Class 5A 2020 GHSA Playoff Previews – Part 3 of 4

Posted on November 24, 2020 by admin

We are previewing all of the 2020 GHSA playoff games. We continue on with the Class 5A previews. This will be a four part series. This preview features games between Decatur – Greenbrier, Blessed Trinity – Chapel Hill, Woodward – Whitewater and Warner Robins – Union Grove. 

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

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

The Skinny

The Decatur Bulldogs are the No. 2 seed from Region 5. The Bulldogs are in the post season for the second consecutive season. Decatur won six straight games before losing to St. Pius in the de facto region title game. Through six games, Marquis Hood led the team in rushing with 455 yards and 6-TDs. Hood also leads the team with 6 sacks on defense. Senior safety Sam Mahany has intercepted seven passes on the season. Decatur is averaging 29.2 points per game while the defense is allowing 13.4 points per game. The Bulldogs have defeated three playoff teams this season.

The Greenbrier Wolfpack are the No. 3 seed from Region 8. The Wolfpack is in the post season for the third consecutive season. Greenbrier has never made it past the first round.  Quarterback Brooks Pangle has thrown for 2,298 yards and 28-TDs. Brayden Collett (51 receptions, 957 yards, 17-TDs) and Malik Leverett (53 receptions, 560 yards, 7-TDs) are the top receivers. Beau Shugarts leads the defense with 105 total tackles and 9 sacks. The Wolfpack are averaging 27.3 points per game while the defense is allowing 20.5 points. Greenbrier has defeated three playoff teams. Sam Mahany should have several opportunities to add to his interception totals this week, but could this be the year that the Wolfpack break through. This one is a toss-up, so we will go with the home team by a field goal.

The Skinny

The Blessed Trinity Titans are the Region Champion from Region 7. The Titans are in the post season for the 10th straight year. They have won the previous three Class 4A state title games. Blessed Trinity has shut out their last three opponents and their closest game was a 14-point win over Calhoun. Sophomore Justice Haynes is the engine that makes the Titans go. Through his first four games of the season, he already racked up 858 yards and 12-TDs. The Titans have also benefited with the addition of quarterback J.C. French to the offense this season. Blessed Trinity is averaging 45.6 points per game while the defense is allowing 11.1 points. 

The Chapel Hill Panther are the No. 4 seed from Region 6. The Panthers are in the post season for third time in five years. The Panthers are led by running backs Michael Perkins (608 yards, 3-TDs) and Rudolph Paul, (682 yards, 5-TDs). Keyshawn Buckley is the team’s leading receiver with 23 receptions for 421 yards and 5-TDs. Zechariah White leads the team with 101 total tackles and Derrick Von Hubbard leads the team with 8 sacks. Chapel Hill is allowing 24.7 points per game while the defense is allowing 23.1 points per game. We have a feeling that the Chapel Hill Panthers will be chasing Justice Haynes a lot on Friday. We like the Titans by six touchdowns. 

The Skinny

The Woodward Academy War Eagles are the No. 2 Seed from Region 3. Woodward Academy is in the post season for the 13th consecutive season. Woodward started off the year dropping their first three games, but bounced back to win six straight games before falling to Creekside in the season finale. Damari Alston leads the way on offense with 1,223 yards and 19-TDs. Alston is also the team’s leading receiver with 16 receptions for 196 yards and a touchdown. Errington Truesdell leads the defense with 76 total tackles and 14 tackles for loss. Truesdell is also tied for the team led for interceptions, (3). Woodward Academy is averaging 25.5 points per game while the defense is allowing 16.2 points per game.

The Whitewater Wildcats are the No. 3 seed from Region 2 and are in the post season for the third time in five years. Whitewater has won four of their last five games and have defeated one playoff team this season. Whitewater has done most of their damage on the ground this year. Dalton Bonner and Adeoluwa Erinle have combined for 910 yards and 7-TDs. Ty Marshall leads the team with 93 total tackles while T.J. Hill leads the team with 9 sacks. Whitewater is averaging 21.3 points per game while the defense is allowing 19.6 points per game. We believe Damari Alston will be too much to contain for Whitewater. We like Woodward by 13.

The Skinny

The Warner Robins Demons are the Region Champion from Region 1. The Demons are in the post season for the tenth straight season. Warner Robins has made it to the finals in each of the past three seasons. Warner Robins only loss this year was to Class 6A No. 1 Lee County. Quarterback Jalen Addie has thrown for 1,326 yards and 12-TDs while also adding 575 yards and 8-TDs rushing.  Running backs Malcolm Brown (705 yards, 6-TDs) and Jahlen Rutherford (693 yards, 6-TDs) lead the way on the ground for Warner Robbins. Demarcious Robinson leads the team in total tackles while Vic Burley leads the team in sacks with 9. Warner Robins is averaging 35.4 points per game while the defense is allowing 13.8 points per game. Warner Robins has defeated six playoff teams this season.

The Union Grove Wolverines are the No. 4 seed from Region 4. The Wolverines are in the playoffs for the first time since 2012. The Wolverines are winners of their last four games. Union Grove is averaging 27.6 points per game while allowing 21 points per game. They have not defeated a playoff team this season. We think this game could get out of hand early. We like the Demons by six touchdowns.    

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Class 5A 2020 GHSA Playoff Previews – Part 2 of 4

Posted on November 24, 2020 by admin

We are previewing all of the 2020 GHSA playoff games. We know look at Class 5A. This will be a four part series. This preview features games between Lithia Springs – Calhoun, Clarke Central – M.L. King, Ola-Coffee, and Starr’s Mill – Mundy’s Mill. 

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 Lithia Springs Lions are the No. 2 seed from Region 6. They are also in the playoffs for the second consecutive season and only the second time in school history. Sophomore quarterback Ja’que Hart has thrown for 1,335 yards and 13-TDs while Lydell Daniel leads the team in rushing with 515 yards and 5-TDs. Javon Jennings leads the team in total tackles with 72 while Taye Seymore is close behind with 69. The Lions have defeated one playoff team this season and has won their final two games to close out the season. They are averaging 22.7 points per game and allowing 29.4 points per game. 

The Calhoun Yellow Jackets are the No. 3 seed from Region 7 and are in the playoffs for the 21st consecutive season. Calhoun enters the game going 3-2 over their last five games, but those two losses where to two of the best teams in the 5A classification. The Jackets are averaging 33.6 points per game while allowing 18 points per game. Calhoun is led by running back Jerrian Hames, quarterback Christian Lewis and wide receiver Will Seamons. Even though the Jackets are on the road, we believe they are battle tested and should outlast the Lions. We like Calhoun by 20 this week. 

