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

Posted on November 27, 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 four part series. This preview features games between Thomasville – Westside, Augusta, Dodge County – Swainsboro, and Pepperell – Lovett. It is our understanding that the Callaway – Banks County game has been cancelled and Callaway will move on to the second round. 

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 Thomasville Bulldogs are the No. 2 seed from Region 1 and are in the playoffs for the 5th straight year. Thomasville has won four of their last five games with their only loss to Fitzgerald by 1. The Bulldogs will feature a balanced attack led by Quarterback Ronnie Baker who has thrown for 1,587 yards and 17-TDs. Ricordo Johnson (37 receptions, 448 yards, 4-TDs) is his primary target. Baker and Ricky Fulton have also combined to rush for 1,208 yards and 5-TDs. Ty Anderson leads the defense with 92 total tackles. As a team, Thomasville has forced 28 turnovers. They are averaging 32.4 points per game while allowing 18.1. The Bulldogs have defeated four playoff teams this season.

The Westside Augusta Patriots are the No. 3 seed from Region 4. Westside is in the playoffs for the first time since 2014. They come into the post season winning five of their last six games, shutting out two of the last three. They have defeated one playoff team this season Westside is averaging 22.9 points per game while allowing 12.3. We believe Westside will be able to score a few points this week, but Thomasville is too strong. Bulldogs by three touchdowns.

The Skinny

The Dodge County Indians are the Region 1 Champions and are in the post season for the ninth straight year. The Indians enter post season play with a  four-game winning streak. They are led on offense by running back Dalvon Gordon who has rushed for 1,093 yards and 13-TDs. Dodge has only attempted 99 passes this season. Keldrick Beck is their leading receiver with 13 receptions for 250 yards and 2-TDs. Safety Mikhail Carr leads the team with 69 total tackles and 3 interceptions. Dodge County is averaging 33.2 points per game while the defense is allowing 17.2 points. Dodge County has defeated three playoff teams this season. 

The Swainsboro Tigers are the No 4 seed from Region 2. The Tigers are in the playoffs for the sixth time in seven years. Robert Allen leads Swainsboro with 432 yards rushing and 2-TDs, while Frederick and Cedric Seabrough have combined to catch 56 passes for 585 yards and 7-TDs. Zabrien Harden leads the defense with 89 total tackles. The Tigers are averaging 15.4 points per game while allowing 21 points. Swainsboro has defeated two playoff teams this season. The Tigers are a little bit down offensively this season and we don’t believe that bodes well coming into this week. We like Dodge County by 17. 

The Skinny

The Pepperell Dragons are the No. 2 seed from Region 7. The Dragons are making their fifteenth playoff appearance in sixteen years. Pepperell is led by running back D.J. Rogers who has rushed for 1,255 yards and 18-TDs. Will Helton and Kolby Davis are tops on the team in total tackles. The defense have forced 16 turnovers this season. Pepperell enters the playoffs on a three-game win streak. They have defeated three playoff teams this season and are averaging 27.3 points per game while the defense is allowing 21.1.

The Lovett Lions are the No. 3 seed from Region 6. Lovett is in the playoffs for the 19th straight year. The Lions lost out on a region title due to some “creative” COVID tie breaker scenarios. In any event, they are winners of their last three games and have lost their two games by a combined total of 12 points. It has been running back by committee for Lovett. Michael Hollingsworth led the team with 367 yards and 2-TDs. But the Lions have also gotten contributions from Henry Stimmel, Christopher Fielden and Preston Lusink. Stevie Bracey leads the defense with 66 total tackles on the year. Lovett has defeated two playoff teams this season and is averaging 30.2 points per game while allowing only 7.8. We like Lovett and their defense this week by 20.

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Class 3A 2020 GHSA Playoff Previews – Part 4 of 4

Posted on November 27, 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 four part series. This preview features games between Crisp County – Windsor Forest, Richmond Academy – Brantley County, Monroe Area – Cedar Grove and Rockmart – White County. 

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

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

The Skinny

The Crisp County Cougars are the No. 2 seed from Region 2. They are in the playoffs for the fifth straight season. Quarterbacks A.J. Lofton and Ahmad Brown have combined to rush for 1,138 yards and 10-TDs. Meanwhile, running back Marquis Palmer has rushed for 501 yards and 7-TDs. Defensively, Chris Paul Jr. leads the team with 70 total tackles and Nick Mercer leads the team with 10 sacks. J’kobe Harris has intercepted five passes on the year and the defense has forced 22 turnovers. Crisp County has won three straight entering the playoffs. They are averaging 26.7 points per game while allowing 7 points per game. No team has scored more than 14 points on them all season. 

The Windsor Forest Knights are the No. 3 seed from Region 3. The Knights are in the post season for the fourth consecutive season. After dropping their first game to New Hampstead, Windsor Forest has won six straight games. The Knights are averaging 28.1 points per game while the defense is allowing a paltry 4.5 points per game. Windsor Forest has defeated three playoff teams. This game has the makings of a defensive struggle. We believe Crisp’s defense is one of the best in Class 3A and we like  them over the Knights this week. Cougars by 14. 

