Chayden Barber was a consistent force getting behind the sticks and he almost always did this pose after a big play.

The Perry defensive line was maybe my favorite to watch last year, and my favorite photo had to reflect that, for sure.

Veterans

Veterans football made my favorite pictures from last year list, so I won’t pick that one because it feels like cheating.

I’ll also try to pick one with different criteria, meaning no George Washington riding a bald eagle with a bazooka on his shoulder vibes.

With that in mind, Michael’s photo made the cut again.

This one is of Christian Askew, an All-Region defensive back I’m looking forward to seeing unlocked under coach Steven DeVoursney, letting a Northside receiver know it’s a no-fly zone in their only win of the 2024 season.

Warner Robins

Is there another photo I can pick other than this one?

When I look at it technically I do see a lot of weaknesses — this was when I was still shooting in jpeg, so it’s a little noisier than I would like. The ball is also a little blurry, but man what a moment.

This picture isn’t indicative of what Andrew Battle (27) is capable of at corner, but it perfectly captures Rasean Dinkins.

If I had to pick a favorite player last year it’s probably him because he has moments like this in every phase of the game.

Westfield

Westfield won a district championship for the first time in nearly a decade last year and they nearly made it to the state championship.

To make it to the semifinals they had to get past Terrell Academy, who gave them a fit before eventually going down 15-6.

The photo I chose is of Brock Johnson, who is spinning past a horde of defenders and teammates alike for extra yardage.