TFR GHSA 7-A-Finals Football Preview

Posted on December 2, 2018 by admin

Our GHSA 7-A-Finals playoff previews is listed below. We are down to two teams after a long grueling season that started well back into summer, and for most teams, a season that probably started when the 2017 season ended. The Milton Eagles and Colquitt County Packers are the two teams left standing in Georgia’s highest classification. The Eagles are playing for their first title in school history, while Colquitt County has been a mainstay over the past few years. Best of luck to these schools and their respective communities as they compete on Wednesday, December 12th.

 

As always, thanks for reading. Please feel free to contact me if there are any errors.

 

Key: 

TFR – Turd Ferguson Report

GSWA – Georgia Sports Writers Association

NR – Not Ranked

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Eagles

The Milton Eagles are in the finals for the first time in school history. Milton’s Jordan Yates had two passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown to lead the team to victory over Lowndes last Friday. Middle linebacker Jordan Davis led Milton with 13 tackles and also had an interception to help lead the defensive effort. On the season, the Eagles are averaging 33.3 points per game while the defense is allowing 16.7 points per game. Yates has passed for over 2,400 yards and rushed for 862 yards on the season. He has accounted for 36 total TDs this year. Josh Edwards has rushed for 1,088 yards and 18-TDs this year, and senior wide receiver Dylan Leonard has caught 46 passes for 837 yards. On defensive, Jordan Davis leads the way with 135 total tackles (72 solo). Allen Walker, Zander Barnett and Marcos Rangel have combined for 25 sacks. Milton has lost two games by a combined 4 points. Their opponent this week is the Colquitt County Packers…

 

The Packers

The Packers will be playing in their seventh finals in school history and 4th final in 5 years. Colquitt seemed invincible for most of the season. Prior to their 1-point overtime win against Archer last week; their closest win was a 12-point victory over Grayson back in September. As a team, the Packers are averaging 41.1 points per game, while the defense is allowing 10.1 points per game. Entering last week’s semifinal game, Jaycee Harden had passed for 2,293 yards and 22-TDs, while Daijuan Edwards and Ty Leggett had combined for 2,180 yards and 40-TDs on the ground. Rashard Revels and Kendrick Neloms lead the defense both with over 150 total tackles through the quarterfinals, with Revels having 90 solo tackles and Neloms with 92 solo tackles. The linebacker duo has also combined for 26 total sacks, (13 a piece) to lead a defense that has tallied 75 sacks on the season. Jay Ward leads the secondary with 6 interceptions. Kicker Ryan Fitzgerald has connected on 80% of his field goal attempts, including a long of 57 yards.

 

Final Thoughts

Will the Eagles be able to keep the Packers out of the end zone in regulation, similar to Archer last week? Or will the Packers defense be able to contain Jordan Yates? We think Yates ability as a passer and a runner will keep the Eagles in the game late. But we like the Packers late by 3, perhaps on a Fitzgerald field goal to win it.


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TFR GHSA A-Public-Semifinals Preview

Posted on December 2, 2018 by admin

Our GHSA A-Public-Semifinal playoff previews are listed below. This preview features matchups between Pelham-Irwin County and Clinch County-Marion County. Will we get a rematch of last years state final game between Clinch and Irwin…Or will the Pelham Hornets break through. Don’t forget about Marion County. They’ve gone through the season unscathed…Best of luck to these final four teams as they compete on Friday night.

As always, thanks for reading. Please feel free to contact me if there are any errors.

 

Key: 

TFR – Turd Ferguson Report

GSWA – Georgia Sports Writers Association

NR – Not Ranked

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Pelham Hornets are in the semifinals for the first time since 1965. Last week, it was senior Javoris Williams leading the charge for the Hornets, with his third consecutive 100-yard game, as he rushed for 184 yards and 3-TDs. Quarterback Kendrick Perry also passed for 156 yards and added 64 yards on the ground and two rushing TDs. On the season, Perry has accounted for 36 total TDs. As a team, Pelham has rushed for over 3,000 yards this year. The Hornets are averaging an eye-popping 52.8 points per game. Their opponent is current No. 1 and the 2017 runner-up, Irwin County Indians. Pelham has never beaten Irwin County, although the teams haven’t squared off since 1999. Last week, as has been the case for most of the season, DJ Lundy led the Indians with 117 yards and 3-TDs. The Indians had to come from behind last week to beat a very gritty Commerce team. Irwin County is averaging 42 points per game this season, while the defense is allowing 7.9 points per game. We think that Irwin’s strength of schedule has probable been tougher than Pelham’s this season. We like the Hornets to keep it close, but we like Irwin to win by 9.


