Eight Greats Around the State – Georgia High School Football Class 6A Championship Preview

Posted on December 5, 2021 by admin

The Skinny

The Buford Wolves advanced to the state finals for the 21st time in school history and for the third consecutive season. In their four playoff wins, Buford is averaging 32.5 points per game while the defense is allowing 6.7 points. That is right on par with their overall season stats. Through their fourteen games, the Wolves area averaging 35.5 points per game while allowing 6.4. Since allowing 27 points to Class 7-A North Cobb in Week-1, the Wolves have not allowed more than 17 points in a game. They also enter this week on a 10-game win streak. Last week, it was the usual suspects for Buford as Victor Venn went over the 100-yard mark, while quarterback Ashton Daniels completed 70% of his passes as Buford downed Carrollton in the semifinals. The Wolves defense held quarterback M.J. Morris in check and will look to do the same against another talented quarterback this week. A win would earn the Wolves their 14th state title in school history. (The Wolves have won a state title in six different classifications over the course of their school history.) 

The Langston Hughes Panthers have reached the state title game for the first time in school history. The only scratch on the Panthers record is a week one 1-point loss to the Newton Rams. Since then, Hughes has reeled off thirteen straight wins. Over their 14 games, Hughes is averaging 39.3 points per game while the defense is allowing 8.9. During the playoffs the offense has been a little better averaging 41.2 points in their four games while the defense has surrendered a few more points, giving up 14.2 points per game. The Panthers have a balanced attack, averaging 182.9 yards per game through the air and 189.1 yards per game on the ground. Southpaw quarterback Prentiss “Air” Noland has thrown for 2,473 yards and 33-TDs. Meanwhile, Rodney Shelley, Armani Tookes, Jelani Thurman and Terrance Love are his top targets this season. Antonio Martin Jr. leads the team with 953 rushing yards and 14-TDs. Defensively, Micheal Watson has been a tackling machine on defense with 100 solo tackles on the season. The Panthers have sacked opposing quarterbacks 23 times and intercepted 19 passes in 2021.

Both of these teams have answered the bell week in and week out. The two losses between them are by a combined 8 points. Expect Buford to establish the run early with Victor Venn and C.J. Clinkscales. Meanwhile, the Wolves defense will need to get pressure on Hughes’ Noland. He’s not a dual threat quarterback, but he makes good decisions in the pocket. Buford has won 65% of the state title games they’ve been in. Don’t expect a runaway by either team, but we like the Wolves this week on the strength of their defense by 8

As always, thanks for reading. While you’re here, don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss any of our coverage. Please feel free to comment and share.

Special thanks to the Georgia Helmet Project for providing each team’s helmet. You can find all of their work here: http://gahelmetproject.com

Special thanks to the Georgia Helmet Project for providing each team’s helmet. You can find all of their work here: http://gahelmetproject.com

Historical records are provided by the Georgia High School Football Historians Association. (ghsfa.org)

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Eight Greats Around the State – Georgia High School Football Class 7A Championship Preview

Posted on December 5, 2021 by admin

The Skinny

The Collins Hill Eagles are back into the finals for the second consecutive season and are seeking their first state title in school history. On the road t the finals, the Eagles have defeated one no. 4 seed, two No. 2 seeds and one No. 1 seed. Last week, they were tested by a very stingy Grayson defense in the first half, but Collins Hill was able to pull away in the second, notching their sixth shutout of the season. Collins Hill is averaging 46 points per game in the playoffs while allowing 6.5 points in their four playoff games. Overall, the Eagles area averaging 41 points per game while allowing 5.7. By now if you haven’t heard of Travis Hunter and Sam Horn, we’d assume you are new to high school football in Georgia. Horn has now thrown for 3,447 yards and 33-TDs while Hunter has caught 64 passes for 975 yards and 9-TDs. Meanwhile Ryan Stephens and Spenser Anderson have now rushed for a combined 1,395 yards with 19-TDs. Coming into the semifinals, the Eagles defense has sacked opposing quarterbacks 55.5 times and has forced 30 turnovers. Their closest game this season was a 15 point win over Greenville Christian in Mississippi. No team from Georgia has been with 26 points of them, except for Brookwood in Week-1.

Th Milton Eagles are in the finals for the second time in school history and for the first time since 2018, (when they won the school’s only state title). On the road to the finals, the Eagles have defeated one No. 4 seed, One No. 3 seed and two No. 2 seeds. Milton enters the finals on an 11 game win streak. They fell behind early to Walton last week but battled back and left no doubt in the second half. In their four playoff games, the Eagles are averaging 42.7 points per game while allowing 19.7 points per game. Those numbers are right on par with the season overall as the Eagles are averaging 43.1 points per game and allowing 23.2 in fourteen games this season. Milton is averaging 157.6 yards per game through the air and 251.9 yards per game on the ground. Jordan McDonald has been the bell-cow for Milton with 1,537 yards rushing and 26-TDs. Dual threat quarterback Devin Farrell has thrown for 2,088 yards, rushed for 936 yards and accounted for 35 total TDs. Milton did not throw it much last week, but it’s been the trio of Jack Nickel, Debron Gatling and Adam Freas getting most of the receptions when they do go to the air. Defensively, Caleb Moran and Bryce Thornton lead the Eagles in total tackles while A.J Crawford has a team high 12 sacks for a defense that has sacked opposing QBs 32 times. Robert Billings leads the secondary with 5 interceptions while Thornton has 4. 