The Skinny

The Clarke Central Gladiators are the Region Champions from Region 8. The Gladiators are in the post season for the fifth consecutive season. The previous two years they advanced all the way to the quarterfinals. Quarterback William Robinson has thrown for 1,657 yards and 12-TDs. Running backs William Richardson and Felix Brady Jr. have combined for 1,059 yards rushing and 17-TDs while Jairus Mack leads the team with 29 receptions for 721 yards and 4-TDs. Jaavan Mack is tied with Tyreon Millsap for the team’s lead in interceptions with 4. The Gladiators have won six straight games and have defeated three playoff teams. 

The M.L. King Lions are the No. 4 seed from Region 5. The Lions are in the post season for the second straight year. M.L. King is averaging 19.4 points per game while the defense is allowing 22.7 points. The Lions have not defeated a playoff team this season. In their two wins, M.L. King has scored 48 points; they were held to 14 points or less in their five losses. We don’t think those numbers bode well traveling to Athens to face the Gladiators. We like Clarke Central by four touchdowns. 

The Skinny

The Ola Mustangs are the No. 2 seed from Region 4. Ola is in the post season for the second consecutive season. This only the third time they’ve been to the post season since they started playing football in 2006. The Mustangs started off red hot winning their first six games before falling to Jones County by three. They’ve rebounded to win their last three games. The Mustangs average 287.5 yards per game on the ground and are led by Micah Bell (1,175 yards, 14-TDs) and quarterback Jake Hall (845 yards, 13-TDs). While the Mustangs won’t throw it much, sophomore Jaden Barnes has caught 31 passes for 342 yards and 4-TDs. Chris Ramos leads the team in total tackles with 66 while Devin Lee leads the team with 8 sacks. Ola is averaging 38.3 points per game while the defense is allowing 15.6 points per game. 

The Coffee Trojans are the No. 3 seed from Region 1. Coffee is in the post season for the seventh straight year. Quarterback A.J. Wilkerson has thrown for 1,187 yards and 12-TDs. A.J. Franklin leads the team in rushing with 428 yards and 6-TDs. Maurice Turner is the team’s leading receiver with 558 yards and 4-TDs. Anthony Gaskin leads the team in total tackles with 84. Coffee is averaging 34.2 points per game while allowing 13.1. Coffee has defeated four playoff teams this season. We don’t think either team will score over thirty points this week, but unfortunately for Ola, we believe Coffee will be brewing. We like the Trojans by 6.

The Skinny

The Starr’s Mill Panthers are the Region Champion from Region 2. The Panthers are in the post season for the seventh straight season. Since losing an overtime game to East Coweta in Week-1, the Panthers have won eight straight games. The Panthers are averaging 23.2 points per game while the defense has been dominant, allowing 6.5 points per game including four shutouts. They Panthers have racked up 2,475 team rushing yards and are led by Devin Barnett and Brandon Mathis. Safety Cole Bishop helps to anchor the dominating Panthers defense.

The Mundy’s Mill Tigers are the No. 4 seed from Region 3. The Panthers are in the post season for the second time in three years. Mundy’s Mill  quarterback Dajuan Springer has thrown for 1,086 yards and 12-TDs. His two top receivers are Antoine Green (31 receptions 576 yards, 4-TDs) and Cameron Barnes (29 receptions, 348 yards, 4-TDs). Running back Jaylan Grant has tallied 546 yards and 3-TDs on the season. Corey Barnes leads the team with 113 total tackles. Mundy’s Mill has won three of their last five games and have defeated one playoff team this season. We expect for Starr’s Mill and their rushing attack to ground up plenty of yards this week. Panthers by 30.

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Class 5A 2020 GHSA Playoff Previews – Part 1 of 4

Posted on November 24, 2020 by admin

We are previewing all of the 2020 GHSA playoff games. Next we will preview Class 5A. This will be a four part series. This preview features games between Ware County – Dutchtown, Creekside – Harris County, Cartersville – Jackson and St. Pius – Loganville. 

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

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

The Skinny

The Ware County Gators are the No. 2 seed from Region 1. The Gators have only missed the post season once since 1999. Ware County won their first six games before falling to Warner Robins. The Gators finished the season winning their last two games. This season the Gators have defeated seven playoff teams. Quarterback Thomas Castellanos has thrown for 2,169 yards and 18-TDs and has also rushed for 744 yards and 17-TDs. Raiden Kennedy, Jerry Wilkins and James Daniels have combined for 53 receptions for 1,065 yards and 11-TDs. Ware County is averaging 36 points per game while the defense is allowing 17.2

The Dutchtown Bulldogs are the No. 3 seed from Region 4. Dutchtown is in the post season for the fourth consecutive year. The Bulldogs had won five consecutive games before dropping their finale to Jones County. Dutchtown is averaging 19.2 points per game and allowing 12.3. However in their six wins, that average jumps to 28.8 points per game. The Bulldogs have defeated one playoff team this season. Dutchtown’s defense should keep this close for a half, but Castellanos will be too much to handle. We like the Gators by 28.

The Skinny

The Creekside Seminoles are the Region Champions from Region 3. The Seminoles are in the playoffs for the third straight year. Creekside enters the post season on a six-game win streak. Their only losses were to two highly ranked teams in Westlake and Cartersville. The Seminoles have rushed for 2,371 yards on the season and are led by Kamauri Davis (908 yards, 4-TDs). Freshmen safety Roderrick McCrary leads the defense with 74 total tackles while Denard Flowers leads the team with 11 sacks. The defense has intercepted 10 passes and forced a total of 22 turnovers this year. The Seminoles are averaging 27 points per game while the defense is allowing 14.8 points per game. 

Harris County is the No. 4 seed from Region 2. The Tigers are in the post season for the fourth straight year. Harris county has lost their last two games entering the playoffs. Quarterback Cooper Corey has thrown for 1,199 yards and 11-TDs and also run for 462 yards and 5-TDs. Meanwhile K.D. Hutchinson has rushed for 619 yards and 6-TDs. Malachi Youmans and Wilbur Ramos lead the team in total tackles with 95 and 92 respectively. In their six wins, Harris County is averaging 27.6 points per game but in their four losses they are only averaging 11.5 points. Harris County is going up against a pretty stingy defense. We don’t think Creekside will blow out Harris County, but we do think they have enough offense to get the victory. Creekside by 14.

