We are previewing all of the 2020 GHSA playoff games. We now turn our attention to class 2A This will be a four part series. This preview features games between Washington – Model, Rabun County – Haralson County, Putnam County – Early County, and Vidlia – Bleckley County.
Best of luck to all of the teams competing on Friday night. As always, thanks for reading. Please feel free to comment and share.
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The Skinny
The Washington Bulldogs are the No. 2 seed from Region 6. Washington is in the playoffs for the second time in three years. Quarterback Monye Jones has thrown for 1,303 yards and 22-TDs while running backs Armani Tookes and Niejay Gaston have combined for 989 yards and 10-TDs. Tookes and Ronnie West have also combined for 45 receptions and 930 receiving yards and 16-TDs. Maurice Edwards leads the team in total tackles while Montavious Ferguson leads the team in sacks. Taj Moore has also intercepted five passes this season. Washington enters the post-season on a six-game win streak. They are averaging 37.1 points per game while allowing 10.6. They’ve also shut out their last three opponents.
The Model Blue Devils are the No. 3 seed from Region 7. Model is in the playoffs for the second year in a row and the seventh time in nine years. Model has won their last two games entering the post season. They have defeated two playoff teams this season. They are averaging 22.5 points per game while allowing 16.5. We like Washington this week by 16.
The Skinny
The Rabun County Wildcats are the Region 8 Champions. They are making their 9th consecutive playoff appearance and won their seventh straight region title. The Wildcats are led by quarterback Gunner Stockton. The junior has thrown for 2,365 yards and 38 TDs. In 211 pass attempts, he has only thrown one interception and is completing 71% of his passes. He’s also rushed for 1,046 yards and 19-TDs. Sophomore Lang Windham has also rushed for 1,136 yards and 10-TDs. Adriel Clark is Stockton’s favorite target. He’s caught 52 passes for 1,144 yards and 23-TDs. Will Turpin leads the defense with 91 total tackles while Sutton Jones has intercepted four passes in the secondary. The Wildcats have won seven consecutive games and are averaging 50.7 points per game while allowing 17.3. The Wildcats have defeated five playoff teams this season.
The Haralson County Rebels are the No. 4 seed from Region 5. The Rebels are in the playoffs for the third straight season. Haralson County started out the year red hot, winning six straight games, but have lost two of their last three. The Rebels are led on offense by Clay Hyatt and Marc Harris. They’ve helped to power the Rebels to 29.6 points per game on offense. The defense is allowing 14.7 points per game. Haralson County possible has the most difficult first round matchup in Class 2A. We just don’t see how the slow down Stockton and Rabun County. We like the Wildcats by 20.
The Skinny
The Putnam County War Eagles are the No. 2 seed from Region 4. They are making their second straight playoff appearance. Putnam County won nine regular season games for the first time since 1994. Th War Eagles defeated four playoff teams this season. They are averaging 35.2 points per game while the defense is allowing 10 points per game.
The Early County Bobcats are the No. 3 seed from Region 1. Early County is making their third straight playoff appearance. The Bobcats will rely on the ground game this week as they’ve done all season. Ladarius Ceaser leads the team with 970 yards and 9-TDs while Jay Ealey and Bra’veaon George have combined for 920 yards and 16-TDs. All told, the Bobcats have rushed for 2,097 as a team. Brian Hanks leads the team in total tackles and sacks. Early County has won their last three games and has defeated three playoff teams this season. The Bobcats are averaging 33.7 points per game while allowing 24.6. This game should be nip and tuck. We like Early County and their ability to control the clock on the ground. Bobcats by 6.
The Skinny
The Vidalia Indians are the Region 1 Champions. The Indians are in the playoffs for the eleventh time in twelve years. Vidalia is on a seven-game win streak coming into the playoffs. Quarterback Bryce Davis his thrown for 752 yards and 6-TDs and also rushed for 1,121 yards and 11-TDs. Jaedyn Stanley has also rushed for 754 yards and 9-TDs while Josh Mincey has caught 12 passes for 303 yards and 5-TDs. Jaylin Burns leads the defense with 61 total tackles. Vidalia is averaging 28.8 points per game while the defense is allowing 18.3. The Indians have defeated five playoff teams this season.
The Bleckley County Royals are the No. 4 seed from Region 3. The Royals are in the post-season for the second straight year. Bleckley County had won five straight games before dropping back-to-back games to close out the regular season. Quarterback Dominic Sasser has thrown for 1,241 yards and 17-TDs. Jaden Mobley has been his top receiver with 29 receptions for 526 yards while Jahvon Butler and Chuckie Stephens have combined to rush for 1,259 yards and 16-TDs. Bleckley County is averaging 32.5 points per game while the defense is allowing 21.3. The Royals have defeated four playoff teams this season, including Vidalia back in September. Despite beating Vidalia earlier, we are going to go with Vidalia this week to exact a measure of revenge. It won’t be a cake walk, but we like the Indians by 4.