GHSA Playoffs 4A Part 2 of 4

Posted on November 13, 2019 by admin

Today we continue with our GHSA Football Playoff previews as we look at Class 4A. Matchups include Blessed Trinity-Troup, Cairo-Baldwin, West Laurens-Luella and North Oconee-Pickens. Please let us know if there are any errors. As always, thanks for reading! Best of luck to all teams competing this week.

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Blessed Trinity Titans won their sixth region title in the last seven years. They are also the two time defending State Champion. We’ve had a chance to watch the Titans play a couple of times this season and they always seem disciplined and well-coached. Freshman running back  Justice Haynes has led the way for the offense this season with 1,210 yards and 14-TDs. Elijah Green has returned to the backfield, which has given the Titans a dynamic one-two punch at running back. Blessed Trinity is averaging 30.5 points per game on offense and allowing 15.4 points per game on defense.

 

The Troup Tigers are making their fourth consecutive playoff appearance. They are led by quarterback Kobe Hudson. Hudson can beat teams with his arm and his leg by evidence of his 1,449 yards passing, 923 yards rushing and 24 total TDs. Trey Williams has rushed for 1,415 yards and 14-TDs. As a team, Troup is averaging 33.4 points per game on offense and 25.2 points per game on defense. Their only losses have come to 4 playoff teams. Troup is an explosive team that should not be taken lightly. If the game is close, the edge probably goes to Blessed Trinity as they are 3-1 with games decided by 3 points or less. We think this is one of those games. We like the Titans by a field goal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Cairo Syrupmakers are no stranger to post season play. Since 1989, Cairo has only missed the playoffs 4 times. Cairo narrowly missed out on their second consecutive region title after losing to Carver-Columbus earlier this season. The Syrupmakers are averaging 37.4 points per game on offense while the defense is allowing 13.4 points per game. Quarterback Matthew Peters has passed for 1,197 yards and 15-TDs, while Tay Solomon has rushed for 662 yards and 10-TDs. Matthew Peters has added 603 yards and 7-TDs.

 

The Baldwin Braves are making their fourth consecutive playoff appearance. The Braves had a challenging non-region schedule, but closed out their season winning four of their last five games. Offensively, the Braves are averaging 25.3 points per game while the defense is allowing 27.1 points. We believe Cairo has more weapons on offense in this matchup. Syrupmakers by 16.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

Head Coach Kagan McClain has led the West Laurens Raiders to their first region title since 2014. The Raiders only loss this season was a one-point setback to South Effingham. They are averaging 37.2 points per game this season, while the defense has surrendered 10.1 points per game. Quarterback A.J. Mathis has passed for 2,101 yards and 21-TDs while Daniel Dorsey has rushed for 686 yards and 12-TDs. Brent Carr has caught 71 passes for 1,150 yards and 6-TDs. The best player on the field Friday night will probably be D’Eryck Jackson who has 89 total tackles and 8 sacks for the Raiders.

 

The Luella Lions are back into the playoffs for the first time since 2016. The Lions area averaging 13.1 points per game while their defense is allowing 19.8 points per game. The Lions have not defeated a playoff team this season. These two teams met back in the first round of the 2016 season. We like West Laurens this week perhaps by a similar margin to the 2016 game. Raiders by 21.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The North Oconee Titans have now made the postseason in ten of the last twelve seasons. The Titans have done most of their work through the air with quarterback Bubba Chandler leading the way. They are averaging 35.2 points per game on offense, while the defense is allowing 13.9 points per game.

 

The Pickens Dragons are in the playoffs for the second consecutive season and for the fifth consecutive season. The Dragons are a year removed from their first region title and return quarterback C.J. Streicher who can beat defenses with his arm and with his legs. Streicher and the Dragons are averaging 32.4 points per game while the defense is allowing 23.2 points per game. In this game of dueling quarterbacks, we like Chandler and the Titans. North Oconee by 10.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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GHSA Playoffs 4A Part 1 of 4

Posted on November 13, 2019 by admin

Today we continue with our GHSA Football Playoff previews as we look at Class 4A. Matchups include Cartersville-Flowery Branch, Thomson-Hardaway, Woodward-Upson Lee, and Heritage-St. Pius. Please let us know if there are any errors. As always, thanks for reading! Best of luck to all teams competing this week.

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Cartersville Purple Hurricanes won their 8th consecutive region title this season and are also making their 8th consecutive appearance in the post season. The Canes are averaging 36.3 points per game on offense while the defense is allowing 12.1 points per game, including two shutouts. Cartersville is led by quarterback Tee Webb who has passed for 2,198 yards and 22-TDs. His primary receivers have been Devonte Ross (36 receptions, 808 yards, 9-TDs) and Sam Phillips (41 receptions, 591 yards, 7-TDs).