The Skinny

The Cartersville Purple Hurricanes are the No. 2 Seed from Region 7 and are in the post season for the ninth consecutive season. During that stretch, the Purple Hurricanes have won two state titles. Cartersville had their regular season winning streak snapped in early in October, but have since bounced back to win four straight games. Cartersville is led by quarterbacks Stratton Tripp and Carlos del Rio Wilson. The two have combined to pass for 1,951 yards and 18-TDs. Running back Quante’ Jennings has rushed for 611 yards and 13-TDs. Sam Phillips ( 51 receptions, 656 yards, 5-TDs) and Devonta Ross (27 receptions, 619 yards, 5-TDs) are the team’s leading receivers. Safety Evan Slocum leads the team in total tackles while Sam Philips has intercepted 4 passes this season. The Cartersville secondary has intercepted 13 passes. The Canes are averaging 36.2 points per game while the defense is allowing 10.2

The Maynard Jackson Jaguars are the No. 3 Seed from Region 6. The Jaguars are in the post season for the fifth time in seven years. Quarterback Raveon Moore leads the team in passing and rushing with 937 yards through the air  and 10-TDs and 502 rushing yards and 5-TDs on the ground. Jeremiah Rowe leads the team with 15 receptions and 419 yards. Maynard Jackson has won their last three games entering the post season. They are averaging 17.4 points per game while the defense is allowing 24.4 points. Cartersville should have too many horses this week for Maynard Jackson to keep pace. We like the Canes by five touchdowns.

The Skinny

The St. Pius Lions are the Region Champions from Region 5. The Lions have only missed the post season one time since 2002. The Lions enter the post season on a six-game winning streak. Their only loss was a three-point setback to Westminster back in early October. The Lions are averaging 34.1 points per game while the defense is allowing 13.7 points per game. St. Pius has defeated five playoff teams this season.  

The Loganville Red Devils are the No. 4 seed from Region 8. The Red Devils are in the post season for the fifth time in six years. Quarterback Tanner Greene has thrown for 1,486 yards and 9-TDs. Brandon Thornton leads the defense with 97 total tackles. The Red Devils defense has forced 14 turnovers this season. Loganville has won three of their last four games. They have defeated one playoff team this season. We expect for St. Pius and their run heavy attack to be more than enough to get by Loganville. Lions by 24. 

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Class 6A 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. Next up is Class 6A. This will be a four part series. This preview features games between Richmond Hill – Lakeside-Evans, Westlake – Houston County, Dacula – Alexander, and Allatoona-Johns Creek . 

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 Richmond Hill Wildcats are the No. 2 seed in Region 2. It is the seventh trip to the postseason in the past nine years. The Wildcats looked to be well on their way to another region title until they were upset by Glynn Academy in early November. Nevertheless, the Wildcats have defeated five playoff teams this season. Running back Ashaud Roberson has rushed for 1,407 yards and 15-TDs. Quarterback Tyler Coleman has thrown for 1,423 yards and 11-TDs. John Mastrorilli leads the team in total tackles with 67 while Nathan Vickers has recorded 9 sacks. The defense has recorded eight turnovers and is allowing 14.2 points per game while the offense is averaging 35.6 points per game. 

The Lakeside Evans Panthers are the No. 3 seed from Region 3. Lakeside is in the playoffs for the fifth consecutive year and have only advanced to the second round once in school history. Quarterback Gavin Wright leads the team in rushing and passing while Zalon Hawes is the team’s leading receiver. Lakeside is averaging 8.9 points per game while the defense is allowing 27.2 points per game those numbers aren’t necessarily a recipe for success in the playoffs. We like Richmond Hill be six touchdowns.

The Skinny

The Westlake Lions are the Region 4 Champions. Westlake has now qualified for the post season for the eight straight season. Westlake has won six consecutive games and have really exploded on offense over the last several weeks. Sophomore quarterback R.J. Johnson has thrown for 2,334 yards and 17-TDs. Zinah Mulbah and Corzavius Smart have combined to rush for 1,295 yards and 17-TDs. Meanwhile, receivers Dacari Collins and Leo Blackburn have combined for 72 receptions, 1,376 yards receiving and 12-TDs. Westlake is averaging 40.5 points per game while the defense is allowing 15.8 points per game. 

The Houston County Bears are the No. 4 seed from Region 1. The Bears are in the post season for the second consecutive season. In their previous three playoff appearances, they’ve advanced all the way to the quarterfinals. Houston County is led by running back Tyler Williams and Simeon Askew. Jayson Hodges, Hunter Rizer and Jayleem Santos lead the team in total tackles. The Bears have dropped their last three games which isn’t the trend you want coming into the playoffs. They have defeated four playoff teams this season and for what it’s worth, we believe they play in one of the toughest regions in Class 6A. We believe this game will be closer than most might anticipate. We like Westlake to win a surprisingly close game by a touchdown. 

The Skinny

The Dacula Falcons are the No. 2 seed from Region 8. Since 2004, the Falcons have only missed the postseason four times. In the previous two seasons, the Falcons have advanced all the way to the semifinals. The Falcons had won six straight games before falling to Buford last week.  The Dacula offense is powered by running back Kyle Efford. At 6’1 225, Efford is a power back and he is also a menace to opposing offenses when he lines up at linebacker. The Falcons are averaging 31.7 points per game while the defense is allowing 20.5 points per game. 

The Alexander Cougars are the No. 3 seed from Region 5. This is the Cougars seventh playoff appearance in eight years. Alexander has wins over three playoff teams including a big victory of region champion Carrollton. Quarterback Donovan Hoskins leads the team in rushing and passing yardage. Wesley Smith is the team’s leader in total tackles. Alexander is averaging 27.3 points per game while the defense is allowing 16.5 points per game. Alexander’s defense should keep this game close, but we expect Dacula to wear down Alexander and win a close game down the stretch. We like Dacula by 3.

The Skinny

The Allatoona Buccaneers are the Region 6 Champions. The Bucs have made the playoffs for 11 consecutive seasons and since the school opened have only missed the playoffs in their first two season of varsity competition. Sophomore running back Jayden Ponder has rushed for 958 yards and 5-TDs. Ty Thompson leads the team with 7 sacks while the defense has forced 23 turnovers. Allatoona has also shut out three of their opponents. The Bucs have defeated four playoff teams this season and are averaging 30 points per game while allowing a paltry 7.8 points per game.