The Skinny

The Richmond Academy Musketeers are the Region 4 Champion. They’ve now qualified for the post season four straight times. Richmond Academy won their first region title since 1976. The Musketeers enter the post season on a six-game win streak. They have defeated five playoff teams this season. Richmond Academy is averaging 28.8 points per game while the defense is allowing 12.9

The Brantley County Herons are the No. 4 seed from Region 1. The Herons are the playoffs for the third time in five years. Kellon Middleton leads the offense in rushing and receiving and has tallied 396 yards of offense and 3-TDs. R.J. Bryan leads the team in total tackles and tackles for loss. The Herons are averaging 10.2 points per game while the defense is allowing 31.8 points per game. Richmond Academy should win this game handily. We like them by five touchdowns this week. 

The Skinny

The Monroe Area Purple Hurricanes are the No. 2 Seed from Region 8. The Purple Hurricanes are in the playoffs for the fifth straight season. Alan Jones and Mason Bryan leads the way at running back with a combined 1,521 yards and 9-TDs on the season while Bryant Olson leads the team in receiving with 35 receptions for 634 yards and 7-TDs. Monroe Area enters the playoffs as winners of their last two games. They have defeated five playoff teams and are averaging 25.4 points per game while allowing 14.6. 

The Cedar Grove Saints are the No. 3 seed from Region 5. The Saints are the two-time defending state champions in Class 3A. This is their 11th consecutive playoff appearance. The Saints had to forfeit their first four games of the season due to the use of an ineligible player. Otherwise they would have probably gone undefeated and relatively unchallenged with the exception of the 7-point win over Milton.  Nevertheless, they were averaging 35.2 points per game and allowing 7 points in the regular season. We expect them to beat Monroe Area handily on Friday. Saints by 28.

The Skinny

The Rockmart Yellow Jackets are the Region 6 Champions. The Yellow Jackets are in the post-season for the fifth consecutive season. Quarterback Javin Whatley has thrown for 684 yards and 7-TDs and rushed for 878 yards and 9-TDs. Sophomore receiver Dennis Sims leads the team with 13 receptions for 315 yards and 4-TDs. Keyshaun McCollough leads the defense in total tackles while Deidric Gibson has intercepted five passes in the secondary. Rockmart has won eight straight games since their opening week loss to Rome. Rockmart is averaging 41.6 points per game and allowing 14 points per game. They have defeated three playoff teams this seasons. 

The White County Warriors are the No. 4 seed from Region 7. White County is in the playoffs for the third time in four years. The Warriors have won their last three games of the season and surprisingly really thumped the region champion by 41 points last week. Quarterback J Ben Haynes is the engine for the Warriors offense. White County is averaging 40.2 points per game while the defense is allowing 19.6. They have not scored less than 28 points this season. White County has defeated three playoff teams this year. This game should be entertaining with quarterbacks J. Ben Haynes and Javin Whatley battling each other. We expect a high scoring game that will also be close. We like Rockmart by 8. 

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Class 3A 2020 GHSA Playoff Previews – Part 3 of 4

Posted on November 27, 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 four part series. This preview features games between Carver Atlanta – Hart County, Cherokee Bluff – LaFayette, Liberty County – Central Macon, and Pierce County – Burke 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 Carver Panthers are the No. 2 seed from Region 5. The Panthers are in the playoffs for the 9th consecutive season. Carver is a run heavy team and have tallied over 2,100 yards rushing on the season. Jarveous Brown leads the team with 849 yards and 7-TDs. The Panthers don’t throw it much, attempting only 111 passes. Dialo Mosley leads the team with 77 total tackles while Aquantis Clemmons leads the team with 15 tackles for loss and Tobias Fletcher has intercepted 4 passes this year. Carver is averaging 19.7 points per game while allowing 26.2. The Panthers have won three of their last four games. 

The Hart County Bulldogs are the No. 3 seed from Region 8. Since 1993, the Bulldogs have only missed the playoffs twice. Hart County never really got a win streak going this season. In their three wins, they are averaging 46.6 points per game, however, in their five losses, they are averaging 20.5 points per game. Overall, the Bulldogs are averaging 30.2 points per game while the defense is allowing 25.7. While this seems counterintuitive, we are going to go with the Bulldogs. They should have enough offense to outlast Carver on the road. Bulldogs by 5. 

The Skinny

The Cherokee Bluff Bears are the Region 7 Champions. The Bears are in the playoffs for the first time in their brief three-year history. It’s also their first region title. Quarterback Sebastian Irons has thrown for 1,212 yards and 13-TDs. Receivers Shad Dabney, Jaylon Justice and Eric Gohman have combined to catch 45 passes for 806 yards and 6-TDs. Meanwhile, Jayquan Smith has rushed for a team high 862 yards and 11.TDs. Garrett Davis leads the team in total tackles. Cherokee Bluff lost their season finale but otherwise were unscathed this season. The Bears are averaging 36 points per game while the defense is allowing 13.2. The Bears have defeated three playoff teams entering this Friday’s contest. 

The LaFayette Ramblers are the No. 4 seed from Region 6. The Ramblers are making their first playoff appearance since 1969. LaFayette enters this game losing their last two games of the season. The Ramblers did not beat a playoff teams this season. They are averaging a healthy 34.1 points per game on offense, but the defense is allowing 30.2 points per game. We believe the Bears will have their way with the Ramblers this Friday, we like them by four touchdowns. 

