The GHSA Playoffs get under way on Friday night. The past few seasons, we have attempted to preview every playoff game. This season we are taking a bit of a different approach. We will give you our overall thoughts on each classification and then preview two of the top games for each classification. For our Class 2A – GHSA Playoff Preview we highlight the Fannin vs. Bremen and Dade County vs Heard County games.
As always, thanks for reading. While you’re here, don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss any of our coverage. Please feel free to comment and share.
Special thanks to the Georgia Helmet Project for providing each team’s helmet. You can find all of their work here: http://gahelmetproject.com
Special thanks to the Georgia Helmet Project for providing each team’s helmet. You can find all of their work here: http://gahelmetproject.com
Historical records are provided by the Georgia High School Football Historians Association. (ghsfa.org)
Tale of the Tape
Defending Champion: Callaway
Current No. 1: Rabun County
Best 1st Round Game: Dade County vs. Heard County
Longest Playoff Drought: East Laurens (2012)
Week 1 Upset Alert: Fannin County, Elbert County, Westside Augusta, Dade County
Final Four Predictions: Haralson County, Fitzgerald, Callaway, Rabun County
Sleeper: Putnam County
Rabun County is our pick to finally break through and take home the title this season. They are led by Gunner Stockton who already owns a couple of state passing records. The Wildcats have come up short the last few seasons, but Stockton and the boys from Tiger seem to have all the pieces in place in 2021. Haralson County also has a do it all quarterback in Clay Hyatt, who we believe will help power the Rebels into the final four this season. Thomasville probably has the most unfortunate draw, as we believe a Thomasville-Rabun County state title game would have been ideal. If the seeds hold to form, those two teams will meet in the quarterfinals.
We know it’s difficult for us to choose a region champ as a sleeper, but Putnam County doesn’t necessarily have the “pedigree” of the Fitzgeralds and Thomasvilles of the world. The War Eagles however have got things working under coach Shaun Pope. We won’t be shocked to see them playing in December. Potential great matchups down the line include Haralson County-Swainsboro, Fitzgerald-Putnam County and Bleckly County-Callaway.
The Skinny
Coach Chad Cheatham has guided the Fannin County Rebels to the post-season for four consecutive seasons. The Rebels won their second consecutive region crown this year as they closed out the season on an 8-game winning streak. The only loss for the Rebels this season was a “curious” 32-point loss to Sonoraville. Fannin County is led by Seth Reece, who has accounted for 1,785 yards of total offense for the Rebels, including 21 total -TDs. Reece is the team’s leading rusher and passer. The Rebels do lean more run on offense and are averaging 233.2 yards per game on the ground while passing for 130.6 yards. Cason Owensby and Andrew Waldrep lead Fannin in total tackles this season. The Rebels secondary has intercepted 10 passes on the year. Fannin is averaging 33.1 points per game while the defense is allowing 11.6. The Rebels have defeated five playoff teams this season.
The Bremen Blue Devils are in the playoffs for the eighth consecutive season. Since 1996, Bremen has only missed the playoffs three times. The Blue Devils come into this game losing four out of their last five games. They are averaging 27.5 points per game and allowing. 26.7 points per game. Bremen is led be quarterback Christian Burks. Burks throws a good deep ball and is also extremely crafty and can elude even the most persistent of defenders turning sure losses into positive plays. Don’t be surprised to see the wildcat formation with Blake Matthews taking snaps. Mathews is a patient runner and does a good job of finding seams in tight quarters. Bremen had defeated three playoff teams this season.
We believe this game will be a shoot out, but can Bremen find any way to slow down Seth Reece? This might be the closest 1 vs. 4 seed in Class 2-A. But we believe Fannin will come out victorious. Rebels by 11.
The Skinny
The Dade County Wolverines advanced to the post-season for the first time since 2015 and for only the 5th time in school history. The team’s seven wins during the regular season was also their best showing since 2013. Dade is averaging 29.3 points per game on offense while the defense is allowing 16 points per game. The Wolverines rely heavily on the run, averaging 208.4 yards per game on the ground and 122.6 yards per game through the air. Quarterback Brody Cooper has thrown for 1,153 yards and 8-TDs and has completed 70% of his passes. His top receivers are Brodie Swader and Zeke Wheeler.; both with 29 receptions on the season. Meanwhile Cayden Cooper and Cody Williams have combined to rush for 1,585 yards and 19-TDs. The aforementioned Cody Williams leads the team with 85 total tackles. Dade County has defeated four playoff teams this season.
The Heard County Braves are in the playoffs for the 17th straight season and have only missed the playoffs once since 2000. The Braves are 2-2 in their last four games. Heard County is averaging 189.1 yards per game on the ground and 63.9 yards per game through the air. Isaiah Oneal leads the team with 700 yards rushing and 9-TDs. Oneal also is one of the to receivers on the team with 16 receptions for 246 yards and a touchdown. The Braves have defeated four playoff teams, including a win over Region-6 No. 1 South Atlanta. All five of their losses have been to playoff teams. Heard County is averaging 18.6 points per game while the defense is allowing 21.4 points per game.
This should be a fun matchup. Dade is a little more balanced on offense so that may gave them an edge. Brody Cooper’s passing efficiency also gives the Wolverines an edge. However, Heard County has played a very challenging schedule that has prepared them for a playoff run. Something tells us that Heard County has just enough success on the ground to steal a win up in Trenton this week. Braves by 1.