COLUMBUS, Ga (WRBL) – After reaching the state title game in 2023, many assumed the Calvary Christian football team would remain a playoff contender for years to come. But after departing the Georgia Association of Private & Parochial Schools (GAPPS) for the Georgia Independent Athletic Association (GIAA), the Knights found themselves struggling against tougher competition.
In 2024, Calvary endured a winless 0-9 season—a wake-up call for Head Coach Emmanuel Brunson.
"We know that 0-9 season was not us," Brunson said. "We knew we had to bring in some pieces to fill the holes left after that state championship run. All these guys bought in—and they're still buying in. We're not done yet."
One of the key additions this season has been transfer quarterback Braxton Wilkinson. Formerly at Northside High, Wilkinson wasn't expected to start there—but a longstanding relationship with Coach Brunson, dating back to when Wilkinson was just seven years old, helped bring him to Calvary.
Instead of focusing on personal accolades, Wilkinson has embraced the team-first mentality at Calvary.
"Heading into the year, my goal was a lot of personal stats," Wilkinson admitted. "But now, I just want to make sure the team is as good as we can be. I'm not really worried about personal goals… as a team, we just have to win."
Still, the numbers are hard to ignore. Wilkinson is closing in on 2,000 passing yards for the season and is on pace to hit 2,500.
Coach Brunson believes the best is yet to come.
"The scary part is he hasn't even reached his potential yet," Brunson said. "He's still got a lot of growing to do… and he still hasn't hit that peak yet."
Wilkinson and the Knights will take on Strong Rock Academy this Friday night, followed by their final regular-season game against Stratford Academy—a matchup that could determine their playoff fate.
WRBL will have full coverage of Friday night's game at 11:15 PM EST on News 3 PrepZone.
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