 

The Flowery Branch Falcons are back in the post season for the third consecutive year. The Falcons have had to reinvent themselves after the season-ending injury to quarterback Elijah Gainey. The Falcons have used more of a rushing attack on their way to averaging 29 points per game on offense. They are led on the ground by Jaizen Ellingham (818 yards, 14-TDs) and Chandler White (573 yards, 4-TDs). The Falcons defense is allowing 12.9 points per game. The Falcons have defeated three playoff teams this season. The Hurricanes should overwhelm Flowery Branch this week; we like Cartersville by 24.

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Thomson Bulldogs will make their 10th consecutive playoff appearance this Friday night at the Brickyard. They come into the playoffs winning three of their last four games. The Bulldogs are averaging 27.4 points per game on offense, while the defense is allowing 22 points per game. Quarterback Taymarian Martin has passed for 725 yards, rushed for 964 yards and accounted for 14 total TDs. His top receiver has been Snoop Williams who has caught 23 passes for 334 yards and 3-TDs.

 

For the Hardaway Hawks, this will be their second consecutive playoff appearance. The Hawks are averaging 22.6 points per game on offense while the defense is allowing 17 points per game. Hardaway has defeated only one teams that qualified for the playoffs. We like Thomson by a touchdown this week.

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Woodward Academy War Eagles enter the playoffs undefeated for the first time since 2015. The War Eagles won their 5th region title in 6 years. On offense, Woodward is led by quarterback Mike Wright. Wright has passed for 1,876 yards and 26-TDs. His primary receivers are Jacorrei Turner and Ambe Caldwell. Woodward is averaging 38 points per game on offense and the defense is allowing 6.9 points per game.

 

Upson Lee returns to the post season for the 4th time in 5 years. The Knights deepest playoff run was back in 1993 when they made it to the quarterfinals. Upson Lee is averaging 19.2 points per game on offense while the defense is allowing 28.4 points per game. Quarterback Jake Davis has passed for 1,321 yards and 8-TDs and Thad Webb has 33 receptions for 479 yards and 2-TDs. We believe Woodward has too many weapons and expect them to win big this week. War Eagles by four touchdowns.

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Heritage Generals are back in the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season. They are looking to get past the first round for the first time since 2016. The Generals are averaging 24.7 points per game on offense, while the defense is allowing 19.3 points per game. They are led on offense by quarterback Nick Hanson (1,387 yards 16-TDs), running backs Gabe Ogle (519 yards, 2-TDs) and Maddox Rose (406 yards, 3-TDs) . Zach Brown leads the defense with 89 total tackles.

 

The St. Pius Lions are making their 14th consecutive playoff appearance. The Lions lost a lot of production to graduation last season. They are averaging 14.1 points per game while the defense is allowing 20.7 points per game. The Lions have beaten three playoff teams this season. We won’t ever count out Coach Standard and the Lions, but we like Heritage at home this week by a touchdown.

 

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GHSA Playoffs 5A Part 4 of 4

Posted on November 13, 2019 by admin

Today we continue with our GHSA Football Playoff previews as we look at Class 5A. Matchups include Starr’s Mill- Harris County, Columbia-Kell, Riverwood-Loganville and Dutchtown-Statesboro. Please let us know if there are any errors. As always, thanks for reading! Best of luck to all teams competing this week.

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

Coach Chad Phillips has led the Starr’s Mill Panthers to their fourth consecutive region title and 6th consecutive playoff appearance. The Panthers are winners of their last five games. The Panthers are averaging 28.2 points per game, while the defense is allowing 17.1 points. The Panthers won’t throw it much if at all. Running backs Kalen Sims (1,034 yards, 8-TDs) and Ben Bodne (812 yards, 14-TDs) have helped pace the Panthers to 2,687 yards rushing as a team.

 

The Harris County Tigers  have now made it three consecutive playoff appearances. Harris County is a little more balanced on offense. Sophomore quarterback Cooper Corey has passed for 1,204 yards and 15-TDs, while Xavier Richmond has rushed for 716 yards and 5-TDs. Talique Williams (44 receptions, 658 yards, 9-TDs) and Ja’Rell Smith (38 receptions, 548 yards, 5-TDs) lead the Tigers receiving corps. Harris County is certainly battle tested playing in Region-1, but we think Starr’s Mill ground game will be tough to slow down. We like the Panthers by 13.

 

The Skinny

 

The Columbia Eagles dropped their first five games before winning four straight. They sport one of the best linemen in the state in Nazir Stackhouse. Columbia played a competitive non-region schedule. The Eagles area averaging 26.9 points per game while their defense is allowing 21.7 points per game. The Eagles have not advanced past the first round of the playoffs since 1997.

 

The Kell Longhorns are no strangers to the post-season. Since they began region play in 2004, the Longhorns have only missed the post season three times. The Longhorns are averaging 31.6 points per game, while the defense has allowed 10.6 points per game. Kell’s only two losses came at the hands of two of the top teams in Class 5A. We like the Longhorns chances this week on the road. Kell by 13.