The Johns Creek Gladiators are the No. 4 team from Region 7. The Gladiators have reached the post season for the fourth time in five years. Dylan Parr leads the team in rushing while Ethan Story, Brandon Palmer and Coln Raad are the top receivers. Defensively, Cole Nelson and Tank Pritchett lead the team in total tackles. Johns Creek has lost two of their last three games this season. The Gladiators are averaging 19.5 points per game while the defense is allowing 19.6 points per game. Our gut tells us that this could be a low scoring affair. We believe Allatoona is a little more potent on offense and expect them to win this one by 10. 

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Class 6A 2020 GHSA Playoff Previews – Part 3 of 4

Posted on November 24, 2020 by admin

We are previewing all of the 2020 GHSA playoff games. Next up is Class 6A. This will be a four part series. This preview features games between Rome-Habersham Central, River Ridge-Kennesaw Mountain, Alcovy-Brunswick and Lee County-Tucker.

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 Rome Wolves are the No. 2 seed from Region 5 and are in the post season for the sixth consecutive year. Rome has won five straight games and all of their losses were to teams that are in the playoffs. It looks as though quarterback Reece Fountain has taken most of the snaps lately for the Wolves. The Freshman has thrown for 680 yards and 5-TDs. Through 9 games, E.J. Lacey and freshman Shaun Nelson have combined to rush for 1, 043 yards and 5-TDs. Jay Wise still leads the team in receptions, receiving yards and receiving TDs. Through nine games, linebacker Brant Wilkinson has tallied 8 sacks. Rome is averaging 23.2 points per game while the defense is allowing 19.1 points per game. 

The Habersham Central Raiders are the No. 3 seed from Region 8. This marks the second time in three years that the Raiders are in the post season. The Raiders have won their last three games. Habersham Central sports two thousand-yard rushers in quarterback Joshua Picket, (1,521 yards, 21-TDs) and Jackson Cloutre, (1,101 yards, 9-TDs). Picket has also thrown for 954 yards and 9-TDs. Patrick Tedder leads the team with 109 total tackles. Austin Wood has intercepted 9…yes 9 passes on the season and the team has picked off 17 all-together. Habersham Central is averaging 30.6 points per game while the defense is allowing 27.7 points. The Raiders have defeated one playoff team this season. That’s something that raises our eyebrows. We like Rome by 13.

The Skinny

The River Ridge Knights are the Region 7 Champions, the first in school history. The Knights are in the playoffs for the first time since 2012 and for only the second time in school history. River Ridge also set a record for number of wins in a season. River Ridge is powered by Junior running back Amehre Morrison who’s rushed for 1,549 yards and 23-TDs this season. Quarterback Carson Lathem threw for 1,260 yards and 14-TDs. The Knights also have three really good receivers in Jackson Head, Riley Caines and Andrew “Big Play” Bingham. The Knights are averaging 33 points per game while the defense is allowing 16.4 points per game. River Ridge has defeated two playoff teams this season.  

The Kennesaw Mountain Mustangs are the No. 4 seed from Region 6 and have qualified for the post season for the first time in school history. Head Coach and Kennesaw Mountain alum Caleb Carmean has done a good job guiding his team through the season and reaching this milestone. The Mustangs have won four of their last five games after dropping their first four games. In the last two weeks, the Mustangs have put up 114 points and have given up 17.  Running back T.J. Jenkins has rushed for 1,173 yards and 13.TDs. On the season, Kennesaw Mountain is averaging 30.5 points per game while the defense is allowing 22.6 points per game. We should note that the Mustangs have not defeated a playoff team this season. We think the Knights will get a big game from Morrison. River Ridge by 27.

The Skinny

The Alcovy Tigers are the No. 2 seed from Region 3. They are making their first playoff appearance since 2013. Alcovy comes into this game winners of two of their last three. Quarterback Ashton Evans has thrown for 1,086 yards and 14-TDs while Tristan Mayweather has rushed for 465 yards and 4-TDs. Mathias Height and M.J. Stroud have combined for 54 receptions and 668 yards and 10-TDs. Alcovy beat two playoff teams this season, but did not beat any teams with a winning record. 

The Brunswick Pirates are the No. 3 seed from Region 2. It’s the third time in four years that Brunswick is in the playoffs. Brunswick has won six of their last seven games. All of their three losses came to teams that are in the playoffs. Brunswick is led by quarterback K.J. Lee whose thrown for 1,727 yards and 18-TDs. Ree Simmons has rushed for 1,030 yards and 9-TDs while Tyrease Jones and Xavier Bean have combined for 71 receptions and 1,192 yards and 15-TDs. Cameron Crump leads the defense with 73 total tackles. Brunswick is averaging 29.2 points per game while the Pirates are allowing 16.9 points per game. Brunswick has defeated four playoff teams this season. Even on the road, we believe they are more battle tested than Alcovy. We like Brunswick by 17. 

The Skinny

The Lee County Trojans are the Region 1 Champion. Lee County has made the post season nine times in eleven years, including two state title victories during that span. The Trojans are winners of their last six games and have defeated seven playoff teams this season. They are averaging 35.8 points per game while the defense is allowing 10.4 points per game. The defense has only allowed over 17 points once this season, and that was to Lowndes back in September. 

The Tucker Tigers are the No. 4 seed from Region 4. Since 1994, Tucker has only missed the playoffs twice. During that stretch the Tigers have also won a pair of state titles. However, this season, the Tigers seemingly limped into the playoffs, losing three of their last four and being outscored 91 to 27 in their last two games. Omari Gordon and Latavius Johnson lead the Tigers rushing attack while Isaiah Raheem and Barry Manning lead the Tigers in receiving. Tucker is averaging 21.2 points per game while the defense is allowing 24 points per game. We expect Lee County to overwhelm Tucker this week. We like the Trojans by five touchdowns. 

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Class 6A 2020 GHSA Playoff Previews – Part 2 of 4

Posted on November 24, 2020 by admin

We are previewing all of the 2020 GHSA playoff games. Next up is Class 6A. This will be a four part series. This preview features games between Kell-Cambridge, Buford-Douglas County, Hughes-Northside, and Glynn Academy-Grovetown.

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 Kell Longhorns are the No. 2 Seed from Region 6 and are in the post season for the 13th consecutive season. The Longhorns enter the game winners of five of their last six games. Well has defeated two playoff teams this season and is averaging 37.6 points per game while the defense is allowing 23.6 points per game. In their  six wins, the Longhorns are averaging 44 points per game. In their three losses, that average drops to 25 points per game.

