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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GHSA Playoffs 7A Part 4 of 4

Posted on November 11, 2019 by admin

Today we begin our previews of the first round of the GHSA Football playoffs. In this edition, our Class 7A previews feature McEachern-North Paulding, North Forsyth-Brookwood, North Gwinnett-Shiloh and Walton-Newnan. 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 McEachern Indians claimed the Region 3-7A title this season in Coach Franklin Stephens first year at the school. The McEachern offense averaged 36.4 points per game during the regular season while the defense allowed 10 points per game. Quarterback Carlos Del Rio passed fro 1,581 yards and 14-TDs. Jordan Simmons (761 yards, 11-TDs) and Christian Mason (528 yards, 8-TDs) led the way on the ground for the Indians. Javon Baker hauled in 52 catches for 567 yards while Dacari Collins caught 30 passes for 587 yards and 6-TDs. Jamil Burroughs led the defense with 8 sacks.

 

North Paulding was awarded the At-Large bid in Class 7-A. Their reward is a rematch against McEachern. (A game that the Indians won handily on last Friday.) If nothing else, the Wolfpack have all the game film they need. North still passes the ball a little more than they’ve run it, although that’s balanced out since last season. Quarterback Kyle Bird has passed for 1,529 yards and 11-TDs and also run for 452 yards and 8-TDs. As a team, North has rushed for 1,479 yards, with Xavier Crocket adding 389 yards and 9-TDs. Jarrod Ray (46 receptions, 472 yards, 4-TDs), Tanner Bentley (33 receptions, 539 yards, 5-TDs) and Kellen Autenrieth (27 receptions, 384 yards, 4-TDs) lead the receiving corps for the Wolfpack. North Paulding is averaging 31.4 points per game on offense while the defense is allowing 26.3 points per game. We don’t think much will change from last weeks results, we like the Indians by four touchdowns.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The North Forsyth Raiders are in the post season for the 2nd time in three years. The Raiders best post-season finish was an appearance in the semifinals in 2001. North has a balanced offensive attack, with quarterback Brady Meitz who has passed for over 1,600 yards and 17-TDs while running back Jared Lucero has rushed for 868 yards and 6-TDs. Nicky Dalmolin (40 receptions, 531 yards, 8-TDs) and Anthony Herock (37 receptions, 506 yards, 5-TDs) are the team’s leading receivers. North is averaging 24.9 points per game while the defense is allowing 20.5 points.

Meanwhile, the Brookwood Broncos area no stranger to post season play. The Broncos are in the post season for the 16th time in 18 years. The Broncos have been up and down this season, but are still averaging 32.8 points per game while the defense is surrendering 27.2 points per game. Eli Kohl has been the bell cow for the Brookwood offense. He has the benefit of running behind an offensive line anchored by Sean Hill, Aiden Perkins and Quincy Jenkins. We believe the Broncos can get rolling behind that big offensive line this week. It should be close, but we’ll take Brookwood by 2.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

The North Gwinnett Bulldogs have won nine consecutive games since losing their season opener to Colquitt County. The Bulldogs are outscoring their opponents this season 387-109. J.R. Martin has passed for 1,590 yards and 19-TDs while Devin Crosby has rushed for 996 yards and 11-TDs. Joshua Downs has hauled in 61 passes for 867 yards and 10-TDs.

 

The Shiloh Generals are back in the playoffs for the first time since 2003. Quarterback Vince Goffney has passed for 1,225 yards and 19-TDs, while Arthur Rodgers has rushed for 1,390 yards and 14-TDs. The Generals have recorded 32 sacks this season, led by Jasheen Davis with 9. Montae Boyd his picked off 4 passes as well. Shiloh is averaging 33.1 points per game while the defense is allowing 18.9 points. Shiloh  has dropped three of their last 4 games to close out the season. We believe the Generals will be over matched most of the night. We like North Gwinnett by three touchdowns.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

No one should be fooled by Walton’s .500 record. However, some might raise an eye to the results of last week’s loss to Woodstock. The result of the game had no impact on seeding, however. Walton is averaging 21.1 points per game on offense while the defense is allowing 18.9 points. Sophomore quarterback Zak Rozsman has done well in his first year as a starter. K.D. Stokes and Julian Bumper have helped eased the load for Rozsman. Teagan Bierria has been Walton’s go to receiver.