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Riverwood Raiders went undefeated for the first time in school history and also claimed their first region title. They have now qualified for the post season in three out of the last four years. The Raiders are averaging 29 points per game while the defense has only allowed 9.2 points per game. The Raiders have a balanced attack on offense and are led by quarterback Avery Smith (1,402 yards, 15-TDs) and running back Quinterio Lawson (603 yards, 6-TDs). Austin Simmons has caught 29 passes for 739 yards and 8-TDs. The Raiders have sacked opposing quarterbacks 74 times with Jonathan Brown and Kuntrevious Forbes leading the way with 19 sacks each.

 

The Loganville Red Devils are back in the playoffs for the fourth time in five years. Last year, as a number four seed, the Red Devils shocked Southwest DeKalb in the first round. This season, Loganville is averaging 20.1 points per game while the defense is allowing 21.4 points per game. Quarterback Tanner Greene has passed for 1,487 yards and 11-TDs this season. We like Riverwood in this matchup by three touchdowns.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Dutchtown Bulldogs are in the playoffs for the third consecutive season and for the fourth time in school history. Last season, Dutchtown matched their best finish, advancing to the Quarterfinals. The Bulldogs are averaging 29.8 points per game while the defense has been very stingy, allowing only 10.8 points per game. They’ve shutout their last two opponents and have not given up a score in 10 quarters.

 

The Statesboro Blue Devils have made it back to the post season for the second consecutive season. The Blue Devils are averaging 23 points per game while the defense is allowing 18.2 points per game. They have won their last two games and have defeated three playoff teams this season. With that said, we still think the Dutchtown defense will hold the Blue Devils at bay. Dutchtown by 20.

 

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GHSA Playoffs 5A Part 3 of 4

Posted on November 13, 2019 by admin

Today we continue with our GHSA Football Playoff previews as we look at Class 5A. Matchups include Warner Robins-Jonesboro, Rome-Lithonia, Clarke Central-Lithia Springs, and Wayne County-Stockbridge. Please let us know if there are any errors. As always, thanks for reading! Best of luck to all teams competing this week.

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Warner Robins Demons are our No. 1 ranked team entering the post season. The Demons only loss this season came at the hands of 7A power, Colquitt County. Warner Robins has now won three consecutive region titles and have qualified for the playoffs in each of the last nine years. Warner Robins is averaging 34.3 points per game on offense while the defense is allowing 14.6 points per game. Quarterback Jalen Addie has passed for 1,875 yards and 20-TDs while Jalen Rutherford has rushed for 806 yards and 3-TDs. Receiver Marcayl Jones has caught 32 passes for 634 yards and 2-TDs.

 

The Jonesboro Cardinals have won their last two games to make it back to the playoffs for the fourth time in five years. The Cardinals are averaging 22.5 points per game while their defense is allowing 22.9 points per game. We believe the Cardinals will be outmanned this week by Warner Robins. We like the Demons by 30 this week.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Rome Wolves are back in the post season for the fifth consecutive season. Rome most recently won back-to-back state titles in 2016 and 2017. The Wolves are averaging 39.4 points per game while the defense is allowing 12.8 points per game, including three shutouts. The Wolves have won six consecutive games coming into the playoffs and are led by running backs Ahlijah Blackwell (1,231 yards, 18-TDs) and E.J. Burks (721 yards, 16-TDs)

 

Lithonia has now qualified for the playoffs for four times in the last six seasons. Lithonia is averaging 25.1 poitns per game, while the defense is allowing 20 points per game. Dvont’e Slaton and Demetrius Taylor have led the way on offense for Lithonia. Rome might not be the team they were the last three seasons, but we expect them to make another deep run. Wolves by 30.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

Clarke Central might as well have changed their name from the Gladiators to the “Giant Slayers” after upsetting Buford last week to claim the Region 8 title. The Gladiators won their first region title since 2011 and have qualified for four consecutive playoff berths. The Gladiators have won three consecutive games heading into the playoffs. They are averaging 33 points per game while the defense is allowing 25.2 points per game.

 

Meanwhile, the Lithia Springs Lions are in the post season for the first time since 1981. The Lions qualified for the playoffs be winning a Round Robin play-in tournament. The Lions are averaging 22.4 points per game while the defense is allowing 27.4 points per game. The Lithia Springs defense will need to come up big this week in order for them to advance. However, we believe Clarke will control the pace of play. Gladiators by 16.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Wayne County Yellow Jackets were denied their third consecutive region title last week when they fell to Ware County. The Yellow Jackets have now made eight consecutive playoff appearances. The Yellow Jackets are averaging 29 points per game on offense while the defense is allowing 21.7 points per game.

 

The Stockbridge Tigers have now qualified for ten consecutive playoff appearances. Prior to 2010, the Tigers had only qualified for the post season once, in 1983. While the Tigers might not have the household names we were used to in the last few seasons, they’ve still managed to average a respectable 27.1 points per game, while the defense is allowing 18.8 points per game. This is definitely one of the more intriguing matchups in the 5A playoffs, we’ll take Stockbridge on the road, by 4.

