We move on to the second round of the 7A GHSA Football Playoffs. Last week, the Cherokee Warriors scored the biggest upset in round one as they beat #1 seed Westlake by 18. Region 4 advanced 3 teams into the second round. This preview features matchups between Mill Creek-Roswell, Marietta-Milton, Archer-Cherokee and Colquitt-Parkview. Please let us know if there are any errors. As always, thanks for reading. Best of luck to all the teams competing this weekend!
The Skinny
The Parkview Panthers advanced to the second round for the fourth consecutive season. Parkview’s 21-point victory over West Forsyth was their ninth consecutive win on the season. The Panthers have scored 31 points or more in seven of those games.
The Colquitt County Packers shut down North Cobb last week to advance to at least the second round for the eleventh consecutive season. The Packers have only scored less than 31 points twice this season, (their first regular season game and in their last regular season game). They are 1-1 in those games. The Packers two losses have come by a combined 12-points. The Packers will be making the 3+ hour road road trip to Lilburn this week. We expect them to return to Moultrie with a win. We like the Colquitt County by 8.
The Skinny
The Archer Tigers have advanced to the second round of the playoffs for the third consecutive season. The Tigers have now won four consecutive games. Prior to Friday night’s game, the Tigers were 0-3 in games decided by 3-points or less. Conversely, Archer is 6-1 when the score 31 or more points this season.
The Cherokee Warriors shocked many in the state with their win last week over Westlake. Cherokee has now won back-to-back games. The 41 points that Cherokee scored were the most all season. The Warriors also recorded five interceptions in the first half. We sound like a broken record, but when the Warriors force two or more turnovers this season, they are undefeated. Conversely, when they offense takes care of the football and turns the ball over less than two times, they are undefeated. We like Cherokee’s defense to keep them in this game this week, but we like the Archer to edge the Cherokee at home by 3.
The Skinny
The Milton Eagles won their sixth consecutive game last week as they downed Central Gwinnett. Milton has not allowed more than 9 points in a game over that stretch. This is the third consecutive season that the Eagles have advanced to the second round. The Eagles are the defending state champions. The Eagles are 1-3 when scoring under 24 points this season.
The Marietta Blue Devils advanced to the second round for the second time in three seasons. Marietta has now won four consecutive games. They’ve scored 38 points or more in those four games. The Blue Devils are 0-2 when scoring less than 21 points this season. We believe Milton will battle on their home field, but we like Marietta this week by 10.
The Skinny
The Roswell Hornets are in the second round of the playoffs for the first time in four years. The last time two times the Hornets advanced past the first round, they made it all the way to the finals. Roswell shutout Wheeler last week and have now shutout three opponents this seasons. They have also won five straight games.
The Mill Creek Haws are in the second round for the third consecutive season. They picked up their fourth consecutive win beating Newton in Round 1. Mill Creek has only lost once on the road this season. The Hawks are undefeated this season when holding their opponents under 17 points. Roswell is 1-2 when scoring 14 points or less this season. We believe the Hornets get over 17 points this week and we like them to advance in a close game over the Hawks. Roswell by 4.