 

The Newnan Cougars are in the post season for the 17th time in 19 years. Newnan has been up and down this season, but is looking to get to the 2nd round for the first time since 2015. Michael Maginnis leads the Cougars with over 1,300 yards passing, while the team has rushed for over 1,400 yards. Newnan won the first meeting by three points back in September. We think the Raiders will do just enough to get by the Cougars this week. We like the Raiders by 3.

 

 

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GHSA Playoffs 7A Part 3 of 4

Posted on November 11, 2019 by admin

Today we begin our previews of the first round of the GHSA Football playoffs. In this edition, our Class 7A previews feature Lowndes-Hillgrove, Norcross-South Forsyth, Grayson-Mountain View and East Coweta-Etowah. 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

 

Since 1995, the Lowndes Vikings have only missed the playoffs once. During that span, they have won four state titles. This season, thy won the Region 1-7A title for the second time in three years. Lowndes is averaging 39.6 points per game while the defense is allowing 8.8 points per game. Quarterback Jacurri Brown has passed for 781 yards and rushed for 1,008 yards and accounted for 18 total TDs. Gary Osby leads the team in rushing TDs with 16. The Vikings defense has sacked opposing quarterbacks 40 times, Thomas Davis has 8.5 of those and leads the Vikings in this category.

 

The Hillgrove Hawks spent plenty of time in the top-10 this season until falling off late, dropping their last two games. The Hawks are averaging 31 points per game while the defense is allowing 17.9 points per game. If there ever was a defense that might be able to slow down Jacurri Brown and company, it could be Hillgrove. We expect for points to be at a premium in this first round matchup, but we like Lowndes to pull away late. Vikings by 9.

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Norcross Blue Devils got off to an unusually slow start, dropping their first four games. But they’ve won their last four games heading into the post-season. The Blue Devils have a balanced attack on offense, led by quarterback Mason Kaplan and running back Kaleb Jackson. Norcross is averaging 30.2 points per game this season while they are allowing 14.8 points per game.

 

South Forsyth is in the playoffs for the 6th consecutive season. The War Eagles are averaging 27.9 points per game while the defense is allowing 26.3 points per game. South has done most of their damage through the air as quarterback Joe Slott has passed for almost 1,600 yards and 12-TDs. Cameron Schurr and Colby Cruz have combined fro 1,555 yards receiving and 13-TDs. If South can limit interceptions, they should be right in this game until the end. However, we don’t believe it will be enough to upset Norcross at home. We like the Blue Devils in a close one. Call it Norcross by 3.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Grayson Rams won their second consecutive region championship this season and have not lost a region game in over two years. The Rams are winners of their last 5 games. Lafayette Gurvin has rushed for over 1,000 yards filling in for the injured Phil Mafah for most of the season. Mafah has returned to the lineup and is averaging 9.8 yards per carry. Quarterback C.J. Dixon has passed for 1,781 yards and 16-TDs. Grayson is averaging 31.5 points per game while the defense is allowing 15.2 points per game.

 

The Mountain View Bears have now qualified for the post-season for four consecutive seasons. Their best finish was a second round appearance in 2017. The Bears are averaging 27.9 points per game while the defense is allowing 22.8 points. Nathan Payne has passed for over 1,400 yards. Jeremy Tuider leads the team with 7 sacks on the year. Grayson has too many weapons for the Bears this week. We like Grayson big…call it 24 this week.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The East Coweta Indians have only missed the playoffs twice since 1990. This season the Indians got off to a slow start, dropping five of their first 6 games, but have bounced back to win their last four games. Jayland Rivers (707 yards, 11-TDs) and Jayden Bolton ( 443 yards, 8-TDs) lead the East Coweta offense. Dylan Spelios leads the defense with 10.5 sacks. East Coweta is averaging 25.4 points per game while the defense is allowing 26 points per game.