These two teams have been at the top of the poll all season and Collins Hill has been our No. 1 ranked team since pre-season. We don’t expect Collins Hill to just run away with this. Milton is just as talented and perhaps might be a little deeper. Expect for Milton to feed Collins Hill a steady dose of Jordan McDonald. Even with that, Travis Hunter and Sam Horn, paired with the Collins Hill defense, will be the best Milton has seen all season. We like Collins Hill by 10.

As always, thanks for reading. While you’re here, don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss any of our coverage. Please feel free to comment and share.

Special thanks to the Georgia Helmet Project for providing each team’s helmet. You can find all of their work here: http://gahelmetproject.com

Special thanks to the Georgia Helmet Project for providing each team’s helmet. You can find all of their work here: http://gahelmetproject.com

Historical records are provided by the Georgia High School Football Historians Association. (ghsfa.org)

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Eight Greats Around the State – Georgia High School Football A-Private Semifinal Playoff Preview

Posted on December 1, 2021 by admin

We are down to our last Georgia High School Football Semifinal Playoff Preview as we take a look at Class-A Private. This week’s matchups feature the Eagle’s Landing Christian (ELCA) Chargers hosting the Trinity Christian Lions while Fellowship Christian hosts Prince Avenue Christian. Trinity Christian has been steamrolling teams this season and already has a big win over ELCA, but expect the Chargers to keep this one a little close. Meanwhile, Fellowship Christian is looking for their second trip the finals while Prince Avenue Christian is the defending champions and have a very impressive aerial attack. We still like Trinity Christian to hoist the trophy in the end.

As always, thanks for reading. While you’re here, don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss any of our coverage. Please feel free to comment and share.

Special thanks to the Georgia Helmet Project for providing each team’s helmet. You can find all of their work here: http://gahelmetproject.com

Special thanks to the Georgia Helmet Project for providing each team’s helmet. You can find all of their work here: http://gahelmetproject.com

Historical records are provided by the Georgia High School Football Historians Association. (ghsfa.org)

The Skinny

For so long the ELCA Chargers have been the standard for Class A-Private. ELCA is in the semifinals for the tenth time in eleven years and for the 12th time overall. The Chargers have won five consecutive games and have outscored their two playoff opponents 91-35. On the year, they are averaging 27.4 points per game while the defense is allowing 21.2 The Chargers are relatively balanced averaging 140.8 yards per game through the air and 167.7 yards per game on the ground. Quarterback Charlie Gilliam has thrown for 1,831 yards and 16-TDs while Brandon Hood has rushed for 1,300 yards and 17-TDs. 

The Trinity Christian Lions are in the semifinals for the second consecutive season. (Trinity Christian has only been a GHSA school for four years.) The Lions have run away from all of their competition this season. They are averaging 53.2 points per game while allowing just 8.5 points. Their closest game was a 31 point victory over this week’s opponent, ELCA, back on October 1st. In their two playoff games, they have outscored their opponents 104-21. The Lions are averaging 298.4 yards per game through the air and 143.3 yards per game on the ground. Quarterback David Dallas has thrown for 3,307 yards and 41-TDs. His top receivers are Joshua Dallas (52 receptions, 1,043 yards, 14-TDs), Aaron Gates (39 receptions, 650 yards, 8-TDs) and Bryce Wilcox, (41 receptions, 597 yards, 9-TDs). 

These two teams met earlier this year with Trinity Christian wining big. We believe this game will be a little bit closer, but we like the Lions to win again this week. Trinity Christian by three touchdowns. 

The Skinny

The Fellowship Christian Paladins are in the semifinals for the second time in three years and for the third time school history. The Paladins are winners of their last eleven games. They are averaging 35 points per game while allowing 14.4. In their three playoff games, Fellowship has outscored their opponents 96-28. The Paladins are averaging 137 yards per game through the air and 153.7 yards per game on the ground. Through the first eleven games of the season, quarterback Caleb McMickle has thrown for 1,594 yards and 18-TDs. Josh Milhollin has been McMickle’s top receiver with 38 receptions for 708 yards. While through that same period, Nick Persiano leads the team in rushing with over 800 yards and 20-TDs. Meanwhile, Josh Cole leads the team in total tackles and tackles for loss. 

