Our GHSA Class A-Public quarterfinal previews are up next. We preview Metter – Warren County, Commerce – Irwin County, Lincoln County – Clinch County and Brooks County – Washington-Wilkes
If we had to pick a game in this classification to attend this week, it would definitely be Commerce vs. Irwin County.
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 Metter Tigers advanced to the quarterfinals for the second consecutive season. The Tigers had really gone unchallenged this season until their Week-1 playoff game against Turner County. Nevertheless, the Tigers have won twelve games for the third time in program history. Metter is averaging 39.5 points per game while allowing 4.7 this season. In their two playoff games, Metter has outscored their opponents 69-27.
Metter will host the Warren County Screaming Devils who are also in the quarterfinals for the second consecutive season. Warren County enters the game on a five-game win streak. They have outscored their two playoff opponents 108-34. On the season, Warren County is averaging 32.5 points per game while allowing 11.6. The Screaming Devils will need big performances from running backs Kyree Evans and Jatavion Allen to upset Metter on the road. Warren County was able to capitalize on a few special teams miscues last week. We don’t believe Metter will make those kinds of mistakes. We like the Tigers by 17 at home.
The Skinny
The Commerce Tigers have advanced to the quarterfinals for the fifth time in seven years. The Tigers have won nine consecutive games and, in the playoffs, have outscored their opponents 80-34. Commerce freshman running back Sammy Brown has stepped up in a big way this season for the Tigers. Expect him to be a big part of the game plan on Friday night. On the Season Commerce is averaging 36.5 points per game while allowing 15.
The Tigers will get a visit from the defending Class A -Public state champion Irwin County Indians. Irwin County has advanced to the quarterfinals for the eighth straight season. The Indians have won three straight since a late season loss to rival Clinch County. Sophomore quarterback Casey Soliday has thrown for 1,497 yards and 18-TDs while Kam Ward has done most of the damage on the ground rushing for 798 yards and 14-TDs. Irwin County has outscored their two playoff opponents 55-7 and, on the season, they are averaging 31.2 points per game while allowing 10.9. Our biggest question is whether or not the young Irwin County quarterback can handle the pressure of a road playoff game. It’s tough to pick against the defending champs, and this might be a bold prediction, but we believe that Commerce will do just enough to hold serve at home. Tigers by 5.
The Skinny
The Lincoln County Red Devils advanced to the quarterfinals for the second consecutive season. Tevin Gartrell has lead the way for the Red Devils at running back with 787 yards and 9-TDs while Caleb Willis has caught 31 passes for 430 yards and 6-TDs. Willis also leads the defense with three interceptions. As a team, the Red Devils have intercepted 13 passes this season. In their two playoff games, Lincoln County has outscored their opponents 57-19. The Red Devils are averaging 22.6 points a game and allowing 17.
Clinch County will make the trip to Lincolnton this week in their seventh quarterfinals appearances in the last eight years. Clinch has won four straight games entering this week and has outscored their opponents 37-23. Clinch County is averaging 23.7 points per game while allowing 17.9. Expect Clinch County to feed Lincoln County a steady dose of Tyler Morehead. If Morehead has a big night, we believe Clinch has a great shot at winning on the road. But we believe the Red Devils can counter with their stable of backs. We like the home team Red Devils by a two this week in a tightly contested game.
The Skinny
The Brooks County Trojans have advanced to the quarterfinals for the ninth time in thirteen seasons. Brooks County enters the game on a seven-game win streak and since their only loss they’ve outscored their opponents by an average score of 47-5. Quarterback Ni’Tavion Burrus has thrown for 1,716 yards and 21-TDs while Omari Arnold has rushed for 1,180 yards and 17-TDs to help propel the Trojans offense. Meanwhile on defense Camron Priest leads the team with 87 total tackles and J’Shawn Baker has recorded 19.5 sacks. As a team, Brooks is averaging 39.6 points per game while allowing 12.2. In their two playoff games, they have outscored their opponents 77-7.
The Washington-Wilkes Tigers will make the trip down to Quitman for the first time since 2014. The Tigers advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2005. Washington-Wilkes has won three straight games entering this week’s tilt and is averaging 37.2 points per game while allowing 10.3. Quarterback Dalen Cobb has thrown for 1,241 yards and 14-TDs and has added 582 yards and 11-TDs rushing. Zaikious Jackson leads the team in rushing with 729 yards and 13-TDs. As a team, the Tigers have rushed for 2,339 yards and 35-TDs. Corey Danner and Quinshawn Hearst lead the team with 68 and 66 total tackles respectively. The Tigers have outscored their two playoff opponents 75-35. Brooks County might have the best defense Washington-Wilkes has seen all season. We think it will be the difference on Friday night. Trojans by 13.