The first week of the Georgia High School playoffs is in the books and there were plenty of surprises. Many of our brackets have been busted and we admit, our picks of Riverwood (6A), Jefferson (4A) Rockmart (3A) certainly make us question what we were thinking when we filled out brackets last weekend. So while we lick our wounds over some of those picks, we look ahead to week two of the playoffs.
We expanded our Eight Greats Around the State to Twelve Greats Around the State this week as we give our Georgia High School Football Second Round Playoff Previews. This is Part III of III. We went heavy on the lower classifications in this segment. This preview features games between Haralson County-Northeast (Macon), Irwin County-Lincoln County, Metter-Schley County, and Washington-Wilks-Brooks County.
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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)
The Skinny
The Harlason County Rebels advanced tot he second round for the first time in school history. The Rebels have now won nine straight games. Haralson County is averaging 34.3 points per game while allowing 11.2 points per game. Haralson County’s offense is powered by Clay Hyatt. Hyatt has accounted for over 2,500 yards worth of total offense and has thrown and rushed for a combined 44-TDs. Hyatt has also been a star on defense as well with well over 100 tackles. During the regular season, the Rebels defeated seven playoff teams.
The Northeast Macon Raiders advanced to the second round for the second consecutive season. The were able to bounce back from a Week-12 loss to Lamar County. The Raiders have now won three of their last four games. Northeast is averaging 136.3 yards per game through the air and 207.8 yards per game on the ground. Running backs Tyler Terry and Kalik Evans lead the ground attack along with quarterback Travion Solomon. Solomon is a dual threat quarterback with over 1,300 yards passing and over 450 rushing yards. The Raiders are averaging 28.5 points per game while allowing 13.2.
Northeast was a mainstay in our poll until they faltered late in the season. We know they can play with top teams in Class 2-A, but having to deal with Clay Hyatt, plus the long trip to Tallappoosa might be too much to overcome. We like the Rebels by a touchdown.
The Skinny
The Irwin County Indians are the two-time defending state champs and are in the second round of the state playoffs for the 9th consecutive season. The Indians are in the midst of a seven game winning streak; with their only two losses coming by a combined 5 points, both to teams in higher classifications. Offensively, the Indians are led by quarterback Cody Soliday and running back Damarkus Lundy. Soliday has thrown for 1,425 yards and 20-TDs while Lundy has rushed for 1,086 yards and 12-TDs. The Indians are averaging 39.2 points per game while allowing 13.2 points per game.
The Lincoln County Red Devils have now won three consecutive games entering this week’s contest. They are in the second round of the playoffs for the third consecutive year. In their last three games, Lincoln County has only allowed 6 points. Expect for the Red Devils to do most of their damage on the ground as they are averaging 274.6 yards per game rushing while only passing for 68.7 yards per game. Tevin Gartrell leads the offense with 1,280 yards rushing while sophomore Semaj Jenkins has chipped in 656 yards and 7-TDs. Quarterback Trey Huff also does double duty for the Red Devils, as he leads the team on defense with 123 total tackles . Lincoln County is averaging 29.4 points per game while the defense is allowing 16.6.
There have not been many teams who’ve been able to slow down Irwin County over the last few years. Lincoln County certainly has the offense that can help keep the Indians at bay, but we really believe Irwin County has the pedigree to advance this week. Indians by 13.
The Skinny
Everything is better in Metter…Well, that’s what the Metter Chamber of Commerce says anyway. As far as the Metter Tigers football team, things couldn’t be better either, as they roll into the second round of the playoffs for the 3rd straight season. The Tigers are also 11-0 for the second straight season and have a combined record of 35-3 since 2019. Metter’s defense has shut out four of their opponents this season and is allowing just 10.6 points per game. Meanwhile, their offense has been outstanding, averaging 45.1 points per game. The Tigers have defeated five playoffs teams during the regular season.
The Schley County Wildcats are in the second round of the playoffs for the fourth time in five years. Their best finish in the state playoffs was a quarterfinals run in 2018. This has been the Wildcats best season, in terms of wins as they have won 10 games for the first time in school history. Schley is averaging 207.7 yards per game through the air and 170.6 yards per game on the ground. Quarterback Jay Kanazawa has thrown for 2,273 yards and 27-TDs while Zayden Walker has rushed for 986 yards and 18-TDs. Jalewis Solomon leads the team in receiving with 54 receptions for 913 yards and 13-TDs. The Schley secondary has intercepted 17 passes this season.
This might be one of the top five matchups around the state this Friday. Schley County is a young team, but they are are explosive. We believe this game will be back and forth, but we do like Metter at home this week over the up and coming Wildcats. Tigers by 9.
The Skinny
The Washington-Wilkes Tigers advanced to the second round of the playoffs for the second consecutive season. The Tigers bounced back from their loss to Commerce three weeks ago and have now won in back to back weeks. Washington-Wilkes is averaging 37.1 points per game while the defense is allowing 18. The Tigers are led by quarterback Dalen Cobb, who just might be one of the top players in the state in Class-A, as he has thrown for 1,434 yards and 16-TDs and rushed for 1,182 yards and 18-TDs. Cobb is joined in the backfield by running back Jamarquez Tyson who has rushed for 1,111 yards and 16-TDs. Defensively, Jo’Vares Harden leads the team in total tackles with 112. The Tigers secondary has intercepted 11 passes on the season.
The Brooks County Trojans are in the midst of a six game winning streak. Head Coach Maurice Freeman has led the Trojans to the second round of the playoffs for 14 consecutive season. Quarterback Jamal Sanders has thrown for 1,689 yards and 23-TDs while running back Omari Arnold has rushed for 1,609 yards and 26-TDs. Willie Brown and Tremaine Demps have combined to catch 59 passes and 1,294 yards and 19-TDs. The Trojans are averaging 46.1 points per game while allowing 17.3 points. They’ve defeated four playoff teams, and their two losses were by a combined 16 points, (to Thomasville and Irwin County).
This should be a great matchup, perhaps worthy of a quarterfinal or semifinal matchup. Both teams have a very potent offense so expect the scoreboard operator to be pretty busy on Friday night. We like Brooks County to bring the hammer up to Washington this week and leave with a victory. Trojans by 5.