 

Meanwhile, the Etowah Eagles have only missed the playoffs once since 2006. The Eagles have been up and down this season. Etowah is averaging 27.9 points per game while the defense is allowing 28 points per game. The Eagles are led by quarterback Dalton Miller and receiver Jackson Manns. Miller leads Cherokee County in passing while Manns leads the County in receiving. Had this game been played in September, we would have picked Etowah easily. However, East Coweta is the hot team. We like the Indians by a field goal this week.

 

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GHSA Playoffs 7A Part 2 of 4

Posted on November 11, 2019 by admin

Today we begin our previews of the first round of the GHSA Football playoffs. In this edition, our Class 7A previews feature Parkview-West Forsyth, Colquitt County-North Cobb, Westlake-Cherokee and Archer Collins Hill. 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 Parkview Panthers claimed their second consecutive region title this season and have gone an impressive 19-1during the past two regular seasons. Cody Brown leads the way with over 1,100 yards rushing on the season. Jordan Williams has passed for 1,526 yards and 17-TDs. The Panthers area averaging 37.9 points per game while the defense is allowing 14.8 points per game.

 

The West Forsyth Wolverines are in the playoffs for the 5th consecutive season. The school’s best finish was a trip to the quarterfinals back in 2011. West is averaging 15.5 points per game while they are allowing 21.6 points per game. Receiver Casey Cowart and running back Daba Fofana lead the way for the Wolverines offense. Dalton Tjong has intercepted 5 passes for the defense. If Parkview get’s off to a slow start, it could allow the West to gain confidence. We just don’t expect that to happen. Parkview by 24.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Colquitt County Packers are in the post season for the 11th consecutive time. They have played for the title in 4 of the last 5 years and won it twice during that span. This season, the Pack is led by quarterback Jayce Harden (2,735 passing yards, 33-TDs), running back Daijun Edwards (838 yards, 10-TDs) and receiver Lemeke Brockington (43 receptions, 775 yards, 11-TDs). Nyquan Washington has picked off 4 passes in the secondary. Colquitt is averaging 37 points per game while the defense is allowing 13.8.

 

Head Coach Shane Queen has his North Cobb Warriors back in the playoffs after missing out on the post season last year. The Warriors scored a big win last week over Hillgrove, their only win over a top-10 ranked team this season. North Cobb is averaging 33 points per game while the defense is allowing 21.5. This game should be a high scoring contest, but we believe Colquitt holds serve on their home field. Pack by 17.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Westlake Lions won their 6th consecutive Region title this season and are making their 7th consecutive playoff appearance. The Lions are averaging 26.5 points per game and allowing 21.8 points per game. Their only region loss was a surprising 3-point loss to Wheeler.

 

The Cherokee Warriors have a defense that thrives on creating turnovers. The Warriors are 7-1 when the defense causes turnovers. They are led by sophomore quarterback A.J. Swann who has passed for over 1,800 yards and running back Keith Adams. Landon Ergle and Addarius Harshaw lead Cherokee in receiving. The Warriors were bounced from the playoffs in the first round last season. This week, we like for the Warriors to pull the upset with a  strong defensive effort. Cherokee by 2.

 

 

 

 

 


 

The Skinny

 

The Archer Tigers have only missed the playoffs twice since they started region play back in 2010. Quarterback Carter Peevy and receiver Trey Messer spearhead the Tigers offense. Archer is averaging 35.2 points per game on offense while the defense is allowing 14.7 points. The Tigers three losses this season are by a combined 7 points.

