Football Fridays at the Tavern – Preseason Podcast

Posted on August 15, 2021 by admin

Welcome back to Football Fridays at the Tavern. We kick off our second season of the podcast talking Cherokee County Football. We are excited to have Coach Collins, Coach Shaw and Coach Hoff join us this week to talk a little football. The season is right around the corner, hear von and Art prognosticate about the upcoming season. Don’t forget to subscribe to us on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever fine podcast can be found. 

Fact Checks – Art referred to Region 6-7A as 7-6A; Art also mentioned college football instead of high school football and finally, he called Kyan Simmons, Nason. (Nason is Kyan’s brother who graduated in 2021).

https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-uuiu7-109f875

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GHSA A-Private Finals Preview

Posted on December 24, 2020 by admin

We have made it to end of the GHSA Football Season and our final preview. It has been an interesting ride, but hats off to all of the teams in every classification around the state of Georgia who made high school football possible this season. Our Class A-Private Finals preview features Prince Avenue Christian and Trinity Christian. Both teams are seeking their first state title. 

Last week in our picks, we went 2-0 in Class A-Private.  

Best of luck to both teams competing in the finals. As always, thanks for reading. Please feel free to comment and share.

All helmet images are courtesy of the Georgia High School Helmet Project. To see all of their work, please visit: http://www.gahelmetproject.com

The Skinny

The Prince Avenue Christian Wolverines advanced to the state title game for the first time since 2012 and only the second time in school history. Last week the Wolverines were led by the usual suspects as Brock Vandagriff threw for 269 yards and 3-TDs while Landon Owens rushed for 132 yards and 2-TDs and Zac Dyer added 7 receptions for 139 and a touchdown in route to a 47-point victory over Wesleyan. Vandagriff has now thrown for 3,907 yards and 44-TDs while Owens has rushed for 1,145 yards and 16-TDs. Logan Johnson (65 receptions, 1,133 yards, 18-TDs) and the aforementioned Dyer (60 receptions 1,230 yards, 10-TDs) are the top receivers for Prince Avenue. Davis Ridings leads the team with 140 total tackles while B.J. Green leads the team in sacks with 9 and Chas Scoggins has intercepted 5 passes. As a team the Wolverines have intercepted 19 passes and recorded 35 sacks. They are averaging 48.1 points per game this season while allowing 13.8. In their four playoff games, the Wolverines are averaging 48.2 points per game while allowing 9.2. They have defeated 9 different playoff teams and eleven if you count the playoff rematches between Wesleyan and Hebron Christian. A win would give the Wolverines their first state title in school history. 

The Trinity Christian Lions have reached the GHSA finals for the first time in school history. Last week, quarterback David Dallas threw for 177 yards and 2-TDs while Tyson Wall rushed for 101 yards and Danny Baird and Shawn Braxton both intercepted two passes to help lead the way to victory. This season Dallas has thrown for 1,978 yards and 16-TDs while Wall has rushed for 1,164 yards and 12-TDs. Leading receivers for the Lions include Joshua Dallas (45 receptions 721 yards, 4-TDs) Danny Baird (40 receptions, 424 yards, 6-TDs) and Bryce Wilcox (36 receptions, 369 yards, 4-TDs). Christian Hanson leads the team with 111 total tackles while Cameron Matthews is tops on the team with 7 sacks. Baird and Aaron Gates have each intercepted 5 passes not he year. As a whole the defense has 17 interceptions this season. The Lions are averaging 29.6 points per game while allowing 13.6. In their four playoff games, they are averaging 40.7 while the defense is allowing 11.7. The Lions have defeated 10 playoff teams this season and 11 if you include the Whitefield Academy rematch in the second round of the playoffs. A win would give the Lions their first state title in school history. The Lions are talented and young, but we believe the Wolverines are just that good behind Vandagriff, Owens, Johnson and Dyer. We like the Wolverines by four touchdowns. 

