GHSA Playoffs 4A Part 3 of 4

The Carver Columbus Tigers won their first region title since 2015. After a two-point loss in their first game of the season, the Tigers have won nine consecutive games. In all of their wins, they have scored over 30 points. They are averaging 42.9 points per game while the defense is allowing 18 points per game. Quarterback Devin Riles has passed fro 1,579 yards and 23-TDs while Khiari McCoy has rushed for 1,473 yards and 17-TDs. Ja’Cyais Credle has caught 40 passes for 580 yards and 9-TDs.

The Richmond Academy Musketeers have qualified for the playoffs in three consecutive seasons. They have not advanced past the second round since 1976. The Musketeers are averaging 12.7 points per game on offense while the defense is allowing 18.2 points per game. Running back Rashad Williams has been led the Musketeers on offense with 612 yards and 4-TDs. We expect for Carver to win this game by four touchdowns.

The Marist War Eagles have not missed the postseason since 1982. Last season, the War Eagles made a push all the way to the semifinals before being edged out by Cartersville. The War Eagles have beat five playoff teams this season and their only loss was a three- point overtime thriller against Blessed Trinity. Marist is averaging 36.8 points per game on offense while the defense is allowing 9.5 points per game, including four shutouts. If anyone is going to slow Marist down, they will have to contain quarterback Connor Cigelske, who leads the team in rushing and passing.

The Cedartown Bulldogs are also a storied program in their own right. The Bulldogs are in the playoffs for the seventh time in the last nine years. The Bulldogs have beaten one team that qualified for the playoffs, but have been competitive in most of their games this season. The offense is averaging 25.1 points per game, while the defense is allowing 18.2. We believe the Bulldogs defense will keep them around, but we like the Ware Eagles to pull away late. Marist by 17.

The Oconee County Warriors claimed their first region title since 2015 and have matched their best regular season win total since 2001. The Warriors are in the playoffs for the 6^thconsecutive season. Quarterback Max Johnson has passed for 1,164 yards and 16-TDs, while Jimmy Boswell and Darius Norman have combined for 1,366 yards and 11-TDs on the ground. Da’shawn Elder has intercepted four passes in the secondary for the Warriors. Oconee County is averaging 30.5 points per game, while the defense is allowing 12.2 points. They have beaten seven teams that have qualified for the post season.

The Northwest Whitfield Bruins are in the post season for the sixth time in seven years. The Bruins are averaging 23.8 points per game and allowing 19.3 points per game. Freshman quarterback Owen Brooker has passed for 1,396 yards and 13-TDs and Gavin Ellis has rushed for 864 yards and 9-TDs. Matt Redmond has caught 49 passes for 572 yards and 5-TDs. The Bruins have beaten two playoff teams this year. If Northwest can run the ball and keep Johnson on the sideline, they should have a shot. But we like the Warriors. Oconee County by three touchdowns.

The Perry Panthers are in the playoffs for the second consecutive season and have matched their win total from a year ago. Perry had won four straight prior to last week’s game against West Laurens. The Panthers are averaging 22.3 points per game, while the defense is allowing 20.2 points per game. Quarterback Lane Rucker has passed for 1,2,13 yards and 9-TDs while Makeil Kendrick has rushed for 856 yards and 8-TDs.

Meanwhile, the Hampton Hornets are making their first playoff appearance in school  history. (Hampton started playing football in 2014). The 5 wins are a program best. The Hornets are averaging 16.1 points per game while the defense is allowing 20.4 points per game. Running back Untavias Varner and quarterback Jaivion Dorris lead the rushing attack for the Hornets with a combined 969 yards and 10-TDs.  We believe this could be a low scoring game, but we like Perry to advance this week. Panthers by 8.