Eight Greats Around the State – Georgia High School Football Class 2A Championship Preview

Posted on December 7, 2021 by admin

The Skinny

The Thomasville Bulldogs are in search of their sixth state title this Friday night. It will be their first trip to the finals since 1993 and their eighth finals appearance in school history. The Bulldogs have won nine straight games entering the finals with their only loss to Class 3-A Oconee County. In their four playoff games, the Bulldogs are averaging 41 points per game while the defense is allowing 13.2. Overall this season, Thomasville is averaging 32.1 points per game and allowing 14.3. They have defeated a No. 1, 2, 3, and 4 seed to advance to the finals. We mentioned this last week, but perhaps their biggest victory was the 25 point win in the quarterfinals over Rabun County. The Bulldogs are averaging 139.4 yards per game through the air and 200 yards per game on the ground. Quarterback Shannen White has thrown for 1,885 yards and 23-TDs while Malik Harper and Ricky Fulton have combined to rush for 2,129 yards and 28-TDs. Linebacker Ty Anderson leads the team in total tackles and solo tackles and is tied for the team lead in tackles for loss. Anderson also leads the team with 15 sacks on the season. The Bulldogs defense has been menacing,  having sacked opposing quarterbacks 57 times the season and intercepting 15 passes. 

The Fitzgerald Purple Hurricanes are back in the state championship game for the second straight year and for the eighth time in school history. The Canes have won five straight games entering this week. Last week, we mentioned that Fitzgerald had not been as explosive this season as they have been in years past, but they are winning which is something that has been consistent with this program, as they have not missed the playoffs since the year 2000. In their four playoff wins, the Canes are averaging 22.7 points per game while allowing 8.2. In all fourteen games this season, they are averaging 24.3 points per game while allowing 11.7. The Canes have had an arduous task defeating one No. 3 seed and going on the road for three straight weeks to defeat No. 1 seeds. It’s no surprise that Fitzgerald will rely heavily on the run offensively with Jakorrian Paulk and DeNorris Goodwin getting most of the work. The Fitzgerald defense has been outstanding in the playoffs, improving on their scoring defense behind linebackers E.J. Lightsey and Jaden Stanley. The front four can really get after the quarterback and the secondary is opportunistic. A win this week would give the canes their second state title in school history. 

This will be the 31st meeting overall and second this season for these region rivals. Thomasville won the first matchup back on October 22nd. In the first meeting, Fitzgerald held Thomasville to  196 yards of total offense and just 80 yards on the ground. Expect them again to make it tough sledding for the Bulldogs running backs. We anticipate a low scoring defensive slugfest between these South Georgia powers, but like the Bulldogs to take home the title. Thomasville by 5. 

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 3A Championship Preview

Posted on December 7, 2021 by admin

The Skinny

Head Coach Darren Myles has guided the Carver Atlanta Panthers into the state finals for the first time since 1967 and only the second time in school history. Carver has won 9 consecutive games entering the championship game. The Panthers went down to Blackshear last week and held off Pierce County’s second half rally to advance this week. The Panthers are the No.2 seed from Region 5. During their playoff run, Carver has defeated a No. 3 seed, a No. 2 seed, and two No. 1 seeds. In their four playoff games, they are averaging 43.5 points per game while allowing 13.5 points per game. In all of their games, Carver is averaging 35.1 points per game while allowing 17.3. We went through the individual stats for the Panthers last week, but as a refresher, running backs Jarveous Brown and Quintavious Locket have both crossed the 1,000 yard mark rushing this season. Meanwhile, Bryce Brown is well over 1,600 yards passing. Defensively, Terrell Lightfoot and Aquantis Clemmons lead the team in sacks while Devonte Amasiani and Dialo Mosley lead the team in total tackles. A win this Saturday would give the Panthers their first football state title in school history. 

The Cedar Grove Saints are back in the playoffs for the fourth time in six years and for the fifth time in school history. After dropping their final regular season game, Cedar Grove has won four straight to get to the finals. In the playoffs, they are averaging 45.5 points per game and allowing 5.5 points per game. (The Saints seemed to refocus after the loss on 11/5.) Through all games, the they are averaging 42.7 points per game and allowing 11.6. Last week, it was sophomore quarterback Jamar Graham leading the way for the Saints. Graham has now thrown for 1,354 yards and 15-TDs. Janiran Bonner has been the top target for the Saints with 42 receptions for 668 yards and 7-TDs. But don’t forget about the other deep threats for the Saints, including Trevon Ferrell,, Bernard Mack, and Barry Jackson. Running Back Rashad Dubinion leads the team on the ground with over 1,600 yards rushing and 24-TDs. But perhaps the biggest story for Cedar Grove is their defense, who has been downright stingy this season and especially in the playoffs. They are led by lineman Christon Miller and Adonijah Green and linebackers Everett Roussaw, Carlton Madden and Quinterio Lawson. A win this Saturday would give the Saints their fourth state title in school history.

