TFR 2018 GHSA-A-Private Playoff Preview 2 of 2

In perhaps the biggest shocker in round one of the Class-A Private playoffs, the Riverside Military Academy Eagles knocked off the George Walton Academy Bulldogs. Eagle’s Head Coach Nick Garrett has not been shy about praising one of his star’s, Isaac Teasley. Teasley has rushed for 894 yards, passed for 1,405 yards and accounted for 20-TDs. The defense is led by Wookdong Harry Kimand his 9 sacks. Overall, they are allowing 20.7 points per game. Their opponent this week is the Fellowship Christian Paladins. The Paladins are two years removed from a trip to the finals. They have been steady under coach Al Morrell and are averaging 39.3 points per game. Their offense is keyed by Murphy Reeves who has rushed for 1,702 yards and 18 TDs. Our default was to take the Paladins at home, but we are going out go out on a limb with the underdog Riverside Military Eagles to edge out Fellowship by less than a field goal.

Head Coach Jeff Saturday has the Hebron Christian Lions moving in the right direction. The Lions are in the 2^nd round of the playoffs for the first time in school history. As we mentioned last week Hebron Christian is led by Colton Gauthier who has passed for 1,915 yards and 19-TDs on the season. Jeffrey Saturday is his primary receiver. Saturday caught 4 passes for 71-yards and one touchdown last week. On the season, he has caught 49 passes for 900 yards and 11-TDS. Host Savannah Christian claimed a region title under the direction of first year head coach Baker Woodward. Woodward was the former O/C at Benedictine. He has brought his system to Savannah Christian and has gotten his players to buy in. The only blemish on their record is a week one loss to Athens Academy. Dylan McMahon anchors both the offensive and defensive lines. Spencer Robicheaux leads the team in passing while Nate Moon (810 yards, 11-TDs) leads the rushing attack. Savannah Christian is scoring 37.2 points per game. We know that Hebron certainly will not go quietly into the night. We think they are about a year away from making a deep run. We like the Savannah Christian Raiders to survive and advance by a touchdown.

The Aquinas Fighting Irish will have a chance to redeem last years playoff loss as they visit the Darlington Tigers on Friday. The Fighting Irish are averaging 30.3 points per game on offense and allowing 17.1 points per game on defense. Kam Brinson and Ashlon Williams have combined for 1,549 yards and 16-TDs. The Darlington Tigers aren’t necessarily lighting the world on fire on offense, averaging 22.7 points per game, while their defense is allowing 14.6 points per game. The Tigers are in the post season for the 12^thconsecutive season. We aren’t sure if they can contain the Aquinas backs this week. We like the fighting Irish to win this game by a field goal.

Trinity Christian is no stranger to post season action, but much of their success had previously been at the GISA level. The Lions won their first GHSA playoff game last week and as a prize, they will visit Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy. This won’t be a traditional home game for Eagle’s Landing, as the game has been moved to Lakewood Stadium in Atlanta due to the recent rains that made field conditions unplayable on Friday. Trinity Christian is led by Zach Jones who has rushed for 1,005 yards and 10-TDs. The Lions are averaging 25.4 points per game on offense, while the defense is giving up 15.5 points per game. Since ELCA’s 37-game win streak has been stopped, the Chargers have been on a role. Their smallest margin of victory since that time was 21 points. On the season, they are averaging 53.3 points per game, while the defense is only allowing 6.2 points each time out. Senior Quarterback Brayden Rush has been at the helm for all 3 of the prior championship runs. I guess we should also mention that ELCA beat Trinity Christian earlier this season by 61 points. We just don’t think Trinity has closed the gap that much. We like ELCA to win by six touchdowns.