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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GHSA A-Private Semifinal Preview

Posted on December 16, 2020 by admin

We have reached the end of our semifinal previews as we take a look at the GHSA Class A-Private matchups. The preview features games between Wesleyan – Prince Avenue Christian and Calvary Day – Trinity Christian.

Last week we were absolutely awful with our pics, going 1-3. Congratulations to the Wesleyan Wolves, Calvary Day Cavaliers and Trinity Christian Lions on their victories! 

If we had to pick a game in this classification to attend this week, it would be the Wesleyan-Prince Avenue Christian rematch

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 Wesleyan Wolves won their seventh straight game and are in the semifinals for the second straight season and the fourth time in school history. Last week, Ryan Rose was extremely efficient completing 14 of 17 passes for 165 yards and two TDs, while Griffin Caldwell rushed for 126 yards and a touchdown as Wesleyan won on the road. Rose has now thrown for 2,074 yards and 13-TDs while Caldwell has rushed for 1,387 yards and 17-TDs. The Wolves have been relatively balanced this season averaging just over 160 yards per game through the air and 153 yards per game on the ground. In their three playoff games, Wesleyan is averaging 25 points per game while the defense is allowing 20.6.

The Prince Avenue Christian Wolverines finally got over the hump on Eagle’s Landing Christian last week as they advances to the semifinals for the fifth time in six years and the seventh time in school history. Quarterback Brock Vandagriff threw for 296 yards and 1-TD and rushed for two more to help lead the Wolverines last week. Vandagriff has thrown for 3,638 yards and 41-TDs this season and is completing 70.8% of his passes while Landon Owens has now rushed for 1,013 yards and 14-TDs. Both Logan Johnson and Zax Dyer are over 1,000 receiving yards for the Wolverines. They’ve combined for 116 receptions and 2,193 yards and 27-TDs. In their three playoff games, the Wolverines are averaging 47.6 points per game while allowing 11.3. These two teams met earlier this season with Prince Avenue winning by 26. We think the rematch will be closer, but still like Vandagriff and the Wolverines by 17.

The Skinny

The Trinity Christian Lions have advanced to the semifinals in only their third year of GHSA competition. The Lions did make it to the GISA 1-AAA Finals back in 2017. Trinity Christian got three rushing touchdowns from Tyson Wall and three passing touchdowns from David Dallas to lead the way last week. They’ve also won seven straight games entering this week. In their three playoff games, Trinity Christian is averaging 48.6 points per game while allowing 13.3 points. 

The Calvary Day Cavaliers are in the semifinals for the first time since 2014 and the fourth time in school history. Last week, freshman quarterback Jake Merklinger threw for 208 yards and 2-TDs while Greg Daniel rushed for 223 yards and 1-TD to help power the Cavaliers to victory. On the year, Mercklinger has thrown for 1,992 yards and 18-TDs while Daniel has rushed for 1,664 yards and 14-TDs. In their two playoff games, Calvary Day is averaging 20 points per game while allowing 10.5. The Cavaliers will need another solid outing from Mercklinger and Daniel on the road, but even then, we suspect Trinity Christian will be tough again at home. We like the Lions by 11.

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GHSA 2A Semifinal Preview

Posted on December 15, 2020 by admin

We now turn our attention to the Class 2A GHSA semifinals. This preview features games between Callaway – Rabun County and a rematch between Fitzgerald – Jefferson County 

Last week in our picks, we went 3-1 in Class 2A.  It was the Callaway Cavaliers getting a win last week whom we underestimated. Congratulations to the Cavs!

If we had to pick a 2A game to attend, it would be the Fitzgerald – Jefferson County rematch.

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 Callaway Cavaliers advanced to the semifinals for the fourth time in five years and for the fifth time overall. The Cavs have won five straight, (including their forfeit win in week 1), and might be playing their best at the right time. We mentioned them last week, but Demetrius Coleman and Charlie Dixon helped power the Cavs offense this season. In their two playoff games, Callaway is averaging 25 points per game while allowing an averaging of 15.