 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Clinch County Panthers are on the verge of returning to the state title game and defending their title. The Panthers are in the semifinals for the fourth consecutive season. Dantonio Robinsons scored 3 touchdowns last week as Clinch won big on the road. Clinch’s only loss this season came at the hands of region foe Irwin County. The Panthers are averaging 36.5 points per game, while their defense is allowing 11.9 points per game. Trezman Marshall and the Panthers will have their hands full trying to slow down Marion County’s dual threat quarterback, Trice McCannon. Last week, McCannon passed for 256 yards and 4-TDs. On the season, he has passed for 1,751 yards, rushed for 1,121 yards and accounted for 27 total TDs. Running back Travon Matthews has rushed for 1,563 yards and 27-TDs this season. The Marion County offense is averaging 40.5 points per game. The defense is allowing 17.5 points per game. The Eagles are in the semifinals for the third time in school history. We think this game will be a back and forth affair. We also think that Clinch will edge Marion on the road this week. Clinch by 2.

 


 

 

 

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TFR GHSA A-Private-Semifinal Preview

Posted on November 29, 2018 by admin

Our GHSA A-Private-Semifinal playoff previews are listed below. This preview features matchups between Prince Avenue Christian-Athens Christian and Savannah Christian-Eagle’s Landing Christian…The seeds have held to form thus far…Will ELCA win their 4th consecutive state title. Can Athen’s Academy beat Prince Avenue for the second time this season…Or perhaps Savannah Christian will be the talk of Class-A-Private…Best of luck to these final four teams as they compete on Friday night.

As always, thanks for reading. Please feel free to contact me if there are any errors.

 

Key: 

TFR – Turd Ferguson Report

GSWA – Georgia Sports Writers Association

NR – Not Ranked

 

The Skinny

 

Prince Avenue and Athens Academy will face off in a rematch of an early season game that the Spartans of Athens Academy won by 4. Last week the Spartans outlasted Calvary Day with a late touchdown and then a defensive stand to secure their second consecutive trip to the semifinals. The Spartans have not lost a regular season game since November of 2016, a loss to Prince Avenue Christian. The Spartans are averaging 31.6 points per game on offense, while their defense is allowing 15.1 points per game. Prince Avenue Christian is in the semi finals for the 4thstraight season and is looking to get to the finals for the first time since 2012. Wolverines dual-threat quarterback Brock Vandagriff passed for 140 yards and rushed for 104 yards and accounted for 3 total TDs to help get the Wolverines into the semifinals. Vandagriff has passed for 2,943 yards on the season and is 35 yards shy of breaking the 1,00 yard mark rushing. Mack Simmons and Christian Parrish lead the team in receiving, combing for 1,807 yards and 20 total TDs. The Wolverines are averaging 45.7 points per game, but it was the Spartans that held them to their lowest output this season. We believe this game will be just as close as the first matchup, but we like the Wolverines to sneak past the Spartans by one.


 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Savannah Christian Raiders lost their first game of the season, but since then have been on a roll. First year coach Baker Woodward has guided the Raiders to eleven straight wins and put them on the brink of their first finals appearance since 2011. Spencer Robicheaux has passed for 1,529 yards while running backs Nate Moon, Jordan Grant and Marquell Brown have combined for 2,475 yards and 31-TDs. Savannah Christian is averaging 35 points per game, while their defense is surrendering 11.5 points per game. They will need another great defensive effort as they take on the defending state champion Eagle’s Landing Christian Chargers or ELCA is they are known in most parts. ELCA is averaging 51.9 points per game, while their defense is only allowing 6.8 points per game. They have not lost to a Class-A opponent since they lost in the finals back in 2014. Senior quarterback Brayden Rush has passed for 1,412 yards and 21-TDs. Keaton Mitchell has scored 45 rushing touchdowns, which ties a record set by one of the best running backs in Georgia, the great Herschel Walker. Mitchell has also rushed for 2,180 yards on the season. Last week, he rushed for 219 yards and 4-TDs. That’s the 6th time this season he’s gone over 200 yards rushing. Savannah Christian’s best defense might be their offense this week. If they can shorten the game and keep the Chargers offense off the field, they might be able to keep this game close. We just don’t think it will be enough. We like the Chargers by 17.


