GHSA Playoffs 2A Part 4 of 4

Posted on November 15, 2019 by admin

Today we conclude our GHSA Football Playoff previews as we look at Class 2A. Matchups include Dublin-Early County, Bremen-Model, Hapeville Charter-Putnam County and Harlem-Swainsboro. 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 Dublin Fighting Irish won their second consecutive region title this year. The Fighting Irish had won nine straight games before being upended by Washington County last week. Dublin has defeated five playoff teams and is averaging 48.4 points per game and are allowing 21.1 points.

 

The Early County Bobcats are in the playoffs for the second year in a row. Early County is averaging 29.8 points per game while the defense is allowing 22.7 points. The Bobcats have defeated one playoff team this season. LaDarius Ceaser has rushed for 941 yards and 14-TDs to lead the way on offense. We like Dublin this week over Early by 24.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Bremen Blue Devils are in the post season for the 6th consecutive year. Bremen has won five consecutive games and has only allowed 29 points during that stretch. They have defeated three playoff teams this season and are averaging 27.3 points per game while the defense is allowing 11 points per game.

 

The Model Blue Devils are back in the playoffs after a two-year hiatus. Model has beaten one playoff team and had won three straight games before falling to Rockmart last week. Model is averaging 16.9 points per game while the defense is allowing 13.3 points per game. Model’s defense should keep this won close for three  quarters, but we like Bremen by 10.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Hapeville Charter Hornets won their fourth consecutive Region title this season. They have not lost a region game since 2015. The Hornets have dominated all of their Class AA opponents. They are averaging 43.2 points per game while allowing 9.1 points. The defense has three shutouts on the season.

 

The Putnam County War Eagles are in the playoffs for the first time since 2015. The War Eagles are winners of four of their last five games heading into the playoffs. They are averaging 27.5 points per game but allowing 36.9 points. The War Eagles have not defeated a playoff team this season. Cedrion Brundage has rushed for 1,088 yards and 8-TDs to pace the Putnam County offense. Hapeville Charter’s defense should be too strong this week. We like the Hornets by five touchdown.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Harlem Bulldogs are in the playoffs for the third straight season. Harlem has won five straight games and has beaten two playoff teams. The Bulldogs are averaging 33.7 points per game while the defense is allowing 16.9 points per game. Running backs Cameron Garnett (1,363 yards, 19-TDs) and Jeremiah Ellis (766 yards, 12-TDs) lead the way on offense for Harlem. Cedric Cullars is the team’s leading receiver and also leads the secondary in interceptions.

 

The Swainsboro Tigers are in the playoffs for the fifth time in six years. The Tigers have lost their last two games coming into the playoffs. They are averaging 29.9 points per game while the defense is allowing 13.6. Quarterback Kade Youmans has passed for 1,732 yards and 23-TDs. Fredrick and Cedric Seabrough have combined to catch 75 passes for 1,203 yards and 17-TDs while Robert Allen has rushed for 809 yards and 7-TDs. We believe Youmans and the Tigers will do just enough to edge Harlem this week. Tigers by 2.

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in 2019 Playoffs, 2A | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

GHSA Playoffs 2A Part 3 of 4

Posted on November 15, 2019 by admin

Today, we conclude our GHSA Football Playoff previews as we look at Class 2A. Matchups include Thomasville-Dodge County, Pepperell-Heard County, Rabun County-B.E.S.T Academy, and Toombs County-Hephzibah. 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 Thomasville Bulldogs won their  second region title in three years. The Bulldogs are making their 4th straight playoff appearance and over the year shave been a mainstay in postseason action. After dropping their first three games, the Bulldogs have won five of six including three straight entering the playoffs. They have defeated four playoff teams. Quarterback Ronnie Baker has passed for 1,583 yards and 11-TDs. As a team, the Bulldogs have rushed for 1,734 yards and 18-TDs.

 

Dodge County is making their 8th consecutive playoff appearance. They have advanced to the second round each of the five previous seasons. Dodge is averaging 27.9 points per game but allowing 31.3 points per game. They have beaten one playoff team this season. Daylon Gordon has led the way on offense with 1,015 yards rushing and 11-TDs. We believe the Bulldogs are finding their stride. We like Thomasville by 17 this week.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Pepperell Dragons are in the post season for the 14th time in 15 years. The Dragons have won their last three games and have defeated four playoff teams. The Dragons are averaging 31 points per game while the defense is allowing 10.3 points per game. Their only losses have been to two of the top teams in Class AA and A.