The Cavs will host the Rabun County Wildcats who are in the semifinals for the first times since 2017 and only the second time in school history. Rabun County has now won ten straight games. Quarterback Gunner Stockton has thrown for 3,021 yards and 44-TDs and rushed for 1,474 yards and 25-TDs. Sophomore Lang Windham is second on the team in rushing with 1,271 yards and 12-TDs while Adriel Clark has caught 71 passes for 1,482 yards and 27-TDs. Meanwhile, Will Turpin, Hoff Windham and Corey Keller lead the defense in total tackles. In their three playoff games, the Wildcats are averaging 32.3 points per game while the defense is allowing 10.3. It should be fun to watch Callaway corner Jalin Shephard matchup with Rabun receiver Adriel Clark. We believe there will be too much Gunner Stockton, but we expect it to be another thriller with the Wildcats playing on the road. We like Rabun County by 2.

The Skinny

The Fitzgerald Purple Hurricanes advanced to the semifinals for the second time in three years and for the fourteenth time in school history. Fitzgerald went on a long road trip to Blue Ridge last week and took care of business in a big way. Mario Clark has a huge night as he accounted for four touchdowns in the victory last week. In three playoff games, Fitzgerald is averaging 47 points per game while allowing 14.6.

The Jefferson County Warriors advanced to the semifinals for the first time since 2015 and only the second time in school history. We mentioned last week that the Warriors are run heavy, to the tune of just under 250 rushing yards per game. Quarterback Aquavious Hunter leads the team with 1,064 rushing yards and 17-TDs. Meanwhile Izaiah Gaines, Ja’quine Gilmore and Kobe Heggs have combined for 1,398 yards and 19-TDs. Linebacker Nick Jordan leads the team in total tackles, sacks and tackles for loss. In their three playoff games, Jefferson County is averaging 37 points per game while allowing 20.3. Fitzgerald got the best of Jefferson County back in September by a slim margin. We expect the Warriors to be right in this game until the end, but we really like Fitzgerald at home. Canes by 7.

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GHSA 3A Semifinal Preview

Posted on December 15, 2020 by admin

Our Class 3A semifinal previews are up next. . This preview features games between Greater Atlanta Christian – Oconee County and Pierce County – Crisp County.

Last week in our picks, we went 2-2 in Class 3A. The Oconee County Warriors and Greater Atlanta Christian Spartans were winners that we underestimated in the quarterfinals. 

If we had to pick a 3A game to attend, it would be Pierce County vs. Cr County.

Best of luck to all of the teams competing on Friday night. 

As always, thanks for reading. Please feel free to comment and share. 

spAll 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 Greater Atlanta Christian Spartans advanced to the semifinals for the seventh time in nine years. Quarterback Deymon Fleming has thrown for 1,750 yards and 21-TDs while also rushing for 424 yards and 6-TDs. Brooks Miller and Will Hardy have combined for 84 receptions, 1,095 yards and 16-TDs. Meanwhile, Aidan Bailey and Joseph Rose lead the Spartans in total tackles. In their three playoff games, the Spartans are averaging 33.6 points per game while allowing 6.6 points. 

The Oconee County Warriors are in the semifinals for the second straight season and for the third time in school history. Oconee County scored 21 unanswered points to beat Peach County last week. The Warriors have been steady all season on offense behind an offense line anchored by Carson Stocklinski and Jaquette Lester. Meanwhile, players like Liam Lewis and West and Whit Weeks have led the defense all season. In their three playoff games, Oconee County is averaging 31.3 points per game while allowing 9 per game. We expect the Warriors to go on the road and take care of business this week; Oconee County by 10.

The Skinny

The Pierce County Bears advanced to the semifinals for the second time in three seasons. Last week, quarterback Jermaine Brewton helped power the Bears to victory. Pierce County has won seven straight games and in those seven games only one has been decided by less than 33 points. In three playoff games, the Bears are averaging 50.6 points per game while allowing 10.6 points per game. 