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GHSA A-Public Finals Preview

Posted on December 24, 2020 by admin

We have made it to end of the GHSA Football Season. It has been an interesting ride, but hats off to all of the teams in every classification around the state of Georgia who made high school football possible this season. Our A-Public Finals preview is all about Irwin County and Brooks County. Irwin County will be in search of their third state title while Brooks County is seeking their second title. 

Last week in our picks, we went 2-0 in Class A-Public.  

Best of luck to both teams competing in the finals. As always, thanks for reading. Please feel free to comment and share.

All helmet images are courtesy of the Georgia High School Helmet Project. To see all of their work, please visit: http://www.gahelmetproject.com

The Skinny

Th Irwin County Indians are back in the finals for the fourth straight season and for the tenth time in school history. Kam Ward rushed for 155 yards and 2-TDs to lead the way for the Indians last week. On the year, Ward has rushed for 1,165 yards and 17-TDs while quarterback Cody Soliday has thrown for 1,754 yards and 22-TDs. Gabe Benyard continues to lead the team in receiving with 31 catches for 767 yards and 8-TDs. On the year, Irwin County is averaging 31.7 points per game while the defense is allowing 11.5. In their 4 playoff games, they are averaging 31 points per game while allowing 9.5. The Indians have defeated eight playoff teams this season. A win on Monday would give them their third state title and second in a row. 

The Brooks County Trojans have also advanced to their second straight state title game. Albeit this time in Class A as compared to Class 2A last season. This will be the fourth overall title appearance for the Trojans. Last week Omari Arnold and Jamal Sanders combined to rush for 207 yards and 5-TDs while Camron Priest tallied 10 total tackles to help the Trojans advance. On the year, Arnold has rushed for 1,553 yards and 25-TDs while Sanders has added 645 yards and 11-TDs. Dual threat quarterback Ni’Tavion Burrus has thrown for 1,857 yards and 22-TDs and rushed for 508 yards and 8-TDs. Defensively Camron Priest has tallied 99 total tackles while J’Shawn Baker leads the team in tackles for loss (35) and sacks (20.5). Brooks County has sacked opposing quarterbacks a whooping 51.5 times this season. Meanwhile, freshmen Amar Thomas leads the secondary with 5 interceptions. The Trojans have defeated nine playoff teams this season. (Ten if you include the second victory over Clinch County last week.) They are averaging 40.3 points per game while allowing 11. In their four playoff games, they are averaging 41.5 points per game while allowing a very stingy 3.5 points per game. A win would give the Trojans their second state title and first since the school opened in 1959. Irwin County has been clicking on all cylinders lately and it’s tough to pick against the defending champs, but we believe J’Shawn Baker and Camron Priest will be the difference in this game. We like the Trojans by 6. 

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GHSA 2A Finals Preview

Posted on December 23, 2020 by admin

We have made it to end of the GHSA Football Season. It has been an interesting ride, but hats off to all of the teams in every classification around the state of Georgia who made high school football possible this season. Our 2A Finals preview is all about Callaway and Fitzgerald. Callaway will be in search of their first state title while Fitzgerald is seeking their second title and first since 1948. 

Last week in our picks, we went 1-1 in Class 2A.  We underestimated the Callaway last week. Congratulations to the Cavs for proving us wrong!

Best of luck to both teams competing in the finals. As always, thanks for reading. Please feel free to comment and share.

All helmet images are courtesy of the Georgia High School Helmet Project. To see all of their work, please visit: http://www.gahelmetproject.com

The Skinny

The Callaway Cavaliers advanced to the finals for the first time in school history with a huge win over Rabun County. Offensive leaders this season for the Cavs include multi-year starter at quarterback Demetrius Coleman and running back Charlie Dixon. Defensive leaders for Callaway include Jalin Shephard, Austin Thomas, LaQuize Gilbert and Keshawn Suggs. Callaway is averaging 28.3 points per game while the defense is allowing 14.8. In their three playoff games, Callaway is averaging 30.3 points per game while allowing 15.6. They have defeated nine playoff teams this season, (including a first-round forfeit by Banks County). A win on Wednesday would be the first state title in school history. 

