GHSA Playoffs 3A Part 4 of 4

Posted on November 14, 2019 by admin

Today we continue with our GHSA Football Playoff previews as we look at Class 3A. Matchups include Jenkins-Adairsville, Westminster-Dawson County, North Murray-Monroe Area and Jackson-Liberty County. 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 Jenkins Warriors won their third region title in the last four years. Jenkins County has won eight straight games and have defeated three playoff teams this season. The Warriors are averaging 40.1 points per game while the defense is allowing 7.6 points per game. The defense has also recorded three shutouts this season. Damozzio Harris has rushed for 1,192 yards and 20-TDs on the season.

 

The Adairsville Tigers were awarded the Class 3-Aat-large bid. This is their seventh appearance in the last nine years. The Tigers are averaging 14.4 points per game while the defense is allowing 17.3 points. The Tigers are led offensively by running backs Eli Agnew and Jamuary Johnson who have combined for 857 yards and 4-TDs. We like the Warriors this week. Jenkins by four touchdowns.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Westminster Wildcats are making their 13th consecutive playoff appearance. They have made it to the quarterfinals the past three seasons. The Wildcats four losses have all come against teams ranked in the Top-10 in Class 4A and 3A. They have won their last three games and are averaging 23.6 points per game on offense, while the defense is allowing 14.7 points per game.

 

The Dawson County Tigers are making their 5th consecutive playoff appearance. The Tigers are averaging 37.4 points per game on offense while the defense is allowing 20.3 points per game. Quarterback Zach Holtzclaw has passed for 2,084 yards and 22-TDs. Shawn Thomas has rushed for 700 yards and 7-TDs while Dakhota Sonnichsen has caught 32 passes for 638 yards and 6-TDs. We like the Wildcats to keep the Tigers at bay this week. Westminster by 7.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

Earlier this season, the North Murray Mountaineers did what was seemingly impossible and handed the Calhoun Yellow Jackets their first  region loss since 2001. The Mountaineers also claimed their first region title in the schools eleven-year history. Since a week one loss to Rabun County, North Murray has won nine consecutive games. They are averaging 34.4 points per game and allowing 12.7 points per game. The Mountaineers have defeated five playoff teams this season.

 

Monroe Area has qualified for the post season eight times in the last ten seasons. The Purple Hurricanes have won four of their last five games coming into the post season. They are averaging 26.9 points per game while the defense is allowing 12.9 points per game. Quarterback Selatian Straughter Jr. has passed for 1,448 yards, rushed for 732 and accounted for 23 total TDs. Mason Bryon has recorded 107 total tackles for the defense. We believe North Murray will be able to outscore Monroe Area this week. We like the Mountaineers by 13.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Jackson Red Devils are making their seventh playoff appearance in eight year.  The Red Devils have won five of their last six games and have defeated two playoff teams this season. They are averaging 30 points per game while the defense is allowing 19.7 points per game. Quarterback Josh Scott has passed for 1,349 yards and 6-TDs while Alexander Patrick has rushed for 1,145 yards and 14-TDs. Anthony Henderson is the Red Devils leading receiver and has also intercepted 7 passes on defense.

 

The Liberty County Panthers have now qualified for seven straight postseason appearances. The Panthers had two games cancelled due to weather. They have defeated three playoff teams this season. The Panthers are averaging 34.2 points per game on offense while the defense is allowing 15.2 points per game. Liberty has rushed for over 2,000 yards in those eight games this season. Markel Johnson leads the way with 739 yards and 10-TDs. We think this will be a nip and tuck battle, but we like the Panthers to get the win on the road. Liberty County by 3.

 

 

 

 

 

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GHSA Playoffs 3A Part 3 of 4

Posted on November 14, 2019 by admin

Today we continue with our GHSA Football Playoff previews as we look at Class 3A. Matchups include Crisp County-Southeast Bulloch, North Hall-Lovett, Jefferson-Sonoraville, and Appling County-Westside Macon. 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 Crisp County Cougars won their fourth consecutive region title this season. The Cougars are also in the post season for the fourth straight year. Crisp has defeated four playoff teams this season. Their largest defeat was a 5-point loss to defending 5A champion Bainbridge. The Cougars are certainly battle tested. Marquise Palmer has rushed for 1,071 yards and 12-TDs and A.J. Lofton has added 665 yards and 7-TDs. Sirad Bryant has caught 23 passes for 448 yards. Bryant has also intercepted 5 passes in the secondary. The Cougars are averaging 26.2 points per game while the defense is allowing 12.5 points.