 

The Heard County Braves are the defending AA State Champions. Since 2000, they have only missed the playoffs once. Heard County lost a lot to graduation last season. They are averaging 21.9 points per game while the defense is allowing 27.1 points. Heard County has beaten one playoff team this season. We like the Dragons this week by three touchdowns.

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Rabun County Wildcats are our No. 1 ranked team coming into the playoffs. The Wildcats earned their sixth straight region title. They are also making their 8th straight playoff appearance. The Wildcats are averaging 48.3 points per game while the defense is allowing 11.5 points. They have defeated five playoff teams this season. Quarterback Gunner Stockton has thrown for 2,650 yards, rushed for 827 yards and accounted for 53 total TDs. (And he’s just a sophomore.)

 

B.E.S.T Academy is making their 4th playoff appearance since the school started playing a region schedule in 2012. The Eagles are averaging 22.6 points per game while the defense is allowing 29.8 points per game. B.E.S.T. has played five playoff teams this season, but did not fare well in those contests. We like Rabun big this week by as many as six touchdowns.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Toombs County Bulldogs are in the playoffs for the fourth straight season. The Bulldogs have won four of their last five games and have defeated two playoff teams this season. The Bulldogs are averaging 29.5 points per game while the defense is allowing 9.1 points per game. The Bulldogs have shut out five of their opponents. Quarterback Trey Cloud has passed for 1,097 yards and 11-TDs while Derrick Mincey has rushed for 760 yards and 9-TDs.

 

The Hephzibah Rebels are back in the playoffs for the second consecutive season. The Rebels have never made it past the first round. They have won their last three games and have defeated one playoff team. The Rebels are averaging 28.5 points per game, while the defense is allowing 16.5. Hephzibah is led by quarterback Marshall Chambers who has passed for 1,287 yards and 12-TDs. The Rebels defense has recorded 32 sacks. We believe the Rebels defense can keep Cloud and Mincey in check this week. We like Hephzibah by 4.

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in 2019 Playoffs, 2A | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

GHSA Playoffs 2A Part 2 of 4

Posted on November 15, 2019 by admin

Today we conclude our GHSA Football Playoff previews as we look at Class 2A. Matchups include Rockmart-Temple, Brooks County-Washington County, Metter-Screven County and Union County-South Atlanta. 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 Rockmart Yellow Jackets won their third consecutive region title and have now gone undefeated during the regular season for the last two years. Last year, the Jackets made it all the way to the state finals. Rockmart has been dominant this season averaging 45.5 points per game and only allowing 7.8 points per game. The most points they’ve given up in a game is 17. That’s also been their smallest margin of victory. Javin Whatley has passed fro 1,221 yards and rushed for 1,006 yards and has accounted fro 32 total TDs.

 

The Temple Tigers are in the playoffs for the second time in three years. The Tigers best playoff finish was a trip to the second round in 2005. The Tigers are averaging 24.5 points per game on offense while the defense is allowing 21 points per game. Phillip Johnson has rushed for 1,589 yards and 22-TDs for the Tigers. We believe Rockmart is too strong this week. They could win this won by as many as six touchdowns.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Brooks Count Trojans have won three straight games coming into the playoffs. This is their 12th straight postseason appearance. They are averaging 34.8 points per game while the defense is allowing 26.8 points. Brooks has defeated four playoff teams this season. Quarterback Ni’tavion Burrus has passed for 1,367 yards and 15-TDs and Omari Arnold has rushed for 1,023 yards and 10-TDs. All of The Trojans’ losses have come to ranked opponents.

 

Since 1991, the Washington County Golden Hawks have only missed the playoffs once. The have beaten five playoff teams this season including a big win over Dublin last week. The Golden Hawks are averaging 34.5 points per game and allowing 18.1 points. This might be the best first round matchup in Class AA. We like the War Hawks to upset Brooks at home by 3.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Metter Tigers won their first region title since 2003 this season. That was also the last time the Tigers won nine regular season games. The Tigers have won four straight games coming into the playoffs. They are averaging 25.9 points per game, while the defense is allowing 8.9 points per game. The Tigers have defeated three playoff teams.

