Houston County 7th, 8th grade football champions crowned at the Panther Pit | PHOTOS

Houston County crowned their 7th and 8th grade football champions on Thursday.

By Clay Brown

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October 23, 2026

7TH GRADE: Perry Middle School defeated Thomson Middle School 7-6.

The Perry Middle quarterback hoists the 7th grade championship trophy over a mob of teammates after the Panthers’ 7-6 victory. Perry won the game by securing a fumble inside the five-yard line with under 15 seconds to go. (Clay Brown/HHJ)

The Perry Middle School 7th grade football team poses with their championship trophy after defeating Thomson Middle School 7-6 in the Panther Pit. (Clay Brown/HHJ)

A Thomson Middle offensive lineman (72) slides to meet a Perry Middle defensive lineman during the 7th grade championship game. (Clay Brown/HHJ)

The Tigers quarterback keeps the ball and runs through a gap in the line during the 7th grade championship game. (Clay Brown/HHJ)

A Tigers defender tries to drag down a Panthers ball carrier at the Panther Pit. (Clay Brown/HHJ)

The Panthers quarterback throws a pass to the flat while Perry Middle enjoys a second-half lead against Thomson Middle. (Clay Brown/HHJ)

The Thomson Middle offensive line prepares for the snap against Perry Middle. (Clay Brown/HHJ)

A Thomson Middle running back (2) tries to find a gap in the second half of the 7th grade championship game in the Panther Pit. (Clay Brown/HHJ)

A Perry Middle defensive lineman stalks the Thomson Middle quarterback after bursting through the line. (Clay Brown/HHJ)

The Perry Middle quarterback (yellow) leaves behind the last Thomson Middle defenders on his way to the end zone. (Clay Brown/HHJ)

A streak of Tigers take down a Perry runner during the 7th grade championship game. (Clay Brown/HHJ)

A Thomson Middle defensive back intercepts a pass downfield to give his team possession in the first half of the 7th grade championship game at Perry High School. (Clay Brown/HHJ)

A Thomson Middle defensive lineman breaks through the line and chases the play. (Clay Brown/HHJ)

8TH GRADE: Northside Middle School defeated Mossy Creek Middle School 26-22.

The Jets hoist the trophy in celebration of their 8th grade championship victory against Mossy Creek at Perry High School. (Clay Brown/HHJ)

The Northside Middle School head football coach narrowly avoids the full Gatorade bath after the Jets beat Mossy Creek 26-22 in the 8th grade championship. His players tracked him down shortly after and delivered the full tub. (Clay Brown/HHJ)

The Northside Middle head football coach celebrates their 8th grade championship win over Mossy Creek after the game. (Clay Brown/HHJ)

Mossy Creek’s running back (5) gets tripped up from behind on a run to the outside. (Clay Brown/HHJ)

A Mossy Creek wide receiver celebrates his touchdown in the final minutes of the 8th grade championship game against Northside Middle. (Clay Brown/HHJ)

A Gators wide out brings down a reception during Mossy Creek’s comeback attempt in the 8th grade championship. (Clay Brown/HHJ)

A Mossy Creek defensive lineman slips past a Northside Middle offensive lineman. (Clay Brown/HHJ)

Two Northside Middle defenders celebrate a big tackle for a loss against Mossy Creek in the 8th grade championship at Perry High School. (Clay Brown/HHJ)

A Mossy Creek tight end (18) shuffles back to protect the quarterback against a Northside Middle defensive lineman. (Clay Brown/HHJ)

The Gators quarterback (6) dashes away from pressure during the 8th grade championship game against Northside Middle. (Clay Brown/HHJ)

A Northside Middle ball carrier stiff arms a Mossy Creek defensive back before finding the end zone for six. (Clay Brown/HHJ)

A Jets runner pivots hard to his left to avoid an incoming Mossy Creek defender. (Clay Brown/HHJ)

The Jets quarterback (1) takes off for one of Northside Middle’s multiple long touchdown runs against Mossy Creek. (Clay Brown/HHJ)

Northside Middle and Mossy Creek met in the 2026 8th grade championship game. The Jets took home the 26-22 victory despite a late comeback attempt by the Gators. (Clay Brown/HHJ)

Two Mossy Creek teammates celebrate their opening touchdown against Northside Middle in the 8th grade championship. (Clay Brown/HHJ)

A Mossy Creek wide receiver cuts upfield after catching a pass over the middle in the first half of the 8th grade championship at Perry High School. (Clay Brown/HHJ)

A pair of Northside Middle and Mossy Creek lineman go at it in the trenches during the 8th grade championship game. (Clay Brown/HHJ)

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Author

Clay Brown is the Sports Editor for the Houston Home Journal. His career started as a freelance journalist for the Cairo Messenger in his hometown of Cairo, Georgia before moving to Valdosta and freelancing for the Valdosta Daily Times. He moved to Warner Robins with his wife, Miranda, and two cats Olive and Willow in 2023 to become Sports Editor for the HHJ. When not out covering games and events Clay enjoys reading books and comics, watching movies and cooking.