We now turn our attention to class 4-A for our semifinal previews. This preview features games between Benedictine –Jefferson and Bainbridge – Marist.
Last week in our picks, we went 4-0 in Class 4A.
If we had to pick a 4A game to attend, it would be a road trip to Bainbridge to watch the Marist defense against the Bainbridge offense.
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 Benedictine Cadets return to the semifinals for the first time since 2016 and for the sixth time in school history. Quarterback Holden Geriner has now thrown for 2,488 yards and 23-TDs while running back LeShon Brooks has now rushed for 918 yards and 9-TDs to help power the Benedictine offense. The Cadets leading receiver, Trent Broadnax also added another receiving touchdown and special teams touchdown in last week’s victory. Broadnax has now caught 61 passes for 1,004 yards and 14 receiving TDs. In their three playoff games, the Cadets are averaging 45 points per game while allowing 20.3 points per game.
The Jefferson Dragons advanced to the semifinals for the first time since 2016 and for the fifth time in school history. The Dragons surrendered the most points all season in last week’s victory but advance to the semifinals non the less. Quarterback Malaki Starks has rushed for 1,136 yards and 20-TDs to lead the way for the Dragons. We made mention of this last week, but the Dragons only throw the ball about four times a game. In their three playoff games, Jefferson is averaging 42.6 points per game while allowing 7.3. Not many teams have been able to corral Starks, but if Benedictine can, then we really like their chances. We just believe that’s much easier said than done. Despite the long road trip to Savannah, we believe the Dragons will have just enough to get by Benedictine this week. Jefferson by 3.
The Skinny
The Bainbridge Bearcats are back in the semifinals for the second time in three years. It’s the fifth semifinals appearance in school history for the Bearcats. Quarterback Quayde Hawkins has now thrown for 1,947 yards and 24-TDs while Rashad Broadnax has rushed for 1,368 yards and 16-TDs. Meanwhile, Braxton Johnson leads the receiving corps with 49 catches for 870 yards and 12-TDs. Bainbridge has won nine straight games and in their three playoff games are averaging 35.3 points per game while allowing 3.3 points per game.
The Marist War Eagles advanced to the semifinals for the third time in four years with a big win over Perry last week. The War Eagles are appearing in the semifinals for the 22nd time. We’ve mentioned this before, but Marist might have one of the best offensive lines in the state anchored by Steven Nahmias, Davis McKenna and Ian Erickson. The War Eagles defense has also been really special this season allowing 3.3 points per game during the regular season. In their three playoff games Marist is averaging 36.3 points per game while allowing 2.3. The long road trip down to Bainbridge may have an effect on Marist early, but we believe the Marist defense will prove to be the difference. War Eagles by 8.