GHSA 3A Quarterfinal Preview

Posted on December 8, 2020 by admin

Our Class 3A quarterfinal previews are up next. This preview features games between Greater Atlanta Christian – Appling County, Oconee County – Peach County, Pierce County – Carver, Atlanta and Crisp County – Cedar Grove.

Last week in our Class 3A picks, we went 7-1. The Carver Atlanta Panthers proved us wrong last week! Way to go Panthers! 

If we had to pick a 3A game to attend, it would be the rematch of the 2019 finals, Cedar Grove at Crisp County. But let’s be real, all of these games should be fantastic.

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

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

All helmet images are courtesy of the Georgia High School Helmet Project. To see all of their work, please visit: http://www.gahelmetproject.com

The Skinny

The Greater Atlanta Christian Spartans advanced to the quarterfinals for the seventh time in nine years. The Spartans recorded their second shutout of the season and have now outscored their two playoff opponents 70-7. Greater Atlanta Christian got two rushing touchdowns from quarterback Deymon Flemming and two from running back Marcus Wilson in last week’s victory. This season, Flemming has thrown for 1,651 yards and 20-TDs while Aidan Baily and Joseph Rose lead the defense with 77 and 75 total tackles respectively. The Spartans are averaging 29.9 points per game on offense while allowing 11.2.

The Spartans will host the Appling County Pirates from Region 1. Appling County advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2011. Last week, the Pirates scored over 60 points for the third time this season. They are averaging 43.5 points per game while allowing 12.2. Earlier this season, we mentioned how well the Pirates swarm to the ball on defense. They will need a lot more of that this week as they make the trip up from Baxley. In their two playoff games the Pirates have outscored their opponents 103-20. Appling won’t score 60 this week, but we believe they will score just enough to get a big victory on the road. Pirates by 9.

The Skinny

The Oconee County Warriors advanced to the quarterfinals for the second straight season and are 10-0 for the first time since 2001. Oconee County has not surrendered more than 16 points in any game and on average is allowing 8.5 points per game. Defensive leaders for the Warriors include West Weeks, Justin Coleman and Liam Lewis among others. On offense the Warriors are averaging 30.8 points per game with Jake Johnson as the primary target at receiver. In their two playoff games, Oconee County has outscored their opponents 63-14.

The Warriors will host Class 3A perennial power Peach County. The Trojans advanced to the quarterfinals for the fifth consecutive season. Peach County has won nine straight games entering this week since their week-1 loss. The Trojans have not allowed more than 14 points in a game this season. Offensively they are scoring 41.4 points per game while allowing 7.5. In their two playoff games, they have outscored their opponents 106-7. Expecting Peach to put up 41 points on the road is probably a little outlandish, but we do believe the Trojans have enough weapons on offense to steal one this week. Peach County by 6.

The Skinny

The Pierce County Bears are back in the quarterfinals for the second time in three years. Since dropping a game to Fitzgerald, the Bears have won six straight games and recorded their fourth shutout of the season. Quarterback Jermaine Brewton and running back D.J. Bell have helped lead the offense this season. Meanwhile, Austin Jernigan and Spencer Woodcock lead the team in tackles. Pierce County is averaging 36.7 points per game while the defense is allowing only 8.9.

The Bears will host the Carver Panthers out of Atlanta. Carver is making their second quarterfinals appearance since 2017.  Jarveous Brown has eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark on the season to lead the way for the Panthers offense. Carver has won five of their last six games entering this week and have outscored their two playoff opponents 55-42. On the season, the Panthers are averaging 21.3 points per game while allowing 25.2. We expect for the Pierce County defense to cause problems for the Carver offense this week and for the Bears offense to continue to roll. We like Pierce County by 18.

The Skinny

The Crisp County Cougars are in the quarterfinals for the third time in five years. The Cougars have been almost spotless this season, with their lone loss coming at the hands of Peach County by 1. They have won five games since then and have really flexed their defensive muscle in the playoffs, outscoring their opponents by a score of 71-0. Marquise Palmer and quarterbacks AJ Lofton and Ahmad Brown help lead the way on offense for the Cougars while Chris Paul Jr., Nick Mercer and Preston Lavant lead the way for the Cougars defense. Crisp has sacked opposing quarterbacks 41 times while J’Kobe Harris leads the secondary with 9 interceptions. Crisp County is averaging 28.3 points per game overall this season while allowing 5.7.

They will host the Cedar Grove Saints who are in the quarterfinals for the sixth straight season. For those who don’t know, the Saints are the two time defending Class 3A Champions and have made it to the semifinals in each of the past five seasons. The Saints are winners of their last three games, but had to survive a scare in overtime against Rockmart last week. Cedar Grove has outscored their two playoff opponents 58-39. On the season, the Saints are averaging 33.4 points per game while the defense is allowing 10.5. While those numbers are really impressive, we think there might be a hitch in their giddy-up and could be ripe for an upset. We like the Cougars at home by 1. 