 

Southeast Bulloch is in the playoffs for the sixth time in seven years. Initially the Yellow Jackets were on the outside looking in, until a Beach forfeit moved them into the 4th seed. The Yellow Jackets are averaging 25.6 points per game, while the defense is allowing 23.8 points. We believe the Cougars defense will be a little too much for the Jackets this week. We like Crisp by 30.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The North Hall Trojans are in the postseason for the fifth consecutive season. They have won their last five games. The Trojans have defeated two playoff teams. They are averaging 33.2 points per game while the defense is allowing 17.4 points per game. J.T. Fair has rushed for 1,160 yards and 8-TDs while Jacob Dickey has added 716 yards and 4-TDs. Fair also leads the team in receiving with 13 receptions for 297 yards and 2-TDs.

 

Since 1978, the Lovett Lions have only missed the playoffs four times. They have beaten five playoff teams this season. The Lions are averaging 30.5 points per game while the defense is allowing 26.3 points per game. Lovett has a balanced attack, with quarterback Blaine McAllister passing for 1,610 yards and 19-TDs while Henry Beery has rushed for 780 yards and 3-TDs. Can Lovett slow down the North Hall rushing attack? We think so. We like the Lions in a mild upsets. Lovett by 5.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Jefferson Dragons won their first region title since 2016 and are in the playoffs for the 9th straight season. Jefferson’s only loss was a one-point defeat at the hands of 4A Oconee County. Jefferson is averaging 42.4 points per game, while the defense is allowing 9.2 points per game. The Dragons have won nine straight games entering this week. As a team, the Dragons have rushed for over 3,000 yards this season. Quarterback Colby Clark leads the way with 735 yards and 15-TDs.

 

The Sonoraville Phoenix are in the playoffs for the first time since 2016 and for the fifth time in school history. Sonoraville has defeated two playoff teams this season. They are averaging 27.7 points per game on offense while the defense is allowing 19.6 points per game. We think the Dragons have too much on offense for the Phoenix to match. We like Jefferson by four touchdowns.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Appling County Pirates are in the playoffs for the third straight year. They matched their best regular season win total since 2013. The Pirates are averaging 31.4 points per game while the defense is allowing 10.6. The have defeated five playoff teams this season. Quarterback Jeremiah Holmes (580 yards, 9-TDs) and running backs Sharrod Roberts ( 580 yards 8-TDs) and R.J. Conaway (508 yards, 7-TDs) lead the way on the ground for the Pirates.

 

The Westside Macon Seminoles are in the playoffs for the 8th straight season. They are averaging 34.1 points per game and allowing 29.4. They have beaten two playoff teams this season. Quarterback Victor Dixon has passed for 2,381 yards and 27-TDs and also added 699 rushing yards and 6 rushing TDs. Jaylon Barden has caught 65 passes for 1,208 yards and 15-TDs. This game features contrasting styles. We believe Appling can control the time of possession and help neutralize Dixon. We like the Pirates by a touchdown.

 

 

 

 

 

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GHSA Playoffs 3A Part 2 of 4

Posted on November 14, 2019 by admin

Today we continue with our GHSA Football Playoff previews as we look at Class 3A. Matchups include Greater Atlanta Christian-Pace Academy, Cook-Windsor Forest, Pierce County-Central Macon and Hart County-Haralson County. 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 Greater Atlanta Christian Spartans won their 6th consecutive region title this season. Since they started playing a region schedule in 1992, the Spartans have only missed the playoffs three times. They have defeated five playoff teams this season and are averaging 36 points per game on offense, while the defense is allowing 15.2 points. They have won nine consecutive games, and their only loss was a one-point setback to Lovett.

