GHSA 6A Quarterfinal Preview

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

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

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

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

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

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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Class 4A 2020 GHSA 2nd Round Playoff Previews – Part 1 of 2

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 Benedictine – Cairo, Riverdale – Northwest Whitfield, Jefferson – Hapeville Charter and Carver Columbus – Baldwin. 

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 survived last week against Troup and advanced to the second round for the ninth straight year. It was the first game in almost a month for Benedictine. They will host the Cairo Syrupmakers who advanced to the second round for the fourth time in five years. Cairo has now won five straight games after starting the season 0-4. Cairo should be able to score points and keep it close, but we don’t believe they can outscore the Cadets. Benedictine by 8.

The Skinny

The Riverdale Raiders advanced to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2001. Riverdale’s defense has allowed one touchdown in their last five games. They will face on offense that is a little more explosive this week when Northwest Whitfield comes calling. The Bruins got a last second touchdown pass from Owen Brooker to advance them to the second round for the first time since 2016. Northwest has now won four consecutive games. We expect Riverdale to be up to the challenge this week. We like the Raiders by 11.

The Skinny

The Jefferson Dragons coasted past Mt. Zion on Saturday to advance to the second round for the eighth time in nine years. Jefferson has outscored their last two opponents 112-0. They will host the Hapeville Charter Hornets who won a defensive battle over Heritage-Catoosa to advance to the second round for the fifth straight season. It was the fourth straight win for the Hornets. Hapeville should put up a little more resistance this week, but Jefferson has too much firepower. Dragons by four touchdowns.

The Skinny

The Carver Columbus Tigers downed Jenkins last week to advance to the second round for the second straight season. They Tigers will host the Baldwin Braves who outlasted Thomas County Central on Saturday. Baldwin advanced to the second round for the fourth straight season. The Braves surrendered their most points all season in the win. Carver Columbus is the most explosive team that Baldwin will face to this point of the season. We believe the Tigers have too much offensively behind Devin Riles and Jaiden Credle. We like Carver by 10. 

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Class 5A 2020 GHSA 2nd Round Playoff Previews – Part 2 of 2

We continue on with our 2020 GHSA football playoff previews. We are finishing up with our week two 5A previews. This preview features games between Blessed Trinity – Decatur, Warner Robins – Woodward, Jones County – Griffin and New Manchester vs Eastside.  

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 Blessed Trinity Titans won handily over Chapel Hill last week advancing them to the second round for the tenth straight season. Blessed Trinity will host the Decatur Bulldogs. Decatur advanced past the first round for the first time since 2003. The young Bulldogs will have to slow down Blessed Trinity running back Justice Haynes if they are going to pull the upset. No one has been able to do that up to this point. We aren’t willing to pick against Haynes, at least not yet. Titans by four touchdowns. 

The Skinny

The Warner Robins Demons began their march for another finals appearance by downing Union Grove 49-7. The Demons have won five straight games and reached the 40-point mark for the third straight game. They will host the Woodward Academy War Eagles on Friday. Woodward Academy advanced to the second round for the twelfth time in thirteen years. The War Eagles have bounced back after a sluggish start to win seven of their last eight. They’ll need to find a way to get Damari Alston going on offense, but we believe Vic Burley and the Warner Robins defense will be up to the task. Warner Robins by 17. 

The Skinny

The Jones County Greyhounds have turned their season around after starting 0-3. Jones County has won eight consecutive games and have  advanced to the second round for the fifth time in seven years. They will host the Griffin Bears who are winners of their last three games. In those three contests Griffin has held the opposition to 16 total points. They are in the second round for the fourth time in the last five years. Griffins defense should hold Jones County at bay for most of the game, but we believe the Greyhounds will score a late touchdown to win it. Jones County by 5. 

The Skinny

The New Manchester Jaguars got their first post season win in school history, but it didn’t come easy against a feisty Hiram team. The Jaguars have now won four straight games. They will host the Eastside Eagles from Covington who were caught in a defensive struggle last week against Southwest DeKalb. Eastside is in the second round for the second time in three years. The Eagles enter the game on a five-game win streak and have only allowed a total of 10 points in those games including three shutouts. There’s an old saying that “defense travels”. We expect Eastside’s to travel this week. Eagles by 8.

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Class 5A 2020 GHSA 2nd Round Playoff Previews – Part 1 of 2

We continue to preview the 2020 GHSA football playoff games. Next up we take a look at the second round of Class 5A. This will be a four part series. This preview features games between Creekside – Ware County, St. Pius – Cartersville, Clarke-Central – Calhoun, and Starr’s Mill – Coffee. 