Then Cambridge Bears  are the No 3 seed from Region 7. The Bears looked like they might miss out on the playoffs early in the year, but were able to string together three straight wins to force a tiebreaker and ultimately earning their second playoff berth in school history. The Bears are led by running backs Phillip Michael Collins and Christian Isibor. The offense is averaging 24.5 points per game while the defense is averaging 22.5 points per game. Cambridge has defeated two playoff teams this season. Cambridge’s running backs could be enough to give Kell some heartburn, but we think Kell and David Mbadinga will wear down the Cambridge defense. We like the Longhorns by two touchdowns. 

The Skinny

The Buford Wolves are the Region 8 Champions. Buford is also the defending Class 5A state champions and has qualified for the post season for each of the past 22 years. The Wolves only loss of the season came against 7A North Cobb. Since then, they’ve won eight straight games . The points for and against Buford is impressive; averaging 39.6 while allowing 6.4, but in their eight wins, those numbers get even better. They are averaging 42.8 points per game and allowing 3.7 per game during the win streak. Buford has defeated five playoff teams this season. 

The Douglas County Tigers are the 4 seed from Region 5. They find themselves in the playoffs for the third time in four years. Early on in the season, the Tigers won five straight games but lost three of their last five to end the season. Running back Kobe Harris helps pace the offense with 913 yards and 9-TDs. Receiver Justin Franklin has also caught 40 passes for 651 yards and 5-TDs. Shakai Woods leads the team in total tackles with 130 while Jonathan Jefferson and Joshua Robinson each have recorded 10 sacks on the season. Douglas County is averaging 22.3 points per game while the defense is allowing 11.2 points per game. The Tigers have defeated three playoff teams. Douglas County has a defense that could keep Buford in check, but we don’t believe they will reach their offensive average of 22.3. We like Buford by 24.

The Skinny

The Langston Hughes Panthers are the No. 2 seed from Region 4. For the Panthers it’s their first post season appearance in three years. Langston Hughes has won their last five games. The youthful Panthers are led by junior quarterback Xavier Smith who’s thrown for 1,022 yards, 13-TDs and rushed for 772 yards and 6-TDs. Antonio Martin Jr. has also added 515 yards and 7-TDs on the ground. Sophomore Gannon Weathersby leads the team in total tackles with 113 while Garrett Wilson leads the team with 8 sacks. The secondary has intercepted 9 passes on the season. The Panthers are averaging 32.2 points per game while the defense is allowing 13.5 points per game. 

The Northside Warner Robins Eagles are the No. 3 seed from Region 1. It is their 24th appearance in the past 25 season. Northside had an impressive win over Peach County Early in the season, but things went a little sideways midway through the year with games against extremely tough opponents in Warner Robins, Richmond Hill and Colquitt County. In their six losses, Northside is only averaging 7.8 points per game, yet in their four wins they are averaging 27.7 points per game. The Eagles will be facing another tough defense this week. We wouldn’t be surprised if they pull the upset, but we like Hughes by 2. 

The Skinny

The Glynn Academy Terrors are the Region 2 Champions. Glynn Academy has only missed the playoffs once since 2005. Glynn Academy has won their last five games including two shutouts. This season, the Terrors defeated four teams that have qualified for the post season. In their three losses, the Terrors are being outscored by an average score of 33.3 to 14 while the in their seven wins, the Terrors are outscoring opponents 29 to 6.1. The defense has also recorded two shutouts in the last three weeks. 

The Grovetown Warriors are the No. 4 seed from Region 3. They Warriors are in the post season for the fourth time in five years. The two wins this season match a program low for Grovetown. The Warriors are averaging 10.5 points per game while the defense is allowing 25.10 points per game. Grovetown is a little young this season and we believe going on the road to Brunswick, Georgia will be a little too much for them this week. We like Glynn Academy big this week, call it five touchdowns. 

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Class 6A 2020 GHSA Playoff Previews – Part 1 of 4

Posted on November 24, 2020 by admin

We are previewing all of the 2020 GHSA playoff games. Next up is Class 6A. This will be a four part series. This preview features games between Valdosta – Lovejoy, Evans-Statesboro, Creekview-Sprayberry, and Carrollton-Winder-Barrow. 

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 Valdosta Wildcats will represent Region 1 as the No. 2 seed this Friday night. Since 1986, Valdosta has only missed the playoffs four times. The Wildcats have been up and down this season. They had won three straight games prior to last Friday’s game against Lee County. The Wildcats are averaging 24.6 points per game while the defense is allowing 18 points per game. Valdosta has a trio of talented wide receivers in Aalah Brown, Javonte Sherman and Tahj Sanders. Jacquez McGowan and Josh Hill lead the team in sacks with 9 and 8 respectively while Jaylin Alderman leads the team in total tackles. In their four wins, Valdosta is averaging 32.7 points per game. However, in their four losses they are averaging 16.5 points per game. 

The Lovejoy Wildcats are the No. 3 seed from Region 4. The Wildcats are in the post season for the tenth time in eleven years. Lovejoy started the season winning their first seven games but dropped two back-to-back games before closing out the season with a win over North Atlanta. Quentavious Scandrett is a big play wide receiver and safety for the Wildcats. Israel Nwokocha had 8 sacks through seven games. Lovejoy is averaging 24 points per game while the defense is allowing 14 points per game. Lovejoy has only allowed 20 or more points three times this season. Valdosta certainly cannot take Lovejoy lightly. We think Valdosta will be focused this week and like them by 12.

The Skinny

The Evans Knights are the Region Champions from Region 3. The Knights are in the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season. Evans has leaned heavily on the run this season behind running back Jofranstar Graham (932 yards, 15-TDs), quarterback Kaleb Jackson (793 rushing yards, 8-TDs) and Joseph Hampton (547 yards, 6-TDs). Lleyton Lackey leads the team in receiving with 26 receptions for 407 yards and 9-TDs. Cortavious Catchings leads the team in total tackles. The Knights are winners of their last five games and are averaging 34.6 points per game while the defense is allowing 10.9 points per games.

The Statesboro Blue Devils are the No. 4 seed from Region 2. The Blue Devils are in the playoffs for the third consecutive season. Statesboro had one three state before falling to the eventual region champion, Glynn Academy . In their four wins, Statesboro is averaging 35.7 points per game while in their six losses, they are only averaging 8.1 points per game. Statesboro did not have a win against a team with a winning record this season. This game might be the closest 1 vs. 4 matchup in Class 6A. Close enough to believe the Blue Devils pull the upset. Statesboro by 4.