 

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GHSA Playoffs 5A Part 2 of 4

Posted on November 13, 2019 by admin

Today we continue with our GHSA Football Playoff previews as we look at Class 5A. Matchups include Carrollton-Arabia Mountain, Veterans-Riverdale, Ware County-Ola, and Carver, Buford-Decatur. Please let us know if there are any errors. As always, thanks for reading! Best of luck to all teams competing this week.

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Carrollton Trojans claimed their first region title since 2011 and qualified for the playoffs for the 5th consecutive season. The Trojans have advanced to the quarterfinals in the past three seasons. Carrollton is averaging 40.1 points per game while the defense is allowing 13.5 points per game. Quarterback Myles Morris has passed for 1,977 yards and 14-TDs. Brandon Marenco (623 yards, 3-TDs) and Mecose Todd (457 yards, 10-TDs) lead a stable of backs that have rushed for over 2,000 yards this season. The Trojans have recorded 75.5 sacks this season. Chaz Chambliss and Robert Johnson Jr. have 15 each while Kevin Swint has chipped in 12.5 sacks.

 

Arabia Mountain is in the postseason for the 4th consecutive year. The Rams have struggled to score many points in most of their games this season. The Rams are averaging 8.5 points per game this season, while the defense is allowing 25.  We expect Carrollton to win big this week. Trojans by five touchdowns.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Veterans Warhawks earned the second seed in a challenging Region-1. This is the Warhawks sixth post-season appearance in the last seven years. Veterans is averaging 232 rushing yards per game and is led by Lebron Fields and his 921 yards and 8-TDs. Julian Barnes has chipped in 767 yards and 2-TDs. The Warhawks are averaging 23.1 points per game while the defense is allowing 17.4 points per game.

 

The Riverdale Raiders had strung together five consecutive wins at one point during the season. However, they ran up against perennial powers Starr’s Mill and Griffin to end the season. The Raiders have not made it past the 1st round of the playoffs since 2001. Running backs Phalon Daniels (896 yards, 10-TDs) and Malik Harris (602 yards, 12-TDs) pace the Raiders offense. The Raiders secondary has intercepted 16 passes this season. Riverdale is averaging 35.3 points per game on offense while the defense is allowing 21.8 points per game. We believe this is the year that the Raiders get back to the second round of the playoffs. Riverdale by 6.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Ware County Gators won their first region title since 2016 after drilling Wayne County last week. The Gators have won their last four games. They are averaging 26.1 points per game, while the defense is allowing 19.7 points per game. Sophomore quarterback Thomas Castellanos leads the Gators in rushing (800 yards, 15TDs) and passing (767 yards, 6-TDs).

 

The Ola Mustangs have qualified for the playoffs for only the second time in school history. Ola is averaging 28 points per game, while the defense is allowing 20 points per game. Quarterback Hunter Kautz leads the team in passing (1,460 yards, 13-TDs) and rushing (980 yards, 16-TDs). Defensively, Devin Lee has recorded 12.5 sacks. Ola’s three losses are by a combined 20 points to three of the top 15 team’s in the state. We really like the Mustang’s chances, but our gut tells us Ware by 4.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Buford Wolves are in the playoffs for the 26th time in 28 years. The narrowly missed out on their 6th consecutive region title when they were upended by Clarke Central last week. The Wolves are averaging 36.5 points per game this season while the defense is allowing 14.5 points per game. Elijah Turner and Gabe Ervin Jr. lead the Wolves rushing attack.

 

The Decatur Bulldogs are in the post season for the first time since 2005. Decatur had won three straight before losing last week to Carver. The Bulldogs are averaging 24.8 points per game on offense while the defense is only allowing 13.3 points per game. Buford should have too many weapons for Decatur. We like the Wolves by 4 touchdowns.

 

 

 

 

 

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GHSA Playoffs 5A Part 1 of 4

Posted on November 13, 2019 by admin

Today we continue with our GHSA Football Playoff previews as we look at Class 5A. Matchups include Southwest DeKalb-Hiram, Griffin-Bainbridge, Jones County-South Effingham, and Carver, Atlanta-Cedar Shoals. Please let us know if there are any errors. As always, thanks for reading! Best of luck to all teams competing this week.

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Southwest DeKalb Panthers claimed their second consecutive region title this season. They are in the post season for the 4th consecutive year. The Panthers only loss came at the hands of Class 6A Stephenson. The Panthers outscored their opponents 338-117 this season. Quarterback Rion White has passed for over 1,400 yards on the year. His leading receivers are Aquil Muhammed, Tommy Wright, and Robert Grady. Through 9 games, the Southwest defense had forced 27 turnovers. John Grant has recorded 14 sacks this season and is one the team leaders in total tackles.