The Crisp County Cougars are back in the semifinals for the second straight year and for the fifth time in school history. Crisp has used their ground game and a stingy defense to help power them this season. Marquise Palmer, A.J. Lofton and Ahmad Brown have combined to rush for 2018 yards and 18-TDs to help lead the Cougars. Meanwhile, Chris Paul Jr., Nick Mercer and Preston Lavant lead the team in total tackles. Mercer also has recorded a team high 14 sacks and J’kobe Harris’ 5 interception leads a team that has picked off 16 passes total. In their three playoff games, Crisp County is averaging 29 points per game while the defense is allowing 4.3. Crisp County has also not allowed a team to score over 14 points in a game. They’ll be hard pressed to keep that streak alive on the road this week, but we like the Cougars to prevail behind the strength of their defense; Crisp County by 6.

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GHSA 5A Semifinal Preview

Posted on December 14, 2020 by admin

We continue our GHSA Semifinal previews with Class 5A. This preview features games between Cartersville – Coffee and Warner Robins – Jones County.  

Last week in our picks, we went 1-3 in Class 5A.  Ouch! Congratulations to Warner Robins, Coffee and Cartersville for advancing. We obviously did not see that coming! 

While both of these games should be great contests, if we had to pick a 5A game to attend, it would be Cartersville vs Coffee. 

Best of luck to all of the 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 Cartersville Purple Hurricanes went on the road and did what only one other team has managed to do this season, and that is beat Ware County. For Cartersville, it is their second semifinals appearance in three years and their 12th overall. Carlos Del Rio Wilson has thrown for over 1,150 yards and 11-TDs after transferring into Cartersville mid-season. Quante’ Jennings went over the century mark last week with a 109 yards rushing. That’s the third time he’s done that and has now rushed for 900 yards and 22-TDs. Cartersville has won seven consecutive games and in three playoff games are averaging 40.3 points per game while allowing 18.6. 

The Coffee Trojans went on the road last week and defeated Calhoun for their fifth straight win and advance to the semifinals for the second time since 2017 and only the third time in school history. Entering last week’s game, quarterback A.J. Wilkerson had thrown for 1,448 yards and 13-TDs. The Trojans were able to get a defensive score and touchdown runs from Trejan Landers and Maurice Turner to help advance. Coffee is very balanced on offense averaging just over 170 yards passing and 170 yards rushing per game this season.  In their three playoff games, the Trojans are averaging 27.3 points per game while allowing 11 points per game. Two long road trips might be tough on the Trojans. We like Cartersville at home by a touchdown.

The Skinny

The Warner Robins Demons advanced to the semifinals for the fourth straight season and for the seventeenth time in school history. It was the seventh straight win for Warner Robins, whose only loss came to Class 6-A semifinalist Lee County. The Demons are led by quarterback Jalen Addie, who has thrown for 1,634 yards and 15-TDs and rushed for 833 and 10-TDs. Meanwhile, Jahlen Rutherford and Malcolm Brown have now combined for 1,886 yards and 16-TDs. Demarcious Robinson, Ahmad Walker and Vic Burley have continued to be a problem for opposing offenses all season. In their three playoff games Warner Robins is averaging 38 points per game while the defense is allowing 14 points per game. 

The Jones County Greyhounds have won ten straight games as the find themselves in the semifinals for the second straight season and only the third time in school history. The Greyhounds racked up 302 yards on the ground in last week’s victory with Andrew Carner doing most of the damage with 234 yards and 3-TDs on 30 carries. Carner has rushed for 1,612 yards on the year with 28-TDs. Meanwhile linebacker Deon Richardson has been a tackling machine with 130 total tackles and a team leading 5 sacks. The Jones County secondary has intercepted 12 passes this season and forced 20 turnovers. In their three playoff games, the Greyhounds are averaging 29.6 points per game while the defense is allowing 15 points per game. While we are unsure of the status of Vic Burley this week, we believe the Demons have enough on defense to slow down Jones County. We like Warner Robins by 10. 

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GHSA 4A Semifinal Preview

Posted on December 14, 2020 by admin

We now turn our attention to class 4-A for our semifinal previews. This preview features games between Benedictine –Jefferson and  Bainbridge – Marist. 