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GHSA 4A Quarterfinal Preview

Posted on December 7, 2020 by admin

We now turn our attention to class 4-A for our GHSA quarterfinal previews. This preview features games between Benedictine – Riverdale, Jefferson – Carver, Columbus, Cedartown – Bainbridge and Perry – Marist. 

Last week in our picks, we went 7-1 in Class 4A. The Perry Panthers proved us wrong last week! Way to go Panthers! 

If we had to pick a 4A game to attend, it would be a road trip to Savannah to watch Benedictine square off against Riverdale. Great defense versus great offense. Should be a good one!

Best of luck to all of the teams competing on Friday night. As always, thanks for reading. Please feel free to comment and share. 

All helmet images are courtesy of the Georgia High School Helmet Project. To see all of their work, please visit: http://www.gahelmetproject.com

The Skinny

The Benedictine Cadets are in the quarterfinals for the seventh time in eight years. Going into last week’s game, quarterback Holden Geriner had thrown for just under 2,000 yards and 19-TDs. He leads an offense that is averaging 38.6 points per game. Defensively, Holden Sapp and Keiran Glover lead the team in total tackles. Sapp also leads the team in sacks. The Cadets are allowing 26.7 points per game. In their two playoff games, Benedictine is outscoring their opponents 87-58

The Riverdale Raiders have won six straight games and have advanced to the quarterfinal round for the first time since 1998. On the season, Riverdale is averaging 33 points per game while the defense is only allowing 8.5 points. In their two playoff games, they are outscoring their opponents 86-24. This will be the first time the Raiders will play on the road in the playoffs this season. It should be fun to see Riverdale quarterback Avaun Rucker duel with Benedictine’s Geriner. We really like Riverdale’s defense, but believe the long road trip will be tough to overcome. We’ll take Benedictine by 6.  

The Skinny

The Jefferson Dragons are making their fourth quarterfinals appearance in the last five years. Jefferson has shut out their last three opponents and are averaging 45.8 points per game on offense while only allowing 6.9 points per game. In their two playoff appearances, the Dragons have outscored their opponents 100-0. The Dragons are only attempting about 4 passes per game this season. As a team, they’ve rushed for 3,257 yards and 47-TDs. Quarterback Malaki Starks is the engine for the Dragons as he’s rushed for 1,053 yards and 17-TDs. We mentioned Starks does not throw it often, but of his 15 completions on the season, 10 have gone for touchdowns.

The Carver Columbus Tigers will travel across the state to face Jefferson on Friday night. It will be the first time the Tigers have advanced to the quarterfinals since 2013. Carver shutout Baldwin last week in a defensive battle and kept their record spotless in the process. It was the second shutout of the year for the Tigers defense which is allowing 9.9 points per game. Offensively, Carver was kept well below their season average of 38.6 points per game. In their two playoff games, Carver is outscoring their opponents 34-3. We don’t believe they can keep Jefferson to those type numbers this week. Dragons are too explosive, especially at home. We like Jefferson by 18.

The Skinny

The Cedartown Bulldogs ran wild last week on their way to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002. Cedartown has now won eight straight games. It was the second shutout of the season for the Bulldogs. They are averaging 36.7 points per game while allowing 10.7 points this season. Cedartown is also run intensive on offense and is led by Harlem Diamond, C.J. Washington and Jayden Johnson. Prior to last weeks win, the trio had combined for 28 rushing TDs and over 1,700 yards. 

The Bulldogs will get a visit from the Bainbridge Bearcats who advanced to the quarterfinals for the second time in three years. Bainbridge has won eight straight games coming into this week. They are averaging 31.5 points per game on the season and allowing 15 per game. Bainbridge has outscored their two playoff opponents 85-0. They have a balanced attack behind quarterback Quayde Hawkins (1,771 yards passing 22-TDs), running back Rashad Broadnax (1,209 yards, 15-TDs) and receiver Braxton Johnson (43 receptions, 803 yards, 11-TDs). We find it highly unlikely that Bainbridge will shut out Cedartown this week, but we do like the Bearcats on the road. Bainbridge by 8.

The Skinny

The Perry Panthers find themselves in the quarterfinals for the first time since 2007. The Panthers are winners of their last six games. Quarterback Lane Rucker has now thrown for 1,943 yards and 13-TDs while Makeil Kendrick has rushed for 1,137 yards and 14-TDs. Kendrick went for a season high 195 yards and 3-TDs last week against LaGrange. On the season, Perry is averaging 25 points per game while allowing 15.6. In their two playoff games, they are outscoring their opponents 64-18.