 

The Screven County Gamecocks are in the playoffs for the eighth consecutive season. The Gamecocks are averaging 31.6 points per game while the defense is allowing 25.3 points per game. Gary Hawkins has paced the Gamecocks with 1,679 rushing yards and 26-TDs. The Metter defense should do just enough to keep this close. We like the Tigers by 4.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Union County Panthers are in the playoffs for the sixth time in seven years. The Panthers have not made it out of the first round since the early 70s. The Panthers have beaten three playoff teams this season. They are averaging 40.9 points per game, while the defense is allowing 18.3 points. Quarterback Pierson Allison has thrown for 2,586 yards and 27-TDs. Jonah Daniel has caught 140 passes for 1,375 yards and 14-TDs.

 

The South Atlanta Hornets are in the playoffs for the third straight year. The Hornets have never made it past the first round. They have defeated one playoff team this year and are averaging 29.3 points per game, while the defense is allowing 16.5 points per game. We believe Union County’s air raid offense will be too much for the Hornets to handle. Union County by 21.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in 2019 Playoffs, 2A | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

GHSA Playoffs 2A Part 1 of 4

Posted on November 15, 2019 by admin

Today we conclude our GHSA Football Playoff previews as we look at Class 2A. Matchups include Callaway-Chattooga, Bleckley County-Fitzgerald, Jefferson County-Vidalia and Douglass-Elbert County. 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 Callaway Cavaliers  claimed the Region 5 title this season. It is their eighth region title in school history.  Callaway has not lost to a team in Georgia and their only setback was a three-point loss to Opelika, Alabama. Since then, they have reeled off nine consecutive wins, including shutouts of their last three opponents. The Cavs are averaging 41.3 points per game, while the defense is allowing 9.2 points per game. This is their 14th straight postseason appearance.

 

The Chattooga Indians are making their 6th  straight playoff appearance. The Indians are averaging 18.7 points per game while the defense is allowing 18.4 points per game. The Indians have beaten one playoff team this season. Offensively, LaShaun Lester leads the way with 1,482 yards rushing and 14-TDs. Callaway’s running backs Tank Bigsby and Charlie Dixon should be too much to contain this week. We like Callaway by 30.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Bleckley County Royals are in the postseason for the first time since 2014. The Royals won three straight before falling to Southwest Macon last week. The Royals have defeated three playoff teams this year. They are averaging 32.8 points per game while the defense is allowing 21.3 points per game.

 

The Fitzgerald Purple Hurricanes have not missed the playoffs since 1999. During that stretch, they have only been eliminated in the first round one time. The Purple Hurricanes have defeated three playoff teams this year. They are averaging 30.3 points per game while the defense is allowing 16.8 points per game. We like Fitzgerald by 5.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Jefferson County Warriors won their second consecutive region title. This is their 18th straight playoff appearance. Jefferson County has won eight straight games coming into the playoffs. Their only two losses were to two playoff teams. The Warriors are averaging 37.3 points per game while the defense is allowing 17.3 points per game. The Warriors have rushed for over 2,400 yards and 36-TDs. Quarterback Carlton Brown leads the way with 729 yards and 7-TDs on the ground.

 

The Vidalia Indians are making their tenth playoff appearance in eleven years. The Indians have beaten two playoff teams this season. They are averaging 20.6 points per game while the defense is allowing 14.6 points per game. The Indians defense should do enough to keep them in the game. But we like the Warriors by a touchdown this week.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Douglass Astros are in the post season for the fourth straight year. They have won their last four games. Douglass is averaging 39 points per game and allowing 15.7. The Astros have rushed for over 2,800 yards as a team this season. Quintavious Lockett leads the way on the ground with 1,489 yards and 23-TDs.

 

The Elbert County Blue Devils are in the post season for the tenth time in eleven years. The Blue Devils have won their last four games and are averaging 34.5 points per game, while the defense is allowing 21.3 points. We don’t expect either of these teams to reach their average points this week. We like Douglass by 4.

 

Posted in 2019 Playoffs, 2A | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

GHSA Playoffs 3A Part 4 of 4

Posted on November 14, 2019 by admin

Today we continue with our GHSA Football Playoff previews as we look at Class 3A. Matchups include Jenkins-Adairsville, Westminster-Dawson County, North Murray-Monroe Area and Jackson-Liberty County. 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 Jenkins Warriors won their third region title in the last four years. Jenkins County has won eight straight games and have defeated three playoff teams this season. The Warriors are averaging 40.1 points per game while the defense is allowing 7.6 points per game. The defense has also recorded three shutouts this season. Damozzio Harris has rushed for 1,192 yards and 20-TDs on the season.

