We have made it to end of the GHSA Football Season. It has been an interesting ride, but hats off to all of the teams in every classification around the state of Georgia who made high school football possible this season. Our 3A Finals preview is all about Oconee County and Pierce County. Oconee County will be in search of their second state title while Pierce County is seeking their first title.
Last week in our picks, we went 1-1 in Class 3A. We underestimated Pierce County last week. Congratulations to the Bears.
Best of luck to both teams competing in the finals. As always, thanks for reading. Please feel free to comment and share.
All helmet images are courtesy of the Georgia High School Helmet Project. To see all of their work, please visit: http://www.gahelmetproject.com
The Skinny
The Oconee County Warriors have advanced to the finals for the second straight season and for the third time in school history. Perhaps it was much more dramatic than originally drawn up, but the Warriors got past Greater Atlanta Christian in overtime. Prior to the semifinal game, offensive leaders for the Warriors were running back C.J. Jones (801 yards, 7-TDs) quarterback Jacob Wright (1,401 yards, 20-TDs) and receiver Jake Johnson (30 receptions, 698 yards, 9-TDs). Defensive leaders for the Warriors include West and Whit Weeks, Liam Lewis and Justin Coleman. Oconee County is averaging 30 points per game while allowing 9.8 points this season. In their four playoff games, the Warriors are averaging 28.7 points per game while allowing 11.7 points. The 20 points allowed in last week’s game was the most surrendered by the Warriors defense, and 13 of those points were scored in overtime. Oconee County has defeated 10 playoff teams this season. A win on Friday would be the second title in school history.
The Pierce County Bears advanced to the finals for the first time in school history. The Bears had to come from behind last week to beat a stingy Crisp County defense. Pierce County is led by running back D.J. Bell, who’s rushed for over 1,300 yards and quarterback Jermaine Brewton. Brewton is a threat to throw and run as he’s the second leading rusher on the team and has also passed for over 1,700 yards this season. Defensive leaders for the Bears include Austin Jernigan, Spencer Woodcock, Ty Everson, John Manghir, and Allen Boatright. On the year, the Bears are averaging 36.9 points per game while allowing 9.9. In their four playoff games, Pierce County is averaging 44.2 points per game while allowing 11.2. The Bears have defeated 11 playoff teams this season. A win on Wednesday would be the first state title in school history. It’s our opinion that points will be at a premium in this matchup. We have a feeling Oconee County will has a few more weapons on offense including the versatile Whit Weeks and that should be the difference. We like the Warriors by 4.