Their opponent this week will be the Marist War Eagles. Marist rolls into the quarterfinals for the eighth time in nine years. The War Eagles earned their seventh shutout of the season and have been absolutely stifling on defense, allowing their opponents an average of 2.7 points per game. While scoring an average of 37.1 points per game. their two playoff games, Marist has outscored their two playoff opponents 73-0. We like Perry to get on the scoreboard this week, but we don’t think they can slow down the War Eagles. We like Marist by three touchdowns. 

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GHSA 5A Quarterfinal Preview

Posted on December 7, 2020 by admin

We continue our GHSA Quarterfinal previews with Class 5A. This preview features games between Ware County – Cartersville, Calhoun – Coffee, Blessed Trinity – Warner Robins and Jones County – Eastside.  

Last week in our picks, we went 7-1 in Class 5A. Coffee was brewing last week, but we missed it. Way to go Trojans!

If we had to pick a 5A game to attend…wow…you couldn’t go wrong with any of them; but we’d attend Blessed trinity-Warner Robins. As it matches the No. 1 and No. 2 teams from our poll.

Best of luck to all of the teams competing on Friday night. As always, thanks for reading. Please feel free to comment and share. 

All helmet images are courtesy of the Georgia High School Helmet Project. To see all of their work, please visit: http://www.gahelmetproject.com

The Skinny

The Ware County Gators advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2016 and has now won four consecutive games. Quarterback Tommy Castellanos threw for 326 yards and 3-TDs and also rushed for another 3-TDs in the victory. Castellanos has now thrown for 2,622 yards and 22-TDs and rushed for 824 yards and 21-TDs. The Gators are averaging 36 points per game while allowing 16.3 points per game and have outscored their two opponents in the playoffs 73-25.

The Cartersville Purple Hurricanes advanced to the quarterfinals for the third straight season and for the seventh time in nine years. Since losing their only game of the season back in early October, they have won six straight. Quante’ Jennings had a big night for the Canes with 157 yards rushing and 3-TDs. He has now rushed for 791 yards and 19-TDs on the season. The Canes are averaging 37.5 points per game and allowing 10.6. Both teams have a common opponent in Creekside. Cartersville beat them by 3 while Ware County won by 24 last week. We believe there will be fireworks by both teams this week, but like the Gators by five. 

The Skinny

The Calhoun Yellow Jackets advanced to the quarterfinals for the twelfth time in thirteen years with their 19-point win over Clarke Central last Friday. Calhoun will be at home for the first time in three weeks. The Jackets are averaging 34.5 points per game on the season while the defense is allowing 17.9 points. In their two playoff games, they are outscoring their opponents 79-35. 

Calhoun will host the No. 3 seed from Region 1, the Coffee Trojan. Coffee is in the quarterfinals for the fifth straight season. They have now won four straight games since losing to Ware County back in October. Last week, quarterback A.J. Wilkerson threw for 116 yards and a touchdown and also rushed for another score while Maurice Turner rushed for 142 yards to help lead the way on offense. The Trojans are averaging 33 points per game while allowing 12.1. In the playoffs, they’ve outscored their opponents 55-16. If they can keep this game low scoring, we like their chances with their defense. But something tells us that Calhoun may have other plans. We like the Jackets at home by 4.

The Skinny

The Blessed Trinity Titans are in the quarterfinals for the eight consecutive season. Blessed Trinity has not seriously been challenged on the scoreboard since their game against Calhoun back in October. The Titans recorded their fourth shutout of the season. Justice Haynes had another big game on offense for the Titans who are averaging 45.8 points per game while allowing 10.1. In two playoff games, Blessed Trinity has outscored their opponents 93-14.

The Warner Robins Demons will travel to Roswell this week to face Blessed Trinity. The Demons are making their fourth straight quarterfinals appearance. Prior to last week’s game, running backs Malcolm Brown and Jalen Rutherford had combined for 1,597 and 14-TDs. Warner Robins has reeled off six straight wins since dropping a game to Lee County back in October. On the season, Warner Robins is averaging 36.1 points per game and allowing 12.6 points. If we could have drawn things up, this would have been our state title match-up. It should be fun to watch the Warner Robins defensive line led by Vic Burley go up against a very sound Blessed Trinity line led by Ty Furnish. And the three running backs, Haynes for the Titans and Brown and Rutherford for the Demons. It should be a dandy. The only edge we can really find is that Blessed Trinity is playing at home. That’s enough for us to believe the Titans will win this one by 5. 

The Skinny

The Jones County Greyhounds have been red hot since the start of October, reeling off nine straight wins and have found themselves in the quarterfinals for the fourth time in five years. Quarterback John Alan Richter has thrown for 1,780 yards and 16-TDs while Andrew Carner has been steady all season rushing for 1,378 yards and 25-TDs. Last week, he rushed for over 200-yards for the second time this season. Jones County is averaging 35.5 points per game while allowing 13.2. In their two playoff games, they have outscored their opponents 61-38. 