 

Pace Academy is in the post season for the 6th straight season. They are averaging 18.5 points per game and allowing 20 points per game. They have lost three of their last four games entering the playoffs. We don’t expect this to be a runaway early, but we do expect GAC to win this Friday. Spartans by 17.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Cook Hornets are in the post season for the 20th consecutive season.  They are winners of three out of their last four games. The Hornets are averaging 18.7 points per game, while the defense is allowing 26.8 points per game. The Hornets have defeated one playoff team this season.

 

The Windsor Forest Knights were originally slated as the 4th seed, but a forfeit by Beach moved them to the No. 3 seed. The Knights are in the playoffs for the third consecutive season. They have never advanced past the first round. They are averaging 24.2 points per game, while the defense is allowing 16.2 points per game. They are winners of three of their last four games. We think this might be the year for Windsor Forest. We like Windsor Forest by 4 in a competitive matchup.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Pierce County Bears are our No. 1 ranked team entering the postseason. The Bears are in the playoffs for the 9th straight season and were one game away from reaching the finals last year. Pierce County is averaging 41.1 points per game, while the defense has allowed 10.3 points, which also include four shutouts. Running Back L.J. Newton has paced the offense with 738 yards and 10-TDs.

 

The Central Chargers are winners of three of their last four games this season. That propelled them into the postseason for the 10th time in school history. The Chargers are averaging 23.6 points per game while the defense is allowing 31.2 points per game. Quarterback Jalik Thomas has passed for 837 yards, rushed for 922 yards and accounted for 19 total TDs. Maurice Elder has also added 785 yards rushing and 10-TDs. We believe Pierce can make another deep run this season. We like them by four touchdowns this week.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

Since 1987, the Hart County Bulldogs have only missed postseason play four times. The Bulldogs are averaging 35.3 points per game while the defense is allowing 13.9 points. The Bulldogs have defeated four playoff teams this season. They have also won three straight entering Friday night’s game.

 

The Haralson County Rebels won eight games for the second consecutive season and are also in the playoffs for the second straight year. The Rebels have never advanced past the first round. The Bulldogs are averaging 30.8 points per game while the defense is allowing 15.9 points. The Rebels have defeated one playoff team this season. We expect for Haralson County to be in this game late, but we like Hart to win by 4.

 

 

 

 

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GHSA Playoffs 3A Part 1 of 4

Posted on November 14, 2019 by admin

Today we continue with our GHSA Football Playoff previews as we look at Class 3A. Matchups include Cedar Grove-Fannin County, Benedictine-Monroe, Peach County-Brantley County and Calhoun-Morgan County. 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 Cedar Grove Saints begin their title defense this Saturday. The Saints won their third consecutive region title this season. They are on a six game win streak and have defeated four playoff teams. Cedar Grove is averaging 33 points per game while the defense is allowing 11.3. The Saints defense has shutout four out of their last five opponents.

 

The Fannin County Rebels are in the post season for the second consecutive year. Their best finish was a run to the quarterfinals in 1995. The Rebels are led by Treylyn Owensby, who has rushed for 1,350 yards and 14-TDs. Jakob Tuggle has recorded 9 sacks for the defense. Fannin is averaging 26.4 points per game while the defense is allowing the same number. Cedar Grove is poised to make another deep run this season. We like the Saints by 33 this week.

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

The Benedictine Cadets have qualified for nine consecutive playoff appearances. They have won two state titles during that stretch. The Cadets are averaging 41.7 points per game this season while the defense is allowing 20 points per game. They have defeated two playoff teams this season. Trent Broadnax has caught 38 passes for 495 yards on the season.

 

The Monroe Tornadoes are in the playoffs for the third straight season. The Tornadoes best playoff finish has been the second round, they’ve done that five times. The Tornadoes are averaging 20.5 points per game while the defense is allowing 28.1 points. Quarterback Jordan Edwards has passed for 1,426 yards and 10-TDs to lead the way on offense. Benedictine might be a little down this season, but we like them in this game by 17.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Peach County Trojans are looking to get back to the state finals for the 3rd consecutive season. This year, the Trojans won their 4th consecutive region title. The Trojans only loss was a 1-point defeat to 5A Houston County. They have defeated five playoff teams and have won seven straight games entering the post season. Peach is averaging 50 points per game while their defense is allowing 14.4. Noah Whittington and Tijah Woolfolk lead the Trojans ground game. Jaydon Gibson has passed for 1,762 yards and 20-TDs.

