TFR GHSA 5-A-Quarterfinal Playoff Preview

Bainbridge will make the 275 mile trip to Northeast Georgia this week to take on the Buford Wolves. Bainbridge is in the quarterfinals for the second time in 4 years. Last week, the Bearcats got 237 yards through the air from quarterback Quayde Hawkins to help them knock off Wayne County. On the season, Bainbridge is now averaging 22.4 points per game on offense while the defense is allowing 16.5 points per game. The Buford Wolves knocked off Kell last week and are looking to get back to the semi-finals for the 12^thconsecutive season. Since week-5, the Wolves have won seven consecutive games. University of Texas commit Derrian Brown led the Wolves last week with 81 yards rushing and 3 total TDs. The Buford defense has been hot as of late, allowing only 12.4 points per game points per game, but they’ve been even better during their current win streak, as they are only allowing 4.8 points per game. We think Bainbridge has had a great run, but we like Buford this week by 13.

The Carrollton Trojans are one of two teams from Region-7 that are still alive in the quarterfinals. Last week the Trojans got past Loganville courtesy of 135 rushing yards and 2-TDs from Brandon Marenco. The Trojans defense limited Loganville to 19 net rushing yards on the game. Carrollton boasts a couple of the best underclassmen linebackers in the state in Kevin Swint and Chass Chambliss. Against Loganville, the duo combined for 10.5 tackles and 2.5 sacks. Like Carrollton, the Stockbridge Tigers are one of two teams from Region 4 that is still alive in the quarterfinals. Also like Carrollton, the Tigers have relied primarily on the ground game this season as they are averaging 234.8 yards per game on the ground. Last week Markell Ramsey rushed for a season high 160 yards and 2- TDs in the victory over New Hampstead. Stockbridge is only allowing 10.7 points per game on defense this season. The Trojans are 4-1 away from the friendly confines of Carrollton, with their only loss on the road to Rome. We like Carrollton on the road to edge Stockbridge by 4 this week in a low scoring contest.

We think this game might be worthy of a state title match up. Last week the Dutchtown Bulldogs were led by quarterback Arendez Fedd, who threw for 3 touchdowns and ran for another in the victory over Griffin. The Bulldogs have been dominant on defense this season, allowing an astounding 5.3 points per game on defense. In our opinion, this will be the best defense that Rome has faced to date. But the Rome Wolves have been able to put up points in bunches. They are averaging 52.3 points per game this season. Jamious Griffin went over the 6,000 yard rushing mark for his career in the victory. The Wolves seem to be able to answer the bell, no matter who comes calling. We think the Bulldogs will get a boost from playing at home. We also expect the Bulldogs to limit some of Rome’s big play capability, and the weather will probably still play a factor. Yet in spite of all of that, we still like Rome in a close game by 10.

It has been 21 years since the Clarke Central Gladiators and Warner Robins Demons have faced off. They will battle this week for the right to play in the semi finals. Clarke Central is in the quarterfinals for the first time since 2009, when the made it all the way to the finals. O’brien Barnett rushed for 101 yards on 19 carries to lead the Gladiators to victory. On the season, Clarke Central is averaging 23.4 points per game on offense. Meanwhile, their opponent, Warner Robins, is averaging 37.5 points per game. Quarterback Dylan Fromm passed for 216 yards and 3-TDs leading the Demons to a 35-0 victory over Ware County. We don’t believe that Clark Central can afford to get into a shoot-out with Warner Robins. There is currently a 90% chance of rain Friday night. Depending on what time the weather moves through, it might have an effect on the Demons ability to pass the ball. Even still, we like Warner Robins by two touchdowns.