GHSA Playoffs 7A Part 3 of 4

Since 1995, the Lowndes Vikings have only missed the playoffs once. During that span, they have won four state titles. This season, thy won the Region 1-7A title for the second time in three years. Lowndes is averaging 39.6 points per game while the defense is allowing 8.8 points per game. Quarterback Jacurri Brown has passed for 781 yards and rushed for 1,008 yards and accounted for 18 total TDs. Gary Osby leads the team in rushing TDs with 16. The Vikings defense has sacked opposing quarterbacks 40 times, Thomas Davis has 8.5 of those and leads the Vikings in this category.

The Hillgrove Hawks spent plenty of time in the top-10 this season until falling off late, dropping their last two games. The Hawks are averaging 31 points per game while the defense is allowing 17.9 points per game. If there ever was a defense that might be able to slow down Jacurri Brown and company, it could be Hillgrove. We expect for points to be at a premium in this first round matchup, but we like Lowndes to pull away late. Vikings by 9.

The Norcross Blue Devils got off to an unusually slow start, dropping their first four games. But they’ve won their last four games heading into the post-season. The Blue Devils have a balanced attack on offense, led by quarterback Mason Kaplan and running back Kaleb Jackson. Norcross is averaging 30.2 points per game this season while they are allowing 14.8 points per game.

South Forsyth is in the playoffs for the 6^th consecutive season. The War Eagles are averaging 27.9 points per game while the defense is allowing 26.3 points per game. South has done most of their damage through the air as quarterback Joe Slott has passed for almost 1,600 yards and 12-TDs. Cameron Schurr and Colby Cruz have combined fro 1,555 yards receiving and 13-TDs. If South can limit interceptions, they should be right in this game until the end. However, we don’t believe it will be enough to upset Norcross at home. We like the Blue Devils in a close one. Call it Norcross by 3.

The Grayson Rams won their second consecutive region championship this season and have not lost a region game in over two years. The Rams are winners of their last 5 games. Lafayette Gurvin has rushed for over 1,000 yards filling in for the injured Phil Mafah for most of the season. Mafah has returned to the lineup and is averaging 9.8 yards per carry. Quarterback C.J. Dixon has passed for 1,781 yards and 16-TDs. Grayson is averaging 31.5 points per game while the defense is allowing 15.2 points per game.

The Mountain View Bears have now qualified for the post-season for four consecutive seasons. Their best finish was a second round appearance in 2017. The Bears are averaging 27.9 points per game while the defense is allowing 22.8 points. Nathan Payne has passed for over 1,400 yards. Jeremy Tuider leads the team with 7 sacks on the year. Grayson has too many weapons for the Bears this week. We like Grayson big…call it 24 this week.

The East Coweta Indians have only missed the playoffs twice since 1990. This season the Indians got off to a slow start, dropping five of their first 6 games, but have bounced back to win their last four games. Jayland Rivers (707 yards, 11-TDs) and Jayden Bolton ( 443 yards, 8-TDs) lead the East Coweta offense. Dylan Spelios leads the defense with 10.5 sacks. East Coweta is averaging 25.4 points per game while the defense is allowing 26 points per game.

Meanwhile, the Etowah Eagles have only missed the playoffs once since 2006. The Eagles have been up and down this season. Etowah is averaging 27.9 points per game while the defense is allowing 28 points per game. The Eagles are led by quarterback Dalton Miller and receiver Jackson Manns. Miller leads Cherokee County in passing while Manns leads the County in receiving. Had this game been played in September, we would have picked Etowah easily. However, East Coweta is the hot team. We like the Indians by a field goal this week.