The Prince Avenue Christian Wolverines are the defending Class-A Private Champions and are in the semifinals for the fifth time in six years and for the eighth time overall. Prince Avenue has won twelve straight games entering this week and have outscored their two playoff opponents 93-22. On the season, the Wolverines are averaging 46.8 points per game while the defense is allowing 9.9 points per game. Sophomore quarterback Aaron Philo has thrown for 3,819 yards, and has completed 72% of his passes with 42-TD. Philo’s top receivers this season have been Bailey Stockton (64 receptions, 1,041 yards, 15-TDs), Elijah Dewitt (59 receptions, 917 yards, 6-TDs) and Ethan Christian (36 receptions, 870 yards, 14-TDs). 

Fellowship Christian will have to devise a scheme to slow down the air raid attack of the Wolverines. We believe this game will be high scoring but close. Prince Avenue has too many weapons. We like the Wolverines by 6.  

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Eight Greats Around the State – Georgia High School Football A-Public Semifinal Playoff Preview

Posted on December 1, 2021 by admin

We move on to Class A-Public for our next Georgia High School Football Semifinal Playoff Preview. This week’s matchups feature the two-time defending champion Irwin County Indians hosting Wilcox County and Metter hosting brooks County. If Irwin and Brooks find a way to win, we will have an all Region-1 finals and a rematch of last year’s title game. Wilcox County is looking to get back to the state title game for the first time since 2009, when they last won it all, while a win by Metter would put them into the finals for the first time in school history.

As always, thanks for reading. While you’re here, don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss any of our coverage. Please feel free to comment and share.

Special thanks to the Georgia Helmet Project for providing each team’s helmet. You can find all of their work here: http://gahelmetproject.com

Special thanks to the Georgia Helmet Project for providing each team’s helmet. You can find all of their work here: http://gahelmetproject.com

Historical records are provided by the Georgia High School Football Historians Association. (ghsfa.org)

The Skinny

The Irwin County Indians have won nine straight games and have advanced to the semifinals for the eighth time in nine years  and for the sixteenth time overall. The Indians are the two-time defending Class-A Public Champions. Irwin County is averaging 39.3 points per game while the defense is allowing 14.4. In their three playoff wins, the Indians have outscored their opponents 114 to 49. The Indians average 121.8 yards per game through the air and 264 yards per game on the ground. Junior quarterback Cody Soliday has thrown for 1,571 yards and 23-TDs, while running backs Demarkus Lundy (1,417 yards, 17-TDs) and Shane Marshall (682 yards, 6-TDs) pace the Indians on the ground. Five Irwin County receivers have caught at least 10 passes this season. 

The Wilcox County Patriots advanced to the semifinals for the first time since 2012 and for the eighth time in school history. The Patriots are winners of their last six games. The offense is average 25.7 points per game while the defense allows 21.5. In their three playoff games, the Patriots have outscored their opponents 79-62. While the scores might be close, the Patriots continue to find away to win. Quarterback Abe Stowe is crafty and can beat teams with his arm or with his legs. In the backfield with Stowe is Dayshawn Lawson. Lawson is a shifty running back who is dangerous in space but not afraid of the contact in between the tackles. 

In interesting storyline coming into this week is that both starting quarterbacks are the son of their respective head coach. Wilcox County will need to make this a knock down-drag out low scoring game if they are gong to escape Ocilla with a win. It’s possible, but not probable. We like Irwin by 13.  

The Skinny

The Metter Tigers went undefeated in the regular season for the second straight year and are in the semifinals for the second straight season and for the sixth time in school history. The Tigers have defeated all of their opponents handily this season, averaging 45.3 points per game while allowing 11. They have outscored their three playoff opponents 135-41. Most of Metter’s offensive production comes on the ground and they have several talented running backs to carry the load. Antwan Coney might be the best of the group, but don’t forget Danny Cheley, Josh Kelly and Kaliq Jordan who might be the toughest to bring down of the whole bunch. A win this week would put the Tigers into the finals for the first time in school history. 

The Brooks County Trojans have now won eight straight games and are in the semifinals for the third straight year and for the eleventh time in school history. The Trojans have outscored their playoff oppositions 161-71. On the year, they are averaging 47.7 points per game while the defense is allowing 19.2 points per game. Brooks is averaging 172.9 yards per game through the air and 241.8 yards per game on the ground. Quarterback Jamal Sanders has thrown for 2,043 yards and 25-TDs while Omari Arnold has rushed for 2,071 yards and 34-TDs. Sanders’ top receivers are Willie Brown and Tramaine Demps. Brown has caught 44 passes for 1,036 yards and 9-TDs while Demps has caught 25 passes for 565 yards and 12-TDs. Amar Thomas and Christian Edgerton lead the team in total tackles while Treyveon Jackson leads the team with 10.5 sacks.  

Both of these teams have put up a ton of points this season, so we don’t expect that to stop this week. Metter’s bevy of backs will certainly be a problem for Brooks County. But we still believe the Trojans are a little more explosive on offense and like them in a close contest by 3.