The Skinny

The Creekview Grizzlies are the No. 2 Seed from Region 7. The Grizzlies are in the postseason for the second time in three years. Creekview enters week one of the playoffs on a three-game win streak. The Grizzlies are averaging 19.4 points per game while the defense is allowing 10.1 points per game. The offense got a boost with the return of receiver Andrew Cloy in early November. In his last two games, Cloy has made the most of his opportunities with 5 receptions for 109 yards and 3-TDs. Tyler Stephens leads the way on the ground with 863 yards and 7-TDs. Yet, the hallmark for Creekview has been their defense. As a team, the Grizzlies have recorded 42.5 sacks. Sam Minozzi leads the team with 10. Meanwhile sophomore Isaac Hubert and senior Grant Anderson lead the team in tackles for loss with 13 each. 

The Sprayberry Yellow Jackets are the No. 3 Seed from Region 6. The Yellow Jackets are in the postseason for the second consecutive season. Sprayberry sandwiched a four-game win streak in between two-two game losing skids and then closed out the regular season with a big win over South Cobb. Sprayberry has a very talented running back in Damarion Owens. (He might remind Creekview of a little bit bigger version of Amehre Morrison.) Quarterback Kyle Brown has a couple of talented receivers in Fatir Muhammad and Mustafa Hefner that can stretch the field. In Sprayberry’s five wins, the defense is only allowing 9.6 points per game while in their four losses, the defense is allowing 35 points per game. Sprayberry shouldn’t worry too much about the Grizzlies scoring 35 points this week as they’ve only done that once this week. However, we aren’t sure if Sprayberry can score over 19 on Creekview’s defense. That seems to be the magic number for Creekview. We like the Grizzlies by 5.

The Skinny

The Carrollton Trojans are the Region 5 Champions and have now qualified for the playoffs in thirty of the past thirty-one season. It’s also the second consecutive region title for Carrollton. The Trojans had won five straight games before losing a one-point game to Alexander two weeks ago. Offensively they are led by James McCauley at quarterback. He has several weapons on offense including running backs Keshawn Ridley and Christian Lett and receivers Ace Williamson and Terell Carmichael. Chaz Chambliss is the defensive leader for the Trojans and is one of the best linebackers in the country. Carrollton is averaging 33.6 points per game while the defense is allowing 17.5. Carrollton has defeated two playoff teams this season. 

The Winder Barrow Bulldogs are the No. 4 seed from Region 8. The Bulldogs are in the playoffs for the sixth time in seven years. They have won four of their last five games. The Bulldogs will lean heavily on running back J.C. Green, who has rushed for 1,029 yards and 9-TDs. Stewart Allen and Tre Gaudlock have combined for a 43 receptions for 715 yards and 7-TDs. Chandler Maxwell has recorded a team high 97 total tackles while Omarius Smith and Jamarious Smith have combined to record 11 interceptions. The Bulldogs have not defeated any playoff teams this season. With a strong running game, Winder Barrow has a good shot, but Carrollton’s defense should be up to the task. We like the Trojans by 20.

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Class 7A 2020 GHSA Playoff Previews – Part 4 of 4

Posted on November 23, 2020 by admin

We are previewing all of the 2020 GHSA playoff games. First up is Class 7A. This will be a four part series. This preview features games between Newnan – Harrison, Grayson – Tift County, North Gwinnett – Cherokee, and West Forsyth – Meadowcreek . 

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 Newnan Cougars are the No. 2 seed from Region 2. They have only missed the playoffs twice in the last 18 years. Newnan started the season 9-0 before dropping the final game by one to East Coweta. Newnan quarterback Michael Maginnis has thrown for 2,210 yards and 21-TDs. Josh Harris leads the team with 43 receptions for 744 yards and 6-TDs while Bryson Moss and Aubrey Carter have combined for 1,140 yards and 23-TDs. Steven Carter leads the team with 59 total tackles. Newnan has sacked opposing quarterbacks 22 times and intercepted 9 passes. The Cougars are averaging 36.8 points per game while the defense is allowing 16.9. 

The Harrison Hoyas are the No 3 seed from Region 3 and are making their fifth consecutive playoff appearance. The Hoyas won the Class 6A state title but were reclassified last season and found it tough sledding the first half of the season. Harrison has bounced back to win three of their last four games. On the season Harrison is averaging 21 points per game and allowing 18.7. However, in their last four games, they are averaging 30.2 points per game and allowing16.5. Harrison seems to have figured some things out in the second half of the season, but we expect Newnan to have too much offensively. We like the Cougars by 16. 

The Skinny

The Grayson Rams are the Region Champion for Region 4 and are making their 14th playoff appearance in 15 years. Grayson went through the regular season undefeated and outside of a scare from Mill Creek, were rarely challenged on the scoreboard. Grayson was already a threat to make a deep post season run, but then they were blessed to land transfer Jake Garcia to add to the depth at quarterback. Garcia and De’yon Cannon have combined to throw for 1,506 yards, and 14-TDs. Running back Phil Mafah is a tough customer. He’s rushed for 1,080 yards and 18-TDs and also caught 9 passes for 169 yards and 2-TDs. Jamal Haynes and Jaden Smith are the team’s leading receivers and have combined for 64 receptions, 1,162 yards and 12-TDs. Grady Bryant leads the team in total tackles with 61. Grayson has sacked opposing quarterbacks 35.5 times and have intercepted 13 balls. The Rams are averaging 40.4 points per game while allowing 10.2.

The Tift County Blue Devils are the No. 4 seed from Region 1 and are in the post season for the fourth time in six years. Tift enters the game losing their last three and is averaging 17.3 points per game while the defense is allowing 21 points per game. Tyler Parker leads the team in receiving while Chrishon Stephens leads the team in rushing. Perhaps the most imposing player for the Blue Devils is Tyre West. The junior defensive lineman is as physical as they come and leads the team with 8 sacks. Even with a player of West’s caliber, the Blue Devils have a tough row to hoe. We like Grayson by 4 touchdowns. 

The Skinny

The North Gwinnett Bulldogs are the No. 2 seed from Region 8 and are in the playoffs for the 17th time in 19 seasons. North Gwinnett has been up and down this season but enter this game winning four of their last five. Seth Anderson and Bobby Ezzard lead the team in receiving while Marcus McFarlane is the team’s leading rusher. Through nine games, Kemar Brown led the team in total tackles while Kayden McDonald led the team in tackles for loss with 27 in that same stretch. McDonald and Justin Watson were tied with 11 sacks each through nine games. Jordan Hancock helps anchor the secondary while Barrett Carter will draw a lot of attention at linebacker. The Bulldogs are averaging 27.4 points per game while allowing 11.7.