The Skinny

The Liberty County Panthers are the No. 2 seed from Region 3. The Panthers are in the post season for the eighth straight season. Liberty County running back Ja’varius Daniels leads the team in rushing with 256 yards and 2-TDs while Meon McCleod leads the team in receiving with 13 receptions for 298 yards and 1-TD. Jaleel Andrew leads the team with 37 total tackles. Liberty County is averaging 12 points per game while the defense is allowing 20.2. They have lost their last three games. 

The Central Macon Chargers are the No. 3 seed from Region 2. The Chargers are in the post season for the second year in a row. Dual threat quarterback Jalik Thomas has thrown for 781 yards and 8-TDs but also leads the team with 835 rushing yards and 12-TDs. Maurice Elder has added 645 yards and 9-TDs on the ground. Zaylin Webb has caught a team leading 22 passes for 385 yards and 4-TDs. The Chargers had reeled off five straight wins before falling to Crisp County the last week of the season. They are averaging 26.2 points per game while the defense is allowing 18.6 Central Macon is on the road, but we believe quarterback Jalik Thomas will be too much for Liberty County. Chargers by 14. 

The Skinny

The Pierce County Bears are the Region 1 Champions. It was the third consecutive region title for the Bears who have now qualified for their 10th consecutive playoff appearance. D.J. Bell paces the Peirce County offense with 850 rushing yards and 8-TDs while Maleek Chandel has caught 18 passe for 300 yards and 5-TDs. Quarterback Jermaine Brewton has thrown for 1,051 yards and  17-TDs and is completing 69% of his passes. The defense has recorded 31 total sacks and has forced 15 turnovers. The Bears enter the post season winners of their last 4 games. They are averaging 33.6 points per game and allowing 9.3 points per game. They have defeated seven playoff teams this season. 

The Burke County Bears are the No. 4 team from Region 4. Burke County has qualified for the post season for the 14th consecutive time. The Bears are led by sophomore running back Charlie Dorsey (750 yards, 7-TDs) and quarterback Marshall Flowers (1,020 yards, 12-TDs). Burke County has lost three of their last four games entering post season play. They did not defeat a playoff team all season. They are averaging 32.8 points per game, but allowing 32.7 points per game. We like the Pierce County Bears by 27 in this one.

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Class 3A 2020 GHSA Playoff Previews – Part 2 of 4

Posted on November 27, 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 four part series. This preview features games between Adairsville – Dawson County, Oconee County – Westminster, Thomson – Tattnall County, and Peach County – Johnson, Savannah. 

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

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

The Skinny

The Adairsville Tigers are the No. 2 seed from Region 6. The Tigers are in the playoffs for the eighth time in ten years. Quarterback Connor Crunkleton has thrown for 1,249 yards and 12-TDs while running backs Eli Agnew and Jamuary Johnson have combined to rush for 1,186 yards and 10-TDs. Tokyo Gordon leads the team with 77 total tackles he also leads the team with 5 sacks. The Tigers enter the playoffs winning three out of their last five games. They are averaging 30.3 points per game while the defense is allowing 21.4. Adairsville has defeated three playoff teams this season. 

The Dawson County Tigers are the No. 3 seed from Region 7 and are in the playoffs for the sixth straight year. The Tigers are led by quarterback Zach Holtzclaw. He’s thrown for over 2,100 yards and 23-TDs. Dakohta Sonnichsen and Jaden Gibson have combined for 66 receptions and 1,153 yards and 12-TDs. While Isaiah Grindle leads the Tigers with 753 rushing yards and 5-TDs. Kade Moledor has recorded 94 total tackles to lead the defense this season. Dawson County is averaging 36.6 points per game while allowing 27.2. They have defeated one playoff team this season. The Tigers have the offensive firepower to get past Adairsville, but can their  defense limit Adairsville. We believe Dawson County is up to the task. We like them by 6 on the road. 

The Skinny

The Oconee County Warriors are the Region 8 champions and are in the playoffs for the seventh consecutive season. Oconee County is undefeated for the first time since 2001. The Warriors have won 16 consecutive regular season games. They are averaging 30.6 points per game while the defense is allowing 8.8 points per game. They have defeated six playoff teams and have held all of their opponents to 16 points or less this year. 

The Westminster Wildcats are the No. 4 seed from Region 5. The Wildcats are in the post season for the 14th consecutive season. Westminster comes into the playoffs only winning two of their last five games. The Wildcats are averaging 17.5 points per game while the defense is allowing 17.1. Westminster has defeated two playoff teams this season. The Wildcats are going to need a near perfect game to beat Oconee County on the road. That’s a really tall task. We like Oconee by 23.

The Skinny

The Thomson Bulldogs are the No. 2 seed from Region 4. Since 1999 the Bulldogs have missed the post season one time. Quarterback Tay Martin is the straw that stirs the drink for the Bulldogs offense. While he has only thrown for 578 yards and 2-TDs, he leads the team in rushing with 1,086 yards and 12-TDs. Keshon Germany leads the team with 85 total tackles, while Skyler Lewis has recorded 18 tackles for loss. Snoop Williams leads the secondary with five interceptions on the season. Thomson has defeated five playoff teams and have won their last four entering the playoffs. They are averaging 31.6 points per game while the defense is allowing 11.4

The Tattnall County Battle Creek Warriors are the No. 3 seed from Region 1. They are in the playoffs for the fourth time in five years. The Warriors have won two of their last three games this season. but only one of those wins came against a playoff team. Tattnall County is averaging 17.8 points per game while allowing 35.9 points per game. There aren’t many ways we can see the Warriors pulling off the upset. Thomson by 26. 

