We now turn our attention to the Class 2A GHSA semifinals. This preview features games between Callaway – Rabun County and a rematch between Fitzgerald – Jefferson County
Last week in our picks, we went 3-1 in Class 2A. It was the Callaway Cavaliers getting a win last week whom we underestimated. Congratulations to the Cavs!
If we had to pick a 2A game to attend, it would be the Fitzgerald – Jefferson County rematch.
As always, thanks for reading. Please feel free to comment and share. Best of luck to all of the teams competing on Friday night.
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The Skinny
The Callaway Cavaliers advanced to the semifinals for the fourth time in five years and for the fifth time overall. The Cavs have won five straight, (including their forfeit win in week 1), and might be playing their best at the right time. We mentioned them last week, but Demetrius Coleman and Charlie Dixon helped power the Cavs offense this season. In their two playoff games, Callaway is averaging 25 points per game while allowing an averaging of 15.
The Cavs will host the Rabun County Wildcats who are in the semifinals for the first times since 2017 and only the second time in school history. Rabun County has now won ten straight games. Quarterback Gunner Stockton has thrown for 3,021 yards and 44-TDs and rushed for 1,474 yards and 25-TDs. Sophomore Lang Windham is second on the team in rushing with 1,271 yards and 12-TDs while Adriel Clark has caught 71 passes for 1,482 yards and 27-TDs. Meanwhile, Will Turpin, Hoff Windham and Corey Keller lead the defense in total tackles. In their three playoff games, the Wildcats are averaging 32.3 points per game while the defense is allowing 10.3. It should be fun to watch Callaway corner Jalin Shephard matchup with Rabun receiver Adriel Clark. We believe there will be too much Gunner Stockton, but we expect it to be another thriller with the Wildcats playing on the road. We like Rabun County by 2.
The Skinny
The Fitzgerald Purple Hurricanes advanced to the semifinals for the second time in three years and for the fourteenth time in school history. Fitzgerald went on a long road trip to Blue Ridge last week and took care of business in a big way. Mario Clark has a huge night as he accounted for four touchdowns in the victory last week. In three playoff games, Fitzgerald is averaging 47 points per game while allowing 14.6.
The Jefferson County Warriors advanced to the semifinals for the first time since 2015 and only the second time in school history. We mentioned last week that the Warriors are run heavy, to the tune of just under 250 rushing yards per game. Quarterback Aquavious Hunter leads the team with 1,064 rushing yards and 17-TDs. Meanwhile Izaiah Gaines, Ja’quine Gilmore and Kobe Heggs have combined for 1,398 yards and 19-TDs. Linebacker Nick Jordan leads the team in total tackles, sacks and tackles for loss. In their three playoff games, Jefferson County is averaging 37 points per game while allowing 20.3. Fitzgerald got the best of Jefferson County back in September by a slim margin. We expect the Warriors to be right in this game until the end, but we really like Fitzgerald at home. Canes by 7.