The Eastside Eagles will make the trip down to Gray after knocking off Region-6 Champion, New Manchester last week. The Eagles advanced to the quarterfinals for the second time in three years. Eastside has won six straight games. During that stretch, the defense has only allowed 17 points total. On the season, Eastside is surrendering 11 points per game. Junior running back Dallas Johnson has been the bell-cow for the Eagles offense with 1,376 yards and 8-TDs, while Sincere Johnson has chipped in another 10-TDs on the ground. The Eagles are averaging 27.7 points per game. In their two playoff games, they have outscored their opponents 40-7. We believe this will be a tightly contested battle, but like the home team here. Greyhounds by 7.

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GHSA 7A Quarterfinal Preview

Posted on December 6, 2020 by admin

We have made it to the quarterfinals of the GHSA Football Playoffs. Our first preview this week features games between Milton – Lowndes, Collins Hill – Parkview, Norcross – Colquitt County and Grayson – West Forsyth. 

Last week in our picks, we went 6-2 in Class 7A. West Forsyth and Parkview were the winners we did not expect to see in the round of 8. Way to go Wolverines and Panthers! 

If we had to pick a 7A game to attend, it would definitely be Milton-Lowndes. But all four of these games should be great contests.

Best of luck to all of the teams competing on Friday night. As always, thanks for reading. Please feel free to comment and share. 

All helmet images are courtesy of the Georgia High School Helmet Project. To see all of their work, please visit: http://www.gahelmetproject.com

The Skinny

The Milton Eagles are back in the quarterfinals for the second time in three years. The Eagles got another 100-yard game from junior running back Jordan McDonald to help advance last week. McDonald has now rushed for 1,241 yards and 23-TDs this season. Milton has been held to under 20 points only three times this season. They are averaging 31.1 points per game while allowing 12.9. 

The Lowndes Vikings will pay a visit to Milton this week as they advanced to the quarterfinals for the fourth time in five years. Lowndes got past a stubborn North Cobb team last week. Jacurri Brown scored two touchdowns in the win, but was held to 42 yards passing and 81 yards rushing. On the season, Brown has now thrown for 1,296 yards and rushed for 926 yards. Lowndes is now averaging 30.6 points per game while allowing 16.5. The back-to-back long road trips should start to take a toll on the Vikings, but if Milton does not have Farrell this week at quarterback, Lowndes can really key in on slowing down Jordan McDonald. That’s going to be easier said than done, but nevertheless, we like the Vikings by 8. 

The Skinny

The Collins Hill Eagles are on to the quarterfinals for the first time in five years as they beat Denmark last week. The Eagles have now won six consecutive games. Quarterback Sam Horn has now thrown for 2,975 yards and 34-TDs to lead an offense that is averaging 31.2 points per game. Meanwhile, James Smith leads the Eagles defense with 146 total tackles and 50 tackles for loss and 14 sacks. Collins Hill is surrendering 15.8 points per game this season.

The Parkview Panthers will come calling for Collins Hill on Friday night as they advanced to the quarterfinals for the third time in four years. Parkview has a formidable 1-2 duo at running back in Cody Brown and Tyler Curtis, but it was sophomore quarterback Colin Houck who tossed 4-TD passes last week to lead the way for Parkview. The Panthers are now averaging 29.3 points per game while the defense is allowing 21.7. We believe the running game will be crucial for Parkview this week. We did not mention Travis Hunter for Collins Hill earlier, but we understand he was a little banged up last week. If he returns at full strength this week, we like the Eagle’s chances. Yet, we are going to go with the Parkview ground machine. Panthers by 6.

The Skinny

The Norcross Blue Devils are in the quarterfinals for the first time since 2013, when they won their last state title. Norcross has answered the bell week in and week out. Offensively, they’ve scored 40 or more points in all but four of their games this season. Quarterback Mason Kaplan has now thrown for over 2,100 yards and 26-TDs. Last week however it was running back Jahni Clarke who carried the load for the Norcross with over 200 yards rushing and 3-TDs. Norcross is averaging 41.6 points per game while their defense has not allowing over 21 points in a game this season, holding opponents to an average of 15 points per game. 

The Region -1 champion Colquitt County Packers will pay Norcross a visit on Friday. They advanced to the quarterfinal round for the eleventh time in twelve years. The Packers had a big night defensively last week and will need the secondary to step up again this Friday. The packers are holding opposing teams to 9.8 points per game this season and in their first two playoff games at home, allowed only 15 total points and just one touchdown. We’ve noticed Xavier Williams missing from the box score recently. If he is unable to play this week, that certainly does give a small advantage to Norcross…But perhaps not enough. Packers by 4 on the road. 

