A full look at every Central Georgia GHSA first-round playoff game, with predictions
Class AAAAAA
Northside (7-3) at Brunswick (7-2), 7 p.m., Saturday
Brunswick has scored nearly twice as many points as Northside (403-204). Northside has given up almost half as many points (109-200). But the Pirates average 168.1 yards rushing and 276.8 yards passing, a balance the Eagles’ defense hasn’t seen much of. Northside has cracked 23 points only once this year, and hasn’t reached that total since Sept. 28. Brunswick QB J Stevens has 2,417 passing yards and 25 touchdowns, plus 312 yards and 9 TDs on the ground. The Eagles’ D faces an offense that has scored 49, 56 and 68 in its last three games, including 56 against Richmond Hill in handing the Wildcats their first loss.
Maxwell Ratings margin: Brunswick by 3.
The Sports Report says: The rare road trip would seem to fire Northside up, to counter skeptics who think the Eagles can’t win on the road since they rarely have to. Is Northside’s defense better than Brunswick’s offense? Can Northside’s offense do enough? Brunswick by 12.
Next: Lakeside-Evans (R3, T4) or Tucker (R4, T1).
Class AAAAA
South Effingham (1-9) at Warner Robins (10-0)
The Demons could be a little flat after last week’s convincing 35-6 romp over ranked Bainbridge for the region title. But if they are, it won’t matter long against a team that didn’t win until the final week, 28-17 over two-win Statesboro to make the playoffs. The Mustangs have made the postseason with a 1-9 record for the second straight year. They lost 33-0 last year to Stockbridge, their fourth shutout of the year.
Maxwell Ratings margin: Warner Robins by 38.
The Sports Report says: Agreed.
Next: Eagles Landing (R4, T3) or Whitewater (R3, T2).
Griffin (9-1) at Jones County (9-1)
Let’s see, first home playoff game since 2001, when most seniors were still learning to walk? And playing a team ranked in both top 10s, and ahead of Jones County in one poll, that won a state title just four years ago? Yeah, the atmosphere that Stockbridge head coach Kevin Whitley said was the best/worst he’d seen all year – depending on the view – will be on steroids. The Greyhounds will have to play under control with all that energy. There is familiarity, Jones County taking a 35-6 win in a May scrimmage. Both have stout defenses, but different styles. Keeping up with the speed of Drake Bolus, Teldrick Ross and Co. will be a major task for the Bears.
Maxwell Ratings margin: Jones County by 20.
The Sports Report says: Agreed.
Next: Thomas County Central (R1, T4) or Wayne County (R2, T1).
Class AAAA
Carver-Columbus (3-7) at Mary Persons (8-2)
The Bulldogs eked out the 10th-game win over Howard, and still haven’t clicked. But they can’t overlook a 3-7 team that has scored more points than it’s allowed. The Tigers lost to a 6A team by 5 and 5A team by 1, and their worst loss is by 23 to Columbus. Carver has made the playoffs every year since 2006, a streak started by then-head coach and current Georgia assistant Dell McGee. Carver runs first and has a corps of backs that average nearly 6 yards a carry, but it can throw a little bit, too. The Tigers could easily be a 6-4 or 7-3 team. Mary Persons will have to work some to avoid its first opening-round exit since 2008, which preceded two straight seasons of not making the playoffs.
Maxwell Ratings margin: Mary Persons by 25.
The Sports Report says: Mary Persons has had a number of quality-margin wins that were closer than those margins, and one such loss. This will probably be another such game with a nice spread but more competitive game. Mary Persons by 24.
Next: Baldwin (R3, T3) or Eastside (R4, T2).
Northside-Columbus (8-2) at West Laurens (5-5)
This is Northside’s best record since 2005 with former Jones County head coach Dwight Jones. So the Patriots are hungry to keep that going, as well as break a streak of three straight first-round departures (by 55-20, 49-0 and 48-0, to Northside’s Eagles). The Patriots have 1,000-yard rusher Fredrick Davis, also a receiving threat, and QB Chandler Blanton has nearly 1,300 yards passing. Caleb Johnson leads with 9.8 tackles a game on defense, with 12 tackles for loss. West Laurens doesn’t have much momentum, losing at home to Perry last week. The Raiders are in their fourth straight playoffs for the first time in program history, and they’ve won the opener the last three years. But they’ll have to exorcise everything they did wrong in losing to Perry.
Maxwell Ratings margin: West Laurens by 6.
The Sports Report says: The Raiders have become tough to figure out. They’ve battled some injuries late in the season and what looked like a team to watch in the playoffs is now an enigma. Northside by 8.
Next: Richmond Academy (R3, T4) at Woodward (R4, T1).
