Grizzlies Look to Build on Playoff Return: 2026 Creekview Football Preview

The 2025 Creekview Grizzlies were one of the most overlooked teams in the area.

After struggling offensively through the first three games, Creekview found its rhythm and averaged nearly 30 points over its final eight games. That turnaround helped the Grizzlies earn a playoff appearance despite facing one of the area’s more difficult schedules.

Creekview played six playoff teams in the 2025 regular season, including three non-region opponents that each qualified for the postseason. With a more favorable schedule, an experienced defense and several important offensive pieces returning, the Grizzlies could be positioned to take another step forward in 2026.

2026 Creekview Football Schedule: Grizzlies Positioned to Benefit From PSR Format

Creekview has eased up on its non-region schedule after facing several difficult opponents in recent seasons. The Grizzlies have replaced programs like Calhoun and North Forsyth for Forsyth Central and North Springs. Creekview will also travel to Bartow County to face Cass in what should be an intriguing non-region matchup.

The region schedule remains extremely challenging.

Rome and Kell will be Creekview’s first two region opponents, immediately testing the Grizzlies against two of the area’s strongest programs. Sequoyah awaits near the end of the regular season, creating a difficult bookend to Creekview’s region schedule.

Creekview’s athletic department deserves a ton of credit for constructing a schedule that should benefit the Grizzlies under the new PSR playoff format. Even if Creekview does not win every game, playing competitive opponents should help its postseason chances and seeding opportunities.

Offensive Preview: Barnes Takes Over Experienced Backfield

Creekview will once again be tasked with developing a new starting quarterback following the graduation of Alex Penrod.

Landon Barnes appears to be the leading option after seeing action in six games last season. Barnes finished with more than 300 passing yards and four touchdowns in limited opportunities.

The most exciting element of Barnes’ game is his accuracy on deep throws. His ability to stretch the field could help Creekview create explosive plays while opening running lanes underneath.

The Grizzlies have a proven option in the backfield with Carson Lott returning. Lott rushed for more than 650 yards and six touchdowns last season and should once again be a central part of the offense.

Wide receiver is the biggest question after Creekview lost its top two pass catchers to graduation.

Tight end Derek Mizysak Jr. is the most experienced returning target after recording more than 100 yards and one touchdown on nine receptions last season. Jackson Tyson also played tight end in 2025 and displayed dependable blocking ability along with strong ball skills.

With both players returning, Creekview could lean into a heavier offensive approach featuring both a traditional tight end and an H-back. That formation would allow the Grizzlies to emphasize the running game while creating favorable play-action opportunities.

Creekview also returns several promising pieces along the offensive line. Ryan Sullivan and Bryant Kealhofer are two of the brightest spots in the trenches and should provide valuable stability for a unit breaking in a new quarterback.

Defensive Preview: Experienced Secondary Leads Grizzlies

Defense has traditionally been Creekview’s greatest strength, and the Grizzlies appear capable of returning to form in 2026.

The secondary is led by two of the county’s best returning defensive backs in safety J.D. Russell and cornerback Ben Theroux.

Russell recorded 83 tackles and three interceptions last season, establishing himself as one of Creekview’s most productive defenders. Theroux added 36 tackles and an interception during his sophomore campaign and should continue developing into one of the area’s top cornerbacks.

Hayden Hanson and Hudson Stanley also return, giving Creekview an experienced and potentially deep defensive backfield.

The Grizzlies will need to replace the production of linebacker Mason Munn, particularly against the run-heavy teams on their schedule. There may not be a clear offseason favorite to take over that role, but Creekview’s coaching staff has consistently developed productive linebackers.

The defensive line was hit hardest by graduation.

Creekview recorded 17 sacks last season, but the players responsible for 10 of those sacks have departed. Replacing that pass-rushing production will be one of the defense’s most important challenges.

Young players such as Ridge Camp and Caden Simpson showed flashes of potential last season. With defensive line coach Matt Hollis also returning to the program this season, the Grizzlies should be capable of rebuilding the unit despite the significant losses.

Season Expectations: Creekview Has a High Ceiling

Expectations for Creekview should be higher than many outside the program may realize.

Looking beyond the early-season struggles last season reveals a team that competed closely with Sprayberry and clawed out wins over River Ridge and Woodstock. Once the offense found its rhythm, the Grizzlies became a difficult opponent and earned their way into the postseason.

Creekview has also done an excellent job of scheduling with the PSR format in mind. The combination of manageable non-region opponents and strong region competition should give the Grizzlies an opportunity to qualify for the playoffs and potentially earn a favorable seed.

The biggest question is whether Creekview can begin the season with the same offensive efficiency it displayed during the second half of 2025.

With every game now carrying postseason implications, another slow start could be costly. However, if Barnes settles into the quarterback position and the offense clicks early, Creekview has the experience and defensive talent to become one of the area’s more dangerous teams.

The Grizzlies have a legitimate opportunity to return to the postseason, and a solid chance at being a surprise top 20 seed. If everything comes together quickly, their ceiling could be significantly higher than most expect.