After an eight overtime “Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate” rivalry game between the University of Georgia (UGA) and Georgia Tech, both schools picked up big National Signing Day commitments from Frederick Douglass High School.
Jontae Gilbert, a four-star defensive back, and Xavier Canales, a three-star offensive lineman, signed their letters of intent on December 4, 2024, in the Douglass High School gymnasium surrounded by family, teammates, coaches, and supporters.
Both will be graduating early in December. Gilbert signed with UGA and Canales signed with Georgia Tech.
“I’m proud of them,” Douglass’ head football coach Stanley Pritchett said. “They did the work in the classroom and on the field. They are deserving of this opportunity. It’s very important for kids from the inner city to see that they can make it to the big schools in Georgia.”
Pritchett returned to lead the Douglass Astros when Gilbert and Canales were both freshmen on the team. The Astros went 1-9 that season but continued to improve each year. In their senior season, the Astros finished 8-4 and reached the second round of the state playoffs.
“Jontae and Xavier mean everything to this program,” Pritchett said. “We built this thing together. They were leaders all four years. They’ve continued to grow over the last four years, and we just want them to continue to grow.”
Gilbert, who has been a highly sought-after recruit for a few years, was a big motivator for Canales as well. Earning scholarship offers became another way for Canales to push himself to compete with his teammate.
“Jontae doesn’t know this, but I really wanted to be like him and have the offers,” Canales said. “I started picking up offers my junior year, and I was trying to match him. He really pushed me.”
Both Canales and Gilbert showed their appreciation for their families and coaches before signing their letters of intent.
“I just signed my official papers to Georgia, and I’m feeling great right now,” Gilbert said. “I’m ready to get to work. I want to go somewhere and compete. Georgia is all about competing and I want to play in a great defense.”
Canales said his visit to Georgia Tech convinced him that it was the best fit for him.
“When I went on my visit, they already knew me and who I was,” he said. “The players were cool, and the Georgia Tech degree and what it can do for you after football is amazing. I felt like it was the place to be.”
The former Astros will be on opposite sidelines next season, still competing and making each other better.
“I hope we both make it far,” Canales said.