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Eight Greats Around the State – Georgia High School Football 2A Semifinal Playoff Preview

Posted on November 30, 2021 by admin

Class 2A is the focus of our next Georgia High School Football Semifinal Playoff Preview. This week’s matchups feature the Thomasville Bulldogs as they host the defending Class 2A state champs, the Callaway Cavaliers while the Swainsboro Tigers host the Fitzgerald Purple Hurricanes. Notably absent from the semifinals this week is Rabun County, who got beat soundly last week by Thomasville. The Callaway Cavaliers seem to be peaking at the right time as they look to make their second straight trip to the finals. Meanwhile, Swainsboro is looking to make their first trip to the finals in 21 years, while Fitzgerald is looking to get back to the finals for the second straight season.

As always, thanks for reading. While you’re here, don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss any of our coverage. Please feel free to comment and share.

Special thanks to the Georgia Helmet Project for providing each team’s helmet. You can find all of their work here: http://gahelmetproject.com

Special thanks to the Georgia Helmet Project for providing each team’s helmet. You can find all of their work here: http://gahelmetproject.com

Historical records are provided by the Georgia High School Football Historians Association. (ghsfa.org)

The Skinny

 The Thomasville Bulldogs perhaps pulled the biggest shocker in the semifinals by downing Rabun County last week. The win puts the Bulldogs in the semifinals for the second time in three years and for the 19th time in school history. The Bulldogs are winners of eight straight entering this week’s matchup. Thomasville is averaging 32.3 points per game while the defense is allowing 15 points per game,. Quarterback Shannen White has thrown for 1,705 yards and 21-TDs, while Malik Harper and Ricky Fulton have combined to rush for 2,038 yards and 28-TDs. Defensively, Ty Andrson leads the team in total tackles and sacks. The Bulldogs secondary has intercepted 13 passes on the season.

The Callaway Cavaliers are the defending Class 2-A champion, but they lost a lot of experience to graduation. Despite graduation, the Cavs have managed to find themselves in the semifinals for the fourth consecutive season and have advanced to the finals for the sixth time overall. Callaway has won their last six games coming into this week’s matchup. They are outscoring their opponents 30.7 to 18.2 on the season. The Cavs offense is powered by quarterback DeShun Coleman, receivers Carlos Billingslea and Andrew Locke and running backs Kier Jackson and Amarion Truitt. The defensive line is anchored by Elijah Gunn up front. Callaway has outscored their three playoff opponents 103-58.

After watching Thomasville’s game last week, it would be easy to dismiss Callaway with any chance of winning this week. But the Cavs are the defending champs, so we would never count them out. Callaway will need to rely on Elijah Gunn to help set the tone on defense if they want to pul the upset. It will be much closer than some would think, but we like the Bulldogs by 6.

The Skinny

The Swainsboro Tigers advanced to the semifinals for the first time in 21 years and for the fifth time in school history. The Tigers are winners of their last nine games entering their semifinals matchup this week. They are averaging 31 points per game and allowing 9.3 and in the playoffs they have outscored their opponents 101-29. The Tigers rely heavily on the rushing attack, averaging 300 yards per game on the ground and just 33.9 yards per game through the air. In fact, the Tigers only average 5 pass attempts per game. Quarterback Ty Adams leads the team in rushing with 1,719 yards and  23-TDs, while Demello Jones has rushed for 662 yards and 10-TDs and Qindarius Brown has chipped in 630 yards and 5-TDs. Jones is also the Tigers leading receiver with 14 receptions for 294 yards and 3-TDs. Jerrod Steward leads the team in total tackles (132). The Swainsboro defense has sacked opposing quarterbacks 24 times and forced 18 turnovers this season.

The Fitzgerald Purple Hurricanes advanced to the semifinals for the sixth time in eight years and for the fifteenth time in school history. The Canes are winners of their last four games and have won seven of their last eight games. This will be their third straight game against a No. 1 seed. Fitzgerald has outscored their three playoff opponents 64-27. For the season, the Canes are averaging 24.1 points per game while allowing 12.1. While their offense has not been prolific as it has been over the last few seasons, it has been efficient, relying heavily on the run, but Sultan Cooper has provided a threat to pass to keep teams honest. Primary running backs for the Canes include DeNorris Goodwin (who scored all three touchdowns last week), Sylon Davis and Jakorrian Paulk. Linebacker E.J. Lightsey is one of the top players in the state and leads the Canes defense. 

We expect this game to be low scoring and briskly played as both teams rely heavily on the run. We believe Fitzgerald’s defense will be the key to victory this week and like the Canes by 8. 

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Eight Greats Around the State – Georgia High School Football 3A Semifinal Playoff Preview

Posted on November 30, 2021 by admin

Class 3A is up next as we continue our Georgia High School Football Semifinal previews. This is a unique semifinals as it pits Region 1 against Region 5 in both matchups as Cedar Grove hosts Appling County and Pierce County hosts Carver-Atlanta. Carver Atlanta has come on strong and is certainly the underdog. Meanwhile, Cedar Grove, Appling County and defending champs, Pierce County have been ranked in our poll all season long. We believe that Cedar Grove has enough on defense to carry them to the title, but will their offense be able to points up against a great defense this week?