The Fitzgerald Purple Hurricanes recorded their first shutout of the season as they defeated Jefferson County last week to make their seventh appearance in a state final game. The Purple Hurricanes are led offensively by dual threat quarterback Rashad Davis, receiver/defensive back Chance Gamble and running back Mario Clark. (Clark has rushed for over 1,000 yards on the season.) DeQuavion Harper, E.J. Lightsey and the aforementioned Gamble are leaders on defense for the Purple Hurricanes. Fitzgerald is averaging 35.6 points per game while allowing 11.6. In their four playoff games, Fitzgerald is averaging 41.2 points per game while allowing 11 points. The Canes have defeated ten playoff teams this season. (Eleven if you include the second win over Jefferson County.) A win would be the second state title in school history. We have picked against the Cavs in each of the previous two weeks. Suffice to say we won’t be making that mistake again this week. We believe Charlie Dixon will be the difference. Cavs by a touchdown.

   

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GHSA 3A Finals Preview

Posted on December 23, 2020 by admin

We have made it to end of the GHSA Football Season. It has been an interesting ride, but hats off to all of the teams in every classification around the state of Georgia who made high school football possible this season. Our 3A Finals preview is all about Oconee County and Pierce County. Oconee County will be in search of their second state title while Pierce County is seeking their first title. 

Last week in our picks, we went 1-1 in Class 3A.  We underestimated Pierce County last week. Congratulations to the Bears.

Best of luck to both teams competing in the finals. As always, thanks for reading. Please feel free to comment and share.

All helmet images are courtesy of the Georgia High School Helmet Project. To see all of their work, please visit: http://www.gahelmetproject.com

The Skinny

The Oconee County Warriors have advanced to the finals for the second straight season and for the third time in school history. Perhaps it was much more dramatic than originally drawn up, but the Warriors got past Greater Atlanta Christian in overtime. Prior to the semifinal game, offensive leaders for the Warriors were running back C.J. Jones (801 yards, 7-TDs) quarterback Jacob Wright (1,401 yards, 20-TDs) and receiver Jake Johnson (30 receptions, 698 yards, 9-TDs). Defensive leaders for the Warriors include West and Whit Weeks, Liam Lewis and Justin Coleman. Oconee County is averaging 30 points per game while allowing 9.8 points this season. In their four playoff games, the Warriors are averaging 28.7 points per game while allowing 11.7 points. The 20 points allowed in last week’s game was the most surrendered by the Warriors defense, and 13 of those points were scored in overtime. Oconee County has defeated 10 playoff teams this season. A win on Friday would be the second title in school history.

The Pierce County Bears advanced to the finals for the first time in school history. The Bears had to come from behind last week to beat a stingy Crisp County defense. Pierce County is led by running back D.J. Bell, who’s rushed for over 1,300 yards and quarterback Jermaine Brewton. Brewton is a threat to throw and run as he’s the second leading rusher on the team and has also passed for over 1,700 yards this season. Defensive leaders for the Bears include Austin Jernigan, Spencer Woodcock, Ty Everson, John Manghir, and Allen Boatright. On the year, the Bears are averaging 36.9 points per game while allowing 9.9. In their four playoff games, Pierce County is averaging 44.2 points per game while allowing 11.2. The Bears have defeated 11 playoff teams this season. A win on Wednesday would be the first state title in school history. It’s our opinion that points will be at a premium in this matchup. We have a feeling Oconee County will has a few more weapons on offense including the versatile Whit Weeks and that should be the difference. We like the Warriors by 4.

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GHSA 4A Finals Preview

Posted on December 21, 2020 by admin

We have made it to end of the GHSA Football Season. It has been an interesting ride, but hats off to all of the teams in every classification around the state of Georgia who made high school football possible this season. Our 4A Finals preview is all about the Jefferson Dragons and Marist War Eagles. Jefferson will be in search of their second state title while Marist is in search of their third. 

Last week in our picks, we went 2-0 in Class 4A.  

Best of luck to both teams competing in the finals. As always, thanks for reading. Please feel free to comment and share.