The Skinny

The Peach County Trojans are the Region 2 Champions. The Trojans are making their 30th straight playoff appearance The Trojans enter the playoffs on a seven-game winning streak since dropping their first game to Northside Warner Robins. The Trojans have defeated two playoff teams this season. They are averaging 38.5 points per game while allowing 8.5 points per game. The defense has not allowed anyone to score more than 14 points in a game this season. 

The Johnson Atomsmashers are the No. 4 seed from Region 1. The Atomsmashers are in the playoffs for the first time since 2013. Johnson has been up and down this season, they have won two of their last three games, but have not defeated a playoff opponent. Johnson is averaging 21.2 points per game while the defense is allowing 21.5. We believe that Johnson’s return to post season will be short lived. We like Peach County by six touchdowns this week. 

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Class 3A 2020 GHSA Playoff Previews – Part 1 of 4

Posted on November 27, 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 four part series. This preview features games between Appling County – Morgan County, Southeast Bulloch – Upson-Lee, North Hall – North Murray and GAC – Franklin 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 Appling County Pirates are the No. 2 seed from Region 1. The Pirates are in the post season for the fourth consecutive year. Appling County had won their first nine games before falling to region rival Pierce County last week. The Pirates have defeated five playoff teams this season. They are averaging 41.5 points per game and allowing 12.7. They have scored over thirty points five times this season.

The Morgan County Bulldogs are the No. 3 seed from Region 4. The Bulldogs are in the playoffs for the fifth straight season. Morgan County enters the playoffs on a three-game win streak. They have defeated three playoff teams this season. They are averaging 25.2 points per game while allowing 10.5 points. During their previous four appearances, Morgan County has not advanced past the first round. We believe that trend continues this week. We like the Pirates by 24. 

The Skinny

The Southeast Bulloch Yellow Jackets are the Region Champions from Region 3. The Jackets are in the playoffs for the seventh time in eight years. This was their first title since 1994. Southeast only played one region opponent due to the decision made by Savannah-Chatham Schools only playing a school system schedule. Nevertheless, the Jackets won the game that counted most and will host a playoff game Friday night. Southeast is averaging 25.1 points per game while the defense is allowing 16.3. They have defeated four playoff teams this year.

The Upson Lee Knights are the No. 4 seed from Region 2. The Knights are in the post-season for the fifth time in six years. Upson-Lee does most of their damage on the ground. Running back Detravious Mathis is the team’s leading rusher. Upson Lee has defeated one playoff team this season. They are averaging 24.1 points per game while the defense is allowing 23.8 points per game. Even though the Knights are on the road, we think they can pull the upset this week in a thriller. We like Upson-Lee by 3.

The Skinny

The North Hall Trojans are the No. 2 seed from Region 7. The Trojans are in the playoffs for the eighth time in nine years. North Hall is almost exclusively run. They have attempted 56 total passes this season. Clark Howell has been the bell-cow for the Trojans with 1,483 yards on the ground with 21-TDs. Overall, the Trojans have rushed for 2,815 yards and 33-TDs. North Hall dropped their first three games but closed out the season winning six of their last seven. They are averaging 27.7 points per game but allowing 27 points per game. 

The North Murray Mountaineers are the No. 3 seed from Region 6. North Murray is in the playoffs for the fifth straight season. North Murray has won four of their last five games entering the post season. They can also light up the scoreboard. Only once have they been held to less than 28 points. They are averaging 39.4 points per game while the defense is allowing 28.5 points per game. They have defeated one playoff team this season. We suspect this game will be high scoring. We believe that favors the Mountaineers. We like North Murray by 7. 

The Skinny

The Greater Atlanta Christian Spartans are the Region 5 Champions. Since 1995 the Spartans have only missed the playoffs twice. Greater Atlanta Christian is led by quarterback Deyon Fleming who has thrown for 1,441 yards and 18-TDs. Brooks Miller is the team’s leading receiver with 7-TDs. Greater Atlanta has defeated five playoff teams on the season. They are averaging 28.7 points per game and allowing 13 points. 

The Franklin County Lions are the No. 4 team from Region 8. The Lions are in the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Franklin County won their first five games but have gone 2-2 down the stretch. They have defeated one playoff team this season. Franklin County is averaging 27.6 points per game while the defense is allowing 17.4 points per game. The Lions have not had the success against the top tier teams on their schedule. For that reason, we like Greater Atlanta Christian this week by four touchdowns. 

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Class 4A 2020 GHSA Playoff Previews – Part 4 of 4

Posted on November 25, 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 LaGrange – New Hampstead, Perry – Westover, Flowery Branch – Luella and Marist – Central Carroll. 

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 LaGrange Grangers are the No. 2 Seed from Region 2 and are in the playoffs for the first time since 2014. LaGrange has won three of their last five games and have defeated one playoff team this season. LaGrange is averaging 31.4 points per game and is allowing 20.2. All of the Grangers losses this season have come against teams that have qualified for the post season. In their seven wins, LaGrange is averaging 39.1 points per game. However, in their three losses, they are only scoring 13.3.

The New Hampstead Phoenix are the No. 3 seed from Region 3. The Phoenix are in the post season for the fourth time in five years. New Hampstead won their first four games before dropping a game to Islands. They closed out the season winning their final two games. The Phoenix are scoring 39.2 points per game while allowing 10.4 points per game. They have defeated two playoff teams this season. We believe LaGrange is a little more battle tested this week and like them by 5.  