 

The Adairsville Tigers were awarded the Class 3-Aat-large bid. This is their seventh appearance in the last nine years. The Tigers are averaging 14.4 points per game while the defense is allowing 17.3 points. The Tigers are led offensively by running backs Eli Agnew and Jamuary Johnson who have combined for 857 yards and 4-TDs. We like the Warriors this week. Jenkins by four touchdowns.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Westminster Wildcats are making their 13th consecutive playoff appearance. They have made it to the quarterfinals the past three seasons. The Wildcats four losses have all come against teams ranked in the Top-10 in Class 4A and 3A. They have won their last three games and are averaging 23.6 points per game on offense, while the defense is allowing 14.7 points per game.

 

The Dawson County Tigers are making their 5th consecutive playoff appearance. The Tigers are averaging 37.4 points per game on offense while the defense is allowing 20.3 points per game. Quarterback Zach Holtzclaw has passed for 2,084 yards and 22-TDs. Shawn Thomas has rushed for 700 yards and 7-TDs while Dakhota Sonnichsen has caught 32 passes for 638 yards and 6-TDs. We like the Wildcats to keep the Tigers at bay this week. Westminster by 7.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

Earlier this season, the North Murray Mountaineers did what was seemingly impossible and handed the Calhoun Yellow Jackets their first  region loss since 2001. The Mountaineers also claimed their first region title in the schools eleven-year history. Since a week one loss to Rabun County, North Murray has won nine consecutive games. They are averaging 34.4 points per game and allowing 12.7 points per game. The Mountaineers have defeated five playoff teams this season.

 

Monroe Area has qualified for the post season eight times in the last ten seasons. The Purple Hurricanes have won four of their last five games coming into the post season. They are averaging 26.9 points per game while the defense is allowing 12.9 points per game. Quarterback Selatian Straughter Jr. has passed for 1,448 yards, rushed for 732 and accounted for 23 total TDs. Mason Bryon has recorded 107 total tackles for the defense. We believe North Murray will be able to outscore Monroe Area this week. We like the Mountaineers by 13.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Jackson Red Devils are making their seventh playoff appearance in eight year.  The Red Devils have won five of their last six games and have defeated two playoff teams this season. They are averaging 30 points per game while the defense is allowing 19.7 points per game. Quarterback Josh Scott has passed for 1,349 yards and 6-TDs while Alexander Patrick has rushed for 1,145 yards and 14-TDs. Anthony Henderson is the Red Devils leading receiver and has also intercepted 7 passes on defense.

 

The Liberty County Panthers have now qualified for seven straight postseason appearances. The Panthers had two games cancelled due to weather. They have defeated three playoff teams this season. The Panthers are averaging 34.2 points per game on offense while the defense is allowing 15.2 points per game. Liberty has rushed for over 2,000 yards in those eight games this season. Markel Johnson leads the way with 739 yards and 10-TDs. We think this will be a nip and tuck battle, but we like the Panthers to get the win on the road. Liberty County by 3.

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in 2019 Playoffs, 3A | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

GHSA Playoffs 3A Part 3 of 4

Posted on November 14, 2019 by admin

Today we continue with our GHSA Football Playoff previews as we look at Class 3A. Matchups include Crisp County-Southeast Bulloch, North Hall-Lovett, Jefferson-Sonoraville, and Appling County-Westside Macon. 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 Crisp County Cougars won their fourth consecutive region title this season. The Cougars are also in the post season for the fourth straight year. Crisp has defeated four playoff teams this season. Their largest defeat was a 5-point loss to defending 5A champion Bainbridge. The Cougars are certainly battle tested. Marquise Palmer has rushed for 1,071 yards and 12-TDs and A.J. Lofton has added 665 yards and 7-TDs. Sirad Bryant has caught 23 passes for 448 yards. Bryant has also intercepted 5 passes in the secondary. The Cougars are averaging 26.2 points per game while the defense is allowing 12.5 points.

 

Southeast Bulloch is in the playoffs for the sixth time in seven years. Initially the Yellow Jackets were on the outside looking in, until a Beach forfeit moved them into the 4th seed. The Yellow Jackets are averaging 25.6 points per game, while the defense is allowing 23.8 points. We believe the Cougars defense will be a little too much for the Jackets this week. We like Crisp by 30.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The North Hall Trojans are in the postseason for the fifth consecutive season. They have won their last five games. The Trojans have defeated two playoff teams. They are averaging 33.2 points per game while the defense is allowing 17.4 points per game. J.T. Fair has rushed for 1,160 yards and 8-TDs while Jacob Dickey has added 716 yards and 4-TDs. Fair also leads the team in receiving with 13 receptions for 297 yards and 2-TDs.