All helmet images are courtesy of the Georgia High School Helmet Project. To see all of their work, please visit: http://www.gahelmetproject.com

The Skinny

The Jefferson Dragons outdueled Benedictine last week to advance to the finals for the fourth time in school history. As they have been all season, Jefferson was led by Malaki Starks who has now rushed for over 1,400 yards and 24-TDs. Kolton Jones, Kam Robinson, Jordan Perry and several other backs have helped the Dragons rush for well over 3,500 yards this season. Defensive leaders for the Dragons include linebacker Rem Maxwell, Kadin Bailey, Paxton Corkery and Jordan Perry. On the year, Jefferson is averaging 44 points per game while allowing 10.5 points per game. During their four playoff games the offense is averaging 42.5 points per game while the defense is allowing 14.2. Eight of Jefferson’s wins this season have come against teams that made the playoffs. A win would secure Jefferson’s second state title in school history.

The Marist War Eagles traveled down to southwest Georgia and picked up their eighth shutout of the season. This will mark the twelfth time that Marist has made it to the finals. Marist has been dominant all season long averaging 37.4 points per game while allowing 2.8 points. In their four playoff games the War Eagles have outscored their opponents 151-7. No one has been within 20 points of Marist this season and they’ve only allowed four touchdowns in their twelve games. Nine of Marists’ wins have come against teams that qualified for the playoffs in their respective classes. A win would give Marist their third state title in school history. It’s hard to believe that Marist will hold Jefferson’s ground game in check, but we believe the War Eagles can do enough offensively to match the Dragons. We like Marist by 12

 

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GHSA 5A Finals Preview

Posted on December 21, 2020 by admin

We have made it to end of the GHSA Football Season. It has been an interesting ride, but hats off to all of the teams in every classification around the state of Georgia who made high school football possible this season. Our 5A Finals preview features the Warner Robins and Cartersville matchup. Both teams are in search of their fifth state title in school history.

Last week in our picks, we went 2-0 in Class 5A.  

Best of luck to both teams competing in the finals. As always, thanks for reading. Please feel free to comment and share.

All helmet images are courtesy of the Georgia High School Helmet Project. To see all of their work, please visit: http://www.gahelmetproject.com

The Skinny

The Warner Robins Demons are back in the finals for the fourth straight season and the ninth time in school history. Last week, the Demons got six passing TDs from quarterback Jalen Addie to help lead the way to victory. It was the eighth straight victory for the Demons whose only loss came to class 6A finalist, Lee County. The aforementioned Addie has thrown for 1,944 yards and 21-TDs, while rushing for 947 yards and 11-TDs. Running backs Jahlen Rutherford and Malcolm Brown have now combined for 2,030 yards and 17-TDs for the Demons. Meanwhile Daveon Walker and Armon Porter lead the team in receiving. Defensive leaders for the Warner Robins include Vic Burley, and linebackers Ahmad Walker and Demarcious Robinson. On the season, Warner Robins is averaging 37.6 points per game while the defense has allowed 14.4 points per game. During their four playoff games, the Demons are averaging 42.5 points per game while allowing 15.7 points per game. They have defeated ten playoff teams this season. A win on Friday would earn them their fifth state title in school history.

The Cartersville Purple Hurricanes advanced to the finals for the second time in three years. They will be making their sixth finals appearance in school history. Last week, the Canes played without starting running back Quante’ Jennings but got production from quarterback Carlos del Rio Wilson, Amarai Orr, and Evan Slocum to help lead the way to victory. Since transferring over, Del Rio-Wilson has thrown for 1,371 yards and 12-TDs. The Canes certainly hope to have Jennings back as his 893 rushing yards and 22-TDs to help provide balance on offense. Devonte Ross and Sam Phillips lead the team in receptions and receiving TDs while the aforementioned Slocum, Orr, Phillips and Gavin Geros are all statistical leaders on defense. Cartersville has won eight straight games and is averaging 36.2 points per game while allowing 12.6 points per game. In their four playoff victories, the Canes are averaging 36.2 points per game while allowing 18.2 points per game. Cartersville has defeated nine playoff teams this season. A win would earn the Canes their fifth state title trophy. If Jalen Addie can be accurate against a very talented Cartersville secondary, we think Warner Robins can have a lot of success. Nevertheless, this game will come down to defense and we believe Warner Robins has a slight edge there. We like the Demons by 3. 