The Skinny

The Perry Panthers are the Region 4 Champions. The Panthers claimed their second region title in school history and are in the playoffs for the third straight year. Quarterback Lane Rucker has thrown for 1,636 yards and 11-TDs while Makeil Kendrick has rushed for 832 yards and 10-TDs. Daequan Wright and Curtis Head have combined to catch 78 passed for 953 yards and 9-TDs. Camerin Marshall leads the team with 110 total tackles. Perry enters the playoffs on a four-game win streak. They are averaging 23.7 points per game and allowing 17. The Panthers have defeated two playoff teams this season. 

The Westover Patriots are the No. 4 seed from Region 1. Westover is in the playoffs for the first time since 2014. The Patriots are averaging 17.4 points per game while the defense is allowing 21.2. While they’ve only won one game, Westover has been competitive in all of their games this season. They have not defeated a playoff team. We expect this to be the closest game between a one seed and a four seed. We still like the Panthers by a touchdown. 

The Skinny

The Flowery Branch Falcons are the No. 2 seed from Region 8. They are in the playoffs for the fourth straight year. Quarterback David Renard has thrown for 2,159 yards and 18-TDs. His top receivers are Connor Larson (45 receptions, 787 yards, 4-TDs) and Sal Sengson (28 receptions, 472 yards, 3-TDs.) Myles Avery and Jaizen Ellingham have combined to rush for 1,175 yards and 16-TDs on the season. The Falcons enter the post season winners of their last five games. They have defeated five playoff teams this year. 

The Luella Lions are the No. 3 seed from Region 5. The Lions are in the playoffs for the second straight season. Luella is led by running back James Jones who has rushed for 763 yards and 5-TDs. Antonio Johnson has caught 14 passes for 304 yards and 3-TDs. Luella has only thrown the ball 99 times this season. The defense has intercepted 12 passes this season and forced 21 turnovers. Luella is averaging 19.7 points per game and allowing 18.4. If they can force a few turnovers on Saturday, they should have a shot to upset Flowery Branch. We still like the Falcons chances. Flowery Branch by 14.

The Skinny

The Marist War Eagles are the Region 6 Champions. Marist has not missed the post season since 1983. The War Eagles have one of the best offensive lines in the state anchored by Steve Nahmias, Davis McKenna and Ian Erickson. But their defense has been dominant allowing just three touchdowns all season. All of those were scored in the last game of the season. They’ve shut out five of their eight opponents. They are averaging 37.2 points per game while allowing only 3.3. Marist has defeated five playoff teams this season.

The Central Carroll Lions are the No 4 seed from Region 7 and are in the playoffs for the first time since 2015. Like Marist, Central will get most of their offense from the rushing attack. They feature one of the best running backs in Class 4-A in Narada Levett. He’s rushed for 1.622 yards and 16-TDs. On defense Jayden Greene has intercepted four passes to lead the secondary. Central is averaging 29 points per game while allowing 22.5 points. They have lost two of their last three games entering the playoffs. This is a tough draw for the Lions. Marist’s defense has been tough all season and we expect nothing less from them in the playoffs. We like the War Eagles by thirty. 

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Class 4A 2020 GHSA Playoff Previews – Part 3 of 4

Posted on November 25, 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 Fayette County -North Oconee, Islands – Hardaway, and Bainbridge – Westside, Macon. It is our understanding that the Cedartown Arabia Mountain game has been canceled due to Covid and Cedartown will move on to the second round . 

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 Fayette County Tigers are the No. 2 seed from Region 5. Fayette County is in the post season for the first time since 2015. Running back Andre Wright has rushed for 909 yards and 9-TDs while Shaquille Ancrum has added 601 yards and 6-TDs. The Tigers have won four of their last five games and have defeated two playoff teams. The Tigers are averaging 21.4 points per game while allowing 10.3.

The North Oconee Titans are the No. 3 seed from Region 8. North Oconee is in the post season for the third consecutive year. In their previous two appearances, the Titans have advanced to the second round. Coming into the playoffs, North Oconee has won four of their last five games. They have defeated one playoff team this season and are averaging 31.2 points per game while allowing 25.4. If Fayette County can run the ball and control the clock, we like their chances. However, we believe this might be a higher scoring game which we believes favors North Oconee. We like the Titans by 8.

The Skinny

The Islands Sharks are the No. 2 seed from Region 3 and are in the playoffs for the first time since 2016. The Sharks also won the most games in school history and will finish with a winning record for the first time in school history. Quarterback Jadon Adams has thrown for 850 yards and 10-TDs while rushing for 413 yards and 9-TDs. Donovan Davelaar has rushed for 422 yards and 5-TDs. The defense has forced 21 turnovers this season. The Sharks are averaging 34.1 points per game while allowing only 6.8. Prior to last week, the Sharks won six straight but were derailed by Windsor Forest. 

