Maynard Jackson will face a new-look classification after being moved from Class 4A to Class 5A for the upcoming season, but the Jaguars have experience returning on the field and in the coaching box. Eric Williams took over the Maynard Jackson program in 2004 and has led the team to regular-season success in the majority of his years at the helm, going 109-122 in that span. However, Williams and the team enter the year searching for one thing that has been lacking since 2017 – a playoff victory. The Jaguars have advanced to the playoffs each season since 2017, when they beat Miller Grove 14-0 before losing to Buford 48-0 in the second round. But since then, Maynard Jackson has lost in either the region mini-tournament or the first round of the playoffs each season. The goal this year: extend the season deeper into November.
Last year, the team finished 7-4 and entered the playoffs as the No. 4 seed from Region 4 before losing to eventual quarterfinalist Cartersville. Quarterback Marcus Gray returns after a season where he was 83-of-165 passing for 1,274 yards and 11 touchdowns while rushing for six touchdowns. Wide receiver Kalil Lynch returns after making 21 catches for 268 yards and three touchdowns behind senior Jarvaris Reed, who had 36 catches for a team-high 627 yards and five touchdowns. Jackson opens its season on August 21 at home against Midtown.
Head Coach: Eric Williams
Coach Record: 109-122
2025 Record: 7-4
2025 Region: 4-4A
2025 Region Record: 4-3
2026 Region: 5-5A
Stadium Name: Eddie S. Henderson Stadium
2026 Schedule:
8/21 Midtown
8/28 Griffin
9/04 @ North Atlanta (Henderson Stadium)
9/11 @ Jefferson
9/25 Southwest DeKalb
10/02 @ Banneker
10/09 Mays
10/16 Tucker
10/23 @ Lithonia (Henderson Stadium)
11/06 Druid Hills