 

Since 1978, the Lovett Lions have only missed the playoffs four times. They have beaten five playoff teams this season. The Lions are averaging 30.5 points per game while the defense is allowing 26.3 points per game. Lovett has a balanced attack, with quarterback Blaine McAllister passing for 1,610 yards and 19-TDs while Henry Beery has rushed for 780 yards and 3-TDs. Can Lovett slow down the North Hall rushing attack? We think so. We like the Lions in a mild upsets. Lovett by 5.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Jefferson Dragons won their first region title since 2016 and are in the playoffs for the 9th straight season. Jefferson’s only loss was a one-point defeat at the hands of 4A Oconee County. Jefferson is averaging 42.4 points per game, while the defense is allowing 9.2 points per game. The Dragons have won nine straight games entering this week. As a team, the Dragons have rushed for over 3,000 yards this season. Quarterback Colby Clark leads the way with 735 yards and 15-TDs.

 

The Sonoraville Phoenix are in the playoffs for the first time since 2016 and for the fifth time in school history. Sonoraville has defeated two playoff teams this season. They are averaging 27.7 points per game on offense while the defense is allowing 19.6 points per game. We think the Dragons have too much on offense for the Phoenix to match. We like Jefferson by four touchdowns.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Appling County Pirates are in the playoffs for the third straight year. They matched their best regular season win total since 2013. The Pirates are averaging 31.4 points per game while the defense is allowing 10.6. The have defeated five playoff teams this season. Quarterback Jeremiah Holmes (580 yards, 9-TDs) and running backs Sharrod Roberts ( 580 yards 8-TDs) and R.J. Conaway (508 yards, 7-TDs) lead the way on the ground for the Pirates.

 

The Westside Macon Seminoles are in the playoffs for the 8th straight season. They are averaging 34.1 points per game and allowing 29.4. They have beaten two playoff teams this season. Quarterback Victor Dixon has passed for 2,381 yards and 27-TDs and also added 699 rushing yards and 6 rushing TDs. Jaylon Barden has caught 65 passes for 1,208 yards and 15-TDs. This game features contrasting styles. We believe Appling can control the time of possession and help neutralize Dixon. We like the Pirates by a touchdown.

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in 2019 Playoffs, 3A | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

GHSA Playoffs 3A Part 2 of 4

Posted on November 14, 2019 by admin

Today we continue with our GHSA Football Playoff previews as we look at Class 3A. Matchups include Greater Atlanta Christian-Pace Academy, Cook-Windsor Forest, Pierce County-Central Macon and Hart County-Haralson County. 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 Greater Atlanta Christian Spartans won their 6th consecutive region title this season. Since they started playing a region schedule in 1992, the Spartans have only missed the playoffs three times. They have defeated five playoff teams this season and are averaging 36 points per game on offense, while the defense is allowing 15.2 points. They have won nine consecutive games, and their only loss was a one-point setback to Lovett.

 

Pace Academy is in the post season for the 6th straight season. They are averaging 18.5 points per game and allowing 20 points per game. They have lost three of their last four games entering the playoffs. We don’t expect this to be a runaway early, but we do expect GAC to win this Friday. Spartans by 17.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Cook Hornets are in the post season for the 20th consecutive season.  They are winners of three out of their last four games. The Hornets are averaging 18.7 points per game, while the defense is allowing 26.8 points per game. The Hornets have defeated one playoff team this season.

 

The Windsor Forest Knights were originally slated as the 4th seed, but a forfeit by Beach moved them to the No. 3 seed. The Knights are in the playoffs for the third consecutive season. They have never advanced past the first round. They are averaging 24.2 points per game, while the defense is allowing 16.2 points per game. They are winners of three of their last four games. We think this might be the year for Windsor Forest. We like Windsor Forest by 4 in a competitive matchup.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Pierce County Bears are our No. 1 ranked team entering the postseason. The Bears are in the playoffs for the 9th straight season and were one game away from reaching the finals last year. Pierce County is averaging 41.1 points per game, while the defense has allowed 10.3 points, which also include four shutouts. Running Back L.J. Newton has paced the offense with 738 yards and 10-TDs.