 

 

 

 

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TFR GHSA 2-A-Semifinal Playoff Preview

Posted on November 29, 2018 by admin

Our GHSA 2-A-Semifinal playoff previews are listed below. This preview features matchups between Fitzgerald-Heard County and Callaway-Rockmart. There are two teams remaining from Region-5, Heard County and Callaway… Can the Heard County Braves end Fitzgeralds improbable run…Will Rockmart be the next victim for upset minded Callaway…Are we in store for an all Region-5 title game…Best of luck to these final four teams as they compete on Friday night.

As always, thanks for reading. Please feel free to contact me if there are any errors.

 

Key: 

TFR – Turd Ferguson Report

GSWA – Georgia Sports Writers Association

NR – Not Ranked

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

We will be the first to admit, we haven’t given the Fitzgerald Purple Hurricanes the respect that they deserve this season. They have reached the final four for the 4thtime in 5 years. The Canes went up to Rabun County last week and upset the Wildcats. The road has not been easy for Fitzgerald as they have won the last two games on the road, and beaten two region champions. Fitzgerald got touchdown runs from Ethan Gordon and Justin Reliford. The Purple Hurricanes are averaging 31.4 points per game on the season while the defense is allowing 17.6 points on the season. Fitzgerald will be on the road again this week as they travel to Franklin, to take on the Heard County Braves. Heard County is back in the semifinals for the second consecutive season. Last week they knocked off Dublin. Quarterback Alijah Huzzie led the way for the Braves with a touchdown run and two touchdown passes.  The Braves have not been dominant on offense, although they are scoring 28 points per game. Their defense has been respectable, allowing only 12.5 points per game. We think that Huzzie and Aaron Beasley will get the best of Fitzgerald this week. We like the Heard County by a touchdown.

 



 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Callaway Cavaliers went on the road last week and got 3-TDs from Qua Hines to help boost the Callaway into the semifinals for the third time in six years.  The Cavaliers offense is averaging 33.7 points per game, while their defense is allowing 12 points per game. The Cavaliers only two losses come at the hands of two teams that are still in the playoffs, (Troup and Heard County). Callaway will face another giant this week as they face the Rockmart Yellow Jackets. Rockmart is an offensive juggernaut, averaging 47.1 points per game. The Jackets sport two 1,000-yard rushers in Markus Smith (1,049 yards, 16-TDs) and Z.J. Whatley (1,042 yards, 18-TDs). Dylan Bailey has passed for 1,423 yards. Juke Boozer leads the team in receiving with 693 yards and 11-TDs. Rockmart’s defense is only allowing 7.4 points per game. We believe that Callaway has the ability to keep this game close for three-quarters. But we like Rockmart to win by 8 when the dust settles.



 

 

 

 

 

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TFR GHSA 3-A Semifinal Playoff Preview

Posted on November 28, 2018 by admin

Our GHSA 3-A-Semifinal playoff previews are listed below. This preview features matchups between Pierce County-Cedar Grove and Peach County-Calhoun. Pierce County and Cedar Grove are two of the state’s top defenses. Can the Bears contain one of the nation’s best wide receiver…And in Calhoun, we get a rematch of the 2017 state title game…Can the Trojans avenge last seasons loss in the Benz…Best of luck to these final four teams as they compete on Friday night.

As always, thanks for reading. Please feel free to contact me if there are any errors.

 

Key: 

TFR – Turd Ferguson Report

GSWA – Georgia Sports Writers Association

NR – Not Ranked

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Pierce County Bears upset Monroe Area last week to advance to their first semifinals in school history. Pierce County was led last week by John Jones (188 yards rushing, 2-TDs) and quarterback Jermaine Brewton (185 yards passing). Jones leads the team in rushing with 1,664 yards and 25-TDs on the season. Brewton has passed for 1,813 yards and 21-TDs. For the season, the Bears are averaging 41.9 points per game, while the defense is allowing 9.4 points per game. The Bears will travel to Decatur to face the Cedar Grove Saints at Godfrey Stadium. Cedar Grove blanked Benedictine last week as they recorded their second shutout of the playoffs and 7th shutout of the season. Jaden Haselwood has 990 receiving yards on the season. Robert Jones is up to 903 yards rushing on the season. The Cedar Grove defense is only allowing 8.4 points per game. Cedar Grove’s only loss this season was to Class 7-A McEachern. Pierce County might be the best defense that Cedar Grove has faced since McEachern. It might be close at the half, but we like Cedar Grove in this matchup this week by two touchdowns.