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 Creekside Seminoles have advanced to the second round for the third consecutive year. They have also won seven consecutive games. The Seminoles have not advanced past the second round since they won the state title in 2013. Their opponent will be the Ware County Gators. Ware County shut out Dutchtown last week and finds themselves in the 2nd round for the 14th straight season. A win by Ware County would push them to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2016. Not many people have been able to slow down Ware’s Thomas Castellanos. Creekside has the defense to slow them down, but we aren’t positive they can shut him down completely. We like the visiting Gators by 4.

The Skinny

The St. Pius Lions defeated Loganville handily last week to advance to the second round for the 13th time in 15 years. The Lions will need another big game from quarterback Dennis O’Shea if they are going to upend visiting Cartersville. The Purple Hurricanes advanced to the 2nd round for the ninth straight season. Since losing to Cherokee, Cartersville has won all of their games in convincing fashion. If St. Pius can control the clock, they could make things very interesting. Cartersville’s defense seems to be a little too stingy to allow that to happen. We like the Canes by 11 on the road.

The Skinny

The Clark Central Gladiators extended their win streak to seven and have now advanced to the second round for the fourth time in five years. During this stretch, the Gladiators have scored at least 28 points or more. They will host the Calhoun Yellow Jackets. Calhoun has advanced to the second round for the 20th consecutive season. The Jackets bounces back from a regular season ending loss to Cartersville. Calhoun has a potent offense behind Jerrian Hames and Christian Lewis. They will be tested by the Clarke Central secondary led by Tyreon Millsap and Jaavan Mack. We like Calhoun again this week, but by a much closer margin. Jackets by 7. 

The Skinny

The Starr’s Mill Panthers had their largest point production of the season this past Friday running away Mundy’s Mill to appear in the second round for the fifth time in six years. Starr’s Mill has now won nine consecutive games and will host the Coffee Trojans. Coffee is making their seventh straight 2nd round appearance. The Trojans have won three straight games and going on the read last week did not seem to faze Coffee at all. This week however, Starr’s Mill presents a more difficult challenge. We believe the Starr’s Mill offense can really ground out enough yards on the ground to hold Coffee at Bay. We like the Panthers by 8. 

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Class 6A 2020 GHSA 2nd Round Playoff Previews – Part 2 of 2

We are previewing all of the 2020 GHSA playoff games. Next up is Class 6A. This will be a two-part series. This preview features games between River Ridge – Rome, Lee County – Brunswick, Westlake – Richmond Hill and Allatoona – Dacula. 

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 River Ridge Knights won their first playoff game in school history in dramatic fashion. The Knights are in uncharted territory at this point in the season. Their opponent will be the Rome Wolves. Rome is in the 2nd round for the sixth consecutive year. The Wolves have turned to freshmen quarterback Reece Fountain lately, and he’s responded well. Rome is facing a very confident River Ridge team this week. The Knights feature Class 6A’s leading rusher in Amehre Morrison. If they can slow him down, then Rome should be in this game late. River Ridge seems to have plenty of momentum coming into this week, but we aren’t sure if they’ve played a team as physical as Rome. We like the Wolves by three in a nail biter.

The Skinny

The Lee County Trojans are in the second round of the playoffs for the fifth straight season. Lee County flexed their muscle again against Tucker last week and will host the Brunswick Pirates on Friday. Brunswick advanced to the second round for the second straight season. The Pirates have held their last three opponents to a total of 18 points. Unfortunately for them, Lee County has scored 90 points in their last two games. We like the Trojans by no less than three touchdowns this Friday.

The Skinny

The Westlake Lions advanced to the second round of the playoffs  for the fifth time in seven years. In their last five games, Westlake has scored no less than 42 points and during that same stretch have only surrendered 41 total points. They will host the Richmond Hill Wildcats who are in the second round for the third straight season. Richmond hill has outscored their last two opponents by a score of 111-7. The scoreboard operator might be busy at Westlake on Friday. Two running backs to keep an eye on this week, Ashaud Roberson of Richmond Hill and Zina Mulbah of Westlake. It’s hard to pick against the Lions at home. We like Westlake by a touchdown.

The Skinny

The Allatoona Buccaneers advanced to the second round for the seventh consecutive season. Allatoona recorded their fourth shutout win of the season. They will host the Dacula Falcons this Friday who got back on track by defeating Alexander last week to advance to their fifth straight second round playoff appearance. Dacula will look for another big game from Kaleb Edwards and Kyle Efford to advance past Allatoona. The Bucs have been playing pretty good defense all season and we look for them to rise to the occasion again this week. We don’t anticipate a blowout here, Allatoona by 6. 

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