 

The Brantley County Herons are in the playoffs for only the 3rd time in school history. The Herons are averaging 21.3 points per game while the defense is allowing 27.2 points. Clifford Patton and Gavin King have combined to rush for 1,176 yards and 14-TDs for the Herons. Dawson Thomas leads the Herons with 88 total tackles. The Herons look to be moving in the right direction under Coach Geoff Cannon, but the Trojans will be too much to handle this week. We like Peach by 31.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Calhoun Yellow Jackets are making their 20th consecutive playoff appearance. The Yellow Jackets have beaten four playoff teams this season. They are averaging 33.2 points per game while the defense has only allowed 9 points per game. This is the first time since 2001 that the Yellow Jackets have not won their region. The Jackets enter this game on a six game winning streak. In this 20-year playoff run, the Jackets have only been eliminated once in the first round.

 

The Morgan County Bulldogs are in the post season for the fourth consecutive season. Morgan County is averaging 26 points per game while the defense is averaging 24.7 points per game.  Kobridgette Lumpkin and Quinton Proby lead the way for the Bulldogs on the ground. Calhoun may have taken a small step back this season, but we like them big over Morgan County this week. Yellow Jackets by 4 touchdowns.

 

 

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GHSA Playoffs 4A 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 4A. Matchups include Burke County-Americus Sumter, Sandy Creek-Denmark, Ridgeland-Madison County and Eastside-Mary Persons. 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 Burke County Bears won their second region title in three years and have qualified for the playoffs for thirteen consecutive seasons. Burke County is averaging 41 points per game and allowing 22.1 points. The Bears have beaten five playoff teams this season. They have been powered on offense by running backs Leon McGee and quarterback Juanya Dove.

 

Americus Sumter has reached the playoffs three times in the last four years. Their best finish has been a couple of trips to the second round. The Panthers are averaging 27.2 points per game while the defense is allowing 27.5 points per game. The Panthers have not beaten a playoff team this season. We like Burke County by 24 this week.

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Sandy Creek Patriots have been a mainstay in the GHSA playoffs. Since 1999 the Patriots have only missed the playoffs twice. Sandy Creek beat two Region champs and four playoff teams total this season. They average 42.9 points per game while the defense is allowing 15.4 points. Brian Branch is an explosive receiver who also shines in the Patriots secondary. Sandy Creek has not lost at home this season.

 

The Denmark Danes are in the post season for the first time in the school’s short history. Quarterback Aaron McLaughlin has passed for 1,913 yards and 17-TDs. Zevian Capers has caught 39 passes for 877 yards and 10-TDs. The Danes are averaging 38.2 points per game while the defense is allowing 12.8 points per game. There should be a good matchup with Brian Branch going up against Capers. However, the big question will be whether or not the Danes offensive line can stop the Patriots defensive line led by Justin Beadles and Jordan Mitchell. We like the Patriots this week by 13.

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Ridgeland Panthers claimed their third region title in four years. They are also in the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season. The Panthers are averaging 29.7 points per game, while the defense is allowing 29.6 points per game. The Panthers are winners of their last five games coming into the playoffs. Jordan Blackwell is an explosive threat for the Panthers offense.

 

The Madison County Red Raiders are back in the playoffs for the second time in three years. The Red Raiders have never advanced past the first round of the playoffs. This season, they are averaging 18.3 points per game on offense while the defense is allowing 26.1 points per game. We like the Panthers big this week at home. Ridgeland by four touchdowns.

 

 

The Skinny

The Eastside Eagles are a year removed from their best season in terms of wins in program history. Coach Hoff has the Eagles back in the post season for the fifth consecutive year. The Eagles are averaging 31.5 points per game while their defense is allowing 21.1 per game. Quarterback Noah Cook has passed for 1,648 yards and 15-TDs. As a team, the Eagles have rushed fro over 1,400 yards.