 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

Peach County and Calhoun will meet in a rematch of the 2017 state championship game that Calhoun won. (There was a controversial call in that game that led to some central Georgia lawmakers to call for replay in the state title game.) Calhoun returns several starters from the 2017 state title team including quarterback Gavin Gray, running back Brannon Spector, and receiver Bralin Barton. Last week, Gray led the way for the Calhoun Yellow Jackets with two touchdown passes. The Jackets are averaging 44 points per game on the season, while their defense is only allowing 7.5 points per game. We keep harping on Peach County and their lack of “star” power they have, but the Trojans have been successful for a long time, with or without the some of the top line players in the state. Peach County is in the semifinals for the third consecutive year. Last week, the Trojans got another 100-yard game from Tijah Woolfolk. The Trojans have won nine consecutive games and come into this week’s matchup averaging 38.2 points per game on the season. We think that this game will be closely contested, but we believe Calhoun edges the Trojans by a field goal for a chance to defend their title.

 


 

 

 

 

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TFR GHSA 4-A-Semifinal Preview

Posted on November 27, 2018 by admin

Our GHSA 4-A-Semifinal playoff previews are listed below. This preview features matchups between Marist-Cartersville and Troup-Blessed Trinity. The only teams remaining are from Region-5 and Region -7…Blessed Trinity is looking to return to the finals to defend their title…While Marist and Cartersville would certainly love a rematch with Blessed Trinity, if the Titans can get past Troup. If you are anywhere near Cartersville or Roswell, you should definitely check one of these games out. We’ve had a chance to see 3 of the 4 teams play this season and they can certainly put on a show. Best of luck to these final four teams as they compete on Friday night.

As always, thanks for reading. Please feel free to contact me if there are any errors.

 

Key: 

TFR – Turd Ferguson Report

GSWA – Georgia Sports Writers Association

NR – Not Ranked

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Marist War Eagles and Cartersville Hurricanes have not met since 1930. The War Eagles will be making their 4thsemifinals appearance in 7 years. Last week, Marist got 83 yards on the ground and a touchdown run from quarterback Connor Cigelske. The Marist defense limited Mary Persons to 182 yards of total offense. On the season, Marist’sdefense is allowing just 10.5 points per game. Meanwhile, Cartersville is looking to get back to the state finals for the third time in four years. The Canes got off to a slow start on the road last week at Baldwin, but scored 35 unanswered points to move on to the semifinals for the 5thtime in 7 years. Cartersville got a big night from running back Marcus Gary who rushed for 196 yards and 3-TDs. We haven’t talked a ton about Cartersville’s defense, but perhaps we should. They are allowing only 6.6 points per game, while the offense has averaged 39.7 points per game this season. It will be interesting to see if the Cartersville offense can get the run game going against a very good Marist defensive line. If they can, then it could be a long night for Marist… and they will hear a lot of “Gary on the carry” over the loud speakers at Weinman Stadium. But if not, it could be a low scoring grind it out kind of game. Either way, we like Cartersville to edge Marist by 4 points.

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Blessed Trinity Titans are one win away from getting back to the state title game. The Titans beat Eastside soundly last week in their quarterfinal matchup. The game was really never in doubt as the Titans controlled the game from the start. It was Jackson Hamilton with the big night rushing, tallying 162 yards and 3-TDs while Steele Chambers added 124 yards and 2-TDs in the win. On the season, Blessed Trinity is averaging 37.6 points per game. The defense is only allowing 13 points per game.  The Titans really have not been challenged to this point in the playoffs as they are outscoring their opponents by an average of 30 points. The Troup Tigers might be the most athletic team that the Titans have faced on the season. Troup’s defense is led by Alabama commit King Mwikuta and lineman Andy Boykin. Offensively, dual threat quarterback Kobe Hudson has passed for 3,152 yards on the season and rushed for 1,206. (Hudson, a junior, is a verbal commit to Auburn as a wide receiver.) Hudson and Troup’s fast break offense will keep the Blessed Trinity defensive backs busy as the try to cover Jamari Thrash, Joko Willis (who converted to WR from LB) and Jarrell Smith.  We think the Titans will be able to get pressure on Hudson and disrupt the passing game. We like the Titans by 13 at home this week.



