GHSA Playoffs 3A Part 3 of 4

The Crisp County Cougars won their fourth consecutive region title this season. The Cougars are also in the post season for the fourth straight year. Crisp has defeated four playoff teams this season. Their largest defeat was a 5-point loss to defending 5A champion Bainbridge. The Cougars are certainly battle tested. Marquise Palmer has rushed for 1,071 yards and 12-TDs and A.J. Lofton has added 665 yards and 7-TDs. Sirad Bryant has caught 23 passes for 448 yards. Bryant has also intercepted 5 passes in the secondary. The Cougars are averaging 26.2 points per game while the defense is allowing 12.5 points.

Southeast Bulloch is in the playoffs for the sixth time in seven years. Initially the Yellow Jackets were on the outside looking in, until a Beach forfeit moved them into the 4^th seed. The Yellow Jackets are averaging 25.6 points per game, while the defense is allowing 23.8 points. We believe the Cougars defense will be a little too much for the Jackets this week. We like Crisp by 30.

The North Hall Trojans are in the postseason for the fifth consecutive season. They have won their last five games. The Trojans have defeated two playoff teams. They are averaging 33.2 points per game while the defense is allowing 17.4 points per game. J.T. Fair has rushed for 1,160 yards and 8-TDs while Jacob Dickey has added 716 yards and 4-TDs. Fair also leads the team in receiving with 13 receptions for 297 yards and 2-TDs.

Since 1978, the Lovett Lions have only missed the playoffs four times. They have beaten five playoff teams this season. The Lions are averaging 30.5 points per game while the defense is allowing 26.3 points per game. Lovett has a balanced attack, with quarterback Blaine McAllister passing for 1,610 yards and 19-TDs while Henry Beery has rushed for 780 yards and 3-TDs. Can Lovett slow down the North Hall rushing attack? We think so. We like the Lions in a mild upsets. Lovett by 5.

The Jefferson Dragons won their first region title since 2016 and are in the playoffs for the 9^th straight season. Jefferson’s only loss was a one-point defeat at the hands of 4A Oconee County. Jefferson is averaging 42.4 points per game, while the defense is allowing 9.2 points per game. The Dragons have won nine straight games entering this week. As a team, the Dragons have rushed for over 3,000 yards this season. Quarterback Colby Clark leads the way with 735 yards and 15-TDs.

The Sonoraville Phoenix are in the playoffs for the first time since 2016 and for the fifth time in school history. Sonoraville has defeated two playoff teams this season. They are averaging 27.7 points per game on offense while the defense is allowing 19.6 points per game. We think the Dragons have too much on offense for the Phoenix to match. We like Jefferson by four touchdowns.

The Appling County Pirates are in the playoffs for the third straight year. They matched their best regular season win total since 2013. The Pirates are averaging 31.4 points per game while the defense is allowing 10.6. The have defeated five playoff teams this season. Quarterback Jeremiah Holmes (580 yards, 9-TDs) and running backs Sharrod Roberts ( 580 yards 8-TDs) and R.J. Conaway (508 yards, 7-TDs) lead the way on the ground for the Pirates.

The Westside Macon Seminoles are in the playoffs for the 8^th straight season. They are averaging 34.1 points per game and allowing 29.4. They have beaten two playoff teams this season. Quarterback Victor Dixon has passed for 2,381 yards and 27-TDs and also added 699 rushing yards and 6 rushing TDs. Jaylon Barden has caught 65 passes for 1,208 yards and 15-TDs. This game features contrasting styles. We believe Appling can control the time of possession and help neutralize Dixon. We like the Pirates by a touchdown.