 

Collins Hill also sports one of the top passers in Gwinnett County, Sam Horn. Horn has passed fro 2,115 yards and 21-TDs. Travis Hunter (46 receptions, 884 yards, 12-TDs) and Jalen Johnson (67 receptions, 541 yards, 3-TDs) are Horn’s top receivers. The Eagles have recorded 34.5 sacks on the season, led by James Smith with 8.5. The aforementioned Hunter has also intercepted 7 passes in the secondary. Collins Hill has enough offense to make this game interesting, but we like the Tigers by 10.

 

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GHSA Playoffs 7A Part 1 of 4

Posted on November 11, 2019 by admin

Today we begin our previews of the first round of the GHSA Football playoffs. In this edition, our Class 7A previews feature Milton-Central Gwinnett, Marietta-Camden County, Roswell-Wheeler and Mill Creek-Newton. 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 Milton Eagles begin their title defense this Friday night at home. The Eagles had a very challenging non-region schedule but then ran through Region 5 like a hot knife through butter. Ahmad Junearick is approaching the 1,000-yard mark with 969 yards and 13-TDs on the season. The Eagles are averaging 28.2 points per game while the defense is allowing 10.1 yards.

 

The Central Gwinnett Black Knights are making their 5th playoff appearance in 6 years. Skylar Adams has passed for 2,861 yards and 27-TDs while Dae Dae Reynolds has caught 83 passes for 1,381 yards and 13-TDs. The Black Knights are averaging 33.6 points per game, but allowing 38 points per game. Adams and Reynolds are capable of keeping the Knights around late. But we like a battle tested Milton squad by a touchdown this week.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

This game might be one of the top matchups in the first round in 7A. Marietta is one of the most talented teams on paper in the state. Their two losses this season have come at the hands of 7A powers Grayson and McEachern. Arik Gilbert and Harrison Bailey lead the talented squad into the post season. Marietta is averaging 35.3 points per game while their defense is allowing 19.3 per game. The Blue Devils last won a state title on 1967.

 

The Camden County Wildcats will make the 5+ hour drive to Marietta this week. The Wildcats are averaging 33.1 points per game and allowing 21.8 points per game. Quarterback Logan Watson and sophomore running back Jamie Felix lead the way on offense for the Wildcats. Camden County won back-to-back state titles in 2008 & 2009. Their best appearance since then was two consecutive quarterfinal runs. We believe Camden will score some points against the Marietta defense, but we like the Blue Devils over the Wildcats this week by 14.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Roswell Hornets won the Region 4-7A title and now host the Wheeler Wildcats. The two teams met earlier this season with Roswell shutting out Wheeler 28-0 back in September. The Hornets are winners of their last four games and are averaging 31.5 points per game while allowing only 10 points per game.

 

The Wheeler Wildcats have won their last three games heading into the playoffs. The Wildcats also scored a big win late in the season against the eventual region champion, Westlake. Wheeler is averaging 17.2 points per game while the defense is allowing 22.1 points per game. We don’t believe the Wildcats will be able to create enough offense to outlast the Hornets this week. We like Roswell by 21.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Mill Creek Hawks are back in the playoffs for the 6th consecutive season. Both of the Hawks losses came at the hands of two-ranked teams. They also scored a big win in a weather-shortened game against Archer. The Hawks are averaging 33.7 points per game and allowing 13 points per game. They are led by Chancellor Lee Parker who has rushed for 1,367 yards and 18-TDs.

 

The Newton Rams are making their 8th consecutive playoff appearance. The Rams best playoff finish has been the quarterfinals. Newton’s only losses this season have been to ranked teams. They come into this game winners of their last two. The Rams are averaging 26 .1 points per game and allowing 17 points per game. We think this game will be a little closer than expected, but we think there’s too much Chancellor Lee Parker this week. Hawks by 3.

 

 

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