The Skinny

The Grayson Rams are back in the quarterfinals for the third straight season and the fifth time in six years. Grayson is outscoring their opponents by an average of 39.7 to 8.9 on the season. In two playoff games, it’s an average of 36.5 to 3. Grayson will need to find more fluidity on offense with the absence of running back Phil Mafah. There are enough weapons on offense for Grayson, but they will need to be more-crisp this week.

They will host the West Forsyth Wolverines who are making their second quarterfinals appearance in school history. West edged out North Gwinnett in a defensive battle last week. It was the seventh win in a row for the Wolverines. West Forsyth is averaging 25.3 points per game and allowing 17.2. For what it’s worth, Mill Creek was the common opponent between the two teams, Grayson bet them by 7 while West Forsyth lost by 3. Coach Dave Svehla always seems to have his teams playing at their peak at playoff time. We believe the Wolverines will be in the game, but Grayson finds a way this week. Rams by 13.

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GHSA 6A Quarterfinal Preview

Posted on December 6, 2020 by admin

We have made it to the quarterfinals of the GHSA Football Playoffs. Our second preview this week features Class 6A and games between Carrollton – Valdosta, Buford – Langston Hughes, River Ridge – Lee County and Westlake – Allatoona. 

Last week in our picks, we went 6-2 in Class 6A. Langston Hughes and River Ridge were the winners we did not expect to see in the round of 8. Way to go Panthers and Knights! 

Four great matchups this week, but if we could be anywhere this week, it would be Carrollton to watch the Trojans face the Wildcats.

Best of luck to all of the teams competing on Friday night. As always, thanks for reading. Please feel free to comment and share. 

All helmet images are courtesy of the Georgia High School Helmet Project. To see all of their work, please visit: http://www.gahelmetproject.com

The Skinny

Two of Georgia’s traditional powers will meet for the first time ever as Carrollton hosts Valdosta. The home Trojans advanced to the quarterfinals for the fifth straight season. Carrollton is averaging 36.3 points per game on the season and allowing 16. The Trojans are averaging 47 points in their two playoff games while allowing an average of 10.

The Valdosta Wildcats are the winningest program in Georgia Football history and have advanced to the quarterfinals for the fourth time in five years. The Wildcats are averaging 29.3 points per game while allowing 16.5. However, in their two playoff games, the Wildcats have outscored their opponents 96-21. Don’t expect the Wildcats to run roughshod over Carrollton this week, however. An interesting side note, Carrollton Coach Sean Calhoun served as the offensive coordinator for Valdosta Coach Probst when the two were at Colquitt County for two seasons. In any event, this could be a shootout. We’ll take the home Trojans by 4.

The Skinny

You’d have to go all the way back to 1999 if you wanted to know the last time the Buford Wolves failed to reach the quarterfinals. The move up to Class 6-A has not seemed to impact Buford one bit. The Wolves used the ground game to advance past Cambridge last week. Buford is averaging 40.6 points per game while allowing 5.9. Buford has shut out five of their opponents this season and in two playoff games have outscored opponents 90-7.

The Wolves will host the Langston Hughes Panthers who are in the quarterfinals for the first time in school history. The Panthers have won seven consecutive games, and more impressively, have shut out their first two playoff opponents 62-0. And those opponents included traditional contender Northside Warner Robins and Region-2 champion Glynn Academy. Quarterbacks Xavier Smith and Prentiss Noland have combined to throw for 2,331 yards and 27-TDs. Meanwhile, sophomore safety Gannon Weathersby continues to lead the defense with 136 total tackles. The Panthers are averaging 32 points per game while the defense is allowing 11.2. Both teams have been defensive juggernauts, but we are going with the experience of Buford this week. Wolves by two touchdowns. 

The Skinny

How about those River Ridge Knights! If we asked most people around the state about River Ridge football before the season started, we imagine we would’ve gotten a lot of blank stares outside of Cherokee County. But the River Ridge Knights put everyone on notice last Friday as they dominated Rome on their way to their first quarterfinals appearance in school history. The Knights continue to answer the bell week in and week out and are led by Class 6A’s leading rusher Amehre Morrison who went over the century mark again last week and is well over 1,800 yards and 26-TDs on the season. But there are several other stars on this team, too many to list here. Jackson Head might be one of the most underrated receivers remaining in the 6A playoffs while defensive end Brian Bradley continues to turn in dominant performances week in and week out. River Ridge is averaging 34 points per game while allowing 17.4 points per game. 

The Lee County Trojans will make the trip up to Woodstock on Friday after beating Brunswick handily on Friday. For Coach Fabrizio’s Trojans, it is their fourth consecutive appearance in the quarterfinals. The only blemish on Lee County’s record is a 25-point loss to Lowndes back in September. Since then they’ve reeled of eight straight wins and are only allowing opposing teams a shade over 175 yards of offense per game. The Trojans are averaging 38.1 points per game while allowing 12 points per game. Interestingly enough, this will only be the fourth time Lee County has had to leave the friendly confines of Trojan Field. In their road games this season, Lee County is only averaging 18.6 points per game while allowing 22.6. Could this be a trap game for the Trojans? Perhaps, but, our gut tells us otherwise. We expect both teams to put up plenty of points this week, but like the Trojans by 8. 

