We are previewing all of the 2020 GHSA playoff games. We know look at Class 5A. This will be a four part series. This preview features games between Lithia Springs – Calhoun, Clarke Central – M.L. King, Ola-Coffee, and Starr’s Mill – Mundy’s Mill.
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As always, thanks for reading. Please feel free to comment and share. Best of luck to all of the teams competing on Friday night.
The Skinny
The Lithia Springs Lions are the No. 2 seed from Region 6. They are also in the playoffs for the second consecutive season and only the second time in school history. Sophomore quarterback Ja’que Hart has thrown for 1,335 yards and 13-TDs while Lydell Daniel leads the team in rushing with 515 yards and 5-TDs. Javon Jennings leads the team in total tackles with 72 while Taye Seymore is close behind with 69. The Lions have defeated one playoff team this season and has won their final two games to close out the season. They are averaging 22.7 points per game and allowing 29.4 points per game.
The Calhoun Yellow Jackets are the No. 3 seed from Region 7 and are in the playoffs for the 21st consecutive season. Calhoun enters the game going 3-2 over their last five games, but those two losses where to two of the best teams in the 5A classification. The Jackets are averaging 33.6 points per game while allowing 18 points per game. Calhoun is led by running back Jerrian Hames, quarterback Christian Lewis and wide receiver Will Seamons. Even though the Jackets are on the road, we believe they are battle tested and should outlast the Lions. We like Calhoun by 20 this week.
The Skinny
The Clarke Central Gladiators are the Region Champions from Region 8. The Gladiators are in the post season for the fifth consecutive season. The previous two years they advanced all the way to the quarterfinals. Quarterback William Robinson has thrown for 1,657 yards and 12-TDs. Running backs William Richardson and Felix Brady Jr. have combined for 1,059 yards rushing and 17-TDs while Jairus Mack leads the team with 29 receptions for 721 yards and 4-TDs. Jaavan Mack is tied with Tyreon Millsap for the team’s lead in interceptions with 4. The Gladiators have won six straight games and have defeated three playoff teams.
The M.L. King Lions are the No. 4 seed from Region 5. The Lions are in the post season for the second straight year. M.L. King is averaging 19.4 points per game while the defense is allowing 22.7 points. The Lions have not defeated a playoff team this season. In their two wins, M.L. King has scored 48 points; they were held to 14 points or less in their five losses. We don’t think those numbers bode well traveling to Athens to face the Gladiators. We like Clarke Central by four touchdowns.
The Skinny
The Ola Mustangs are the No. 2 seed from Region 4. Ola is in the post season for the second consecutive season. This only the third time they’ve been to the post season since they started playing football in 2006. The Mustangs started off red hot winning their first six games before falling to Jones County by three. They’ve rebounded to win their last three games. The Mustangs average 287.5 yards per game on the ground and are led by Micah Bell (1,175 yards, 14-TDs) and quarterback Jake Hall (845 yards, 13-TDs). While the Mustangs won’t throw it much, sophomore Jaden Barnes has caught 31 passes for 342 yards and 4-TDs. Chris Ramos leads the team in total tackles with 66 while Devin Lee leads the team with 8 sacks. Ola is averaging 38.3 points per game while the defense is allowing 15.6 points per game.
The Coffee Trojans are the No. 3 seed from Region 1. Coffee is in the post season for the seventh straight year. Quarterback A.J. Wilkerson has thrown for 1,187 yards and 12-TDs. A.J. Franklin leads the team in rushing with 428 yards and 6-TDs. Maurice Turner is the team’s leading receiver with 558 yards and 4-TDs. Anthony Gaskin leads the team in total tackles with 84. Coffee is averaging 34.2 points per game while allowing 13.1. Coffee has defeated four playoff teams this season. We don’t think either team will score over thirty points this week, but unfortunately for Ola, we believe Coffee will be brewing. We like the Trojans by 6.
The Skinny
The Starr’s Mill Panthers are the Region Champion from Region 2. The Panthers are in the post season for the seventh straight season. Since losing an overtime game to East Coweta in Week-1, the Panthers have won eight straight games. The Panthers are averaging 23.2 points per game while the defense has been dominant, allowing 6.5 points per game including four shutouts. They Panthers have racked up 2,475 team rushing yards and are led by Devin Barnett and Brandon Mathis. Safety Cole Bishop helps to anchor the dominating Panthers defense.
The Mundy’s Mill Tigers are the No. 4 seed from Region 3. The Panthers are in the post season for the second time in three years. Mundy’s Mill quarterback Dajuan Springer has thrown for 1,086 yards and 12-TDs. His two top receivers are Antoine Green (31 receptions 576 yards, 4-TDs) and Cameron Barnes (29 receptions, 348 yards, 4-TDs). Running back Jaylan Grant has tallied 546 yards and 3-TDs on the season. Corey Barnes leads the team with 113 total tackles. Mundy’s Mill has won three of their last five games and have defeated one playoff team this season. We expect for Starr’s Mill and their rushing attack to ground up plenty of yards this week. Panthers by 30.