We are previewing all of the 2020 GHSA playoff games. Next up is Class 6A. This will be a four part series. This preview features games between Valdosta – Lovejoy, Evans-Statesboro, Creekview-Sprayberry, and Carrollton-Winder-Barrow.
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 Valdosta Wildcats will represent Region 1 as the No. 2 seed this Friday night. Since 1986, Valdosta has only missed the playoffs four times. The Wildcats have been up and down this season. They had won three straight games prior to last Friday’s game against Lee County. The Wildcats are averaging 24.6 points per game while the defense is allowing 18 points per game. Valdosta has a trio of talented wide receivers in Aalah Brown, Javonte Sherman and Tahj Sanders. Jacquez McGowan and Josh Hill lead the team in sacks with 9 and 8 respectively while Jaylin Alderman leads the team in total tackles. In their four wins, Valdosta is averaging 32.7 points per game. However, in their four losses they are averaging 16.5 points per game.
The Lovejoy Wildcats are the No. 3 seed from Region 4. The Wildcats are in the post season for the tenth time in eleven years. Lovejoy started the season winning their first seven games but dropped two back-to-back games before closing out the season with a win over North Atlanta. Quentavious Scandrett is a big play wide receiver and safety for the Wildcats. Israel Nwokocha had 8 sacks through seven games. Lovejoy is averaging 24 points per game while the defense is allowing 14 points per game. Lovejoy has only allowed 20 or more points three times this season. Valdosta certainly cannot take Lovejoy lightly. We think Valdosta will be focused this week and like them by 12.
The Skinny
The Evans Knights are the Region Champions from Region 3. The Knights are in the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season. Evans has leaned heavily on the run this season behind running back Jofranstar Graham (932 yards, 15-TDs), quarterback Kaleb Jackson (793 rushing yards, 8-TDs) and Joseph Hampton (547 yards, 6-TDs). Lleyton Lackey leads the team in receiving with 26 receptions for 407 yards and 9-TDs. Cortavious Catchings leads the team in total tackles. The Knights are winners of their last five games and are averaging 34.6 points per game while the defense is allowing 10.9 points per games.
The Statesboro Blue Devils are the No. 4 seed from Region 2. The Blue Devils are in the playoffs for the third consecutive season. Statesboro had one three state before falling to the eventual region champion, Glynn Academy . In their four wins, Statesboro is averaging 35.7 points per game while in their six losses, they are only averaging 8.1 points per game. Statesboro did not have a win against a team with a winning record this season. This game might be the closest 1 vs. 4 matchup in Class 6A. Close enough to believe the Blue Devils pull the upset. Statesboro by 4.
The Skinny
The Creekview Grizzlies are the No. 2 Seed from Region 7. The Grizzlies are in the postseason for the second time in three years. Creekview enters week one of the playoffs on a three-game win streak. The Grizzlies are averaging 19.4 points per game while the defense is allowing 10.1 points per game. The offense got a boost with the return of receiver Andrew Cloy in early November. In his last two games, Cloy has made the most of his opportunities with 5 receptions for 109 yards and 3-TDs. Tyler Stephens leads the way on the ground with 863 yards and 7-TDs. Yet, the hallmark for Creekview has been their defense. As a team, the Grizzlies have recorded 42.5 sacks. Sam Minozzi leads the team with 10. Meanwhile sophomore Isaac Hubert and senior Grant Anderson lead the team in tackles for loss with 13 each.
The Sprayberry Yellow Jackets are the No. 3 Seed from Region 6. The Yellow Jackets are in the postseason for the second consecutive season. Sprayberry sandwiched a four-game win streak in between two-two game losing skids and then closed out the regular season with a big win over South Cobb. Sprayberry has a very talented running back in Damarion Owens. (He might remind Creekview of a little bit bigger version of Amehre Morrison.) Quarterback Kyle Brown has a couple of talented receivers in Fatir Muhammad and Mustafa Hefner that can stretch the field. In Sprayberry’s five wins, the defense is only allowing 9.6 points per game while in their four losses, the defense is allowing 35 points per game. Sprayberry shouldn’t worry too much about the Grizzlies scoring 35 points this week as they’ve only done that once this week. However, we aren’t sure if Sprayberry can score over 19 on Creekview’s defense. That seems to be the magic number for Creekview. We like the Grizzlies by 5.
The Skinny
The Carrollton Trojans are the Region 5 Champions and have now qualified for the playoffs in thirty of the past thirty-one season. It’s also the second consecutive region title for Carrollton. The Trojans had won five straight games before losing a one-point game to Alexander two weeks ago. Offensively they are led by James McCauley at quarterback. He has several weapons on offense including running backs Keshawn Ridley and Christian Lett and receivers Ace Williamson and Terell Carmichael. Chaz Chambliss is the defensive leader for the Trojans and is one of the best linebackers in the country. Carrollton is averaging 33.6 points per game while the defense is allowing 17.5. Carrollton has defeated two playoff teams this season.
The Winder Barrow Bulldogs are the No. 4 seed from Region 8. The Bulldogs are in the playoffs for the sixth time in seven years. They have won four of their last five games. The Bulldogs will lean heavily on running back J.C. Green, who has rushed for 1,029 yards and 9-TDs. Stewart Allen and Tre Gaudlock have combined for a 43 receptions for 715 yards and 7-TDs. Chandler Maxwell has recorded a team high 97 total tackles while Omarius Smith and Jamarious Smith have combined to record 11 interceptions. The Bulldogs have not defeated any playoff teams this season. With a strong running game, Winder Barrow has a good shot, but Carrollton’s defense should be up to the task. We like the Trojans by 20.