As always, thanks for reading. While you’re here, don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss any of our coverage. Please feel free to comment and share.

Special thanks to the Georgia Helmet Project for providing each team’s helmet. You can find all of their work here: http://gahelmetproject.com

Special thanks to the Georgia Helmet Project for providing each team’s helmet. You can find all of their work here: http://gahelmetproject.com

Historical records are provided by the Georgia High School Football Historians Association. (ghsfa.org)

The Skinny

The Cedar Grove Saints have advanced to the semifinals for the sixth time in seven years. The Saints avenged last year’s loss to Crisp County in the quarterfinals. Since losing their regular season finale, the Saints have outscored their three playoff opponents 156-16. On the season, they are averaging 43.9 points per game while the defense is allowing 12 points per game. Rashad Dubinion had rushed for 1,564 yards and 23-TDs, while coming into the quarterfinals, receivers Janiran Bonner, Bernard Mack and Trevon Ferrell had caught a combined for 98 passes for 1,519 yards and 16-TDs. Quinterio Lawson leads the defense in total tackles while Adonijah Green leads the team in sacks with 16.5 entering last week’s game. 

The Appling County Pirates are in the semifinals for the first time since 2011 and for the third time in school history. Like Cedar Grove, Appling County dropped their regular season finale, but have since rebounded and have outscored their three playoff opponents 97-35. On the season, the Pirates are averaging 34.4 points per game and allowing 9.1 points per game. The Pirates have not allowed more than 20 points in a game this season. 

This game features two of the better defenses in Class 3-A. Darris Smith and the rest of the Pirates should make it challenging for Cedar Grove’s freshman quarterback Elliott Colson. But the Saints have plenty of weapons to help Colson along. We like Cedar Grove this week on the strength of their defense by 8.

The Skinny

The Pierce County Bears are the defending Class 3-A champions and are in the semifinals for the third time in four years and for the third time overall. Pierce County has won seven straight games coming into this week and had shut out their first two playoff opponents. This season, Pierce is averaging 31.3 points per game and allowing 7.9. During the regular season, the Bears shutout five of their opponents. The bulk of the Bears offense does by way of the ground game, as they average 232.3 yards per game. They only throw the ball about five times per game. D.J. Bell has been the work horse on offense with 1,638 yards rushing and 21-TDs. Meanwhile, Donelius Johnson leads the Bears in total tackles and sacks and Daytin Baker leads the secondary with five interceptions. 

The Carver-Atlanta Panthers have won their last eight games and are in the semifinals for the first time since 2017 and for the fifth time in school history. The Panthers have an explosive offense, averaging just over 150 yards per game through the air and over 300 yards per game on the ground. Bryce Bowens leads the way at quarterback and he is flanked by two one-thousand yard rushers in Jarveous Brown and Quintavious Lockett, while Tobias Robinson leads the team in receiving. Defensively, Devonte Amasiani and Dialo Mosley leads the team in total tackles, while Terrell Lightfoot leas the team in sacks. Carver is averaging 36.6 points per game while the defense is allowing 17.3

Pierce County’s defense has certainly been more dominant this season, but Carver’s offense is definitely a force to be reckoned with. It’s a long drive from Atlanta to Blackshear and we believe that will have an effect on the Panthers along with a stout Pierce County defense. We like the defending Champs by 9 this week. 

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Eight Greats Around the State – Georgia High School Football 4A Semifinal Playoff Preview

Posted on November 29, 2021 by admin

We continue with our semifinal previews as we take a look at the Georgia High School Football 4A Semifinal matchups. The four teams that advanced are Carver Columbus-Cedartown and Benedictine-North Oconee. North Oconee might be the surprise team of the season as we certainly did not have them in our top four to begin this season. Benedictine is the most potent offense, but don’t county out Carver Columbus who can put up points in bunches, while Cedartown and their ground game can certainly lead them into the finals. We believe that Benedictine will hoist the trophy when it is all said and done.

As always, thanks for reading. While you’re here, don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss any of our coverage. Please feel free to comment and share.

Special thanks to the Georgia Helmet Project for providing each team’s helmet. You can find all of their work here: http://gahelmetproject.com

Special thanks to the Georgia Helmet Project for providing each team’s helmet. You can find all of their work here: http://gahelmetproject.com

Historical records are provided by the Georgia High School Football Historians Association. (ghsfa.org)

The Skinny

The Carver Tigers have won 12 straight games and are in the semifinals for the 8th time overall and the first time since 2011. The Tigers are averaging 35.9 points per game while the defense is allowing 10.6 points per game. In their three playoff games, they have outscored their opponents 90-33. The Carver offense is averaging 167.5 yards per game through the air and 297.8 yards per game on the ground. Quarterback Devil Riles is completing 68% of his passes and has thrown for 1,830 yards and 14-TDs  and rushed for 720 yards and 6-TDs. Meanwhile Jaiden Credle has rushed for 1,874 yards and 22-TDs. The Carver defense has sacked opposing quarterbacks 34 times, with Cameron Crowell leading the way with 8. A win would put the Tigers into the finals for the first time since 2007, when they won their last state title.

