We are previewing all of the 2020 GHSA playoff games. We now turn our attention to class 3A This will be a four part series. This preview features games between Adairsville – Dawson County, Oconee County – Westminster, Thomson – Tattnall County, and Peach County – Johnson, Savannah.
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The Skinny
The Adairsville Tigers are the No. 2 seed from Region 6. The Tigers are in the playoffs for the eighth time in ten years. Quarterback Connor Crunkleton has thrown for 1,249 yards and 12-TDs while running backs Eli Agnew and Jamuary Johnson have combined to rush for 1,186 yards and 10-TDs. Tokyo Gordon leads the team with 77 total tackles he also leads the team with 5 sacks. The Tigers enter the playoffs winning three out of their last five games. They are averaging 30.3 points per game while the defense is allowing 21.4. Adairsville has defeated three playoff teams this season.
The Dawson County Tigers are the No. 3 seed from Region 7 and are in the playoffs for the sixth straight year. The Tigers are led by quarterback Zach Holtzclaw. He’s thrown for over 2,100 yards and 23-TDs. Dakohta Sonnichsen and Jaden Gibson have combined for 66 receptions and 1,153 yards and 12-TDs. While Isaiah Grindle leads the Tigers with 753 rushing yards and 5-TDs. Kade Moledor has recorded 94 total tackles to lead the defense this season. Dawson County is averaging 36.6 points per game while allowing 27.2. They have defeated one playoff team this season. The Tigers have the offensive firepower to get past Adairsville, but can their defense limit Adairsville. We believe Dawson County is up to the task. We like them by 6 on the road.
The Skinny
The Oconee County Warriors are the Region 8 champions and are in the playoffs for the seventh consecutive season. Oconee County is undefeated for the first time since 2001. The Warriors have won 16 consecutive regular season games. They are averaging 30.6 points per game while the defense is allowing 8.8 points per game. They have defeated six playoff teams and have held all of their opponents to 16 points or less this year.
The Westminster Wildcats are the No. 4 seed from Region 5. The Wildcats are in the post season for the 14th consecutive season. Westminster comes into the playoffs only winning two of their last five games. The Wildcats are averaging 17.5 points per game while the defense is allowing 17.1. Westminster has defeated two playoff teams this season. The Wildcats are going to need a near perfect game to beat Oconee County on the road. That’s a really tall task. We like Oconee by 23.
The Skinny
The Thomson Bulldogs are the No. 2 seed from Region 4. Since 1999 the Bulldogs have missed the post season one time. Quarterback Tay Martin is the straw that stirs the drink for the Bulldogs offense. While he has only thrown for 578 yards and 2-TDs, he leads the team in rushing with 1,086 yards and 12-TDs. Keshon Germany leads the team with 85 total tackles, while Skyler Lewis has recorded 18 tackles for loss. Snoop Williams leads the secondary with five interceptions on the season. Thomson has defeated five playoff teams and have won their last four entering the playoffs. They are averaging 31.6 points per game while the defense is allowing 11.4
The Tattnall County Battle Creek Warriors are the No. 3 seed from Region 1. They are in the playoffs for the fourth time in five years. The Warriors have won two of their last three games this season. but only one of those wins came against a playoff team. Tattnall County is averaging 17.8 points per game while allowing 35.9 points per game. There aren’t many ways we can see the Warriors pulling off the upset. Thomson by 26.
The Skinny
The Peach County Trojans are the Region 2 Champions. The Trojans are making their 30th straight playoff appearance The Trojans enter the playoffs on a seven-game winning streak since dropping their first game to Northside Warner Robins. The Trojans have defeated two playoff teams this season. They are averaging 38.5 points per game while allowing 8.5 points per game. The defense has not allowed anyone to score more than 14 points in a game this season.
The Johnson Atomsmashers are the No. 4 seed from Region 1. The Atomsmashers are in the playoffs for the first time since 2013. Johnson has been up and down this season, they have won two of their last three games, but have not defeated a playoff opponent. Johnson is averaging 21.2 points per game while the defense is allowing 21.5. We believe that Johnson’s return to post season will be short lived. We like Peach County by six touchdowns this week.