Friday's GHSA Central Georgia pairings, capsules and prognostications
GHSA FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS
(Region and seed in parentheses)
GHSA Quarterfinals
Class AAAAA
Carrollton (R7, T2, 10-2) at Warner Robins (R1, T1, 12-0)
Carrollton brings plenty of talent and no doubt some swagger to its McConnell-Talbert debut. The Demons sure look like a team of destiny.
Maxwell Ratings margin: Warner Robins by 19
The Sports Report says: The Trojans have a good loss and not-so-good loss, and have played in some close games. They seem to have found some consistency, and are unlikely to allow the Demons many chances to make up for mistakes. Carrollton by 6.
Next: Winner hosts Jones County or Carver-Atlanta.
Jones County (R4, T2, 11-1) at Carver-Atlanta (R6, T1, 11-1)
The weather has made for a nice drive from Gray to midtown Atlanta, and it’s a good guess a few thousand have made that drive. Hungry program against an Atlanta city school that has been a little overlooked sets up for a classic.
Maxwell Ratings margin: Jones County by 19
The Sports Report says: The Greyhounds have had more time to adjust to injuries, but Carver has had time to adjust as well. Jones County by 10.
Next: Jones County travels to Carrollton or Warner Robins; Carver hosts Carrollton or travels to Warner Robins.
Class AAAA
Jefferson (R8, T2, 10-2) at Mary Persons (R2, T1, 10-2)
The Bulldogs can’t seem to even put three straight good and/or sharp quarters together, and they keep mostly popping people. Jefferson is a steady program with some upper-level talent that won’t be awed by Dan Pitts Stadium. There are similarities, so punts and field position are likely to be huge.
Maxwell Ratings margin: Jefferson by 1.
The Sports Report says: Mary Persons is off a good second half, but carrying over such momentum has been rare. Jefferson has played in some quality places in the postseason in recent years. Mary Persons has a place-kicking advantage and will need it. Mary Persons by 1.
Next: Mary Persons hosts Blessed Trinity or Thomson, Jefferson travels to Blessed Trinity or Thomson.
Class AAA
Westminster (R5, T3, 7-5) at Peach County (R4, T1, 11-1)
Westminster has played as tough as schedule as anybody in any class, but Peach County’s slate contains three teams still playing, including two in higher classifications. The Trojans will be a little undermanned (Kearis Jackson/wrist), but they have shown depth at the skill positions all year long.
Maxwell Ratings margin: Peach County by 24
The Sports Report says: Three-plus touchdowns is a lot for a team that’s played four teams still alive, two in higher classifications. But considering that might only be a third-quarter touchdown and fourth-quarter score as the better team slowly pulls away, that’s fairly logical. Peach County by 20.
Next: Winner travels to Greater Atlanta Christian or Jenkins.
Class A Public
No. 7 Macon County (8-3) at No. 2 Irwin County (10-1)
The Bulldogs are healthy, and sharper on offense than they’ve been. Irwin County didn’t avenge last year’s huge loss at Montezuma with the early-season 8-point win, but will treat this game as the chance to avenge that.
Maxwell Ratings margin: Irwin County by 8
The Sports Report says: It’s purely hunch in a matchup of even teams playing before an overflow crowd. Macon County by 4.
Next: Macon County hosts Charlton County or travels to ECI, Irwin County hosts Charlton County or ECI.
Class A Private
No. 5 Stratford (10-1) at No. 3 Mt. Paran (10-1)
This will be a line-of-scrimmage slugfest, so somebody’s passing game – not throwing 30 times, but completing the right half-dozen or so passes – is key. And the hosts have a clear edge there.
Maxwell Ratings margin: Mount Paran by 7
The Sports Report says: Agreed.
Next: Winner hosts Savannah Country Day or travels to Athens Academy.