 

Meanwhile, the Hiram Hornets qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 2010. Jalen Townser has rushed for 832 yards and 6-TDs while Dylan Stockunas leads the Hornets in receiving with 25 receptions for 651 yards and 4-TDs. Hiram is averaging 22.1 points per game while the defense is allowing 23.1 points per game. Hiram has lost their last three games, although, those were against 3 teams ranked in the top-10 in Class 5A. We like Southwest’s defense this week. Panthers by 8.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Griffin Bears have only missed the playoffs once since 1996. This season, the team’s only setback was a 3-point loss to Starr’s Mill. The Bears are averaging 39.5 points per game, while the defense is allowing 11.7 points per game. The Bears have gotten plenty of offense from quarterback Darshaveious Foster (2,046 yards, 23-TDs) and Alijah King (1,177 yards, 20-TDs). Jamoi Mayes has caught 45 passes for 611 yards and 7-TDs.

 

The Bainbridge Bearcats seemingly came out of nowhere last season to win the state title. This season, the Bearcats are the No. 3 seed in Region-1. Bainbridge is averaging 28.9 points per game, while the defense is allowing 14.1 points per game. Quarterback Quayde Hawkins has passed for 1,763 yards and 16-TDs and Rashad Broadnax has rushed for 915 yards and 11-TDs. Deyon Bouie (28 receptions, 510 yards, 6-TDs) and Braxton Johnson (39 receptions, 534 yards, 4-TDs) lead the Bainbridge receivers. The Bearcats defense has recorded 24 sacks and intercepted 10 passes. Call us crazy, but we like Bainbridge on the road this week by 6.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Jones County Greyhounds looked impressive all season until they were upset last Friday by Stockbridge. The game had no bearing on the region seeding however. The Greyhounds are averaging 33.4 points per game while the defense is allowing 19.8 points per game. Quarterback Hunter Costlow has passed for 2,352 yards and 25-TDs. His top receivers are Jontavis Robertson (46 receptions, 861 Yards, 7-TDs) and Maleek Wooten ( 44 receptions, 756 yards, 11-TDs). Andrew Carner has added 909 yards rushing and 7-TDs.

 

South Effingham is in the playoffs for the third time in the last four years. The Mustangs best finish was a run to the quarterfinals in 2012. The Mustangs did have success scoring this season, offensively, they averaged 37.8 points per game, while the defense allowed 33.3 points per game. They are led by quarterback Taylor Jackson (1,900 yards passing, 22-TDs) running back Rocko Griffin (829 yards, 15-TDs) and receivers Noah Hoang (26 receptions, 634 yards, 11-TDs) and Zachary Taylor (40 receptions, 656 yards, 5-TDs). The Mustangs have dropped their last three games. That’s not a great trend heading into the postseason. We suspect plenty of points will be scored in this game, but we like Jones County by two touchdowns.

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Carver Atlanta Panthers have been up and down this season. With the exception of their game against Lithia Springs, they’ve won the games we thought they should. The Panthers area averaging 28.5 points per game on offense and allowing 13.8 points on defense. Running back Jo’quavious Marks fuels the Panthers offense with over 1,700 yards rushing and 23-TDs. Marks has rushed for over 200 yards in five games this season.

 

The Cedar Shoals Jaguars are winners of their last three games and have now qualified for the post season for three consecutive seasons. The Jaguars are averaging 28.3 points per game, while their defense is allowing 20.8 points per game. The Jaguars offense is led by running back Jerdavian Colbert (1,157 yards, 12-TDs) and quarterback Jaylan Rusher (892 passing yards, 523 rushing yards, 18 total-TDs). We like Marks and the Panthers in a competitive game. Carver by 6.

 

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GHSA Playoffs 6A Part 4 of 4

Posted on November 12, 2019 by admin

We continue our previews of the first round of the GHSA Football playoffs. In this edition, our Class 6A previews feature Morrow-Brunswick, Evans-Houston County, South Paulding-North Atlanta and Harrison-Winder Barrow. As always, thank you for reading. Please feel free to share and let us know if there are any errors. Best of luck to all teams competing in the playoffs.

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Morrow Mustangs are back in the playoffs for the first time since 1998. Morrow is averaging 24.9 points per game on offense while the defense is allowing 20.3 points per game. Morrow has beaten two playoff teams this season. The Mustangs enter the playoffs on a four game winning streak.

 

Meanwhile, the Brunswick Pirates will make the trip to Metro-Atlanta to face Morrow. Brunswick is averaging 24.9 points per game while their defense is allowing 22.7 points per game. Quarterback Anthony Mountain has passed for 1,672 yards and 11-TDs. Chuckobe Hill has rushed for 969 yards and 8-TDs. The Pirates have beaten two teams that qualified for the playoffs this season. This game is a toss-up in our mind, so we will go with Morrow by 1.

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Evans Knights won their second region title in three years and qualified for the post season for the fourth consecutive year. The Knights averaged 22.4 points per game on offense while allowing 15 points per game on defense. They enter this game on a 5-game winning streak. The Knights have done most of their damage on the ground. Jofranstar Graham leads the team with 737 yards and 9-TDs. As a team, the Knights have rushed for over 2,048 yards.