The Cedartown Bulldogs have won their last eight games and are in the semifinals for the first time since 2001 and for the ninth time overall. The Bulldogs are averaging 37.8 points per game and allowing 10.8. In their three playoff games, they have outscored their opponents 142 to 53. We mentioned this last week, so it’s no secret that the Bulldogs rely heavily on the ground game. They are churning out an average of 329.3 yards per game on the ground. It’s been Harlem Diamond, C.J. Washington and Patrick Gardner with the bulk of the production. The trio has combined for 2,712 yards and 40-TDs. If the Dogs do throw it, Jordan Johnson will be the primary target. He has 25 receptions for 429 yards and 3-TDs. Defensively, DeMario Sims leads the team with 15 sacks, while Eli Barrow leads the team in total tackles.

The Carver Tigers have some explosive players on in Credle and Riles and would certainly be.a safe pick playing at home. But we believe the ground attack of Cedartown will wear down Carver. We like the Bulldogs by 6. 

The Skinny

The Benedictine Cadets are back in the semifinals for the second consecutive season and for the sixth time overall. The Cadets come into this week on an 11 game win streak. After easily defeating their first two opponents by a combined 122-7, they outlasted Marist in a 3-point victory at home. Benedictine is averaging 48.9 points per game while the defense is allowing 19.3 points per game. Entering the semifinals, the Cadets were averaging 226.5 yards through the air and 236.5 yards on the ground. Quarterback Holden Geriner has now thrown for over 2,600 yard and 29-TDs. Za’Quan Bryan is Geriner’s primary target with over 1,100 yards receiving and 11-TDs. Justin Thomas leads the team in rushing with over 1,200 yards and 23-TDs. But Thomas has also proved to be an effective pass catcher out of the backfield with over 700 yards receiving and 11-TDs. 

The North Oconee Titans have won nine straight games and are in the semifinals for the first time in school history. North Oconee is averaging 32 points per game while the defense is allowing 16 points per game. In their three playoff wins, the Titans are outscoring their opponents 122-45. The last time that North Oconee lost this season was to this week’s opponent, Benedictine, back on September 10th. But since the loss, North Oconee defeated three playoff teams in the regular season en route to claiming their their third region title in school history, including Jefferson who was an early season favorite to win it all.

It will be another long road trip from Bogart to Savannah. Benedictine won the first game by 31 points. We believe this game will be much closer than the first matchup, but we still believe Benedictine has enough offense from Geriner & Co. to advance to the finals. Benedictine by two touchdowns. 

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Eight Greats Around the State – Georgia High School Football 5A Semifinal Playoff Preview

Posted on November 29, 2021 by admin

We continue with our semifinal previews as we take a look at the Georgia High School Football 5A Semifinal matchups. The four teams that advanced are Creekside-Warner Robins and Calhoun-Blessed Trinity. The Calhoun vs. Blessed Trinity game is a rematch of a contest that Calhoun won down in Roswell on October 8th. Meanwhile, Warner Robins is the defending champs and will face perhaps the best defense remaining in class 5-A as they travel to Fariburn to play Creekside. We still like Warner Robins but there will be no easy path to a state title as all four of these teams are talented enough to win it all.

As always, thanks for reading. While you’re here, don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss any of our coverage. Please feel free to comment and share.

Special thanks to the Georgia Helmet Project for providing each team’s helmet. You can find all of their work here: http://gahelmetproject.com

The Skinny

The Creekside Seminoles are into the semifinals for the first time since 2013 and the third time in school history. The Seminoles enter the semifinals winners of their last three games as they have bounced back from the loss in their regular season finale. The Seminoles are averaging 151.9 yards per game through the air and 206.2 yards per game on thee ground. Quarterback Ny’Quan Lett has thrown for 1,961 yards and 22-TDs and has rushed for 639 yards and 8-TDs. Cameron Burch leads Creekside with 850 rushing yards and 15-TDs. Burch also leads the team in receptions while Derrick White leads the team in receiving yards (678) and receiving TDs (9). Vincent Hill is tops on the team in total tackles while Javeon Miller has recorded 22 sacks this season. The Seminoles have sacked opposing quarterbacks an astounding 64 times this season. Creekside has outscored their three playoff opponents 89-65.

The Warner Robins Demons are the defending Class 5-A champions and are in the semifinals for the fifth straight season and 18th time in school history.  The Demons relied heavily on the ground game last week as JaFrederick Perry rushed for 291 yards and 5-TDs on just 14 carries. Perry has now rushed for 1,148 yards and a team leading 18 rushing TDs. The Demons are averaging 201.5 yards per game through the air as quarterback Christon Lane has thrown for 2,289 yards and 29-TDs. However, Lane only attempted 9 passes last week in the victory. Daveon Walker and Deuce Petty have combined to catch 88 passes for 1,711 yards and 22-TDs.The Demons are outscoring their opponents in the playoffs 137 to 58.