Howard (6-4) at Americus-Sumter (8-2)
The game pits two of the state’s top veteran head coaches in Barney Hester and Erik Soliday, who split their meetings when Soliday coached at Perry in 2013-14. This is A-S’s best season since merging iin 2003 with Sumter County and the Panthers are 1-5 in first-round games. This is, of course, Howard’s first playoff game in program history. The Huskies’ lone win against a playoff team was 21-8 over Class A Mount de Sales in August, but they also haven’t been blown out. And the fairly young team has found ways to come up with clutch wins over Perry and Upson-Lee to put themselves in the playoff hunt. Howard has set a program record for fewest points allowed and has scored the second-most. QB Quintan Sewell is a playmaker, Jeremiah Kelly is a 1,000-yard rusher, and the duo of C.J. Grimsley and Deandre Shelton team for 22.1 tackles a game. The Panthers haven’t lost since Sept. 8 to 6A Lee County, and have had only two close games since (wins of 4 and 11).
Maxwell Ratings margin: Americus-Sumter by 15.
The Sports Report says: On paper and using conventional wisdom, A-S should be able to control the Huskies, but Howard has found ways to win. The Panthers have played some four-quarter games, so overconfidence won’t be a problem. Expect the game to be a two-possession game into the second half and Howard to be competitive until a late score or two. Americus-Sumter by 19.
Next: North Clayton (R4, T3) or Thomson (R3, T2).
Baldwin (6-4) at Eastside (8-2)
The Braves opened the year with two mediocre and one decent win, then went 1-4 against three region teams, a 5A and 6A team. Eastside, No. 2 in Region 4, has given up eight points in the past two games and has failed to scored 28 points only once in the last five games after a sluggish offensive start. The Eagles have a 1,000-yard passer to go with three running backs having gained at least 472 yards.
Maxwell Ratings margin: Eastside by 7.
The Sports Report says: Eastside was upended at home last year in the first round, which likely will be a bit inspirational. Eastside by 19.
Next: Carver-Columbus (R1, T4) or Mary Persons (R2, T1).
Class AAA
Savannah (6-4) at Peach County (9-1)
Savannah beat Beach in the final 25 seconds Monday in a region playoff to get the fourth seed. The Blue Jackets are in the playoffs for the second straight year, which hasn’t happened since the program started more than a century ago, according to the Georgia High School Football Historians Association. This is also their first consecutive winning seasons since 1992-93 under former Southwest head coach Tommy Macon. Peach County hasn’t been challenged since Sept. 22, a 28-point win over Westside a week after beating Mary Person 35-14. The Trojans are without top running back Chris Gibson (knee), but they’ve had depth and that won’t be of impact for a few more weeks.
Maxwell Ratings margin: Peach County by 40.
The Sports Report says: Agreed.
Next: Monroe (R1, T3) or Pierce County (R2, T2).
Windsor Forest (7-3) at Westside (7-3)
Windsor Forest beat Beach 10-7 in a region playoff to get the third seed. The Knights are playing for teammate George Akins Jr., a popular sophomore who died in an October shooting outside a Savannah restaurant. The Knights are ground-oriented, with Traivon Bass-Black and Damozzio Harris basically splitting 1,500 yards, Bass-Black scoring 17 times and Harris 10. They average less than 10 pass attempts a game. Windsor Forest comes in with little momentum, losing its last two games 48-15 and 48-13 to the top two teams in the region. Westside hasn’t lost since Sept. 22 to Peach County, and have won their last two games 28-0 and 58-0, the first time since 2010 the Seminoles have had two shutouts in a season.
Maxwell Ratings margin: Westside by 25.
The Sports Report says: Agreed.
Next: Dougherty (R1, T4) or Liberty County (R2, T1).
Class AA
Butler (4-6) at Dodge County (9-0)
The Indians had a week off since the comeback win over Bleckley County, and should be healthy and hungry to play. The running game of R.J. Carr, Nick Cummings and Erin Pitts has teamed for more than 2,500 yards and 33 touchdowns, and can either grind out a long drive or bust out a big play. Butler comes in with a little momentum, a 30-0 win over Westside-Augusta and 34-30 over Glenn Hills. The Bulldogs have put up some points in the second half of the season, at least 28 in the final five games. But this is only the Bulldogs’ fourth playoff appearance this century.
Maxwell Ratings margin: Dodge County by 39.
The Sports Report says: Agreed.
Next: Vidalia (R2, T3) or Brooks County (R1, T2).