The Hardaway Hawks are the No. 3 seed from Region 2. The Hawks are in the playoffs for the third consecutive year. They’ve only advanced beyond the first round twice in school history. Running backs Jordan Moultrie (884 yards, 9-TDs) and Kentavious Day (639 yards, 6-TDs) are the team’s top rushers Hardaway has rushed for 2,502 yards and 28 touchdowns as a team.  Meanwhile, Sayvion Fuller is the team’s leading receiver with 19 receptions for 289 yards and 3-TDs. Jakeveon Upshaw leads the team with 91 total tackles, while Mykel Williams and Javontae McGill have combined for 23.5 sacks. Hardaway had won six in a row before dropping their last two games of the season. They are averaging 35.6 points per game while allowing 11.3. we like the Hawks ability to run the ball and that’s why we pick them to upset Islands this week. Hardaway by 8. 

The Skinny

The Bainbridge Bearcats are the Region 1 Champion and are in the post season for the 18th time in 19 years. Bainbridge has won six straight games entering the playoffs. Quarterback Quayde Hawkins has thrown for 1,435 yards and 16-TDs. His top receiver this year has been Braxton Johnson with 37 receptions for 625 yards and 7-TDs. Rashad Broadnax has rushed for 948 yards and 13-TDs. Zion Bouie leads the secondary with three interceptions. Bainbridge is averaging 29.4 points per game while the defense is allowing 18 points per game. The Bearcats have defeated four playoff teams this season.

The Westside Macon Seminoles are the No. 4 seed from Region 4. Since 2006, the Seminoles have only missed the playoffs twice. Quarterback Ja’lon Miller has thrown for 1,018 yards and 8-TDs while Vanseasn Jackson  has rushed for 632 yards and 7-TDs. Takendre Coats and Quamae Adkins have combined to catch 61 passe for 867 yards and 5-TDs. Kennedy Parker leads the team with 60 total tackles and 8 sacks. Westside has won three of their last five games and is averaging 23 points per game while the defense is allowing 23.7 points per game. The Bearcats are our favorite to win this one, but we think it will be competitive for a half before Bainbridge pulls away. We like the Bainbridge by 18. 

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

Posted on November 25, 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 Hapeville Charter – Heritage, Jefferson – Mt. Zion Jonesboro, Baldwin – Thomas County Central and Carver – Jenkins. 

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 Hapeville Charter Hornets are the No. 2 seed from Region 6. The Hornets are in the playoffs for the fifth straight year. Hapeville has won their last three games entering the playoffs. Two of their three losses have come against playoff teams and not just any teams, but state title contenders. The Hornets have not been as explosive on offense this season, averaging only 16.6 points per game while allowing 18.7. They have however defeated two playoff teams. 

The Heritage Generals are the No. 3 seed from Region 7 and are also in the playoffs for the fifth straight season. The Generals have won two of their last three games entering the playoffs. Quarterback Nick Hanson has thrown for 1,355 yards and 10-TDs while Parker McCrary has run for 553 yards and 3-TDs. Logan Lowe and Ryan Heet have combined to catch 55 passes for 709 yards and 6-TDs. Zach Brown leads the team in total tackles with 90 while Kaden Swope has intercepted four passes in the secondary. The Generals are averaging 20.3 points per game while allowing 19.8. We aren’t quite sure that Heritage has seen a defense as good as Hapeville Charters and for that reason alone, we like the Hornets by two touchdowns this week. 

The Skinny

The Jefferson Dragons are the Region 8 Champions and are in the playoffs for the 21st time in 23 years. Jefferson beat all comers this year. Their closest game was a 7-point win over Hart County. The Dragons will do most of their damage on the ground. (They’ve only attempted 41 passes this season.) Malachi Starks is dangerous under center. The Junior has rushed for 759 yards and 12-TDs through seven games. As a team, the Dragons have churned out over 2,400 yards on the ground this season. Jefferson is averaging 44.7 points per game while the defense is allowing 8.6. They have defeated five playoff teams this year and have shut out two of their last three opponents coming into this week.

The Mt. Zion Jonesboro Bulldogs are the No. 4 team from Region 5. This is their first playoff appearance since 2009. The Bulldogs enter the playoffs winners of their last two games. In those games, they’ve outscored their opponents 70-15. However, on the season the Bulldogs are averaging 15.4 points per game while allowing 21.1. Mt. Zion has not defeated a playoff team this season. This could be a long night for the Bulldogs. We like Jefferson by seven touchdowns this week.

The Skinny

The Baldwin Braves are the No. 2 seed from Region 4 and since 2002 have only missed the playoffs three times. The Braves were only able to play five games this season and were undefeated until last week’s three-point loss against Perry. Quarterback Derrick Lewis has thrown for 682 yards and 9-TDs while Micah Welch and Jeramiyah Scott have combined for 550 yards and 8-TDs on the ground. Shatavious Hogan leads the team with 274 yards receiving on 15 catches. Baldwin is averaging 32.2 points per game while the defense is allowing 15.2 points. They have defeated two playoff teams this season. 

The Thomas County Central Yellow Jackets are the No. 3 seed from Region 1. Thomas County Central returns to post season action after a two-year hiatus. Dondell Green and Tykeem Wallace have combined to rush for 1,033 yards and 15-TDs. Defensively, Jordan Jones has tallied 81 total tackles for the Jackets. Thomas County enters the game winning three of their last five games. They have defeated one playoff team this season and are averaging 22.1 points per game while allowing 25.6. We don’t expect this game to be high scoring, but we do believe Baldwin has enough offense to outlast Thomas County Central. Braves by 10. 

