Who's going to win this week in the playoffs?

Last week: 5-3

Season: 237-71, 76.95

Within 7 points of margin: 0; 71 for the season

Upset specials: None picked

A note: The Sports Report policy is to max out picks at 39 points although some games could earn a predicted margin of victory in the 40s and 50s.

The overall record, region and region finish accompany each team. Ranking is from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s final regular-season poll.

GHSA

Semifinals

Class 5A

No. 5 Buford, 12-1, R.8/2, at No. 7 Jones County, 12-1, R4/1

          The program with the huge resume against the program with the growing resume. The program with all the well-manicured accoutrements against the program using the practice field Friday as a parking lot. The pro-I run-oriented team against the balanced team that can throw it around. A mostly dry field – some afternoon rain expected - is a Jones County advantage. The stage? Every Friday night at The Barking Lot is something of a playoff stage. If the Greyhounds have kept their ears and mouths closed all week, and try – try – to treat this as another game and a chance to play again, the stakes won’t get to them. But they can’t compound one mistake with another, because Buford – in its 17th semifinal since the turn of the century - will pounce.

TSR pick: Jones County by 3 (upset special)

Starr’s Mill, 10-3, R3/1, at No. 2 Warner Robins, 12-1, R1/1

          The Panthers run a version of the option/Wing-T, and the Demons can run most anything. Starr’s Mill executed a conversion in overtime to beat Dutchtown last week in a superb high school football game that featured some special teams activity, good and bad. The Demons’ only real inconsistency is in that area. The passing game has been a bit sluggish seven of the last eight games, and only two wins have been by one possession in that stretch. So, yes, they can adjust.

TSR pick: Warner Robins by 16

Class AA

No. 6 Dublin, 12-1, R3/1, at No. 8 Thomasville, 9-4, R1/1

          The teams are different and familiar, but the Irish have some momentum in all three phases. They’ll start easing away in the fourth quarter.

TSR pick: Dublin by 11

GISA

Finals

Class AAA

John Milledge vs. Valwood, 10-2

          The heavyweight bout J.T. Wall predicts comes true, and the Trojans are left standing.

TSR pick: John Milledge by 11

Class AA

Gatewood, 11-2, vs. Briarwood, 10-3

          The Gators can’t overlook Briarwood simply because it’s not playing Brentwood. After a sluggish start, Gatewood picks up steam.

TSR pick:  Gatewood by 20