 

Meanwhile, the Houston County Bears are back in the playoffs for the first time in four seasons. The Bears broke a 5-game losing streak last week with a 21-16 win over Northside, Warner Robins. One of their wins earlier this season was against 3A power, Peach County. The Bears are averaging 23.9 points per game while the defense is allowing 19.7 points per game. Quarterback Max Rigby has passed for 1,812 yards and 12-TDs to lead the way for the Bears offense. Generally we believe that Region-1 is the toughest in the state. We think they may be a little down this year, but we still like Houston County to upset Evans by a touchdown on the road.

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The South Paulding Spartans are back in the post season for the first time since 2015 and for the fourth time in school history.  This season, South Paulding averaged 30.4 points per game on offense and allowed 22.2 points per game on defense. Quarterback Austin Seymour has passed for 2,369 yards and 26-TDs. Thomas Marshall and Julian Beris have combined to rush for 1,358 yards and 13-TDs. Parker Self is the team’s leading receiver with 1,223 yards and 14-TDs.

 

North Atlanta is back in the playoffs for the first time since 1996 and only the third time in school history. The Warriors are averaging 30.1 points per game, while the defense is allowing 21.6 points per game. They come into this game winners of their last three games. T.K. Mack has rushed for 2,001 yards and 22-TDs on the season for North Atlanta. Tre’ Mason has also caught 26 passes for 515 yards and 4-TDs. We expect to for South Paulding to get a steady dose of Mack. But we think the Spartans will dictate the pace of play. We Like South Paulding by 10.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

The Harrison Hoyas claimed their second region title in three years en route to qualifying for their 4th consecutive playoff appearance. Save for a 4-point victory over Allatoona, the Hoyas dominated their competition this season. They averaged 40.7 points per game while only allowing 9.2 points per game. Quarterback Gavin Hall has several weapons at his disposal including receivers Jay Ziglor, Marques Owens and Mason Babay. Meanwhile, David Roberts leads the Hoyas ground attack.

 

Winder-Barrow has qualified for the post-season for the 4th time in 5 years. The Bulldogs have faced eight playoff teams on their schedule They are averaging 25.8 points per game on offense, while allowing 32.7 points per game on defense. Jhaydon Sullivan has passed for 1,288 yards, 9-TDs while also rushing for over 700 yards on the season and an additional 13-TDs. J.C. Green has rushed for over 800 yards and added 8-TDs. Brett Landis has caught 47 passes for 790 yards and 5-TDs. At the end of the day, we believe Winder Barrow is outmatched this week. We like Harrison by 5 touchdowns.

 

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GHSA Playoffs 6A Part 3 of 4

Posted on November 12, 2019 by admin

We continue our previews of the first round of the GHSA Football playoffs. In this edition, our Class 6A previews feature Lee County-Greenbrier, Alpharetta-Creekside, Dacula-Dalton and Glynn Academy-Tucker. As always, thank you for reading. Please feel free to share and let us know if there are any errors. Best of luck to all teams competing in the playoffs.

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Lee County Trojans begin their quest for a third straight state title this Friday. While this year’s campaign won’t include an undefeated season, the Trojans did win their third consecutive region title. Lee County is averaging 37.9 points per game while the defense is allowing 15.2 points per game. The Trojans defense shut out three of their opponents this season.

 

Meanwhile, the Greenbrier Wolfpack made it back to this postseason this year for only the 6th time in school history. The Wolfpack made the playoffs despite only winning two games this year. Quarterback Jackson Fulmer has passed for 1,340 yards while Brayden Collett has caught 46 passes for 682 yards and 4-TDs. Greenbrier is overmatched this week. We like Lee County big at home. Trojans by 5 touchdowns.

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Alpharetta Raiders have won seven out of their last eight games this season to make it back to the post season for the 9th time in 10 seasons. Alpharetta is averaging 23.9 points per game on offense and 16.4 points per game on defense. The defense has three shutouts to their credit. Quarterback Will Gerdes has passed for over 1,500 yards this season. His leading receivers are C.J. Dobard and Kevin Howard. Kris Thomas has intercepted 5 passes for the Raiders defense.

 

The Creekside Seminoles are back in the playoffs for the second consecutive year. The Seminoles have only beaten two playoff teams this year, but were certainly competitive in all of their losses, with the exception of the game against Dutchtown. Creekside is averaging 26.3 points per game, while the defense is allowing 18 points per game. Most of the offense for Creekside will come from running back Tyler Malone, who has churned out 1,336 yards and 15-TDs this season. The defense has recorded 49 sacks on the season, led by Khatavian Franks with 16. Franks also leads the defense with 5 interceptions as well. We believe Creekside’s defense will be the difference this week in a mild upset…Seminoles by 6.

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Dacula Falcons have now made four consecutive trips to the postseason. Last year’s semifinal run matched the best finish in school history. The Falcons have also won four consecutive region titles. Dacula is averaging 38.5 points per game while the defense is allowing 12 points per game including four shutouts. In region play, the Falcons outscored their opponents 221-48.

