The Skinny
The Thomasville Bulldogs are in search of their sixth state title this Friday night. It will be their first trip to the finals since 1993 and their eighth finals appearance in school history. The Bulldogs have won nine straight games entering the finals with their only loss to Class 3-A Oconee County. In their four playoff games, the Bulldogs are averaging 41 points per game while the defense is allowing 13.2. Overall this season, Thomasville is averaging 32.1 points per game and allowing 14.3. They have defeated a No. 1, 2, 3, and 4 seed to advance to the finals. We mentioned this last week, but perhaps their biggest victory was the 25 point win in the quarterfinals over Rabun County. The Bulldogs are averaging 139.4 yards per game through the air and 200 yards per game on the ground. Quarterback Shannen White has thrown for 1,885 yards and 23-TDs while Malik Harper and Ricky Fulton have combined to rush for 2,129 yards and 28-TDs. Linebacker Ty Anderson leads the team in total tackles and solo tackles and is tied for the team lead in tackles for loss. Anderson also leads the team with 15 sacks on the season. The Bulldogs defense has been menacing, having sacked opposing quarterbacks 57 times the season and intercepting 15 passes.
The Fitzgerald Purple Hurricanes are back in the state championship game for the second straight year and for the eighth time in school history. The Canes have won five straight games entering this week. Last week, we mentioned that Fitzgerald had not been as explosive this season as they have been in years past, but they are winning which is something that has been consistent with this program, as they have not missed the playoffs since the year 2000. In their four playoff wins, the Canes are averaging 22.7 points per game while allowing 8.2. In all fourteen games this season, they are averaging 24.3 points per game while allowing 11.7. The Canes have had an arduous task defeating one No. 3 seed and going on the road for three straight weeks to defeat No. 1 seeds. It’s no surprise that Fitzgerald will rely heavily on the run offensively with Jakorrian Paulk and DeNorris Goodwin getting most of the work. The Fitzgerald defense has been outstanding in the playoffs, improving on their scoring defense behind linebackers E.J. Lightsey and Jaden Stanley. The front four can really get after the quarterback and the secondary is opportunistic. A win this week would give the canes their second state title in school history.
This will be the 31st meeting overall and second this season for these region rivals. Thomasville won the first matchup back on October 22nd. In the first meeting, Fitzgerald held Thomasville to 196 yards of total offense and just 80 yards on the ground. Expect them again to make it tough sledding for the Bulldogs running backs. We anticipate a low scoring defensive slugfest between these South Georgia powers, but like the Bulldogs to take home the title. Thomasville by 5.
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Special thanks to the Georgia Helmet Project for providing each team’s helmet. You can find all of their work here: http://gahelmetproject.com
Special thanks to the Georgia Helmet Project for providing each team’s helmet. You can find all of their work here: http://gahelmetproject.com
Historical records are provided by the Georgia High School Football Historians Association. (ghsfa.org)