 

The Central Chargers are winners of three of their last four games this season. That propelled them into the postseason for the 10th time in school history. The Chargers are averaging 23.6 points per game while the defense is allowing 31.2 points per game. Quarterback Jalik Thomas has passed for 837 yards, rushed for 922 yards and accounted for 19 total TDs. Maurice Elder has also added 785 yards rushing and 10-TDs. We believe Pierce can make another deep run this season. We like them by four touchdowns this week.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

Since 1987, the Hart County Bulldogs have only missed postseason play four times. The Bulldogs are averaging 35.3 points per game while the defense is allowing 13.9 points. The Bulldogs have defeated four playoff teams this season. They have also won three straight entering Friday night’s game.

 

The Haralson County Rebels won eight games for the second consecutive season and are also in the playoffs for the second straight year. The Rebels have never advanced past the first round. The Bulldogs are averaging 30.8 points per game while the defense is allowing 15.9 points. The Rebels have defeated one playoff team this season. We expect for Haralson County to be in this game late, but we like Hart to win by 4.

 

 

 

 

Posted in 2019 Playoffs, 3A | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

GHSA Playoffs 3A Part 1 of 4

Posted on November 14, 2019 by admin

Today we continue with our GHSA Football Playoff previews as we look at Class 3A. Matchups include Cedar Grove-Fannin County, Benedictine-Monroe, Peach County-Brantley County and Calhoun-Morgan County. 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 Cedar Grove Saints begin their title defense this Saturday. The Saints won their third consecutive region title this season. They are on a six game win streak and have defeated four playoff teams. Cedar Grove is averaging 33 points per game while the defense is allowing 11.3. The Saints defense has shutout four out of their last five opponents.

 

The Fannin County Rebels are in the post season for the second consecutive year. Their best finish was a run to the quarterfinals in 1995. The Rebels are led by Treylyn Owensby, who has rushed for 1,350 yards and 14-TDs. Jakob Tuggle has recorded 9 sacks for the defense. Fannin is averaging 26.4 points per game while the defense is allowing the same number. Cedar Grove is poised to make another deep run this season. We like the Saints by 33 this week.

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

The Benedictine Cadets have qualified for nine consecutive playoff appearances. They have won two state titles during that stretch. The Cadets are averaging 41.7 points per game this season while the defense is allowing 20 points per game. They have defeated two playoff teams this season. Trent Broadnax has caught 38 passes for 495 yards on the season.

 

The Monroe Tornadoes are in the playoffs for the third straight season. The Tornadoes best playoff finish has been the second round, they’ve done that five times. The Tornadoes are averaging 20.5 points per game while the defense is allowing 28.1 points. Quarterback Jordan Edwards has passed for 1,426 yards and 10-TDs to lead the way on offense. Benedictine might be a little down this season, but we like them in this game by 17.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Peach County Trojans are looking to get back to the state finals for the 3rd consecutive season. This year, the Trojans won their 4th consecutive region title. The Trojans only loss was a 1-point defeat to 5A Houston County. They have defeated five playoff teams and have won seven straight games entering the post season. Peach is averaging 50 points per game while their defense is allowing 14.4. Noah Whittington and Tijah Woolfolk lead the Trojans ground game. Jaydon Gibson has passed for 1,762 yards and 20-TDs.

 

The Brantley County Herons are in the playoffs for only the 3rd time in school history. The Herons are averaging 21.3 points per game while the defense is allowing 27.2 points. Clifford Patton and Gavin King have combined to rush for 1,176 yards and 14-TDs for the Herons. Dawson Thomas leads the Herons with 88 total tackles. The Herons look to be moving in the right direction under Coach Geoff Cannon, but the Trojans will be too much to handle this week. We like Peach by 31.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Calhoun Yellow Jackets are making their 20th consecutive playoff appearance. The Yellow Jackets have beaten four playoff teams this season. They are averaging 33.2 points per game while the defense has only allowed 9 points per game. This is the first time since 2001 that the Yellow Jackets have not won their region. The Jackets enter this game on a six game winning streak. In this 20-year playoff run, the Jackets have only been eliminated once in the first round.

 

The Morgan County Bulldogs are in the post season for the fourth consecutive season. Morgan County is averaging 26 points per game while the defense is averaging 24.7 points per game.  Kobridgette Lumpkin and Quinton Proby lead the way for the Bulldogs on the ground. Calhoun may have taken a small step back this season, but we like them big over Morgan County this week. Yellow Jackets by 4 touchdowns.

