Today we conclude our GHSA Football Playoff previews as we look at Class 2A. Matchups include Dublin-Early County, Bremen-Model, Hapeville Charter-Putnam County and Harlem-Swainsboro. Please let us know if there are any errors. As always, thanks for reading! Best of luck to all teams competing this week.
The Skinny
The Dublin Fighting Irish won their second consecutive region title this year. The Fighting Irish had won nine straight games before being upended by Washington County last week. Dublin has defeated five playoff teams and is averaging 48.4 points per game and are allowing 21.1 points.
The Early County Bobcats are in the playoffs for the second year in a row. Early County is averaging 29.8 points per game while the defense is allowing 22.7 points. The Bobcats have defeated one playoff team this season. LaDarius Ceaser has rushed for 941 yards and 14-TDs to lead the way on offense. We like Dublin this week over Early by 24.
The Skinny
The Bremen Blue Devils are in the post season for the 6th consecutive year. Bremen has won five consecutive games and has only allowed 29 points during that stretch. They have defeated three playoff teams this season and are averaging 27.3 points per game while the defense is allowing 11 points per game.
The Model Blue Devils are back in the playoffs after a two-year hiatus. Model has beaten one playoff team and had won three straight games before falling to Rockmart last week. Model is averaging 16.9 points per game while the defense is allowing 13.3 points per game. Model’s defense should keep this won close for three quarters, but we like Bremen by 10.
The Skinny
The Hapeville Charter Hornets won their fourth consecutive Region title this season. They have not lost a region game since 2015. The Hornets have dominated all of their Class AA opponents. They are averaging 43.2 points per game while allowing 9.1 points. The defense has three shutouts on the season.
The Putnam County War Eagles are in the playoffs for the first time since 2015. The War Eagles are winners of four of their last five games heading into the playoffs. They are averaging 27.5 points per game but allowing 36.9 points. The War Eagles have not defeated a playoff team this season. Cedrion Brundage has rushed for 1,088 yards and 8-TDs to pace the Putnam County offense. Hapeville Charter’s defense should be too strong this week. We like the Hornets by five touchdown.
The Skinny
The Harlem Bulldogs are in the playoffs for the third straight season. Harlem has won five straight games and has beaten two playoff teams. The Bulldogs are averaging 33.7 points per game while the defense is allowing 16.9 points per game. Running backs Cameron Garnett (1,363 yards, 19-TDs) and Jeremiah Ellis (766 yards, 12-TDs) lead the way on offense for Harlem. Cedric Cullars is the team’s leading receiver and also leads the secondary in interceptions.
The Swainsboro Tigers are in the playoffs for the fifth time in six years. The Tigers have lost their last two games coming into the playoffs. They are averaging 29.9 points per game while the defense is allowing 13.6. Quarterback Kade Youmans has passed for 1,732 yards and 23-TDs. Fredrick and Cedric Seabrough have combined to catch 75 passes for 1,203 yards and 17-TDs while Robert Allen has rushed for 809 yards and 7-TDs. We believe Youmans and the Tigers will do just enough to edge Harlem this week. Tigers by 2.