 

 

 

 

 

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TFR GHSA 5-A-Semifinal Preview

Posted on November 26, 2018 by admin

Our GHSA 5-A-Semifinal playoff previews are listed below. This preview features matchups between Bainbridge-Stockbridge and Rome-Warner Robins. Some things of note this week…Like Class 6-A and 7-A, we could have an all Region-1 final…Bainbridge has made a great run in the playoffs, certainly surprising us here at the TFR…Can Warner Robins avenge last seasons state championship loss…They will get a chance to do it in front of the home crowd this Friday. Best of luck to these final four teams as they compete on Friday night.

As always, thanks for reading. Please feel free to contact me if there are any errors.

 

Key: 

TFR – Turd Ferguson Report

GSWA – Georgia Sports Writers Association

NR – Not Ranked

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

At one point in the season, the Bainbridge Bearcats lost four consecutive games. However, they have now won six of their last seven games and find themselves in the semifinals for the second time in four years. We certainly did not expect a deep playoff run from the Bearcats, but the keep believing, keep winning and keep advancing. Caleb McDowell scored three touchdowns (two rushing and one kickoff return), to lead the Bearcats over Buford last week. Bainbridge has been led on offense by three sophomores, quarterback Quayde Hawkins, and running backs McDowell and Rashad Broadnax. Through the second round of the playoffs, Hawkins had passed for 1,264 yards, while McDowell and Broadnax have combined for 1,397 yards.  Defensively, Roman Harrison and Anthony Brooks have combined for 15 sacks. The Bearcats will travel north to take on the Stockbridge Tigers. The Tigers are in the semifinals for the third time in five years. While Stockbridge has generally done most of their damage on the ground, last week quarterback Jevon McDonald passed for 205 yards and 3-TDs. McDonald did add two rushing touchdowns. The Stockbridge defense was solid last week as they held Carrollton to a field goal. On the season, the Stockbridge defense is only allowing 10.1 points per game. We don’t think that Stockbridge will hold Bainbridge to 10 points, but we do believe they will advance this week. We like the Tigers by a touchdown.



 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

Rome and Warner Robins will meet up in a rematch of the 2017 state championship game. Rome dominated the game last season, shutting out the Demons. In most games this season, Rome has not been challenged. They did get a stiff test from the Dutchtown Bulldogs last week. Dutchtown held Rome to their lowest point total of the season. Rome’s defense is allowing 13.6 points per game. That’s really good, but it’s not as good as the 9.4 points they allowed in 2017. Nevertheless, Rome has won 40 consecutive games. Knox Kadum ran for three touchdowns while Jamious Griffin added another to pace the Wolves. Through last week, Kadam has passed for 1,375 yards and rushed for 519. During that same period, Jamious Griffin has rushed for 2,424 yards and 36-TDs. Derricus Smith leads the defense in tackles, while Montrell Milsap leads the team in sacks. Warner Robins comes into this game with two losses on the season. (One of those was a forfeit for playing an ineligible player.) Dylan Fromm has passed for over 3,700 yards, with 40-TDs. Jahlen Rutherford is closing in on 1,000 rushing yards, while Marcayll Jones has caught 92 passes for 1,744 yards. We don’t think that Rome will shut out Warner Robins this time around. But we still like the Wolves by 10 this week on the road.


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TFR GHSA 6-A-Semifinal Preview

Posted on November 25, 2018 by admin

Our GHSA 6-A-Semifinal playoff previews are listed below. This preview features matchups between  Northside-Dacula and Lanier-Lee County. Some things of note this week…Will it be an all Region-1 final…No one was really talking about region 8 this season, but they have two teams in the semifinals and both semifinals will feature Region-1 vs Region-8…Can Lanier find the formula to knock off Lee County…Will Northside have enough offense on the road against Dacula…Best of luck to these final four teams as they compete on Friday night.

 

As always, thanks for reading. Please feel free to contact me if there are any errors.