This game would make a fantastic state title matchup. The Demons seem to just plug and play with different running backs and still manage to get the job done. Creekside’s defense should keep this game relatively close throughout, but we believe Warner Robins is too explosive on offense. We like the Demons by 6 on the road. 

The Skinny

The Calhoun Yellow Jackets advanced to the semifinals for the second time in four years and for the 15th time overall. The Jackets have bounced back from a regular season loss to win three straight en route to this year’s semifinals. They have defeated No. 1 seeds in consecutive weeks and have logged some pretty impressive mileage traveling from Calhoun to Waycross two weeks ago and last week over to Athens to face Clarke-Central. Calhoun is averaging 39.6 points per game while the defense is allowing 19.8 points per game. In their three playoff games, the Jackets are outscoring their opponents 115 to 70. 

The Blessed Trinity Titans have won five straight games coming into this week and are in the semifinals for the fourth time in five years and for the sixth time overall. The Titans have also defeated two No. 1 seeds en route to the semifinals. Overall Blessed Trinity is averaging 31.6 points per game while the defense is allowing 19.2 points per game. They have outscored their three playoff opponents 118-40. Justice Haynes continues to prove he is one of the best backs in the state after rushing for 5-TDs last week. 

This is a rematch of a region game that Calhoun won back on October 8th. The Jackets have plenty of offense but they’ll have to find a way to contain red-hot running back Justice Haynes. That’s much easier said than done, but Calhoun has plenty of weapons of their own. It will take a team effort, but we like Calhoun by 3 at home. 

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Eight Greats Around the State – Georgia High School Football 6A Semifinal Playoff Preview

Posted on November 28, 2021 by admin

We are down to the final four teams in each classification of the GHSA Football Playoffs. This week, we will preview each of the semifinals games as we continue with our Georgia High School Football 6A Semifinal preview. The four teams that advanced are Buford-Carrollton and Langston Hughes-Dacula. Region 8 advanced two teams into the final four (Buford and Dacula). Dacula is the dark horse and Buford is the favorite to win the title. However, don’t count out the explosiveness of both Hughes and Carrollton.

As always, thanks for reading. While you’re here, don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss any of our coverage. Please feel free to comment and share.

Special thanks to the Georgia Helmet Project for providing each team’s helmet. You can find all of their work here: http://gahelmetproject.com

Special thanks to the Georgia Helmet Project for providing each team’s helmet. You can find all of their work here: http://gahelmetproject.com

Historical records are provided by the Georgia High School Football Historians Association. (ghsfa.org)

The Skinny

The Buford Wolves are the defending Class 6A champions and have advanced to the semifinals for the 25th time in school history. Buford was won nine straight games entering this week and as we mentioned last week, the Wolves have not lost to a team from the state of Georgia this year. Buford is averaging 36.6 points per game while the defense is allowing a paltry 6.4 points per game. In their three playoff games, Buford is outscoring the opposition 109 to 21. The Wolves have shutout five of their thirteen opponents this season. The offense is powered by running backs Victor Venn and C.J. Clinkscales. Quarterback Ashton Daniels also has very skilled wide receivers in Jake Pope, Isaiah Bond, and K.J. Bolden. 

The Carrollton Trojans advanced to the semifinals for the first time since 2013 and for the 23rd time in school history. The Trojans have won eight straight games entering this week. Carrollton is averaging 42.1 points per game while the defense is allowing 19.2. They’re averaging 238.9 yards per game through the air and 184 yards per game on the ground. Quarterback M.J. Morris has now thrown for 2,917 yards, rushed for 581 yards and has accounted for 46 total TDs. Bryce Hicks leads the team in rushing with 861 yards and 13-TDs while Terrell Carmichael, Takare Lipscomb and Ace Williamson lead the Trojans in receiving. Carrollton has outscored their three playoff opponents 127-81.

Carrollton can score points in bunches, but they also have shown a propensity to give up points as well. That might hurt them this week. Morris can keep Carrollton in the game, but we believe Buford is too talented across the board. Wolves by 13.

The Skinny

The Langston Hughes Panthers advanced to the semifinals for the first time in school history. The Panthers have also set a school record for wins in a season. Langston Hughes has done it with a balanced attack this season, rushing for 183.2 yards per game while passing for 177.8. Quarterback Prentiss “Air” Noland has thrown for 2,225 yards and 29-TDs while Antonio Martin, Jr. has rushed for 786 yards and 13-TDs. Top receivers for the Panthers this season have been Armani Tookes, Rodney Shelley, Jelani Thurman and Terrance Love. Michael Watson leads the team in total tackles while the aforementioned, Love, Shelley, and Xavier Smith have all intercepted 3 passes in the secondary. Hughes has outscored their three playoff opponents 118 to 29. 

