If you’ve ever stood on the home side of Grisham Stadium on a Friday night, you know the vibe is just different. It’s not just the smell of concession stand popcorn or the deafening roar of the Trojan band. It’s the weight of expectation. In Carrollton, football isn't a pastime; it's a standard. And honestly, looking at the Carrollton Trojans football schedule, the path to a state title is never as easy as the blowout scores might make it look to an outsider.
Everyone wants to talk about the "JuJu" Lewis era—and rightfully so. Julian Lewis, who eventually reclassified and headed off to play for Deion Sanders at Colorado, left a massive void. But if you think Carrollton’s dominance ended when their star QB graduated early, you haven't been paying attention to how Coach Joey King builds a program.
The Brutal Reality of Region 5-AAAAAA
The 2025 season felt like a gauntlet. When the GHSA shuffled the deck with reclassification, Carrollton found itself in a revamped Region 5-AAAAAA. We’re talking about a neighborhood that includes Douglas County, East Coweta, and Westlake. There are no "off" weeks in this stretch.
Take that October 31st matchup against Douglas County, for instance. Most people saw a 55-22 win and thought it was a cakewalk. It wasn't. It was a physical, bruising game that tested the Trojans' depth on the offensive line. By the time they hit the playoffs, this team was forged in fire.
Why the 2025 Schedule Was a Masterclass in Strength of Schedule
Coach King is known for scheduling "up." He doesn't want his guys winning 70-0 against teams that don't belong on the same field. He wants them uncomfortable. The non-region slate for the 2025 campaign was a "who’s who" of Georgia powerhouses:
- Woodward Academy: An early August test that set the tone.
- Rome: A trip to Barron Stadium is never a vacation.
- Gainesville: Going into City Park is basically entering a lion's den.
Carrollton won all three. But they won them with defense and a resurgent run game, proving they weren't just a "passing team" anymore.
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Breaking Down the Key Matchups
If you’re looking at the Carrollton Trojans football schedule for the upcoming 2026 cycle or reflecting on the recent past, a few dates always stand out. The rivalry with Westlake has become particularly spicy. It’s high-speed, high-stakes football. In 2025, the Trojans went into Westlake and put on a defensive clinic, winning 48-9. It sent a message to the rest of the state: the defense, led by guys like CJ Gamble and Dorian Barney, was the new heartbeat of the team.
Then there’s the Buford factor.
For years, Buford has been the final boss. In the 2025 Class 6A State Championship, the Trojans fell just short in a 28-21 heartbreaker. It was a game of inches—literally. A late-fourth-quarter drive stalled just outside the red zone. While the loss stung, it solidified Carrollton’s place at the very top of the Georgia hierarchy. You don't play Buford that close by accident.
Looking Toward the 2026 Season and Beyond
So, what's next? The GHSA reclassification for 2026-2028 is already shaking things up. Carrollton is slated to remain a powerhouse in the highest classifications. We're looking at a region that likely keeps Douglas County and Westlake close but adds Northgate into the mix.
The 2026 Carrollton Trojans football schedule will likely follow the established King blueprint:
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- Open with a "Statement" Game: Expect a high-profile neutral site or a matchup against a private school power.
- The Mid-Season Trap: Often a road game against a physical opponent like East Coweta.
- The Region Finale: Usually against Douglas County to decide the top seed.
The Talent Pipeline Isn't Drying Up
One thing people get wrong about the Trojans is thinking it's all about the quarterback. It’s not. Look at Ryan Mosley. The 2026 wide receiver is an absolute nightmare for cornerbacks. He’s got the size and the vertical that makes 50/50 balls look more like 90/10 balls.
On the defensive side, Dorian Barney (committed to Ole Miss) is a "no-fly zone" unto himself. When you have a lockdown corner like that, it changes how you can schedule. You can be aggressive. You can blitz more because you trust your guys on an island.
Recruiting Impact on the Schedule
When a team has this many blue-chip recruits, the schedule becomes a recruiting tool. College scouts from Georgia, Alabama, and even the West Coast are permanent fixtures on the Carrollton sidelines. This adds a layer of pressure. Every Friday night is an audition.
The Trojans have also leaned into the "NIL era" better than most high schools. With high-visibility games often broadcast on GPB or streamed nationally, these players are brands. That visibility is why teams like Parker High (Alabama) are willing to travel to play them. It’s a "big time" atmosphere that prepares kids for Saturday afternoons.
Practical Advice for Fans Attending Games
If you're planning to follow the Carrollton Trojans football schedule in person, you need a strategy. Grisham Stadium is legendary, but it's also crowded.
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- Arrive Early: For big region games (like Douglas County or Westlake), the home side is usually packed 45 minutes before kickoff.
- Parking is an Art Form: If you aren't there by 6:15 PM, prepare to walk.
- The "Trojan Walk": Don't miss the team entering the stadium. It’s one of those high school traditions that actually lives up to the hype.
What This Means for the Future of Carrollton Football
Honestly, the Trojans are in a "reload, don't rebuild" phase. The loss to Buford in the 2025 finals only added fuel to the fire. While the roster might change, the philosophy doesn't. They are going to play fast, they are going to play physical, and they are going to seek out the hardest opponents possible.
The 2026 schedule is expected to be released officially in the spring, but the rivalries are already set in stone. Whether it’s a non-region battle against a Florida powerhouse or the grind of Region 5, the Trojans will be the team with the target on their back.
Actionable Next Steps for Trojan Supporters
To stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on the GHSA official rankings and the MaxPreps team page, which usually updates with kickoff times and ticket links about a month before the season starts. You should also follow the Carrollton Trojan Athletics social media feeds—they are much faster at announcing schedule changes or weather delays than the major news outlets.
If you’re a local business owner, look into "Touchdown Club" sponsorships early. The community support is what funds the travel for those big out-of-state games that make the schedule so prestigious. And finally, get your season tickets the moment they drop in July; they disappear faster than a Ryan Mosley deep route.
The standard has been set. Now, it’s just about who’s going to step up and meet it next Friday night.