 

Key: 

TFR – Turd Ferguson Report

GSWA – Georgia Sports Writers Association

NR – Not Ranked

 

The Skinny

 

For most of the game last week, the Northside Warner Robins Eagles were flying all over the field on route to a 30-6 victory to put them into the semifinals for the 9th time in 14 years. Northside was led by quarterback Jadin Daniels who rushed for 135 yards and a touchdown. Daniels only threw the ball 4 times on Friday, but the weather conditions in Canton last week did not make for a pass friendly environment. Senior running back Daniel Neal added 112 yards and a touchdown as well.  The Northside defense stymied Sequoyah for most of the game last week; holding the Chiefs to only one touchdown. Northside sacked Sequoyah’s quarterback seven times last week and defensive lineman LaFrederick Chappell made an athletic play to intercept a screen pass. The Eagles will need to make another staunch effort from the defense this week as they travel to take on the Dacula Falcons. Dacula is in the semifinals for the first time since 2005 and have won 10 games in a row. The Falcons ran for almost 400 yards last week against Valdosta. Kyle Efford led the way with 189 yards on 11 carries. Jarrett Jenkins passed for 161 yards and 2-TDs. The Falcons defense is allowing 13.7 points per game. Dacula may be one of the more underrated teams in the state. Weather should not be a factor on Friday night, so this game could turn into a shoot-out. We like the Falcons in what some might see as an upset, Dacula by a field goal.

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Lee County Trojans continue their march toward a second straight final’s appearance. This week, the Lanier Longhorns will make the trip down to Leesburg to attempt to do something no other team has done in 19 games…and that’s defeat the Trojans. Lee County got three touchdowns from quarterback Kyle Toole as the Trojans downed Creekview down in Leesburg. Lee County did allow more points to the Grizzlies than any other team this season, but the Trojans are still only allowing 5.3 points per game. Lee County has play makers all over the field and maybe as deep as any other team in the state. The Lanier Longhorns scored 27 unanswered points to defeat Coffee last week. They are making their first semifinals appearance in school history. Zach Calzada accounted for two touchdowns to help lead the Longhorns to victory. Before last Friday’s game, Calzada has passed for 1,470 yards through 10 games, with 13-TDs. Taj Barnes has led the way on the ground this season with over 1,100 yards rushing this season. It will take a lot of ball control for Lanier and perhaps some turnovers for them to help them pull the upset. But even then, we think Lee is too tough for them to beat. We like the Trojans this week by 20.

 

 

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TFR GHSA 7-A-Semifinal Preview

Posted on November 25, 2018 by admin

Our GHSA 7-A-Semifinal playoff previews are listed below. This preview features matchups between  Lowndes-Milton and Archer-Colquitt County. Some things of note this week…Milton is making their first semi-finals appearance…Will it be an all Region-1 final…No matter, there will be a new state champion in 7-A as the defending champ was dethroned last week. Best of luck to these final four teams as they compete on Friday night.

 

As always, thanks for reading. Please feel free to contact me if there are any errors.

 

Key: 

TFR – Turd Ferguson Report

GSWA – Georgia Sports Writers Association

NR – Not Ranked

 

 

The Skinny

 

Last week, Milton quarterback and Georgia Tech commit Jordan Yates only passed for 75 yards, but he had a big game on the ground rushing for 149 yards on 17 attempts. But it was Josh Edwards who scored the game-winning touchdown last week to help Milton Edge Hillgrove 20-19, and earn their first semifinal appearance in school history. Edwards ended the game with 44 yards and 2-TDs.The Eagles defense stepped up big, holding Hillgrove well under their season average in point total. Milton will certainly need another big defensive performance as they host the Lowndes Vikings this Friday. Lowndes is coming off of a 20-15 win over Grayson. Travis Tidsale ran for 130 yards and Jacurri Brown and Gary Osby rushed for touchdowns to lead Lowndes past Grayson. Lowndes has been up and down this season, but the Vikings are certainly playing well, knocking off two number one seeds en route to their semi-finals matchup. This will be the Vikings first semi-finals appearance since they won the state title back in 2007. This will be the second week in a row that the Eagles will face a team who is reliant on the run. Will the Viking be road-weary, as they make their third consecutive trip to Metro-Atlanta? We think so, but we think they will have just enough in the tank to edge the Eagles. We like Lowndes by 1.

