(Editor’s note: This is the fourth story in a series highlighting one of Richmond County’s high school football teams. The Richmond County coaches held a press conference on Aug. 3, 2026.)
After finishing with only two wins total the past two seasons, Cross Creek’s younger talent will have the opportunity to step up and play a big role for the upcoming year.
“I’m really excited about our young guys we had come in with the freshman class,” said Cross Creek Football Coach Ezzard Horn. “Our sophomore and juniors are also playing a major role for us right now.”
The Razorbacks won their first game of the season last year 22-6 over Josey before losing the final nine games by 34 points or more, finishing with a 1-9 record.
With the new and younger players stepping in, Horn said he and the coaches really focused on developing the young talent this offseason.
“We take the time with them and try to develop them and with any questions they have, we try to answer properly,” Horn said.
Another big focus for the Razorbacks this offseason was team chemistry and maintaining a family relationship in the locker room and on the field.
“We attacked the summer hard and aggressive,” Horn said. “We focused on ourselves as a team and as a family. We pushed family and accountability.”
Along with the new talent, Cross Creek has some returning players who have become leaders for the team including junior quarterback Teon Robinson and junior wide receiver Javon Swanigan,
“I hold more guys accountable because I hold myself at a higher standard and we all have too,” said Robinson about his leadership role.
Swanigan says he works his hardest and tries to set an example and motivate his teammates.
“Showing up every day being consistent in the weight room and on the field and trying to be the best version of yourself,” he said.
Despite not having success i winning many games the last few seasons, Coach Horn says he is proud of the way the school has developed players and students for their future.
“Every senior that I have had has had the opportunity to go to college with a scholarship money to play football,” Horn said. “The biggest thing I push is there GPA and we are always going to push them and get them exposure for the next level. If we are not doing our part as head coaches and not giving them an opportunity for college, that is a disservice for that young man and his family.”
Throughout high school and college today, you see a lot of players and students transfer schools. Horn’s dedication and hard work for the Cross Creek program has helped motivate and keep his players around.
“The work Coach Horn puts in for the program motivates me and shows how much he cares for the program and the community and players around him,” Swanigan said. “It pushes me to show up every day and be a better person myself.”
This will be Horn’s fifth year as head coach for the Razorbacks.One of his goals is to make the playoffs this season.
“A playoff berth would be a successful season in 2026,” he said.
Cross Creek will kickoff its season at home against Hancock Central on Friday, Aug. 21.
Sportswriter Christopher Rickerson is an Augusta University graduate who has covered area sports for publications including Augusta University‘s Bell Ringer, The Augusta Press and Augusta Good News. He won three Georgia Press Association sports awards in 2026. Subscribe to the Augusta Good News’ free weekly newsletter here.
