Who's going to win this week's Central Georgia high school football games?
Predictions
Last week: 13-5
Season: 260-74, 77.84 pct.
Within 7 points of margin: 5, 76 for the season
Upset specials: none
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.
No. 2 Warner Robins (R1/1, 10-1) at No. 1 Blessed Trinity (R7/1, 8-0)
Two great teams, two different teams, certainly state champion caliber. It’s been awhile since the Demons were on the road this late and it wasn’t for a state title game. Little seems to phase this group, though.
TSR pick: Warner Robins by 2
Eastside (R8/2, 10-2) at No. 10 Jones County (R4/1, 9-3)
When you think Jones County will roll, it’s close. When you expect a tight one, blowout. This should be a four-quarter game, but the Greyhounds have a bit too much in all three phases.
TSR pick: Jones County by 6
No. 1 Marist (R6/1, 10-0) at No. 8 Perry (R4/1, 8-4)
Can Perry must enough mistake-free offense to win? Can the Panthers avoid old habits of they get in an early hole? Can they maintain the confidence if they get ahead against a team used to being here? At home helps, but probably not enough.
TSR pick: Marist by 14
No. 3 Peach County (R2/1, 9-1) at No. 10 Oconee County (R8/1, 10-0)
A tolerable non-metro road trip for the Trojans. Oconee County has a burly defense, but the Trojans are versatile and explosive.
TSR pick: Peach County by 9
Bleckley County (R3/4, 8-3) at No. 2 Rabun County (R8/1, 11-1)
No doubt few are predicting an upset, what with the long drive to face a team on a great run the last several years, and with an explosive offense. And there’s a reason for that. But Rabun County better deal a knockout punch when the chance arrives, because Bleckley County can be like the little brother that never goes away.
TSR pick: Rabun County by 20
GISA
Class AA (posted at 5:45 p.m., Gatewood leading 13-7 at halftime)
Brentwood vs. Gatewood
As it should be, the top two teams in AA play. Brentwood feels like it left points and a win on the field last month when they played. There’s a gut feeling about whether they get that back.
TSR pick: Brentwood by 3
Class AAA
John Milledge vs. Frederica
No doubt the best score for the Trojans, especially the seniors, would be 49-0, one point better than the whupping they took a few years ago. And will Amaad Foston play at all? If JMA gets near a 49-point spread … Hmmm.
TSR pick: John Milledge by 32