This game is a rematch between Region 5 foes. Cedar Grove won the first matchup 17-0 and the only Carver victory in this series came by way of a forfeit last season by the Saints. The Panthers are playing great football right now and we know they will not be intimidated by Cedar Grove. It will take a great performance by Carvers running backs to keep things from getting out of hand. We believe they will keep it close early, but like Cedar Grove to win 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 Class 4A Championship Preview

Posted on December 6, 2021 by admin

The Skinny

The Benedictine Cadets are in the finals for the first time since 2016 and for the third time in school history. season. Benedictine has won twelve consecutive games entering the finals. In the playoffs, they are averaging  44.5 points per game while the defense is allowing 15 points per game. In all games this season, the Cadets are averaging 48.4 points per game while the defense is allowing 20.2. The Cadets have defeated one No. 1 seed, one No. 2 seed and two No. 1 seeds to get to the finals this week. Benedictine continues with their balanced attack this season, passing for 226.5 yards per game and rushing for 228.9 yards per game, putting up an impressive 455.4 yards of total offense per game. Through the quarterfinals, quarterback Holden Geriner had passed for 2,765 yards and 29-TDs. He’s been pretty careful with the ball, only throwing 3-interceptions in 289 pass attempts. Za’Quan Bryan is the top receiver for Benedictine with 78 receptions for 1,152 yards and 11-TDs through the first thirteen games. Meanwhile Justin Thomas has been the workhorse on the ground for the Cadets with 1,245 yards and 23-TDs through the quarterfinals. Defensively, Holden Sapp and Bryce Baker have been tackling machine, as both are well over 100 total tackles each. Sapp and the aforementioned Thomas lead the secondary in interceptions. A win in the finals would give Benedictine their third state title in school history. 

The Carver Columbus Tigers are in the finals for the first time since 2007 when they won their only state title. They Tigers are on a thirteen game win streak since dropping their opener to Class 6-A Lee County by 3 points. In their four playoff victories, Carver is averaging 28 points per game while the defense is allowing 13.5. Taking into account the entire season, they are averaging 34.8 points per game while the defense is allowing 11.4. Carver has defeated one No. 4 seed, two No. 3 seeds and one No. 1 seed to advance to the finals this week. Offensively, they lean heavily on the run, but they can and will throw as they are averaging 167.5 yards per game through the air and 297.8 on the ground. (More total offense per game than their Benedictine.) Through the quarterfinals, quarterback Devin Riles has thrown for 1,830 yards and 14-TDs and rushed for 720 yards and 6-TDs while Jaiden Credle has rushed for 1,874 yards and 22-TDs. James Jackson, Micheal Meriweather, and Cameron Crowell are defensive statistical leaders in total tackles and sacks. A win for the Tigers would mark their second state title in school history.

We know that both teams have the ability to rack up several yards on both the ground and through the air and because both teams are multi-dimensional. That alone should make the chess match for these two defensive coordinators a little more interesting. Last week, we thought it would be Benedictine hoisting the trophy. We still fill that way, but we expect a game that comes down to the wire. If the Cadets can slow down Credle, we believe they will take home the title. Benedictine by 2.

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 5A Championship Preview

Posted on December 6, 2021 by admin

The Skinny

The Calhoun Yellow Jackets advanced to the state title game for the eleventh time in school history and for the first time since 2017. Calhoun lost their regular season finale back on October 29th, but there has been no hangover, as they’ve won four straight to get to the title game. In their four playoff wins, Calhoun has averaged 34.7 points per game while allowing 19.2. In all fourteen games this season, the Jackets are averaging 38.5 points per game while allowing 18.9. Calhoun has defeated two No. 3 seeds and two No. 1 seeds to get to the championship game. They had perhaps one of the more impressive wins in the playoffs, going down to Waycross and defeating Ware County in the second round. Calhoun is an explosive team as quarterback Christian Lewis has several weapons around him, headlined by Cole Speer, Quin Smith and tight end Emaree Wilson at receiver and super sophomore Caden Williams in the backfield. Defensively, “Swiss army knife” Gager Leonard is a thumper in the secondary while Christopher Lewis is another leader and defense.

 The Warner Robins Demons are in the finals for the fifth consecutive season and for the tenth time overall. The Demons have won seven consecutive games entering this week. In their four playoff games, they are averaging 44.2 points per game while the defense is allowing 18.2. Overall this season, Warner Robins is averaging 48 points per game while allowing 18.5. The Demons have defeated one No. 3 Seed, One No. 2 seed and two No. 1 seeds on route to a chance to defend their state title. JaFredrick Perry continued on his torrid playoff pace as he scored four more touchdowns in the victory last week. Coming into the semifinals, Perry had rushed for 1,148 yards and 18-TDs, while spelling another 1,000 yard rusher, Malcolm Brown. Quarterback Christon Lane has thrown for 2,289 yards and 29-TDs, completing 65% of his passes through the first thirteen games of the season. Through that same time frame, Deuce Petty and Daveon Walker have combined to catch 88 passes for 1,711 yards and 22-TDs. A Warner Robins win would give them their second consecutive state title and their sixth state title overall.

There are playmakers all over the field in this game. The Warner Robins defense will have their hands full defending Cole Speer and the Calhoun receivers. Expect Calhoun quarterback Christian Lewis to be harassed by Vic Burley and the Demons front four. On the other end, expect for Warner Robins to feed Calhoun a steady dose of Fred Perry. We wouldn’t be surprised to see a few big collisions between Perry and Calhoun’s Leonard at some point. We’d also expect a lot of points being scored, but like Warner Robins and their ground game to prevail. Demons by 9.

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 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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