The Cherokee Warriors are the No. 3 seed from Region 5 and are in the playoffs for the fifth time in seven years. The Warriors started the season red-hot winning their first six games including a win that halted the state’s longest win streak over Cartersville back in late September. Quarterback A.J. Swann has thrown for 2,194 yards and 21 TDs. He has a trio of talented receivers in Adarrius Harshaw (47 receptions, 814 yards, 7-TDs), Brady Bocherer (37 receptions -529 yards, 7-TDs) and Hayden Shockley (27 receptions, 377 yards, 4-TDs). Keith Adams Jr. is one of the top running backs in the state with 1,313 yards and 14-TDs. He runs behind a very talented offensive line including future D-1 linemen in Nasson Simmons and Ryan Chandley along with an unsung hero in Derrick Battle. Braesen Parker leads the defense with 126 total tackles. Cherokee is averaging 28.9 points per game while allowing 17.1. North Gwinnett should be favored in this game, but we believe the Warriors have enough talent on offense to hang with the Bulldogs and pull the upset this week. Cherokee by 2.

The Skinny

The West Forsyth Wolverines are the Region Champions from Region 6 and are making their 10th playoff appearance in the last 11 years. West enters the game winners on their last five games and are averaging 24.8 points per game while allowing 17.7 points per game. Standouts on offense for the Wolverines include running back Daba Fofana and tight end Oscar Delp. In six games, Fofana had rushed for 708 yards and 8-TDs while Delp has 43 catches for 730 yards and 9-TDs through 9 games. Kobe Haynes leads the team in total tackles with 84 while Drew Southern leads the team in solo tackles with 53. The Wolverines have intercepted 13 passes on the season. 

The Meadowcreek Mustangs are the No. 4 seed from Region 7 and are in the post season for only the second time in school history. Meadowcreek enters the game dropping three of their last four games on the season. They are averaging 25.5 points per game, but allowing 36.2 points. If West Forsyth is at full strength, we expect them to win this game handily. Even if they are not, we still like the Wolverines by 20.

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Class 7A 2020 GHSA Playoff Previews – Part 3 of 4

Posted on November 23, 2020 by admin

We are previewing all of the 2020 GHSA playoff games. First up is Class 7A. This will be a four part series. This preview features games between Roswell – Mill Creek, Norcross – South Forsyth, Walton – McEachern, and Colquitt County – Brookwood.

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 Roswell Hornets are the No. 2 seed from Region 5 and are in the post season for the seventh consecutive year. The Hornets started off the season red hot, but then dropped back-to-back games to North Fulton rivals before getting back on track last week. Junior quarterback Robbie Roper has had a big year for Roswell throwing for 1,859 yards and 19-TDs. Malik Willis has been his go to receiver with 43 receptions for 677 yards and 5-TDs. Yet Michael Fitzgerald ( 23 receptions, 470 yards, 7-TDs) and Shaun Spence (25 receptions, 387 yards, 5-TDs) have also had big seasons. Ryan Stephens and Ryan Hill have combined for 1,265 yards rushing and 14-TDs on the ground. Roswell is averaging 30.6 points per game while allowing 17.7.

The Mill Creek Hawks are the No. 3 seed from Region-8 and are in the post season for the seventh consecutive year. After a brutal mid-season schedule, the Hawks enter the game winners of three of their last four. Joshua Battle leads Mill Creek in rushing with 594 yards and 4-TDs on the season. The Hawks have also used a pair of quarterbacks at times in senior MJ Patterson and sophomore Hayden Clark. Emon Hill helps anchor the secondary and should be a good matchup with the Roswell passing attack. Roswell certainly has the offensive firepower to win this game, but we think Mill Creek might be a little more battle tested. Expect this game to come down to the wire. We like Roswell to edge Mill Creek by a field goal.

The Skinny

The Norcross Blue Devils are the Region 7 Champions. This will be the 15th post season appearance in 16 years for Norcross. The Blue Devils also finished off their first undefeated regular season since 2016. Both are impressive feats. Senior quarterback Mason Kaplan has thrown for 1,675 yards and 19-TDs, while a trio of running backs in Kaleb Jackson, Jahni Clarke and Michael Porter have rushed for 1,460 yards and 21-TDs. Trey Goodman leads the Norcross receiving unit with 34 receptions for 640 yards and 10-TDs. Linebacker Zakye Barker leads the team with 94 total tackles and 24 tackles for loss and 6 sacks. Norcross has forced 19 turnovers and is averaging 41.3 points per game (best in school history), while allowing only 14.1.

The South Forsyth War Eagles are the No. 4 seed from Region 6. They are in the playoffs for the seventh consecutive season. After starting the season 4-0, South dropped their next three games before rebounding two weeks ago against North Forsyth in a big way. Quarterback Kyle Durham has thrown for 1,996 yards and 22-TDs. Mitch Thompson (34 receptions, 865 yards, 10-TDs) and tight end Devin McGlockton (38 receptions, 607 yards, 8-TDs) are the team’s leading receivers. The South Forsyth secondary has intercepted 13 passes on the season led by the aforementioned Thompson. South is averaging a healthy 40 points per game on offense while allowing 26.1. This could turn into a shootout unless Norcross can really get pressure on Durham. With all that said, we like the Blue Devils this week by 16. 

The Skinny

The Walton Raiders are the No. 2 seed from Region 3 and are in the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season and have only missed the playoffs four times in the last 22 years. Walton has won three out of their last five, but the game that stands out most is the loss in the final week of the season to Marietta. Zak Rozsman and freshmen Jeremy Hecklinski have combined to throw for 2,307 yards and 14-TDs. Braylen Stokes leads the team in rushing with 612 yards and 9-TDs and Stone McKnight leads the team in receiving with 45 receptions for 782 yards and 6-TDs. Angelo Brown Jr. is tops on the team with 80 total tackles on a defense that has forced 22 turnovers. Walton is averaging 25.4 points per game while the defense is allowing 24.2 points per game this season. 

The McEachern Indians are the No. 3 seed from Region 2. The Indians are making their 12th consecutive playoff appearance. This is the first time McEachern has finished the regular season with a sub .500 record since 2007. McEachern is led by junior quarterback Bryce Archie, who has thrown for 1,037 yards and 8-TDs. Makari Bodiford and Mekhi Crawley have combined for 693 rushing yards and 11-TDs. McEachern is averaging 22.5 points per game while the defense is allowing 27.2 per game. While admittedly McEachern is struggling, we believe this is a game that they can do just enough to pull a minor upset. We like the Indians by 6.