The Dacula Falcons advanced to the semifinals for the third time in four years and for the sixth time in school history. Dacula has won eight of their last nine games and three of their losses have been to 7-A schools. (The other was to Class 6A favorite, Buford.) The Falcons are averaging 28.3 points per game while the defense is allowing 18.7. They’ve caught fire in the playoffs, averaging 33.3 points per game while allowing just 11 points per game. Most of Dacula’s offense comes on the legs of running back Kyle Efford, and while we don’t have official stats, we have seen the film and know that he’s a great combination of power and speed. But don’t forget about quarterback Austin Adcock or receiver Percy Williams. 

A win for either team will advance them to the finals for the first time in school history. While Dacula has been on a roll as of late, this Langston Hughes defense will be the best one they’ve played in the playoffs this season. We like the Panthers by 10.

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Eight Greats Around the State – Georgia High School Football 7A Semifinal Playoff Preview

Posted on November 28, 2021 by admin

We are down to the final four teams in each classification of the GHSA Football Playoffs. This week, we will preview each of the semifinals games as we start with our Georgia High School Football 7A Semifinal preview. The four teams that advanced are Milton-Walton and Collins Hill-Grayson. Walton is probably the hottest team coming into this week, while Grayson is the defending state champ. Milton is extremely talented as well, but you’d have to think Collins Hill is the odds on favorite to win the schools first state title.

As always, thanks for reading. While you’re here, don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss any of our coverage. Please feel free to comment and share.

Special thanks to the Georgia Helmet Project for providing each team’s helmet. You can find all of their work here: http://gahelmetproject.com

Special thanks to the Georgia Helmet Project for providing each team’s helmet. You can find all of their work here: http://gahelmetproject.com

Historical records are provided by the Georgia High School Football Historians Association. (ghsfa.org)

The Skinny

The Milton Eagles are back into the semifinals for the first time since 2018 and only the third time in school history. The Eagles are winners of their last 11 games. Over the last two games, Milton has really relied heavily on the ground game, rushing for 707 yards and 7-TDs. Jordan McDonald and quarterback Devin Farrell have been responsible for most of the damage on the ground this season. McDonald has gone over 200 yards in each of the last two games. He has 1,181 yards and 20-TDs on the season while Farrell has rushed for 836 yards and 10-TDs. Farrell has also thrown for 1,865 yards and 24-TDs, completing 65% of his passes. On defense, L.T. Overton and A.J. Crawford have combined to sack opposing quarterbacks 19 times. 

The Walton Raiders are winners of their last three games and are in the semifinals for the first time in ten years and similar to Milton, this is their third semifinals appearance in school history. Last week, the Raiders jumped out to an early lead over Brookwood to help propel them into this week’s matchup. Sophomore quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski took most of the snaps last week and looked like a veteran. He’s joined in the backfield by a very talented running back in Sutton Smith. Hecklinski’s receiving targets include Mustafa Heffner, Rawson McNeil, and Marcus Allen among others. The Raiders are averaging 36.8 points per game while the defense is allowing 26.3 points per game. 

The Milton Eagles have to be on guard for an upset this week. Walton might be the hottest team not named Collins Hill in Class 7A right now. No one can question Walton’s playoff wins either, as they’ve all been convincing. But we believe Jordan McDonald has another big day and leads Milton to victory. Eagles by 8.

The Skinny

The Collins Hill Eagles have been on fire all season. They are in the semifinals for the second straight season and for the fourth time in school history. Collins Hill has steamrolled most of their opponents this season. They’ve outscored their playoff opponents 153-26. On the year, the Eagles are scoring 41.8 points per game while allowing 6.2. Most of the attention for the Eagles is given wide receiver Travis Hunter and quarterback Sam Horn, but the Eagles are not a one or two trick pony. Ryan Stephens and Spenser Anderson have combined to rush for 1,251 yards and 17-TDs. The defense probably doesn’t get as much press as they should either. Asani Redwood leads the team with 17 sacks while linebacker Deon Crawford its second on the team with 11.5. The Eagles defense has sacked opposing quarterbacks 53 times and have intercepted 17 passes. 

The Grayson Rams are the defending state champions and back into the finals for the second consecutive season and for the seventh time in school history. The Rams have won four straight games entering this week and are averaging 24.4 points per game while allowing 17. In their three playoff games, Grayson is averaging 35.6 points per game while allowing 16.3. The Rams have relied heavily on the run this season, averaging just 76.5 yards per game through the air while getting an average of 168.5 yards on the ground. Joe Taylor and Joseph Stone have led the way on the ground for the Rams. Jalen Smith leads the team in total tackles and sacks. Grayson has sacked opposing QBs 33 times this season. 

This is a rematch of the 2020 state title game in which Grayson dominated. This year, the Rams are the younger more inexperienced team. Their best chance to win hinges on an effective ground game to keep Horn, Hunter and the Eagles offense on the sideline. We believe that is possible, but not probable. We like Collins Hill by 17.

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