New classifications reshape the local football landscape
Bibb County schools have unveiled their 2026 football schedules, a release that comes with a series of region realignments that promise more intra‑county contests than in previous years.
Under the new classification system, Westside and Howard will compete in Class 4A, while Central, Rutland, Northeast and Southwest will all be placed in Class 3A, reshaping the competitive balance across Macon’s high schools.
Season kickoff and opening games
The high school season is slated to open during the week of August 21, setting the stage for a packed slate of games that will test the newly formed regions.
Mercer University has also published its 2026 football calendar, beginning with a Week 0 showdown on August 29. The Bears will face Presbyterian, Furman, Georgia Tech, Abilene Christian and an as‑yet‑undetermined opponent in that opening week, and they are also scheduled to meet Tennessee Tech, a newcomer to the Southern Conference.
Local teams set their first matchups
Among the local storylines, the Central Chargers will open their campaign against Greenville, a matchup that could set the tone for the Chargers’ season.
Mercer women’s golf team makes its mark
On the golf side of the ledger, Mercer’s women’s golf team finished fourth at the National Golf Invitational held in Arizona. The performance was anchored by Tylar Whiting, who posted a tie for seventh individually, helping the squad climb the leaderboard.