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

If we had to pick a 4A game to attend, it would be a road trip to Bainbridge to watch the Marist defense against the Bainbridge offense.  

Best of luck to all of the 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 Benedictine Cadets return to the semifinals for the first time since 2016 and for the sixth time in school history. Quarterback Holden Geriner has now thrown for 2,488 yards and 23-TDs while running back LeShon Brooks has now rushed for 918 yards and 9-TDs to help power the Benedictine offense. The Cadets leading receiver, Trent Broadnax also added another receiving touchdown and special teams touchdown in last week’s victory. Broadnax has now caught 61 passes for 1,004 yards and 14 receiving TDs. In their three playoff games, the Cadets are averaging 45 points per game while allowing 20.3 points per game. 

The Jefferson Dragons advanced to the semifinals for the first time since 2016 and for the fifth time in school history. The Dragons surrendered the most points all season in last week’s victory but advance to the semifinals non the less. Quarterback Malaki Starks has rushed for 1,136 yards and 20-TDs to lead the way for the Dragons. We made mention of this last week, but the Dragons only throw the ball about four times a game. In their three playoff games, Jefferson is averaging 42.6 points per game while allowing 7.3. Not many teams have been able to corral Starks, but if Benedictine can, then we really like their chances. We just believe that’s much easier said than done. Despite the long road trip to Savannah, we believe the Dragons will have just enough to get by Benedictine this week. Jefferson by 3.

The Skinny

The Bainbridge Bearcats are back in the semifinals for the second time in three years. It’s the fifth semifinals appearance in school history for the Bearcats. Quarterback Quayde Hawkins has now thrown for 1,947 yards and 24-TDs while Rashad Broadnax has rushed for 1,368 yards and 16-TDs. Meanwhile, Braxton Johnson leads the receiving corps with 49 catches for 870 yards and 12-TDs. Bainbridge has won nine straight games and in their three playoff games are averaging 35.3 points per game while allowing 3.3 points per game. 

The Marist War Eagles advanced to the semifinals for the third time in four years with a big win over Perry last week. The War Eagles are appearing in the semifinals for the 22nd time. We’ve mentioned this before, but Marist might have one of the best offensive lines in the state anchored by Steven Nahmias, Davis McKenna and Ian Erickson. The War Eagles defense has also been really special this season allowing 3.3 points per game during the regular season. In their three playoff games Marist is averaging 36.3 points per game while allowing 2.3. The long road trip down to Bainbridge may have an effect on Marist early, but we believe the Marist defense will prove to be the difference. War Eagles by 8.

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GHSA 6A Semifinal Preview

Posted on December 13, 2020 by admin

We have made it to the semifinals of the GHSA Football Playoffs. Our second preview this week features Class 6A and games between Buford – Valdosta and Lee County – Westlake

Last week in our picks, we went 3-1 in Class 6A. Valdosta got a big road win over Carrollton which was our only incorrect pick last week. Congratulations to the Cats! 

Best of luck to all of the 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 move to Class 6A has not derailed the Buford Wolves. Buford advanced to the semifinals for the thirteenth time in fourteen years and for the 24th time in school history. Victor Venn and Gabe Ervin continue to lead the way on the ground for the Wolves this season. Buford has won eleven straight games and in their three playoff games are averaging 44.6 points per game while allowing 7.3 points per game. The 15 points allowed last week were the most they’ve surrendered since week 1.

The Valdosta Wildcats are back in the semifinals for the first times since 2016. It is the thirty-third time the Wildcats have appeared in the semifinals. Last week marked the second road playoff win for Valdosta and their sixth win in their last seven games. In their three playoff games, Valdosta is averaging 44 points per game while allowing 11.6. There are 34 state titles between these two programs and both teams have won over 70% of their games in school history. Additionally, both teams have combined to win well over 1,500 games. Ironically, with all of the history, these two teams have never met previously. While Valdosta has gone on the road and won in the past two weeks, we aren’t quite sure if they can contain Ervin and Venn for Buford. It won’t be a runaway, but we like the Wolves this week. Buford by 6. 