The Skinny

The Westlake Lions are back in the quarterfinals for the first time since 2016. Westlake has won eight consecutive games and in the post season and has outscored their two opponents 97-23. Quarterback R.J. Johnson has now thrown for 2,97 yards and 24-TDs. He’s completing 71.4% of his passes. And we didn’t even mention that he’s just a sophomore. Leo Blackburn (46 receptions, 971 yards, 9-TDs) and Dacari Collins (48 receptions, 842 yards, 8-TDs) lead the team in receiving. On the season, Westlake is averaging 42 points per game while allowing only 15. 

The Allatoona Buccaneers advanced to the quarterfinals for the third time in four years. Allatoona used another strong defensive performance as they held Dacula to one touchdown and have outscored their two playoff opponents 55-6. Jayden Ponder is now well over the 1,000-yard mark and has added 8-TDs on the ground to lead the way for the Bucs on offense. The Allatoona secondary intercepted three passes last week and by the looks of things will be busy trying to slow down the Westlake passing attack. Allatoona is averaging 29.5 points per game and only allowing 7. We like Allatoona’s defense, but don’t believe they can contain Westlake for four quarters. We like the Lions by 11.

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Class 2A 2020 GHSA 2nd Round Playoff Previews – Part 1 of 2

Posted on December 2, 2020 by admin

We are previewing all of the 2020 GHSA playoff games. We now turn our attention to class 2A This will be a two-part series. This preview features games between Dodge County – Thomasville, Callaway – Lovett, Rabun County – Model and Early County – Bleckley County. 

Best of luck to all of the teams competing on Friday night. As always, thanks for reading. Please feel free to comment and share.

All helmet images are courtesy of the Georgia High School Helmet Project. To see all of their work, please visit: http://www.gahelmetproject.com

The Skinny

The Dodge County Indians advanced to the second round for the sixth time in seven years. However, they have not advanced past round two since 1999. The Indians shut out Swainsboro to notch their third shutout of the season. Dodge has also won five straight games. They will host the Thomasville Bulldogs. Coach Zach Grage has the Bulldogs in the second round for the fourth straight year. Thomasville narrowly missed out on a region title in a one-point loss to Fitzgerald. We believe the Bulldogs defense can keep Daylon Gordon in check just enough to get a big road win. We like the Bulldogs by 8.

The Skinny

The Callaway Cavaliers advanced to the second round for the twelfth time in thirteen years. The Cavs are led by multi-year starter Demetrius Coleman at quarterback and running backs Charlie Dixon and LaQuize Gilbert. While the Cavs did not play last week, they are certainly battle tested coming out of Region 5. They will host the Lovett Lions, who ended up with the No. 3 seed due to the “interesting” Region 6 tiebreaker.  In any event, the Lions are in the second round for the fourteenth time in sixteen years. Lovett’s defense has been pretty stingy, surrendering an average of 8.8 points per game. We believe the Cavs might be the most explosive team that Lovett has faced to date. However, we don’t expect a blowout. Callaway by 5.

The Skinny

The Rabun County Wildcats have advanced to the second round for the seventh consecutive season. The Wildcats have won eight straight games and are led by one of the best dual threat quarterbacks in the country, Gunner Stockton. Rabun County will host the Model Blue Devils. Model reached the second round for the first time since 2014. The Blue Devils have now won three straight. However, defeating Rabun County is much easier said than done. Too much Stockton, Lang Windham and Adriel Clark on offense. We like the Wildcats by five touchdowns. 

The Skinny

The Early County Bobcats got a big road win last week and advance to the second round for the first time since 2015. Early County has flexed their offensive muscle their last four games as they have put up at least 42 points in those contests. They will host Bleckley County, who upset No. 1 seed Vidalia. Perhaps it wasn’t an upset, since Bleckley County beat Vidalia earlier this season by 7. The Royals exploded for 56 points last week and left no doubt that they mean business this post season. The Royals advanced to the second round for the first time since 2013. The big questions is whether or not they can slow down Ladarius Ceaser and the rest of the Bobcats ground game. It won’t be easy, but we believe they certainly can. We like the Royals this week by 6 on the road. 

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Class 2A 2020 GHSA 2nd Round Playoff Previews – Part 2 of 2

Posted on December 2, 2020 by admin

We are previewing the 2020 GHSA playoff games. We now turn our attention to class 2A This will be a two-part series. This preview features games between Fannin County – Heard County, Fitzgerald – Northeast Macon, Jefferson County – Jeff Davis and South Atlanta – Bremen. 