 

The Dalton Catamounts will make the trek to Dacula, brining with them the states leading rusher, Jahmyr Gibbs. The Cats started out red hot, but lost two straight before closing out the season with a big win over Osborne. Dalton is averaging 41.5 points per game on offense while the defense is allowing 14.3 points per game. Gibbs has rushed for 2,358 yards with 39-TDs. Dalton did get quarterback Landon Allen back a few weeks ago, which may give the Cats more of a passing threat. But even with Allen back, the Cats offense revolves squarely around Gibbs. Look for Dacula to get a steady dose of Gibbs this week. He should help keep it close, but Dacula is just too strong. We like the Falcons by 14.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Glynn Academy Terrors have won their last three games to help qualify for their 12th consecutive postseason appearance. The Terrors are averaging 28 points per game on offense and 25.2 points per game on defense. Glynn Academy has beaten three playoff teams this season. Their best win might have been against Wayne County, back in September.

 

The Tucker Tigers have now made 13 consecutive trips to the playoffs. The Tigers six wins are the lowest since 1999. However, Tucker still plays pretty good defense. The Tigers defense is allowing 16.5 points per game while the offense is averaging 21.5 points per game. The Tucker defense has two shutouts to their credit and held a high-powered Stephenson team to 13 points last week. Isaiah Dunson has over 560 yards receiving on the season and is also a ball-hawk in the secondary for Tucker. Running back Quarius Smith is averaging 7.7 yards per carry. It will always be tough to pick against Tucker, but we think the long road trip might do them in this week. Glynn Academy by 6.

 

 

 

 

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GHSA Playoffs 6A Part 2 of 4

Posted on November 12, 2019 by admin

We continue our previews of the first round of the GHSA Football playoffs. In this edition, our Class 6A previews feature Johns Creek-Alexander, Valdosta-Lakeside, Richmond Hill- M.L. King and Lanier-Sprayberry. As always, thank you for reading. Please feel free to share and let us know if there are any errors. Best of luck to all teams competing in the playoffs.

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Johns Creek Gladiators won their third region title in four years. This is the 5th time in school history that Johns Creek has made the playoffs. They are yet to advance past the 1st round. The Gladiators are averaging 39.7 points per game this season and allowing only 16.1 on defense. They handled Region-7 fairly handily this season. Quarterback Ben Whitlock passed for 2,530 yards and 29-TDs. His top receivers are Dalton Pearson (50 receptions, 983 yards, 15-TDs). Garrett Gauthreaux (28 receptions, 452 yards, 5-TDs) and Justin Campbell (30 receptions, 446 yards, 6-TDs)

 

The Alexander Cougars have made the playoffs six out of the last seven seasons. They got a big win over region rival Douglas County last week. The Cougars are averaging 36.3 points per game on offense and allowing 23.6 points per game on defense. Quarterback Blake Hembree has passed for 2,061 yards and 21-TDs, while Bryson Irby has rushed for 932 yards and 13-TDs. We do believe that the strength of schedule for Alexander is a bit tougher than what Johns Creek faced, but we still like the Gladiators this week. But it won’t be a gimme… Johns Creek by 3.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Valdosta Wildcats are in the playoffs for the 11th consecutive season. They are three years removed from their last state title. The Wildcats area averaging 41.8 points per game, while the defense is allowing 20.8 points per game. Valdosta has scored 50 points or more in five of their games this season. They are 3-2 against ranked teams as well this season. Quarterback Tate Rodemaker is the straw that stirs the drink for the Wildcats.

 

The Lakeside Evans Panthers have qualified for their fourth consecutive playoff appearance. The Panthers have never made it past the 2nd round. Lakeside is averaging 28.3 points per game on offense while the defense is allowing 11.3 points per game. Quarterback Jaden Taylor has passed for 1,325 yards and 16-TDs while also rushing for 466 yards and 9-TDs. However you slice it, Valdosta has too many weapons and are also playing in the friendly confines of Bazemore-Hyder Stadium. That’s enough to convince us that the Wildcats win big. Valdosta by four touchdowns.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Richmond Hill Wildcats have now made four consecutive playoff appearances; that’s the most in school history. They also won their second region title in school history this year. The Wildcats average 29.6 points per game on offense while allowing 14.4 points per game on defense. Jalen Rouse leads the team’s offensive production with 1,266 yards rushing and 15-TDs on the season. Nathan Vickers has recorded 7 sacks this season while Jordan Clark has 4 interceptions.

 

The M.L. King Lions are back in the post season for the first time since 2013. The Lions are averaging 21.5 points per game on offense and are allowing 17 points per game on defense. King has relied on the production from running back Michael Fearn, who, through 8 games had rushed for853 yards and 9-TDs. Marquel Parks has recorded 7 sacks for the defense. Perhaps the Lions defense can keep this game close. That’s what we believe it will take along with a big performance by Fearn. We like Richmond Hill at home, however. Wildcats by 9.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Lanier Longhorns got back to their winning ways last week with a win over Gainesville to secure the No. 2 seed in the region. This is their 7th consecutive trip to the postseason, with last year’s semifinal run being the best in school history. Quarterback Andrew Blackford has passed for 1,448 yards and 20-TDs while Taj Barnes has rushed for 1,288 yards and 15-TDs.  Linebacker Phillip Webb has recorded a team high 12 sacks this season. Lanier is averaging 30.9 points per game while the defense is allowing 16.6 points per game.