The Skinny

So much for Lee County not being able to score on the road. After only averaging a shade over 18 points in their previous three road games this season, the Trojans exploded for 49 last week on the road to advance to the semifinals for the third time in the last four years. Caleb McDowell scored five times in the win including two on special teams to help lead the Trojans to victory. It was the ninth straight victory for the Trojans. In their three playoff games, Lee County is averaging 48.6 points per game while the defense is allowing 23 points per game. The 31 points allowed last week were the most since the loss to Lowndes back in September.

The Westlake Lions will make the trip down to Leesburg on Friday as they advanced to the semifinals for the first time since 2016. In only his second season, head Coach Bobby May has guided the Lions to 11 wins for only the second time in program history. Sophomore quarterback R.J. Johnson has thrown for over 3,000 yards while Leo Blackburn has topped 1,000 yards receiving to help lead the Lions this season. Westlake has also won nine consecutive games. In their three playoff games, Westlake is averaging 41.3 points per game while the defense is allowing 15.6. We believe Westlake is one of the hottest teams in the state right now, but it’s very tough to pick against the Trojans at home, where they have played extremely well this season. We like Lee County, by 5 over Westlake. 

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GHSA 7A Semifinal Preview

Posted on December 13, 2020 by admin

We have made it to the semifinal round  of the GHSA Football Playoffs. Our first preview this week features games between Collins Hill – Lowndes and Norcross –Grayson.

Last week in our picks, we went 2-2 in Class 7A. Collins Hill and Norcross were the winners we did not expect to see in the round of 8. Way to go Eagles and Blue Devils! 

Best of luck to all of the 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 are in the quarterfinals for the first times since 2010 and the third time in school history. Last week, they held off Parkview to win their eleventh game for only the second time in school history. The Eagles enter this game on a seven-game win streak. Last week they got a pick 6 from Travis Hunter and a touchdown pass by Sam Horn in the victory. Horn has now thrown for over 3,000 yards this season. In three playoff games, the Eagles are averaging 26.6 points per game while allowing 9 points per game.

The Lowndes Viking advanced to the semifinals for the third consecutive season. The Vikings defeated their second straight No. 1 seed and now will return to metro Atlanta for the third week in a row. In last week’s victory, dual threat quarterback Jacurri Brown ran for 118 yards rushing while Israel Mitchell added 67 yards rushing and two-TDs. Lowndes has won four straight games entering this week and in their three playoff games are averaging 28.6 points per game while allowing 8.6 points per game. The numbers say that these two teams are evenly matched. Something tells us Lowndes will try to control this game by running more than throwing. However, the third straight trip through Atlanta might finally take its toll on the Vikings. We like Collins Hill by 2. 

The Skinny

The Norcross Blue Devils advanced to the semifinals for the first time since 2013 after downing Colquitt County last week. It’s the third semifinals appearance in school history. Quarterback Mason Kaplan has thrown for 2,204 yards and 27-TDs this year while Jahni Clarke, Kaleb Jackson and Michael Porter have combined to rush for 2,294 yards and 25-TDs. Zakye Barker and Jalen Garner lead the team in total tackles with both well over 100 on the season. The Norcross defense has forced 25 turnovers this season. In their three playoff games, Norcross is averaging. 34.6 points per game while allowing 15.6.

The Grayson Rams advanced to the semifinals for the first time since 2016 and for the sixth time in school history. Grayson recorded their third shutouts in four weeks. Jake Garcia has stepped in at quarterback and in six games has thrown for 955 yards and 10-TDs. Meanwhile, Sean Downer and Joe Tayler have stepped up to fill in for Phil Mafah and both found the endzone last Friday. Grady Bryant and Jayvian Allen lead the team in total tackles while the secondary has intercepted 16 passes on the season. Allen leads the secondary with 5 of those 16 interceptions. In their three playoff games, Grayson is averaging 35.3 points per game while the defense is allowing 2 points per game. We suspect this will be the toughest test of the playoffs for Grayson, but we believe their defense will be the difference in perhaps a surprisingly close game…Rams by 7.  

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