Best of luck to all of the teams competing on Friday night. As always, thanks for reading. Please feel free to comment and share.

All helmet images are courtesy of the Georgia High School Helmet Project. To see all of their work, please visit: http://www.gahelmetproject.com

The Skinny

The Fannin County Rebels came from behind to beat Pace Academy Friday night and advanced to the second round for the first time since 1995. Quarterback Luke Holloway to lead his team past the visiting Heard County Braves. The Braves are in the second round for the third time in four years. They will need another big game from quarterback Maurice Fench and running back Ashton Bonner to advance past Fannin County. We thought the Rebels passed a big test last week getting by Pace. We like them and quarterback Luke Holloway this week to edge Heard County. Fannin by 3. 

The Skinny

Fitzgerald dashed past Oglethorpe County last week to advance to the second round for the third straight season. The Purple Hurricanes seemed to show very little signs of rust after a 22-day layoff. They are 10-0 for the first time since 2009 and will host the Northeast Macon Raiders who downed Toombs County last week. The Raiders are in the second round for only the third time in school history. Northeast has now won three straight games. The Raiders will have their hands full this week with Fitzgerald. We believe the Canes will be too tough to handle. Fitzgerald by 20.

The Skinny

The Jefferson County Warriors have quietly won eight straight games. Their two losses came to teams that are still playing in the playoffs and by a combined total of 9 points. This is the eighth straight season the Warriors find themselves in the second round. Their opponent will be the Jeff Davis Yellow Jackets. Jeff Davis has won four straight games and have advanced to the second round for the first time since 1997. This is a tough draw for the Yellow Jackets. We believe that Jefferson County can compete for a state title. We like the Warriors by 17. 

The Skinny

The South Atlanta Hornets won the first playoff game in school history this past Saturday. The Hornets also matched their best season win total with their victory on Saturday. South Atlanta has now won six straight games. They will host the Bremen Blue Devils who got past Elbert County last week. The Blue Devils advanced to the second round for the fourth time in five years. We believe Bremen can keep the South Atlanta offense in check and if Bremen can get to 28 points, we really like their chances this week. Call it Bremen by 9.

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Class 3A 2020 GHSA 2nd Round Playoff Previews – Part 2 of 2

Posted on December 1, 2020 by admin

We are previewing all of the 2020 GHSA playoff games. We now turn our attention to class 3A This will be a two-part series. This preview features games between Cherokee Bluff – Carver-Atlanta, Pierce County – Central Macon, Richmond Academy – Crisp County and Rockmart – Cedar Grove. 

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

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

All helmet images are courtesy of the Georgia High School Helmet Project. To see all of their work, please visit: http://www.gahelmetproject.com

The Skinny

With each passing week, the Cherokee Bluff Warriors continue to make school history. They won their first playoff game last week with a big win over LaFayette. They will host another playoff game this week as the Carver Atlanta Panthers come calling. Carver advanced to the second round for the first time in three years. The Panthers have an imposing offensive line and talented linebackers, but we just aren’t sure they can score enough points this week. We believe it will be close, but we like the home team Bears to win by 5. 

The Skinny

Pierce County picked up their fifth consecutive win last week and have now advanced to the second round for the seventh time in eight years. The Bears had their best point production of the season as they scored 59 on Burke County. They will host the Central Macon Charges who advanced past the first round for the first time since 1975, when they went on to win a state title. These two teams met last year in the first round of the playoffs with Pierce County winning big. We believe the Chargers have improved over last season, but don’t believe they can match the Bears score for score. We like Pierce by three touchdowns. 

The Skinny

The Richmond Academy Musketeers recorded their second shutout of the season and have advanced to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2009. Richmond Academy has reeled off seven consecutive wins. They will host the Crisp County Cougars who also recorded a shutout last week. It was their fourth of the season and the Cougars have advanced to the second round of the playoffs for the fourth time in five years. Crisp’s only loss was by one point to Peach County. The Cougars have one of the stingiest defenses in Class AAA. We believe that will be the difference on Friday night. Crisp County by 17. 

The Skinny

The Rockmart Yellow Jackets advanced to the second round for the fifth straight season. Rockmart outlasted White County for their ninth consecutive victory. The prize for the victory is a date with the two-time defending state champion Cedar Grove Saints. Cedar Grove had gone undefeated for most of the season but had to forfeit four games this season which dropped them to the No. 3 seed. It should be interesting to see if Cedar Grove’s defense can contain dual threat quarterback Javin Whatley. This will be the most prolific offense that Cedar Grove has faced this season. We don’t expect a track meet here, but we do believe the Cedar Grove defensive front will put enough pressure on Whatley to disrupt Rockmart’s offense. We like the Saints by 7.  