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GHSA 6A Finals Preview

Posted on December 20, 2020 by admin

We have made it to end of the GHSA Football Season. It has been an interesting ride, but hats off to all of the teams in every classification around the state of Georgia who made high school football possible this season. Our 6A Finals preview is all about Buford and Lee County. Buford will be in search of their thirteenth state title while Lee County would earn their third. 

Last week in our picks, we went 2-0 in Class 6A.

Best of luck to both teams competing in the finals. As always, thanks for reading. Please feel free to comment and share. 

All helmet images are courtesy of the Georgia High School Helmet Project. To see all of their work, please visit: http://www.gahelmetproject.com

The Skinny

The Buford Wolves took advantage of some big plays early in their semifinal matchup last week and cruised to a 31-0 halftime lead in route to their second straight finals appearance. (Buford won the Class 5-A title last season.) It will mark the 20th time that the Wolves have played in the title game. Buford enters the finals winners of their last twelve games. On the year they are averaging 41.2 points per game while allowing 8.1 points per game. In their four playoff games, they are averaging 44.7 points per game while the defense is allowing 12 points per game. Buford has defeated nine teams that qualified for the playoffs this season. Offensively, the Wolves are led by running backs Victor Venn and Gabe Ervin. A win for Buford would earn them their thirteenth state title in school history. 

The Lee County Trojans made their way back to the finals for the third time in school history and the third time in four years. A week after finding the endzone five times in the quarterfinals, running back Caleb “JuJu” McDowell scored four times to help the Trojans advance. Lee County Enters the finals on a 10-game win streak. They are averaging 38.7 points per game on the season while allowing 13.6. During their four playoff games, Lee County is averaging 45.2 points per game while allowing 20.7. Offensive leaders for the Trojans include McDowell, Chauncey Magwood at quarterback and running back Preston Simmons. They run behind an offensive line anchored by Qae’shon Sapp, Zach Cleveland and Jacob Brim. Defensive leaders for the Trojans include linebackers Baron Hopson and Jaron Willis and defensive back A.J. Patrick. A win for the Trojans would earn them their third title in school history. We don’t believe Lee County while be able to completely stop Buford’s run game, but we believe they can do just enough to edge the Wolves late. Lee County by 4.

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GHSA 7A Finals Preview

Posted on December 20, 2020 by admin

We have made it to end of the GHSA Football Season. It has been an interesting ride, but hats off to all of the teams in every classification around the state of Georgia who made high school football possible this season. Our 7A Finals preview is all about Collins Hill and Grayson. Collins Hill will be in search of their first state title while Grayson is looking for their third. 

Last week in our picks, we went 2-0 in Class 7A.   

Best of luck to both teams competing on Friday night. As always, thanks for reading. Please feel free to comment and share. 

All helmet images are courtesy of the Georgia High School Helmet Project. To see all of their work, please visit: http://www.gahelmetproject.com

The Skinny

The Collins Hill Eagles advanced to the state finals for the first time in school history. The Eagles got another big performance from quarterback Sam Horn and receiver/DB Travis Hunter in the victory. Horn has now passed for 3,659 yards and 39-TDs while Hunter has caught 126 passes for 1,640 yards and 23-TDs. Defensively James Smith, Logan Birdsong and Rich Dorset are tops on the teams in tackles with Smith leading the way in sacks as well. Hunter also leads the secondary with 7 interceptions on the season. Collins Hill enters the game winners of their last eight games and on the year, they are averaging 30.5 points per game while allowing 15.5. During their four-game playoff run, the Eagles are averaging 27.7 points per game while allowing 10.2 points per game. Eleven of Collins Hill’s wins this season have come against teams that qualified for the playoffs. 