 

The Sprayberry Yellow Jackets are in the post season for the first time since 2011. The Jackets won four out of their last 5 games to clinch the No. 3 seed. Sprayberry is averaging 26.2 points per game on offense while they are allowing 22.9 points per game on defense. The key for the Yellow Jackets is whether or not Marlon Krakue and Christian Mergler will be able to slow down Lanier’s Taj Barnes. This game will certainly be won in the trenches. The Jackets should keep it close, but we like Lanier at home by 5.

 

 

 

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GHSA Playoffs 6A Part 1 of 4

Posted on November 12, 2019 by admin

We continue our previews of the first round of the GHSA Football playoffs. In this edition, our Class 6A previews feature Mays-Northview, Heritage-Coffee, Stephenson-Bradwell Institute and Allatoona-Gainesville. As always, thank you for reading. Please feel free to share and let us know if there are any errors. Best of luck to all teams competing in the playoffs.

 


 

The Skinny

 

After an opening week loss, the Mays Raiders have won 9 consecutive games and captured their 3rd region title in 4 years. The Raiders are averaging 28.7 points per game, while the defense is allowing 13.1 points per game. On offense, running back Tyree Nelson, receivers Zaire Thornton and Tavarious Carswell along with tight end JaQuari Wiggles give the Raiders plenty of options to attack with.

 

The Northview Titans are making their 3rd playoff appearance in school history. The Titans are averaging 31.5 points per game on offense and allowing 21.8 points per game on defense. Quarterback Beau Lark has passed for over 2,000 yards and 17-TDs. (Lark has also rushed for 522 yards.) Marcus Godbey is the teams leading rusher and also is one of the top receivers on offense. The offensive production looks great for Northview, but they have not beaten any teams that made the playoffs this year. With that said, we will like Mays by 17 this week.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Heritage Patriots earned the No. 2 seed with a win over Lakeside, Evans last week. Heritage is back in the playoffs after missing out last season. The Patriots best postseason finish has been a trip to the 2nd round, which they have made three times in school history. Heritage is averaging 14.2 points per game on offense and also allowing 14.2 points a game on defense.

 

The Coffee Trojans have qualified for the postseason for the last six years. Coffee opened the season with five straight wins before facing the meat of their schedule. The Trojans averaged 31.1 points per game on offense and 14.1 points per game on defense. Quarterback A.J. Wilkerson has passed for 959 yards and 11-TDs. The team has rushed for 1,652 yards on the season, led by Jamal Paulk with 434 yards and 10-TDs. The Trojans are the road team this week, but we think the Region-1 schedule has prepared them well for this week. We like Coffee by 15 on the road.

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Stephenson Jaguars are winners of their last seven games. They have now made the playoffs in 20 consecutive seasons. The last two seasons, their post season has been short-lived, ending in the first round. The Jaguars are averaging 29.3 points per game while the defense is allowing only 7 points per game, with 3 shutouts to their credit. Deondre Jackson has been the Jaguars bell cow on offense.

 

Bradwell Institute comes into this game on a three game losing skid. The Tigers have made the post season in three out of the last four seasons. They are very balanced on offense, averaging 176 yards through the air and 175 yards on the ground. Quarterback Dariuse Cooper leads the team in rushing and passing. While Quintarius Chapman and Corrie Walker are the leading receivers. The Tigers are averaging 20.8 points per game on offense and allowing 26.6 points per game on defense. The three teams that Bradwell has beaten this season have a combined 4 wins between them. The Jaguars defense should be one of the best that the Tigers have seen. We like Stephenson by 24 this week.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

Coach Gary Varner has taken the Allatoona Buccaneers to the playoffs for 10 consecutive seasons. Allatoona’s two losses this season came by a combined 5 points to two teams that we have ranked No. 1 in their respective classes. The Bucs are averaging 30.2 points per game on offense while the defense has been rather stingy, allowing 13.6 points per game. Quarterback Dante Marshall has passed for 1,412 yards and 18-TDs. His primary target is Asante Das who has 28 receptions for 876 yards and 12-TDs. Defensively, Calvon Rucker and Eric Carty lead the Bucs in sacks with 7 and 6 respectively. We can’t talk about Allatoona without mentioning kicker Jude Kelley who is perfect on PATs and 80% with field goals, including a long of 54 yards.

 

Prior to last week, the Gainesville Red Elephants had won three straight games. The Red Elephants extended their string of consecutive playoff appearances to 20 this season. Gainesville also improved on their win total from a year ago. They are averaging 29.9 points per game and allowing 27.9 points per game. The Red Elephants have showed a propensity to score points in bunches late in the season, but we think Allatoona’s defense will be one of the best they’ve seen since Dacula’s back in October. We like the Bucs by 9 this week.

 

 

 

 

 

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