We continue our previews of the first round of the GHSA Football playoffs. In this edition, our Class 6A previews feature Johns Creek-Alexander, Valdosta-Lakeside, Richmond Hill- M.L. King and Lanier-Sprayberry. As always, thank you for reading. Please feel free to share and let us know if there are any errors. Best of luck to all teams competing in the playoffs.
The Skinny
The Johns Creek Gladiators won their third region title in four years. This is the 5th time in school history that Johns Creek has made the playoffs. They are yet to advance past the 1st round. The Gladiators are averaging 39.7 points per game this season and allowing only 16.1 on defense. They handled Region-7 fairly handily this season. Quarterback Ben Whitlock passed for 2,530 yards and 29-TDs. His top receivers are Dalton Pearson (50 receptions, 983 yards, 15-TDs). Garrett Gauthreaux (28 receptions, 452 yards, 5-TDs) and Justin Campbell (30 receptions, 446 yards, 6-TDs)
The Alexander Cougars have made the playoffs six out of the last seven seasons. They got a big win over region rival Douglas County last week. The Cougars are averaging 36.3 points per game on offense and allowing 23.6 points per game on defense. Quarterback Blake Hembree has passed for 2,061 yards and 21-TDs, while Bryson Irby has rushed for 932 yards and 13-TDs. We do believe that the strength of schedule for Alexander is a bit tougher than what Johns Creek faced, but we still like the Gladiators this week. But it won’t be a gimme… Johns Creek by 3.
The Skinny
The Valdosta Wildcats are in the playoffs for the 11th consecutive season. They are three years removed from their last state title. The Wildcats area averaging 41.8 points per game, while the defense is allowing 20.8 points per game. Valdosta has scored 50 points or more in five of their games this season. They are 3-2 against ranked teams as well this season. Quarterback Tate Rodemaker is the straw that stirs the drink for the Wildcats.
The Lakeside Evans Panthers have qualified for their fourth consecutive playoff appearance. The Panthers have never made it past the 2nd round. Lakeside is averaging 28.3 points per game on offense while the defense is allowing 11.3 points per game. Quarterback Jaden Taylor has passed for 1,325 yards and 16-TDs while also rushing for 466 yards and 9-TDs. However you slice it, Valdosta has too many weapons and are also playing in the friendly confines of Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. That’s enough to convince us that the Wildcats win big. Valdosta by four touchdowns.
The Skinny
The Richmond Hill Wildcats have now made four consecutive playoff appearances; that’s the most in school history. They also won their second region title in school history this year. The Wildcats average 29.6 points per game on offense while allowing 14.4 points per game on defense. Jalen Rouse leads the team’s offensive production with 1,266 yards rushing and 15-TDs on the season. Nathan Vickers has recorded 7 sacks this season while Jordan Clark has 4 interceptions.
The M.L. King Lions are back in the post season for the first time since 2013. The Lions are averaging 21.5 points per game on offense and are allowing 17 points per game on defense. King has relied on the production from running back Michael Fearn, who, through 8 games had rushed for853 yards and 9-TDs. Marquel Parks has recorded 7 sacks for the defense. Perhaps the Lions defense can keep this game close. That’s what we believe it will take along with a big performance by Fearn. We like Richmond Hill at home, however. Wildcats by 9.
The Skinny
The Lanier Longhorns got back to their winning ways last week with a win over Gainesville to secure the No. 2 seed in the region. This is their 7th consecutive trip to the postseason, with last year’s semifinal run being the best in school history. Quarterback Andrew Blackford has passed for 1,448 yards and 20-TDs while Taj Barnes has rushed for 1,288 yards and 15-TDs. Linebacker Phillip Webb has recorded a team high 12 sacks this season. Lanier is averaging 30.9 points per game while the defense is allowing 16.6 points per game.
The Sprayberry Yellow Jackets are in the post season for the first time since 2011. The Jackets won four out of their last 5 games to clinch the No. 3 seed. Sprayberry is averaging 26.2 points per game on offense while they are allowing 22.9 points per game on defense. The key for the Yellow Jackets is whether or not Marlon Krakue and Christian Mergler will be able to slow down Lanier’s Taj Barnes. This game will certainly be won in the trenches. The Jackets should keep it close, but we like Lanier at home by 5.