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Class 3A 2020 GHSA 2nd Round Playoff Previews – Part 1 of 2

Posted on December 1, 2020 by admin

We are previewing all of the 2020 GHSA playoff games. We now turn our attention to class 3A This will be a two-part series. This preview features games between Appling County – Upton-Lee, Greater Atlanta Christian – North Hall, Oconee County – Dawson County and Peach County – Thomson. 

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

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

All helmet images are courtesy of the Georgia High School Helmet Project. To see all of their work, please visit: http://www.gahelmetproject.com

The Skinny

The Appling County Pirates have advanced to the second round of the playoffs for the second consecutive season. The Pirates bounced back after dropping their final regular season game to Pierce County. They will host the Upson Lee Knights who went on the road last week and won to reach the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2005. We expect Appling County to have a little too much firepower this week on offense for Upson-Lee to keep pace. We like the Pirates by 20.

The Skinny

Greater Atlanta Christian (GAC) advanced to the second round of the playoffs for the ninth consecutive season. The Spartans are now 10-0 for the first time since 2014 and will face a familiar foe in former region rival North Hall. The North Hall Trojans advanced to the second round for the third straight season. They will look to use their ball control offense to wear down GAC. These two teams have faced off the previous four seasons with GAC winning all of those games. We believe North Hall has closed the gap, but we like GAC at home. Spartans by 12. 

The Skinny

Oconee County got past Westminster last week after a 21-day layoff. The Warriors advanced to the second round for the second straight season. Oconee County has a dynamic offense that features Jake Johnson at receiver/tight end and West Weeks who can line up on either side of the ball and make plays. They will face the Dawson County Tigers who got past Adairsville last week to advance to the second round of the playoffs for the fifth time in six years. The Tigers have a dynamic offense of their own led by quarterback Zach Holtzclaw. Dawson County should keep it close for the first half, but Oconee County is a little more explosive. Warriors by 13.

The Skinny

Peach County is in the second round for the tenth time in eleven seasons. The Trojans recorded their second shutout of the season and have yet to surrender more than 14 points in any game this season. They will host the Thomson Bulldogs who advanced to the second round for the sixth straight season. Thomson has now won five consecutive games and put up 60 points for the second time this year. The Peach County defense will certainly provide a stiffer task for Thomson this week. We believe Thomson will score more than 14, but it won’t be enough to keep pace with Peach. We like the Trojans by three touchdowns. 

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Class 4A 2020 GHSA 2nd Round Playoff Previews – Part 2 of 2

Posted on November 30, 2020 by admin

We are previewing all of the 2020 GHSA playoff games. We now turn our attention to class 4A This will be a four part series. This preview features games between Cedartown – North Oconee, Bainbridge – Islands, Perry – LaGrange and Marist – Flowery Branch. 

Best of luck to all of the teams competing on Friday night. As always, thanks for reading. Please feel free to comment and share. 

All helmet images are courtesy of the Georgia High School Helmet Project. To see all of their work, please visit: http://www.gahelmetproject.com

The Skinny

The Cedartown Bulldogs advanced last week by way of forfeit from Arabia Mountain due to COVID related issues. The Bulldogs are in the second round for the second time in four years. Cedartown will host the North Oconee Titans who will have to travel back across the state for their second-round matchup. North Oconee advanced to the second round for the third straight season. The Titans will need a great defensive effort to slow down the Cedartown running backs this week. Quarterback Bubba Chandler can certainly help spark the Titans offense, but we like Cedartown by two touchdowns. 

The Skinny

The Bainbridge Bearcats have advanced to the second round for the fifth time in six years. Bainbridge recorded their second shutout of the season and topped the 40-point mark for the third time. They will host the Islands Sharks who came from behind to defeat Hardaway last week. The Sharks advanced to the second round for the first time in school history. Islands may have to find a way to score a few more points this week to get the win against Bainbridge. That will be easier said than done. We believe Bainbridge will limit Islands offensively. Bearcats by 17. 

The Skinny

The Perry Panthers advanced to the second round for the second straight season. Perry has now won five straight games. The Panthers will host the upstart LaGrange Grangers who are in the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2012. The Grangers will have their hands full trying to keep Perry quarterback Lane Rucker and running back Makeil Kendrick. We believe LaGrange can score on Perry. As a matter of fact, we believe they can score just enough to edge the Panthers in a bit of an upset. Grangers by 2.

The Skinny

The Marist War Eagles recorded their sixth shutout of the season as the find themselves in the second round of the playoffs for the fourth straight season. The Marist defense is now allowing an average of 3 points per game. Their next test will come by way of the Flowery Branch Falcons who advanced to the second round for the second time in four years. The Falcons have now won six straight games. They are also averaging 38 points per game. But we still believe that Marist will give them fits this week. War Eagles by four touchdowns.

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