The Skinny

The Carver Tigers are the Region 2 Champions and are in the post-season for the 15th consecutive year. The Tigers went undefeated in the regular season for the first time in 10 years. Quarterback Devin Riles has thrown for 1,316 yards and 13-TDs and has also rushed for 419 yards and 9-TDs. Jamari Riley and Jaiden Credle have combined for 1,280 yards and 20-TDs. Meanwhile, William Bonilla leads the team with 30 receptions for 521 yards and 4-TDs. The Carver defense has forced 15 turnovers and recorded 32 sacks. Carver has defeated three playoff teams this season and is averaging 44 points per game while allowing only 12.

The Jenkins Warriors are the No. 4 seed from Region 3. The Warriors are in the playoffs for the fifth straight year. Jenkins enters the playoffs winners of three of their last four games. In those four wins, they are averaging 40.2 points per game while allowing only 9.2, however in their three losses, the Warriors are averaging 11.3 points per game while allowing 28 points per game. The Warriors do have some weapons offensively, but we don’t believe there’s enough to keep pace with the Tigers. Carver by three touchdowns. 

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Class 4A 2020 GHSA Playoff Previews – Part 1 of 4

Posted on November 25, 2020 by admin

We are previewing all of the 2020 GHSA playoff games. We now take a look at Class 4A. This will be a four part series. This preview features games between Cairo – West Laurens, Benedictine – Troup, Northwest – Stephenson and Riverdale – Cedar Shoals. 

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 Cairo Syrupmakers are the No. 2 Seed from Region 1. Cairo has only missed the playoffs twice since 1994. Cairo enters the playoffs winners of their last four games. All of their losses have come against playoff teams. The Syrup Makers are led by Tay Solomon and Kevin Speed on offense. Cairo is averaging 21.1 points per game while the defense is allowing 20.3. The Syrupmakers have defeated two playoff teams this year.

The West Laurens Raiders are the No. 3 seed from Region 4. The Raiders are in the post season for the sixth time in seven years. In those appearances, they have at least advanced to the second round. In eight games, quarterback Bradley Wilson has thrown for 1,106 yards and 8-TDs while running back Cordarrian Hickman has rushed for 706 yards and 10-TDs. Jacob Holsey leads the team with 81 total tackles while Caden Snell has intercepted five passes in the secondary. West Laurens has defeated two playoff teams this season and is averaging 22.5 points per game while the defense is allowing 15.8. We believe West Laurens will have just enough on offense to pull off a minor upset and win on the road. Raiders by 4.

The Skinny

The Benedictine Cadets are the Region 3 Champions. They are in the playoffs for the tenth straight season. Benedictine won the region title this year by an odd circumstance. The Savannah area schools in their region opted out of a regular region schedule. So the GHSA awarded Benedictine the title since they had no control over the decision by the Savannah Chatham School System. Nevertheless, the Cadets have defeated four playoff teams this season. Holden Geriner has thrown for 1,694 yards and 17-TDs. Trent Broadnax is his leading receiver with 687 yards and 11-TDs while Justin Thomas has caught 25 passes for 508 yards and 5-TDs. Holden Sapp leads the defense with 77 total tackles and 8.5 sacks. Benedictine is averaging 37.3 points per game while the defense is allowing 26.1

The Troup Tigers are the No. 4 Seed from Region 2. Troup is in the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season. The Tigers had won six consecutive games before losing to Carver on a questionable officiating call last week. Freshman quarterback Teo Todd has thrown for 680 yards and 5-TDs and rushed for 1,392 yards and 11-TDs. Anthony Ferguson has added 714 yards and 6-TDs on the ground as well. The Tigers are averaging 29.9 points per game this season while the defense is allowing 14.8 points per game. Troup has defeated one playoff team this season. The biggest question we have will be whether or not Benedictine shows signs of rust after not playing a game in almost a month. If Troup can jump on them early, we like their chances, but ultimately, we expect the Cadets to win by a touchdown.

The Skinny

The Northwest Whitfield Bruins are the No. 2 Seed from Region 7. Northwest is in the post season for the seventh time in eight years. The Bruins have advanced to the second round only once during that span. Northwest enters the game winners of their last three games. Quarterback Owen Brooker has thrown for 2,107 yards and 18-TDs. His top two receivers are Ray Morrison ( 42 receptions 835 yards, 9-TDs) and Matt Redmond ( 47 receptions 684 yards, 7-TDs). Adrian Reyes has added 653 yards on the ground. Redmond ha also intercepted 5 passes in the secondary. The Bruins have defeated three playoff teams and are averaging 29.7 points per game while allowing 23.4

The Stephenson Jaguars are the No. 3 seed from Region 3. Stephenson in the playoffs for the 21stconsecutive season. The Jaguars  opened up their season winning their first four games, but have since dropped their last two. Their defense has been the story, allowing 8.1 points per game and shutting out two of their opponents this season. The defense is led by linebacker Tommy Smith. Meanwhile look for offensive linemen Giovanni Agbo and George Jackson to help set the tone for the Stephenson ground game. The Jaguars have defeated one playoff team, but we believe they have the defense to go on the road and pull off an upset. Jaguars by 6.

The Skinny

The Riverdale Raiders are the Champions from Region 5. Riverdale is making their fourth playoff appearance in five years. In that stretch, they have not advanced past the 1st round. The Raiders come into this game winners of their last four games. More impressively than that is the fact that they have shut out all of those opponents. The Raiders have defeated two playoff teams this season and are averaging 30.5 points per game while the defense is allowing 7.6 points per game. 

The Cedar Shoals Jaguars are the No. 4 seed from Region 8. The Jaguars are making their fourth straight playoff appearance and have advanced to the second round in each of the past two seasons. They are led offensively by running back Jerdavian Colbert (626 yards, 5-TDs). Colbert is also the team’s top receiver with 16 receptions for 224 yards and 1-TD.  Linebacker Teryone Campbell is tops on the team with 57 total tackles. Cedar Shoals has won two of their last five games and have not defeated a playoff team this season. The Jaguars are averaging 13 points per game while the defense is allowing 23.8. We think Avaun Rucker and Riverdale will advance this week. Raiders by 24.

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Class 5A 2020 GHSA Playoff Previews – Part 4 of 4

Posted on November 24, 2020 by admin

We are previewing all of the 2020 GHSA playoff games. This post will end our class 5A preview. This preview features games between Griffin – Jonesboro, Jones County – Wayne County, Eastside – Southwest DeKalb and New Manchester-Hiram. 

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 Griffin Bears are the No. 2 Seed from Region 2. Griffin has only missed the playoffs once since 1996. The Bears have won five of their last six games coming into the playoffs. Coach Reid has used several players at key positions this year. Combined, the Bears quarterbacks have thrown for 1,194 yards and 9-TDs. Through nine games, Jordan Favors led the team with 426 yards and 4-TDs. Donovan Westmoreland leads the team in total tackles, tackles for loss and sacks. The Bears are averaging 19.7 points per game while the defense is allowing 21.9 points per game. The Bears have defeated two playoff teams this season.

The Jonesboro Cardinals are the No. 3 seed from Region 3 and are in the playoffs for the fifth time in six years. Jonesboro won their first six games but dropped two games back-to-back before closing out the season with a win. Jonesboro’s two losses were by a combined 14 points. The Cardinals are averaging 20.5 points per game while the defense is allowing 8.8 points per game. Jonesboro has shutout three of their opponents this season and have defeated one playoff team. This might be one of the most competitive games in the first round of Class 5A. We think Griffin will edge Jonesboro this week by 4. 

The Skinny

The Jones County Greyhounds are the No. 1 team from Region 4. The Greyhounds are in the playoffs for the eighth time in nine years. The Greyhounds have turned their season around after losing to two of the top teams from the top classification. They enter the playoffs on a seven-game win streak and are averaging 36.5 points per game while the defense is allowing 22.9 points. Andrew Carner has rushed for 1,097 yards and 21-TDs while Maleek Wooten has caught 39 passes for 570 yards and 8-TDs. Deon Richardson leads the team with 89 total tackles. The Greyhounds have defeated three playoff teams. 

The Wayne County Yellow Jackets are the No. 4 Seed from Region 1. The Yellow Jackets are in the playoffs for the ninth consecutive year. Wayne County is averaging 15.6 points per game while the defense is allowing 24.9 points per game. Wayne County has defeated one playoff team this season. Coming into the playoffs, Wayne County has lost three of their last four games. Wayne County should be able to keep the game close, but we like Jones County to pull away late. Greyhounds by 13.

The Skinny

The Eastside Eagles are the No. 2 seed from Region 2. The Eagles are in the playoffs for the fifth straight year and for the tenth time in thirteen years. Eastside has won their last four games and were two points away from winning a region title.  Dallas Johns has helped pace the offense with 1,139 yards and 6-TDs. Meanwhile Saabir Berrian leads the team with 19 receptions and 433 yards and 3-TDs. Grayson Malcom leads the defense with 74 total tackles. The Eagles are averaging 29.3 points per game while the defense is allowing 12.5 points per game. 

The Southwest DeKalb Panthers are the No. 3 seed from Region 5. The Panthers are in the post season for the fifth consecutive season. Southwest has won three of their last four games. Heading into the playoffs. As a team Southwest has rushed for 1,246 yards while Armond Davis has caught 17 passes for 392 yards and 4-TDs. The defense has recorded 23 sacks and 11 turnovers. Southwest is averaging 24.7 points per game while the defense is allowing 16.8. Southwest has defeated one playoff team this season. Even though they are trending up, we like Eastside at home by 11.

The Skinny

The New Manchester Jaguars are the Region Champion from Region 6. The Jags are in the post season for only the second time in school history and claimed their first region title this season. The Jaguars have won their last three games and have defeated three playoff teams. Quarterback Rico Jones has thrown for 1,212 yards and 12-TDs. Horatio Felds (42 receptions, 828 yards, 7-TDs) and Malik Laurent (41 receptions, 590 yards, 8-TDs) lead the team in receiving. Robert Iverson leads the team with 85 total tackles and 10 tackles for loss. The Jags are averaging 26.5 points per game while the defense is allowing 18.8 points per game. 

The Hiram Hornets are the No. 4 team from Region 7. The Hornets are in the post season for the second consecutive season. The Hornets only win of the season was an important one is at vaulted them into the playoffs. Hiram is averaging 19.4 points per game while allowing 34.2 points. Hiram is led on offense by Jirah Douglas who has rushed for 80 yards and 10-TDs and Dijon McKissack, who leads the team with 27 receptions for 383 yards and 4-TDs. The Hornets and Jaguars met up earlier this season with the Jaguars winning in a big way. We think this game will be slightly closer, but we like New Manchester to win again by 20. 

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