The Grayson Rams advanced to the finals for the first time since 2016 and the third time in school history. Quarterback Jake Garcia stepped in midway through the year and has now thrown for 1,106 yards and 13-TDs for the Rams. Meanwhile, Sean Downer has filled in at running back for Phil Mafah and the Rams continue to roll week after week. Grayson recorded their third shutout in the playoffs and fourth overall on the season. On the year, the Rams are averaging 38.3 points per game while allowing 7.5. In the playoffs, their offense is down a little at 33.5 points per game, but their defense has gotten stronger, allowing a mere 1.5 points per game. (That’s ridiculous!) Twelve of their thirteen wins have come against opponents that qualified for the playoffs this year. A win for the Rams would be their third state title in school history. The biggest question is whether Grayson can disrupt the Collins Hill passing attack or will Travis Hunter make throwing deep difficult for Grayson’s Garcia. We believe the rematch will be closer than the first meeting, but still like the Grayson by 10.

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GHSA A-Public Semifinal Preview

Posted on December 16, 2020 by admin

The GHSA Class A-Public semifinal previews are up next. We preview Metter– Irwin County, and Brooks County – Clinch County. We could affectionately change the name of this preview to the “Region 2 Invitational”, as three of the four teams in the semifinals are from Region 2.

Last week in your Class A Public pics we were 2-2. We underestimated the defending state champs, Irwin County and Clinch County on the road. Congratulations to the Indians and Panthers.

If we had to pick a game in this classification to attend this week, it would definitely be Metter vs Irwin County.

As always, thanks for reading. Please feel free to comment and share. Best of luck to all of the teams competing on Friday night. 

All helmet images are courtesy of the Georgia High School Helmet Project. To see all of their work, please visit: http://www.gahelmetproject.com

The Skinny

The Metter Tigers have won 13 games for the first time in school history and are making their fifth appearance in the semifinals in school history. Metter went through the regular season relatively unchallenged, but had to survive a first-round scare from Turner County. Metter only gave up a total of 23 points during the regular season. While they’ve given up more than that in three playoff games, defensively, they are trending in the right direction allowing 11 points per game while scoring 32.3 points per game (during the playoffs).

The Irwin County Indians have won four straight games and are back in the semifinals for the seventh time in eight years. Last week, Kam Ward had a huge game, rushing for 212 yards and a touchdown while Cody Soliday threw for three touchdowns to lead the Indians to victory. Soliday has thrown for 1,690 yards and 21-TDs while Ward has rushed for 1,010 yards and 15-TDs. Meanwhile, Gabe Benyard (30 receptions, 765 yards, 8-TDs) and Malachi Hadden (24 receptions, 320 yards, 3-TDs) lead the Irwin County receiving corps. In their three playoff games, Irwin County is averaging 26.6 points per game while allowing 9.3. The Tigers are red hot right now, but something tells us the defending champs are in a rhythm. We like Irwin County by 4.

The Skinny

The Brooks County Trojans have won eight straight games and find themselves back in the semifinals for the third time in four years and for the tenth time in school history. Last week, Omari Arnold rushed for 236 yards and 5-TDs to spearhead the offense. On the year, Arnold has rushed for 1,416 yards and 22-TDs. Quarterback Ni’Tavion Burrus has thrown for 1,812 yards and 22-TDs and also added 459 rushing yards and 8 rushing TDs. Arnold is also one of the team’s top receivers alongside Willie Brown. The two have combined to catch 47 passes for 947 yards and 12-TDs. J’Shawn Baker and Camron Priest headline a defense that allowed 11.8 points per game during the regular season. However in three playoff games, Brooks is only allowing an average of 4.6 points per game while the offense is averaging 41.3 points per game. 

The Clinch County Panthers will make their second trip to Quitman this season. They have won five straight games and are in the semifinals for the sixth straight season and nineteenth time overall. Perhaps we underestimated the Panthers after a 1-2 start this season, but they have really turned their season around and are back in the semifinals where they have really become comfortable. In three playoff games, the Panthers are averaging 21.3 points per game while allowing 10 points per game. These two teams met earlier this season, with Brooks County winning by 42. We believe this game will be closer than that, but we still like the Trojans at home this week by 10. 

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