We are previewing all of the 2020 GHSA playoff games. We now turn our attention to class 4A This will be a four part series. This preview features games between Cedartown – North Oconee, Bainbridge – Islands, Perry – LaGrange and Marist – Flowery Branch.
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 Cedartown Bulldogs advanced last week by way of forfeit from Arabia Mountain due to COVID related issues. The Bulldogs are in the second round for the second time in four years. Cedartown will host the North Oconee Titans who will have to travel back across the state for their second-round matchup. North Oconee advanced to the second round for the third straight season. The Titans will need a great defensive effort to slow down the Cedartown running backs this week. Quarterback Bubba Chandler can certainly help spark the Titans offense, but we like Cedartown by two touchdowns.
The Skinny
The Bainbridge Bearcats have advanced to the second round for the fifth time in six years. Bainbridge recorded their second shutout of the season and topped the 40-point mark for the third time. They will host the Islands Sharks who came from behind to defeat Hardaway last week. The Sharks advanced to the second round for the first time in school history. Islands may have to find a way to score a few more points this week to get the win against Bainbridge. That will be easier said than done. We believe Bainbridge will limit Islands offensively. Bearcats by 17.
The Skinny
The Perry Panthers advanced to the second round for the second straight season. Perry has now won five straight games. The Panthers will host the upstart LaGrange Grangers who are in the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2012. The Grangers will have their hands full trying to keep Perry quarterback Lane Rucker and running back Makeil Kendrick. We believe LaGrange can score on Perry. As a matter of fact, we believe they can score just enough to edge the Panthers in a bit of an upset. Grangers by 2.
The Skinny
The Marist War Eagles recorded their sixth shutout of the season as the find themselves in the second round of the playoffs for the fourth straight season. The Marist defense is now allowing an average of 3 points per game. Their next test will come by way of the Flowery Branch Falcons who advanced to the second round for the second time in four years. The Falcons have now won six straight games. They are also averaging 38 points per game. But we still believe that Marist will give them fits this week. War Eagles by four touchdowns.