 

 

Posted in 2019 Playoffs, 3A | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

GHSA Playoffs 4A Part 4 of 4

Posted on November 13, 2019 by admin

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.

 

 

Posted in 2019 Playoffs, 4A | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

GHSA Playoffs 4A Part 3 of 4

Posted on November 13, 2019 by admin

Today we continue with our GHSA Football Playoff previews as we look at Class 4A. Matchups include Carver, Columbus-Richmond Academy, Marist-Cedartown, Oconee County-Northwest Whitfield, Perry-Hampton. 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 Carver Columbus Tigers won their first region title since 2015. After a two-point loss in their first game of the season, the Tigers have won nine consecutive games. In all of their wins, they have scored over 30 points. They are averaging 42.9 points per game while the defense is allowing 18 points per game. Quarterback Devin Riles has passed fro 1,579 yards and 23-TDs while Khiari McCoy has rushed for 1,473 yards and 17-TDs. Ja’Cyais Credle has caught 40 passes for 580 yards and 9-TDs.

 

The Richmond Academy Musketeers have qualified for the playoffs in three consecutive seasons. They have not advanced past the second round since 1976. The Musketeers are averaging 12.7 points per game on offense while the defense is allowing 18.2 points per game. Running back Rashad Williams has been led the Musketeers on offense with 612 yards and 4-TDs. We expect for Carver to win this game by four touchdowns.

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Marist War Eagles have not missed the postseason since 1982. Last season, the War Eagles made a push all the way to the semifinals before being edged out by Cartersville. The War Eagles have beat five playoff teams this season and their only loss was a three- point overtime thriller against Blessed Trinity. Marist is averaging 36.8 points per game on offense while the defense is allowing 9.5 points per game, including four shutouts. If anyone is going to slow Marist down, they will have to contain quarterback Connor Cigelske, who leads the team in rushing and passing.

 

The Cedartown Bulldogs are also a storied program in their own right. The Bulldogs are in the playoffs for the seventh time in the last nine years. The Bulldogs have beaten one team that qualified for the playoffs, but have been competitive in most of their games this season. The offense is averaging 25.1 points per game, while the defense is allowing 18.2. We believe the Bulldogs defense will keep them around, but we like the Ware Eagles to pull away late. Marist by 17.

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Oconee County Warriors claimed their first region title since 2015 and have matched their best regular season win total since 2001. The Warriors are in the playoffs for the 6thconsecutive season. Quarterback Max Johnson has passed for 1,164 yards and 16-TDs, while Jimmy Boswell and Darius Norman have combined for 1,366 yards and 11-TDs on the ground. Da’shawn Elder has intercepted four passes in the secondary for the Warriors. Oconee County is averaging 30.5 points per game, while the defense is allowing 12.2 points. They have beaten seven teams that have qualified for the post season.

 

The Northwest Whitfield Bruins are in the post season for the sixth time in seven years. The Bruins are averaging 23.8 points per game and allowing 19.3 points per game. Freshman quarterback Owen Brooker has passed for 1,396 yards and 13-TDs and Gavin Ellis has rushed for 864 yards and 9-TDs. Matt Redmond has caught 49 passes for 572 yards and 5-TDs. The Bruins have beaten two playoff teams this year. If Northwest can run the ball and keep Johnson on the sideline, they should have a shot. But we like the Warriors. Oconee County by three touchdowns.

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Perry Panthers are in the playoffs for the second consecutive season and have matched their win total from a year ago. Perry had won four straight prior to last week’s game against West Laurens. The Panthers are averaging 22.3 points per game, while the defense is allowing 20.2 points per game. Quarterback Lane Rucker has passed for 1,2,13 yards and 9-TDs while Makeil Kendrick has rushed for 856 yards and 8-TDs.

 

Meanwhile, the Hampton Hornets are making their first playoff appearance in school  history. (Hampton started playing football in 2014). The 5 wins are a program best. The Hornets are averaging 16.1 points per game while the defense is allowing 20.4 points per game. Running back Untavias Varner and quarterback Jaivion Dorris lead the rushing attack for the Hornets with a combined 969 yards and 10-TDs.  We believe this could be a low scoring game, but we like Perry to advance this week. Panthers by 8.

 

 

Posted in 2019 Playoffs, 4A | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment