Class 6A 2020 GHSA 2nd Round Playoff Previews – Part 1 of 2

Posted on November 29, 2020 by admin

We are previewing the 2020 GHSA playoff games. Next up is Class 6A. This will be a two-part series. This preview features games between Evans – Valdosta, Carrollton – Sprayberry, Buford – Cambridge and Glynn Academy – Hughes. 

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 Evans Knights advanced to the second round of the playoffs for the second time in four years. The Knights won big over Statesboro and are the only team from Region 3 remaining in the playoffs. They will host perennial power Valdosta who advanced to the second round for the fifth time in six years. Valdosta has advanced to the quarterfinals in each of the past two seasons. Valdosta looks to be a little more battle tested. We like the Wildcats again this week by two touchdowns on the road.  

The Skinny

The Carrollton Trojans are in the second round of the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season. The past five seasons, Carrollton has made it to the quarterfinals. They will host the Sparyberry Yellow Jackets who advanced to the second round of the playoffs for only the third time in school history. Sprayberry got a big game on the ground last week from Isaiah Abbey to lead the way to victory. They will need another impressive performance from Abbey and the defense if they are going to get past Carrollton. We believe the Trojans are too explosive on offense. Carrollton by 17.

The Skinny

The Buford Wolves Wolves advanced to the second round for the 22nd consecutive season. The Wolves recorded their second straight shutout and have only allowed a total of 30 points in their last nine games. Their opponent will be the Cambridge Bears who scored their first playoff win in school history with a mild upset over Kell last week. Cambridge will need another big performance from Phillip Michael Collins to help keep their season alive. We believe that Gabe Ervin and Victor Venn will be too much for the Cambridge defense to contain. Buford by four touchdowns.

The Skinny

The Glynn Academy Red Terrors have advanced to the second round for the seventh straight season. Glynn Academy had little trouble with Grovetown last week. Now they will host the Langston Hughes Panthers. Langston Hughes is in the second round for the first time since 2016. The Panthers have now matched the program mark for wins in a season. Hughes defense should help keep this game close, but the long road trip and Glynn Academy’s defense should do in the young Panthers. Glynn Academy by 4.

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Class 7A 2020 GHSA 2nd Round Playoff Previews – Part 2 of 2

Posted on November 29, 2020 by admin

We continue previewing the 2020 GHSA football playoff games. First up is Class 7A. This will be a two-part series. This preview features games between Norcross – Roswell, Colquitt County – Walton, Grayson – Harrison and West Forsyth – North Gwinnett.  

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 Norcross Blue Devils are in the second round of the playoffs for the fourth time in five years. They Blue Devils will face Roswell who is making their second straight second round appearance. It should be a fun duel between quarterbacks Mason Kaplan of Norcross and Roswell’s Robbie Roper. Both teams have exciting receivers to watch as well including Marquis Willis and Michael Fitzgerald for Roswell and Trey Goodman and Lawson Luckie for Norcross. We wouldn’t be shocked by a high scoring game in the 30s. We like Norcross by 6. 

The Skinny

Colquitt County left little doubt that they are one of the favorites in the Class 7A tournament with their resounding win last week. They advanced to the second week of the playoffs for the 12th straight year. Their opponent this week are the Walton Raiders who won big as well in Week-1. Walton advanced to the second round of the playoffs for the fourth straight season. It will be interesting to see if quarterbacks Zak Rozsman and Jeremy Hecklinksi will have the same success this week against the Packers defense who is only allowing 9.6 points per game. We like Colquitt County by 17 this week. 

The Skinny

The Grayson Rams recorded their second consecutive shutout as they advanced to the second round for the seventh straight season. Grayson will meet the Harrison Hoyas, who upset Newnan in Week-1. Harrison won the Class 6A state title in 2019, but entered last week’s game with only three regular season wins after being decimated by graduation. In any event, Harrison will need a little more magic if they are going to knock of Phil Mafah and the Grayson Rams. We like Grayson by four touchdowns.

The Skinny

West Forsyth advanced to the second round of the playoffs for the second time in three years. The Wolverines will host the North Gwinnett Bulldogs this week. North Gwinnett advanced to the second round for the fourth straight season. We’ve talked to a few coaches about the Bulldogs and the consensus is that they’re defense is one of the best in the state. That and some of their results on the field are enough to convince us they get past West Forsyth. We like the Bulldogs by 10. 

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Class 7A 2020 GHSA 2nd Round Playoff Previews – Part 1 of 2

Posted on November 29, 2020 by admin

We continue with our 2020 GHSA football playoff previews. First up is the Class 7A second round. This will be a two-part series. This preview features games between North Cobb – Lowndes, Milton – Archer, Collins Hill – Denmark and East Coweta – Parkview. 

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 North Cob Warriors are back in the second round for the first time since 2016. The Warriors will get a visit from South Georgia power, Lowndes on Friday night. It’s the first meeting between the two teams. It will be interesting to see if North Cobb QB Malachi Singleton can outduel Lowndes QB Jacurri Brown. Whatever was ailing Lowndes in the three previous weeks seems to have been cured this past Friday. We like the Vikings on the road this week by 10.

The Skinny

Milton has advanced to the second round for the fourth consecutive season. This week, they will host the Archer Tigers who are in the second round for the seventh time in eight years. Archer’s strength has been their secondary. It should be fun to watch them match up against Milton Quarterback Devin Farrell and wide receivers Adam Freas and Debron Gattling. Nevertheless, we believe the x-factor for Milton on offense is Jordan McDonald. If Archer can keep him in check, we like their chances. That’s easier said than done. We like Milton by two touchdowns. 

The Skinny

Collins Hill left little doubt on Friday night that they are in playoff form. The Eagles advanced to the second round for the first time since 2015. Their opponent this week is the Denmark Danes, who won their first playoff game in the school’s brief three-year history. This game features two of the top quarterbacks in the state in Sam Horn for Collins Hill and Aaron McLaughlin for Denmark. Collins Hill also has Travis Hunter, one of the top wide receivers and defensive backs in the country. It could be a long night for Denmark if they can’t keep Hunter under wraps. We like Collins Hill by 16.

The Skinny

East Coweta survived a scare from Marietta on Friday night and advanced to the second round for the third consecutive year. They will get a visit this Friday night from the Parkview Panthers who survived their own scare from visiting Camden County last week. All eyes should be on the running backs in this game. East Coweta’s Trey Bowles and Jayden Bolton and Parkview’s Cody Brown and Ty Curtis should put on a great show this Friday night. We expect this game to go down to the wire, but like East Coweta by a field goal, perhaps in overtime.

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Class 2A 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 2A This will be a four part series. This preview features games between Jeff Davis – Washington County, Jefferson County – Cook, Elbert County – Bremen, and South Atlanta – Chattooga. 

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 Jeff Davis Yellow Jackets are the No. 2 seed from Region 2. The Yellow Jackets are in the post season for the third time in four years. They have grounded out almost 3,000 yards rushing as a team and are led by Aahiyus Allen (854 yards and 6-TDs) and Austin Wood  (610 yards and 5-TDs). Freshman Carter Mullis leads the team with 57 total tackles. The Jeff Davis secondary has intercepted 14 passes this season. They’ve won three straight games coming into the playoffs and are averaging 29.7 points per game while allowing 15.8 points per game and have defeated four playoff teams this season.

The Washington County Golden Hawks are the No. 3 seed from Region 3. Since 1996 they’ve only missed the playoffs one time. The Golden Hawks have won three of their last four games and have defeated three playoff teams this season. They are averaging 30.2 points per game while the defense is allowing 16.9 points per game. We anticipate that the final score in this game will be in the twenties and like the Yellow Jackets by three at home. 

The Skinny

The Jefferson County Warriors are the Region 4 Champion. Jefferson County is in the playoffs for the nineteenth straight season. Jefferson has done most of their damage on the ground. Quarterback Aquauvious Hunter and running backs Izaiah Gaines and Kobe Heggs have combined to rush for 1,412 yards and 17-TDs. Mike Murray leads the team with 25 receptions for 422 yards. Ja’quine Gilmore leads the team in total tackles while Nick Jordan leads the defense in sacks. The Warriors have won seven consecutive games coming into the playoffs. They are averaging 35.8 points per game while allowing 15.6. Jefferson County has defeated three playoff teams. 

The Cook Hornets are the No. 4 seed from Region 1. Cook is in the playoffs for the twenty-first straight season. Cook won five of their first seven games before dropping back-to-back games to Thomasville and Early County. The Hornets are averaging 24.5 points per game while allowing the same amount. They have defeated two playoff teams this season. Cook has shown the ability to put plenty of points on the board, but we questions whether their defense can stop the Warriors ground game. We like Jefferson County by 18 this week. 

The Skinny

The Elbert County Blue Devils are the No. 2 seed from Region 8. Elbert County is in the postseason for the for the eleventh time in twelve years. The Blue Devils have won two of their last three coming into the playoffs. All three wins have been against teams that are in the playoffs. They are averaging 18.7 points per game while allowing 29.1 points. 

The Bremen Blue Devils are the No. 3 seed from Region 5. The Blue Devils have only missed the playoffs three times since 1996. Bremen has defeated five playoff teams this year. They are averaging 26.4 points per game while allowing 21.7 this season. They have won three of their last five games. Bremen has proved they can play with some of the top teams in Class 2A this season. We like the Bremen Blue Devils on the road in impressive fashion. Bremen by 4 touchdowns. 

The Skinny

The South Atlanta Hornets are the Region 6 Champions. They claimed their first region title in school history and are in the post-season for the fourth consecutive year. Because of the tie-break rules used in Region 6, South Atlanta was not penalized for their loss to Lovett. The Hornets have won their last five games coming into the playoffs. They area averaging 18.6 points per game while the defense is allowing 20.4 points. South Atlanta has defeated two playoff teams this season.

The Chattooga Indians are the No. 4 seed from Region 4. The Indians are in the post season for the seventh consecutive season. Chattooga quarterback Cash Allen has thrown for 1,403 yards and 10-TDs while LeShaun Lester has rushed for 963 yards and 14-TDs. Freshman Nic Hester has caught 51 passes for 572 yards and 5-TDs. Linebacker Devin Heroch leads the team with 89 total tackles. Chattooga has not defeated a playoff team this season. They are averaging 18.9 points per game while the defense is allowing 29.7. We believe the Indians can keep this game close in the first half, but do like South Atlanta in a game that might be a little closer than some think. South Atlanta by 10. 

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Class 2A 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 2A This will be a four part series. This preview features games between Heard County – Union County, Fannin County – Pace Academy, Northeast – Toombs County and Fitzgerald – Oglethorpe 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 Heard County Braves are the No. 2 seed from Region 5. The Braves are in the post season for the twentieth time in twenty-one seasons. Heard County Quarterback Maurice Fench has thrown from 1,119 yards and 11 TDs while Ashton Bonner has rushed for 763 yards and 9-TDs to help pace the offense. Meanwhile, Chief Borders leads the team in tackles with 54. Heard County has won two of their last three games entering the playoffs. The Braves are averaging 24.5 points per game while allowing 25.5. Heard County has defeated six playoff teams this season. Interestingly enough, all but one of their opponents is in the playoffs this season.

The Union County Panthers are the No. 3 seed from Region 8. Union County is in the post season for the seventh time in eight years. Keyton Chitwood and Kaston Hemphill have helped lead the way for the Panthers offensively this season. Union County has not defeated a playoff team this year and comes into this week winning only one of their last four games and did not score more than 14 in any of those contests. They are averaging 17.4 points per game while allowing 23.4. Those numbers tend to tell us that Heard County should be favored. We happen to like them by four touchdowns this week. 

The Skinny

The Fannin County Rebels are the Region 7 Champions. The Rebels are in the post season for the third straight year. Fannin County also went undefeated in the regular season for the first time since 1995 and claimed only their third region title in school history. Quarterback Luke Holloway has thrown for 1,595 yards and 24-TDs and also rushed for 565 yards and 7-TDs. Caleb Postell has also added 413 yards and 4 TDs rushing. Jalen Ingram and Cohutta Hyde have combined to catch 52 passes for 1,051 yards and 21-TDs. Micah O’Neal leads the Rebels defense with 79 total tackles while Dalton Ross has recorded 8.5 sacks. Fannin is averaging 43.5 points per game while the defense is allowing 10.3. They’ve defeated five playoff teams this season. 

The Pace Academy Knights are the No. 4 seed from Region 6. Pace Academy is in the playoffs for the seventh straight season. However in the previous four years, they have not made it out of the first round. Quarterback M.J. Morris spearheads the Knights offensive attack alongside Deuce Jordan in the backfield. Pace has defeated two playoff teams this season and come into this week winners of their last three ballgames. They are averaging 30.1 points per game while allowing 10.7. Pace is not your conventional No. 4 seed and we expect for them to be able to go toe-to-toe with Fannin County. We believe M.J. Morris will outduel Luke Holloway and help Pace with the upset. Knights by 6.

The Skinny

The Northeast Macon Raiders are the No. 2 seed from Region 3. Northeast is in the playoffs for the second time in three years. Quarterback Trayvion Solomon has thrown for 1,797 yards and 19-TDs. While Kalik Evans has rushed for 762 yards and 8-TDs to pace the offense. Northeast has won four of their last five games and are averaging 28.1 points per game on offense while the defense is allowing 22 points per game. Northeast has defeated two playoff teams this season.

The Toombs County Bulldogs are the No. 3 seed from Region 2. The Bulldogs are in the playoffs for the fifth straight season. They are led by running back Derrick Mincey (889 yards, 16-TDs) and quarterback Chandler Lynn (645 rushing yards, 845 passing yards, 14 Total TDs). Tank Morris leads the team in total tackles while Brannon Usher has recorded 22 tackles for loss. The Bulldogs have won their last two games entering the postseason. They are averaging 31.7 points per game while allowing 19.1. They have defeated four playoff teams this season. We believe Toombs will have just enough on defense to hold Northeast at bay. We like the Bulldogs by a touchdown. 

The Skinny

The Fitzgerald Purple Hurricanes are the Region 1 Champions. Fitzgerald is in the playoffs for the 21st straight season. They went undefeated in the regular season for the first time since 2009. Fitzgerald is averaging 33.2 points per game in offense while the defense is allowing 11.8 points per game. The Canes have defeated seven playoff teams this season. 

The Oglethorpe County Patriots are the No. 4 seed from Region 4 and are in the playoffs for the first time since 1998. The Patriots are averaging 13.6 points per game while the defense is allowing 23.5 points. They have not defeated a playoff team this season. In their three wins they are averaging 32.3 points per game, however in their three losses they are only averaging 5.5 points per game. The Patriots will be overmatched against Fitzgerald. We like the Canes by six touchdowns. 

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Class 2A 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 2A This will be a four part series. This preview features games between Washington – Model, Rabun County – Haralson County, Putnam County – Early County, and Vidlia – 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 Washington Bulldogs are the No. 2 seed from Region 6. Washington is in the playoffs for the second time in three years. Quarterback Monye Jones has thrown for 1,303 yards and 22-TDs while running backs Armani Tookes and Niejay Gaston have combined for 989 yards and 10-TDs. Tookes and Ronnie West have also combined for 45 receptions and 930 receiving yards and 16-TDs. Maurice Edwards leads the team in total tackles while Montavious Ferguson leads the team in sacks. Taj Moore has also intercepted five passes this season. Washington enters the post-season on a six-game win streak. They are averaging 37.1 points per game while allowing 10.6. They’ve also shut out their last three opponents. 

The Model Blue Devils are the No. 3 seed from Region 7. Model is in the playoffs for the second year in a row and the seventh time in nine years. Model has won their last two games entering the post season. They have defeated two playoff teams this season. They are averaging 22.5 points per game while allowing 16.5. We like Washington this week by 16. 

The Skinny

The Rabun County Wildcats are the Region 8 Champions. They are making their 9th consecutive playoff appearance and won their seventh straight region title. The Wildcats are led by quarterback Gunner Stockton. The junior has thrown for 2,365 yards and 38 TDs. In 211 pass attempts, he has only thrown one interception and is completing 71% of his passes. He’s also rushed for 1,046 yards and 19-TDs. Sophomore Lang Windham has also rushed for 1,136 yards and 10-TDs. Adriel Clark is Stockton’s favorite target. He’s caught 52 passes for 1,144 yards and 23-TDs. Will Turpin leads the defense with 91 total tackles while Sutton Jones has intercepted four passes in the secondary. The Wildcats have won seven consecutive games and are averaging 50.7 points per game while allowing 17.3. The Wildcats have defeated five playoff teams this season.

The Haralson County Rebels are the No. 4 seed from Region 5. The Rebels are in the playoffs for the third straight season. Haralson County started out the year red hot, winning six straight games, but have lost two of their last three. The Rebels are led on offense by Clay Hyatt and Marc Harris. They’ve helped to power the Rebels to 29.6 points per game on offense. The defense is allowing 14.7 points per game. Haralson County possible has the most difficult first round matchup in Class 2A. We just don’t see how the slow down Stockton and Rabun County. We like the Wildcats by 20. 

The Skinny

The Putnam County War Eagles are the No. 2 seed from Region 4. They are making their second straight playoff appearance. Putnam County won nine regular season games for the first time since 1994. Th War Eagles defeated four playoff teams this season. They are averaging 35.2 points per game while the defense is allowing 10 points per game. 

The Early County Bobcats are the No. 3 seed from Region 1. Early County is making their third straight playoff appearance. The Bobcats will rely on the ground game this week as they’ve done all season. Ladarius Ceaser leads the team with 970 yards and 9-TDs while Jay Ealey and Bra’veaon George have combined for 920 yards and 16-TDs. All told, the Bobcats have rushed for 2,097 as a team. Brian Hanks leads the team in total tackles and sacks. Early County has won their last three games and has defeated three playoff teams this season. The Bobcats are averaging 33.7 points per game while allowing 24.6. This game should be nip and tuck. We like Early County and their ability to control the clock on the ground. Bobcats by 6.

The Skinny

The Vidalia Indians are the Region 1 Champions. The Indians are in the playoffs for the eleventh time in twelve years. Vidalia is on a seven-game win streak coming into the playoffs. Quarterback Bryce Davis his thrown for 752 yards and 6-TDs and also rushed for 1,121 yards and 11-TDs. Jaedyn Stanley has also rushed for 754 yards and 9-TDs while Josh Mincey has caught 12 passes for 303 yards and 5-TDs. Jaylin Burns leads the defense with 61 total tackles. Vidalia is averaging 28.8 points per game while the defense is allowing 18.3. The Indians have defeated five playoff teams this season. 

The Bleckley County Royals are the No. 4 seed from Region 3. The Royals are in the post-season for the second straight year. Bleckley County had won five straight games before dropping back-to-back games to close out the regular season. Quarterback Dominic Sasser has thrown for 1,241 yards and 17-TDs. Jaden Mobley has been his top receiver with 29 receptions for 526 yards while Jahvon Butler and Chuckie Stephens have combined to rush for 1,259 yards and 16-TDs. Bleckley County is averaging 32.5 points per game while the defense is allowing 21.3. The Royals have defeated four playoff teams this season, including Vidalia back in September. Despite beating Vidalia earlier, we are going to go with Vidalia this week to exact a measure of revenge. It won’t be a cake walk, but we like the Indians by 4. 

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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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