Today we continue with our GHSA Football Playoff previews as we look at Class 4A. Matchups include Burke County-Americus Sumter, Sandy Creek-Denmark, Ridgeland-Madison County and Eastside-Mary Persons. 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 Burke County Bears won their second region title in three years and have qualified for the playoffs for thirteen consecutive seasons. Burke County is averaging 41 points per game and allowing 22.1 points. The Bears have beaten five playoff teams this season. They have been powered on offense by running backs Leon McGee and quarterback Juanya Dove.
Americus Sumter has reached the playoffs three times in the last four years. Their best finish has been a couple of trips to the second round. The Panthers are averaging 27.2 points per game while the defense is allowing 27.5 points per game. The Panthers have not beaten a playoff team this season. We like Burke County by 24 this week.
The Skinny
The Sandy Creek Patriots have been a mainstay in the GHSA playoffs. Since 1999 the Patriots have only missed the playoffs twice. Sandy Creek beat two Region champs and four playoff teams total this season. They average 42.9 points per game while the defense is allowing 15.4 points. Brian Branch is an explosive receiver who also shines in the Patriots secondary. Sandy Creek has not lost at home this season.
The Denmark Danes are in the post season for the first time in the school’s short history. Quarterback Aaron McLaughlin has passed for 1,913 yards and 17-TDs. Zevian Capers has caught 39 passes for 877 yards and 10-TDs. The Danes are averaging 38.2 points per game while the defense is allowing 12.8 points per game. There should be a good matchup with Brian Branch going up against Capers. However, the big question will be whether or not the Danes offensive line can stop the Patriots defensive line led by Justin Beadles and Jordan Mitchell. We like the Patriots this week by 13.
The Skinny
The Ridgeland Panthers claimed their third region title in four years. They are also in the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season. The Panthers are averaging 29.7 points per game, while the defense is allowing 29.6 points per game. The Panthers are winners of their last five games coming into the playoffs. Jordan Blackwell is an explosive threat for the Panthers offense.
The Madison County Red Raiders are back in the playoffs for the second time in three years. The Red Raiders have never advanced past the first round of the playoffs. This season, they are averaging 18.3 points per game on offense while the defense is allowing 26.1 points per game. We like the Panthers big this week at home. Ridgeland by four touchdowns.
The Skinny
The Eastside Eagles are a year removed from their best season in terms of wins in program history. Coach Hoff has the Eagles back in the post season for the fifth consecutive year. The Eagles are averaging 31.5 points per game while their defense is allowing 21.1 per game. Quarterback Noah Cook has passed for 1,648 yards and 15-TDs. As a team, the Eagles have rushed fro over 1,400 yards.
The Mary Persons Bulldogs are in the playoffs for the ninth consecutive season. During that stretch they have reached the semifinals twice. The Bulldogs are averaging 27 points per game while the defense is allowing 30.9 points per game. The Bulldogs have beaten three teams that qualified for the playoffs. William Stewart and Enrico Harden have combined to rush for 1,138 yards and 16-TDs. Harden has also intercepted four passes. This should be a very competitive game, but we like the Eagles at home by 4.