GHSA FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS

(Region and seed in parentheses)

GHSA Second Round

Friday

Class AAAAAA

Northside (R1, T3, 8-3) at Tucker (R4, T1, 10-1)

          The rematch of last year’s semifinal pits one team as strong as 2016 and one probably not as strong. Tucker is putting up 45.1 points a game, compared to 33.5 last year. The Eagles, meanwhile, are averaging 20.7 points, a drop from 34.7. Northside is doing the same quality work on defense at about 12 points a game allowed, and Tucker is around 10 points. But Tucker has 1,344 yards passing and 2,966 yards rushing, led by running back Toro Taylor (1,053 yard rushing and 16 TDs) who gets 11.2 yards a carry. The Eagles have scored fewer than 20 points in six games this season, and more than 24 only once. Tucker’s defense has kept opponents to single digits in seven games, and has two shutouts in the last three games, including over region No. 2 Stephenson (38-0).

Maxwell Ratings margin: Northside by 1.

The Sports Report says: Fundamentals were a big difference in Northside’s win over Brunswick. It’s doubtful the Eagles have enough on offense to be the rare team that pushes Tucker to the final few minutes. Tucker by 12.

 

Class AAAAA

Eagles Landing (R4, T3, 7-4) at Warner Robins (R1, T1, 11-0)

          These two teams combined to go 5-17 a year ago, the Demons slipping into the playoffs. Eagle’s Landing finished tied for third in a slightly stronger region, with Stockbridge and Jones County, and actually played those two closer than it did with fifth-place Ola. But the Golden Eagles have outscored their last three opponents 107-17, including a resounding 45-3 road win at Region 3 No. 2 (and tri-champ) Whitewater for the first playoff win in program history. The Demons, meanwhile, muddled through most of a 30-17 win over one-win South Effingham. Eagle’s Landing QB Cam Lewis has completed 56.7 percent of his passes for 1,775 yards and 13 touchdowns with only two interceptions, Emanuel Stores his favorite target with 43 catches for 620 yards and four scores. The Golden Eagles have 102 fewer snaps, but get 6.3 yards a play to 6.9 for the Demons. Eagle’s Landing will bring pressure: the Golden Eagles – who had two pick 6s last week - have 15.5 more sacks than the Demons, who may have an edge in depth on defense.

Maxwell Ratings margin: Warner Robins by 17

The Sports Report says: Eagle’s Landing doesn’t get in many shootouts, and Warner Robins does. The Golden Eagles have one playoff win since the program started in 1992, the Demons have, well, a few more than that. There’s still room on the Demons’ bandwagon – and in the stands – and the Golden Eagles are likely to bring some folks to watch a game of tempo. Warner Robins by 10.

 

Jones County (R4, T2, 10-1) at Wayne County R2, T1, 9-1)

          A backup quarterback may be carried off the field after this one. Jones County lost Teldrick Ross last week to an ankle injury, and Wayne County’s Garrett Overholt was on a roll after missing two games in the middle of the season, one the Yellow Jackets lost and the other (13-9 over South Effingham) they struggled in. But he was knocked out again early in last week’s game with a hand injury. The Yellow Jackets struggled in those two other games, but rolled past Thomas County Central 28-0. Overholt passed for 307 yards against Appling County and nearly 400 against Statesboro and Pierce County. His status is unknown, but his impact may be bigger than Ross’s, so his absence is likely to be felt more.

Maxwell Ratings margin: Jones County by 7.

The Sports Report says: Wayne County has been a mess the past several years, but things have very much turned around. The difference may be in programs, and Jones County’s confidence, even without starting quarterback and mainstay Teldrick Ross. The change in offensive schemes will have some hiccups, but the Greyhounds’ other facets pick it up. Jones County by 14.

 

Class AAAA

Baldwin (R3, T3, 7-4) at Mary Persons (R2, T1, 9-2)

          These two used to play fairly regularly, six straight years from 2010-2015, with the Bulldogs leading 4-2, including the last four and by 6, 14, 34 and 34 points. Three of Baldwin’s losses were fairly close games, by 5, 14 and 18, with a 43-point loss to Class 5A Evans. The Braves battled through a 1-4 stretch, but have won three straight. The Bulldogs struggled with Howard in the regular-season finale, and got back on track with a 27-0 first-round win. Mary Persons is balanced, led by QB J.T. Hartage, who has completed a nifty 69.4 percent of his passes for 1,523 yards and 16 touchdowns with only two interceptions. There is depth in the skill positions, and the defense has a selection playmakers, all complemented by a quality kicking game.

Maxwell Ratings margin: Mary Persons by 15.

The Sports Report says: Agreed.

 

West Laurens (R2, T2, 6-5) at Woodward (R4, T1, 10-1)

          Woodward is easily among the most balanced teams in the state in any class. The War Eagles have rushed 304 times for 2,163 yards, according to stats posted to Maxpreps, and tried 242 passes for 2,144 yards. Only 19 yards between running and passing? And actually, West Laurens is more balanced than people think, with less than 200 yards difference in rushing and passing yards, although the Raiders do run more. Mike Wright is 83 for 131 for 1,179 yards and 10 touchdowns while adding 180 rushing yards and six scores. Tajh Gary has 15 touchdowns and 1,048 yards on 109 touches. West Laurens’ primary 1-2 punch is QB A.J. Mathis and RB Dorian Edmund. The Raiders will have a challenge on defense, but may have an edge there.

Maxwell Ratings margin: Woodward by 1.

The Sports Report says: Woodward has put up 435 points in 11 games, and cracked 40 points five times, including five of the last six games. But teams can score a little on the War Eagles. West Laurens’ defense has allowed only one team more than 30 points, and that was highly ranked Class 5A Warner Robins getting 31. Defense travels. West Laurens by 4.

 

Class AAA

Pierce County (R2, T2, 5-5) at Peach County (R4, T1, 10-1)

          Former Lamar County head coach Jason Strickland has last year’s quarterfinalist into the second round despite a so-so record. But the Bears have been playoff tested every year since 2011, and have won at least one game every postseason but two. The Bears have adjusted to the Strickland’s version of the wing-T, which can disrupt opposing defenses that haven’t seen it in awhile. That’s the case with the Trojans, but the hosts have the speed to make up for some missed assignments. Peach County has won at least 10 games for the seventh time in head coach Chad Campbell’s 11 seasons, and the 533 points scored so far is second-most under Campbell, behind 592 in 2010.

Maxwell Ratings margin: Peach County by 38

The Sports Report says: Agreed.

 

Westside (R4, T2, 8-3) at Liberty County (R2, T1, 8-3)

          The Seminoles’ defense might be overrated, having allowed only five more points than region rival Peach County, and 70 fewer points than Liberty County. Westside has thrown three straight shutouts, including to playoff team and still-alive region opponent Pike County. Deangelo Haynes has 12 sacks and averages 10.3 tackles a game for Westside, and he has 15 tackles for loss, three more than Quintaevious Brown, who is third with 6.2 tackles a game. The Panthers have quality losses, including by only two to undefeated Jenkins (Class AAA). They’ve won six straight since a 37-13 loss to Class 6A Effingham County, all by at least 21 points, but they are also the only team in Region 2 with a winning record. The Panthers are run-heavy, with 283 yards a game, led by Kris Coleman’s 1,642 yards and 18 rushing touchdowns. Their top four rushers average 9.5, 8.2, 9.9 and 7.6 yards a carry,

Maxwell Ratings margin: Westside by 2

The Sports Report says: This run on defense is huge, and the confidence it’ll build on the road is relevant. This is only the third game this season outside of Bibb County for the Seminoles, who had only four last year (including a 41-34 first-round loss at Pierce County, Peach County’s opponent). The offense has some balance, and last week’s close call should be a boost. Westside by 10.

 

Class AA

Brooks County (R1, T2, 9-1) at Dodge County (R3, T1, 10-0)

          Both teams have played 10 games, and Dodge County has scored only 30 more points. So in the area, they’re even. The difference? Brooks County has surrendered all of 89 points to 157 for Dodge County. The Trojans have five shutouts – including Class 3A second-round teams Cook and Pierce County, the latter facing Peach County this week, and Class 3A playoff team Monroe – and held two more teams to seven points. Dodge County’s defense is certainly respectable, but the Indians have no shutouts, and held only Washington County, East Laurens and Butler to single digits. Only a spot separates them in the two main polls. Dodge County hasn’t gotten past this round when it lost 21-12 to Cartersville in Class AA, ending a season that included five shutouts and only 76 points allowed.

Maxwell Ratings margin: Brooks County by 5.

The Sports Report says: No doubt this is a game that will leave linemen and linebackers snoring soundly, once they get to sleep after a physical game. The Trojans are a little more balanced, with more than twice as many pass attempts as the Indians. But the Dodge County offense can wear down a defense, especially at home. Plus the Indians have an edge in kicking with Peyton Bush. Dodge County by 3.

 

Dublin (R3, T2, 7-4) at Thomasville (R1, T1, 11-0)

          Both teams use at least three backs to run, but Thomasville brings more balance, with QB J.T Rice, who has completed 59 percent of his 244 pass attempts for 2,210 yards, with 21 touchdowns and six interceptions. The Bulldogs are led by Benjamin Tillman III’s 729 yards and 12 TDs, while Corteveyas Mitchell has 791 yards and six TDs for Dublin, while Jermaine Cooley adds 619 and eight. Dublin’s defense will have to turn in its best game of the year to keep the Irish in the game.

Maxwell Ratings margin: Thomasville by 28.

The Sports Report says: Thomasville has missed the playoffs only six times since 1990, and has gotten to the quarterfinals four times, not since 2010. The Bulldogs have their highest win total since 1993, five years after going undefeated. Dublin should be able to make this at least a three-quarter game if not interesting in the fourth. Thomasville by 23.

 

Class A Public

No. 10 Pelham (9-2) at No. 7 Macon County (7-3)

          As per the close seedings, this will be tight and most likely quite action packed. The Hornets have numbers like the Bulldogs did last year: they’re scoring about seven fewer points a game and giving up 4.5 fewer points. Pelham’s losses are to Class 4A Westover (35-28 in the opener) and fourth-seed Mitchell County (22-0 in game 10). The three close wins were over quality teams. The Hornets, led by third-year head coach and former South Carolina quarterback Dondrial Pinkins, are extremely balanced, with four more rushes than pass attempts and 109 more passing yards. Macon County QB Jadarrius Hicks is in a groove and has 23 touchdowns to six interceptions, and 1,369 yards. Aukeeveous McClendon adds 1,080 yards and seven touchdowns.

Maxwell Ratings margin: Macon County by 30.

The Sports Report says: How the computer got a 30-point margin is stunning. Pelham has more balance on offense and looks solid on defense. The Bulldogs have had to sit after losing the heartbreaking 22-20 region title game to Manchester. Macon County by 16.

 

No. 21 Dooly County (5-6) at No. 5 Clinch County (8-2)

          So much for the long road trip last week to near the Tennessee line. Now, the Bobcats are in somewhat more familiar surroundings, and will be able to bring more fans in an easy two-hour ride. They’ve only played 12 times, Clinch County with an 8-4 edge. The 2015 meeting (30-8 Clinch County) was the first in a decade. Clinch County head coach Jim Dickerson is 135-43-1 (75.7 pct.) in 14 seasons leading the Panthers with three state titles. Jimmy Hughes is 60-33 in eight seasons with the Bobcats, reaching the quarterfinals twice and finals once. QB Bo Lawson, a 6-0, 179-pound junior, is a phenomenal playmaker, completing 65.3 percent of his passes for 2,226 yards, 32 touchdowns and four interceptions, while rushing for 1,403 yards and 13 scores for the Bobcats.

Maxwell Ratings margin: Clinch County by 17.

The Sports Report says: The reality is that 17 points in this game isn’t much, and the Bobcats will have to be prepared – like they always are, one would assume – for some success in slowing Lawson. But he’s on a roll and so are the Bobcats, and this really wouldn’t be much of an upset. Clinch County by 7.

 

Class A Private

No. 22 Fellowship Christian (7-4) at No. 5 Stratford (9-1)

          The Paladins finished fourth in Region 6-B, and all four losses were to region teams, the largest margin being 19 points to champ Mt. Paran. The losses were only to team that finished above them in the region. They bring an efficient passing game (QB Brooks Bryant is 93-for-154 for ,1707 yards with 17 TDs and five interceptions). RBs Merrick Haigler and Lawson Haigler have 895 and 733 yards as part of a run game that has 31 touchdowns form eight different players. Billy McCurry has 15 sacks, and leads the defense with 8.7 tackles a game. They’ve outscored their last three opponents 41-18. Stratford had the week off after losing 30-27 to Aquinas for the region title, part of a three-game stretch in which the Eagles gave up 21, 23 and 30 points. The Eagles host a team that is 5-1 on the road this year and was 6-0 last year en route to losing the Class A private state title in double overtime.

Maxwell Ratings margin: Stratford by 15.

The Sports Report says: Agreed.

 

No. 15 FPD (8-3) at No. 2 Athens Academy (10-0)

          Odds are something resembling a shootout/tennis match/track meet, with two offenses averaging 35.1 and 41.7 points a game. The difference is that Athens Academy gives up only 7.8 points a game, 15.6 points fewer than FPD. Defense, in one form or another, will be the difference. The Spartans have held six teams to single digits with three shutouts. Two-win Riverside Military scored 20, albeit in the fourth quarter after Athens had put up 40 in the first three quarters. Athens Academy hasn’t had to play many starters into the fourth quarter, so that’s a definite advantage for FPD, which has had only three blowouts. The Vikings are used to close games, and bring a balanced attack that could give the Spartans some trouble.

Maxwell Ratings margin: Athens Academy by 26.

The Sports Report says: Closer on the field than the scoreboard, but agreed.