 

 

The Skinny

 

Archer edged Tift County last week in overtime to advance to the semifinals for the second time in school history. Semaje Banks 2-yard touchdown run in overtime proved to be the game winner. Banks finished the game with 118 yards and 2-TDs. On the season, the Archer offense is averaging 36 points per game, so there is certainly some explosiveness for the Tigers. Their defense is allowing just over two touchdowns a game on average. Meanwhile, it seemed to be business as usual for Colquitt County, as they avenged last year’s state title loss at the hands of North Gwinnett. The Packers blanked the defending champs 45-0.  Ty Leggett led the way with 137 yards on just 9 carries and scored 5 total touchdowns, (4-rushing and 1-receiving). Quarterback Jaycee Harden passed for 220 yards, completing 70% of his passes in the win. While it was only the second shutout that Rashard Revels, Brian Merritt and company has pitched in 2018; the Packers defense is only allowing 9.3 points per game. We think the Packers will have another big game defensively this week. We like Colquitt by 16.

 

 

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TFR GHSA Class-A-Private Playoff Preview

Posted on November 22, 2018 by admin

Our GHSA Class-A-Private-Quarterfinal playoff previews are listed below. This preview features matchups between Calvary Day-Athens Academy, North Cobb Christian-Prince Avenue Christian, Fellowship Christian-Savannah Christian, and Darlington-Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy (ELCA).  Congratulations to these final 8 teams on a successful season. Best of luck to you all as you compete this Friday.

As always, thanks for reading. Please feel free to contact me if there are any errors.

 

Key: 

TFR – Turd Ferguson Report

GSWA – Georgia Sports Writers Association

NR – Not Ranked

 

The Skinny

 

The Athens Academy Spartans will host the Calvary Day Cavaliers The Spartans reached the finals last year and are looking to get back for the second consecutive season. Len’Neth Whitehead and Payton Bowles have led the way for the Spartans. Athens Academy is averaging 32.2 points per game while their defense is allowing 15 points per game. Calvary Day has won five consecutive games and last week got 154 yards and 3-TDs from Jalen Leary to help in the win over Holy Innocents. The Cavaliers amassed 328 yards on the ground last week and averaged 11.7 yards per carry. We think that Bowles and Whitehead will out-duel the Calvary Day backs this week. We like Athens Academy by a touchdown.

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

Upstart North Cobb Christian is in the playoffs for the first time in school history. Their quarterfinal opponent will be the Prince Avenue Christian Wolverines. Sharnard Banks led the way last week with 104 yards on the ground for the Eagles. The North Cobb offense is averaging 26.6 points per game while their defense is allowing 16.4 points per game. Their opponent, Prince Avenue Christian is averaging 45.5 points per game. Last week Brock Vandagriff passed for 166 yards but also rushed for 155 yards and 5-TDs to lead the Wolverines to victory. On the season, Vandagriff has passed for 2,803 yards and 26-TDs. Prince Avenue is in the quarterfinals for the 8th consecutive season. We don’t think the Eagles can out score the Wolverines. We like Prince Avenue by 10 this week.

 


 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

Savannah Christian outlasted Hebron Christian last week to advance to their third quarterfinals in five years. Coach Baker Woodward has led the Raiders to their first region title since 2011. Coincidentally, that’s the last time the Raiders won the state title. Last week, it was Spencer Robicheaux who passed for 186 yards and Marquell Brown who rushed for 113 yards and 1-TD. The Raiders have rushed for 2,705 yards on the season. Their opponent, Fellowship Christian has been led by running back Murphy Reeves this season, but last week he was limited to 8 yards on 2 carries. Cameron Gill picked up the slack rushing for 111 yards and 1-TD. The Paladins are averaging 38.9 points per game. If they can get to that number, we think they have a good chance of beating Savannah Christian. But we don’t believe they will get to that number. We like Savannah Christian by a field goal.



 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Darlington Tigers will travel to McDonough to take on ELCA. ELCA has won 3 consecutive state titles behind the leadership of senior QB Brayden Rush. The Chargers are averaging 52.8 points per game this year.  The Darlington Tigers are averaging 23.1 points per game. There’s not a whole lot of analysis here. The rain might help slow down the Chargers, but we still think they come away with a victory this week. We like ELCA by 23.

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

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