The Skinny

The Colquitt County Packers are the Region 1 Champions and are in the post season for the 12th consecutive season. During that stretch, only once have they been eliminated as early as the second round. Colquitt County is undefeated and has dominated just about everyone they’ve faced this season. The Packers closest game was a 24-10 victory over Valdosta back in late September. Colquitt has a balanced attack on offense and averages 187 yards rushing and 187 passing per game. Xavier Williams has thrown for 1,085 yards and 11-TDs. He also leads the team in rushing with 424 yards and 5-TDs. Lemeke Brockington (17 receptions, 352 yards, 5-TDs) and Dijmon Wheeler (22 receptions, 274 yards, 8-TDs) lead the Hogs in receiving. Pershaun Fann leads the team in total tackles with 48. Colquitt has forced 9 turnovers this season. The offense is averaging 45.1 points per game while the defense is allowing 10.5 and has posted two shutouts.

The Brookwood Broncos are the No. 4 seed from Region 4. Brookwood is in the postseason for the fifth straight season. Brookwood started the season with six straight wins before suffering back-to-back losses. The Broncos have bounced back with two big wins to qualify for the post season. Quarterback Dylan Lonergan has thrown for 2,038 yards and 20-TDs. Alex Diggs and Jumal Prothro have combined for 867 yards and 13-TDs. The Broncos have a very formidable receiving group led by Denylon Morrissette (48 receptions for 690 yards, 7-TDs) and Sam Mbake (48 receptions, 443 yards, 5-TDs.)  Brookwood is averaging 35.2 points per game while allowing 30.8. Colquitt County probably has the worst draw of a No. 1 seed. If Brookwood quarterback Dylan Lonergran is at 100%, this could be an upset special. Expect this one to be nip and tuck, but we will go with the Packers by 5.

 

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Class 7A 2020 GHSA Playoff Previews – Part 2 of 4

Posted on November 23, 2020 by admin

We are previewing all of the 2020 GHSA playoff games. First up is Class 7A. This will be a four part series. This preview features games between Denmark – Discovery, Collins Hill – Alpharetta, Parkview – Camden County, and East Coweta – Marietta. 

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 Denmark Danes are the No. 2 seed from Region 6 and are in the playoffs for the second time in only three years of varsity competition. The Danes made the jump from Class 4A to 7A this year. Denmark is averaging 21.1 points per game while the defense is allowing 16.8 points per game. They are led by quarterback Aaron McLaughlin. The N.C. State commit has a big arm and at 225lbs is tough to bring down in the backfield.

The Discovery Titans are in the playoffs for the first time in school history. They are the No. 3 seed from Region 7. Their four wins on the year is a program best. The newest Gwinnet County school is in their fifth year of varsity competition. Discovery does most of their damage on the ground behind running back Richard Seay who has 1,048 yards and 9-TDs on the season. Defensively, Jibran Hawkins leads the team with 10 sacks. The Titans have forced 11 turnovers. On the season, Discovery is averaging 17.9 points per game while the defense is allowing 31.6 points per game. If Discovery can use ball control on offense to keep Denmark and McLaughlin on the sidelines, we like their chances. We think the Danes quarterback will be a little too much for Discovery this week. Denmark by 15. 

The Skinny

The Collins Hill Eagles are the No. 1 seed from Region 8 and are in the postseason for the fourth consecutive season. Entering the playoffs, the Eagles have won four straight and during that stretch, they are averaging 38.5 points per game while allowing 13 points per game. Collins Hill is led by a pair of highly rated juniors in quarterback Sam Horn (2,550 yards, 27-TDs) and receiver Travis Hunter (91 receptions, 1,219 yards, 17-TDs.) Hunter has also intercepted four passes in the secondary. James Smith leads the defense with 11 sacks. Collins Hill has forced 20 turnovers on the season. 

The Alpharetta Raiders are in the playoffs for the tenth time in the last eleven years. The Raiders are the No 4 seed from Region 5.  Alpharetta has been up and down this year. They beat a top-10 team in Roswell, but then dropped the last game of the season to a then winless Etowah team. They are averaging 22 points per game on offense and allowing 20.7 points per game. These two teams did meet earlier this season with Collins Hill winning by 8. Alpharetta is a dangerous team especially defensively with Jaden Slocum anchoring the secondary. However, we think the Eagles are finding their stride. We like Collins Hill by two touchdowns this week.

The Skinny

The Parkview Panthers are the No. 2 seed from Region 4 and are in the post season for the sixth consecutive season. Parkview has lost two of their last three games after reeling off four straight wins. Through the first 8 games of the season, the Panthers have been led by the running back duo of Cody Brown (807 yards, 7-TDs) and Tyler Curtis (614 yards, 10-TDs). Jared Brown has emerged as the team’s leading receiver with 32 receptions, 616 yards and 8-TDs through eight games. Parkview is averaging 28.6 points per game while the defense is allowing 23.1 points.

The Camden County Wildcats are the No. 3 seed from Region 1 and are in the playoffs for the third consecutive season. Junior quarterback Joshua Brown has thrown for 1,338 yards and 13-TDs. His top receivers are sophomore Deonte’ Cole (40 receptions, 663 yards, 7-TDs) and senior Shawn Hardy (29 receptions, 446 yards, 3-TDs). Junior linebacker Jadin Jones leads the team with 72 total tackles while Hudson Tucker has 14 sacks on the season. Both Parkview and Camden County are storied programs and no strangers to success in the playoffs. We give the nod to Parkview, as Camden has to travel a long way from the friendly confines of St. Mary’s down in Southeast Georgia. We like the Panthers by 13.

The Skinny

The East Coweta Indians are the Region Champions from Region 2. The Indians are no strangers to the post season as this will be their 23rd appearance in 24 years. East Coweta enters the game winners of their last six games. The Indians are led by running back Jayden Bolton who now stands at 1,256 yards and 13-TDs. Amariyon Moss leads the team in receiving with 39 catches for 625 yards and 8-TDs. East Coweta is averaging 33.6 points per game while the defense is allowing 20.3 points per game. The Indians only loss this season was to Top-10 ranked Norcross back in September. 

The Marietta Blue Devils are the Class 7-A defending State Champions. This season, the Blue Devils are the No. 4 team from Region 3. Last week, they got a big win over Walton to qualify for the playoffs. Before that game, Marietta had dropped their previous three matchups. The Blue Devils are led by Tyler Hughes at quarterback who has thrown for 2,349 yards and 24-TDs. Hughes also leads the team in rushing with 483 yards and 8-TDs. Marietta is averaging a healthy 30 points per game but allowing 36.5 points per game. Marietta’s air raid offense gives them a punchers chance, but we like East Coweta by two touchdowns this week.

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