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Football: South Forsyth invited back to Corky Kell Classic, though location uncertain
The War Eagles made their debut in the prestigious event in August against Hillgrove
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After making its first appearance in the prestigious high school football showcase this past fall, South Forsyth is slated to return to the MetroPCS Corky Kell Classic in August, according to a release of the event’s schedule published in the Atlanta Journal Constitution on Tuesday.

The War Eagles, who fell 27-14 against Hillgrove in the Friday night cap at McEachern High School, are now slotted to take on Roswell in the early Friday game. Entering its 26th year, the Corky Kell Classic has traditionally paired up the top teams in the state for games in the Georgia Dome, but has expanded to a field of 18 teams and from a Saturday-only schedule to a three-day slate.

South earned the first-ever Corky Kell Classic invitation in Forsyth County history in part due to its deep-run in the 2015 postseason where it knocked off Norcross and Tucker — traditional Corky Kell Classic participants. The War Eagles finished this past season 7-4, falling 30-27 to visiting Parkview in the opening round of the postseason. South has had four-consecutive winning seasons under head coach Jeff Arnette.

Roswell, which fell 23-20 in overtime in the Class 7A state championship against Grayson, finished 2016 14-1 under fourth-year head coach John Ford. The Hornets are 28-2 over the past two seasons and finished this year ranked No. 28 nationally by the USA Today (Class 7A champion Grayson and 4A champion Cartersville are ranked No. 5 and No. 22, respectively). The good news is South won’t have to face a heap of elite seniors for the Hornets, including top prospects Xavier McKinney, Leanthony Williams, Corey Reed, Malik Willis and Jayden Comma.

The Friday venue, which will host two games, has not been announced. Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which would host the Saturday games, may not be ready to host football on Aug. 19. It is unclear whether the Friday games are intended to return to McEachern, head to another location or are part of the tentative schedule at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Event organizer Dave Hunter said other colleges or local venues will be considered as a backup plan, the AJC reported.

Last season all nine games were televised on Fox Sports South.

The entire MetroPCS Corky Kell Classic schedule is posted below, venues pending.

Aug. 17 at Five Star Stadium, Mercer University

Lee County vs. Mary Persons

Jones County vs. Houston County

Aug. 18 (site to be determined)

Roswell vs. South Forsyth

Buford vs. Hillgrove

Aug. 19 (site to be determined)

Kell vs. Tucker

Brookwood vs. Archer

Norcross vs. Colquitt Coutny

Mill Creek vs. McEachern

North Gwinnett vs. Walton