 

The Mary Persons Bulldogs are in the playoffs for the ninth consecutive season. During that stretch they have reached the semifinals twice. The Bulldogs are averaging 27 points per game while the defense is allowing 30.9 points per game. The Bulldogs have beaten three teams that qualified for the playoffs. William Stewart and Enrico Harden have combined to rush for 1,138 yards and 16-TDs. Harden has also intercepted four passes. This should be a very competitive game, but we like the Eagles at home by 4.

 

 

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GHSA Playoffs 4A 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 4A. Matchups include Carver, Columbus-Richmond Academy, Marist-Cedartown, Oconee County-Northwest Whitfield, Perry-Hampton. 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 Carver Columbus Tigers won their first region title since 2015. After a two-point loss in their first game of the season, the Tigers have won nine consecutive games. In all of their wins, they have scored over 30 points. They are averaging 42.9 points per game while the defense is allowing 18 points per game. Quarterback Devin Riles has passed fro 1,579 yards and 23-TDs while Khiari McCoy has rushed for 1,473 yards and 17-TDs. Ja’Cyais Credle has caught 40 passes for 580 yards and 9-TDs.

 

The Richmond Academy Musketeers have qualified for the playoffs in three consecutive seasons. They have not advanced past the second round since 1976. The Musketeers are averaging 12.7 points per game on offense while the defense is allowing 18.2 points per game. Running back Rashad Williams has been led the Musketeers on offense with 612 yards and 4-TDs. We expect for Carver to win this game by four touchdowns.

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Marist War Eagles have not missed the postseason since 1982. Last season, the War Eagles made a push all the way to the semifinals before being edged out by Cartersville. The War Eagles have beat five playoff teams this season and their only loss was a three- point overtime thriller against Blessed Trinity. Marist is averaging 36.8 points per game on offense while the defense is allowing 9.5 points per game, including four shutouts. If anyone is going to slow Marist down, they will have to contain quarterback Connor Cigelske, who leads the team in rushing and passing.

 

The Cedartown Bulldogs are also a storied program in their own right. The Bulldogs are in the playoffs for the seventh time in the last nine years. The Bulldogs have beaten one team that qualified for the playoffs, but have been competitive in most of their games this season. The offense is averaging 25.1 points per game, while the defense is allowing 18.2. We believe the Bulldogs defense will keep them around, but we like the Ware Eagles to pull away late. Marist by 17.

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Oconee County Warriors claimed their first region title since 2015 and have matched their best regular season win total since 2001. The Warriors are in the playoffs for the 6thconsecutive season. Quarterback Max Johnson has passed for 1,164 yards and 16-TDs, while Jimmy Boswell and Darius Norman have combined for 1,366 yards and 11-TDs on the ground. Da’shawn Elder has intercepted four passes in the secondary for the Warriors. Oconee County is averaging 30.5 points per game, while the defense is allowing 12.2 points. They have beaten seven teams that have qualified for the post season.

 

The Northwest Whitfield Bruins are in the post season for the sixth time in seven years. The Bruins are averaging 23.8 points per game and allowing 19.3 points per game. Freshman quarterback Owen Brooker has passed for 1,396 yards and 13-TDs and Gavin Ellis has rushed for 864 yards and 9-TDs. Matt Redmond has caught 49 passes for 572 yards and 5-TDs. The Bruins have beaten two playoff teams this year. If Northwest can run the ball and keep Johnson on the sideline, they should have a shot. But we like the Warriors. Oconee County by three touchdowns.

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Perry Panthers are in the playoffs for the second consecutive season and have matched their win total from a year ago. Perry had won four straight prior to last week’s game against West Laurens. The Panthers are averaging 22.3 points per game, while the defense is allowing 20.2 points per game. Quarterback Lane Rucker has passed for 1,2,13 yards and 9-TDs while Makeil Kendrick has rushed for 856 yards and 8-TDs.

 

Meanwhile, the Hampton Hornets are making their first playoff appearance in school  history. (Hampton started playing football in 2014). The 5 wins are a program best. The Hornets are averaging 16.1 points per game while the defense is allowing 20.4 points per game. Running back Untavias Varner and quarterback Jaivion Dorris lead the rushing attack for the Hornets with a combined 969 yards and 10-TDs.  We believe this could be a low scoring game, but we like Perry to advance this week. Panthers by 8.

 

 

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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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