Harlem (7-3) at Dublin (6-4)
The Irish avoided involvement in the mini-playoff by slowing down Washington County after losing to Northeast. The reward is a quality three seed in Harlem, which is on a three-game winning streak, ranging from 35-0 and 36-8 routs to a 27-26 win. The Bulldogs grind out 301.3 yards a game on the ground, and average 10.8 pass attempts a game. A.J. Brown and Cameron Garnett have 1,510 and 1,054 yards rushing, and 18 and 13 touchdowns. Brown has eight 100-yard games and Garnett seven. Dublin counters with Corteveyas Mitchell, Jermaine Cooley, Greg Jones and Rodriguez Martin, who have teamed for 2,048 yards and 23 touchdowns. If it comes down to the kicking game, Harlem has the advantage. Dublin has yet to try a field goal this season.
Maxwell Ratings margin: Dublin by 13.
The Sports Report says: The Irish have had enough close calls to be an 8-2 team, and this is about the time they start playing like it a little bit. A good crowd at the Shamrock Bowl may make the stage a little too big for Harlem. Dublin by 20.
Next: Jeff Davis (R2, T4) or Thomasville (R1, T1).
Southwest (5-4) at Jefferson County (9-1)
Southwest’s reward for surviving Monday’s playoff is Jefferson County, which has made the playoffs every year since 2002 and has lost in the first round only twice since 2010, reaching the semis in 2015. Head coach J.B. Arnold is 129-64 in 17 years. By contrast, Southwest’s four winningest coaches have combined for 130 wins. The Warriors are balanced, with QB C Hales completing 54.3 percent of his passes for 1,413 with 20 touchdowns and only five interceptions, plus five interceptions. QB Jaden Jenkins is 69 for 99 for 1,117 yards, with 15 touchdowns and two interceptions. Jenkins leads the team with 849 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. The hosts have punted only 10 times all season.
Maxwell Ratings margin: Jefferson County by 12.
The Sports Report says: Southwest certainly found a late-season groove and came up clutch against Bleckley County in the 10th game and then Washington County in the region playoff. But the good fortunes run out after a fairly competitive half. Jefferson County by 24.
Next: Berrien (R1, T4) or Benedictine (R2, T1).
Washington County (4-6) at Screven County (9-0)
The Golden Hawks seemed to have a renewed offense with the installation of Preston Daniels at QB, but then Dublin held Washington County to 14 points. Screven County’s defense? Went unscored upon from the fourth quarter on Sept. 1 to the second quarter on Nov. 3, six games worth. Jefferson County managed 20 in a 24-point loss. The Gamecocks have scored at least 35 points in every game, and have four running backs having gained between 507 and 684 yards, and all four having scored at least seven touchdowns (33 total). Kashawn Robinson leads the defense with 8.6 tackles a game and Kendrick Cox 6.6. Robinson has 15 tackles for loss and Cox 11, and they’ve teamed for nine sacks.
Maxwell Ratings margin: Screven County by 26.
The Sports Report says: If the Golden Hawks had some momentum … But they don’t. The Gamecocks bring a sporty defense to the game, and Washington County will need its best game in a year or two. Screven County by 24.
Next: Fitzgerald (R1, T3) or Toombs County (R2, T2).
Monticello (2-8) at Rockmart (8-2)
The Hurricanes won a region playoff for the chance to face a team that has three shutouts and hasn’t been held to less than 30 points since the season opener. The Yellow Jackets’ only two losses are to Class 4A Cedartown by eight and Class 5A Woodland-Cartersville by one. Only two wins have been by less than 23 points. Monticello is in the playoffs for the third time in four years after a drought of 14 years. The Hurricanes’ last non-losing season was 2003, and last playoff win was in 1992.
Maxwell Ratings margin: Rockmart by 41.
The Sports Report says: Rockmart by 40.
Next: Douglas-Atlanta (R6, T3) or Callaway (R5, T2).
Class A Public
No.7 Macon County, bye
Next: Vs. No. 23 Towns County or No. 10 Pelham.
No.18 Taylor County (8-2) at No. 15 Lincoln County (6-4)
The loss to Dooly County dropped the Vikings from playing at home – where they are 10-1 the past two seasons – to a road game at a place that is 9-1-1 the last two seasons, and historically very good. Lincoln County upended FPD on the road to get the home game, and the Red Devils are only 3-3 at home in their last six playoff games. Lincoln County has won five straight on an improved defense that gave up as many points to FPD (35 points) than in the previous four games. The loss to an improved Dooly County team notwithstanding, Taylor County is playing well and running back Lyn-J Dixon is nearly 100 percent (ankle).
Maxwell Ratings margin: Taylor County by 1.
The Sports Report says: The Vikings sure would like to be home, or at least not playing at a perennial power that will fill the stadium. But Lincoln County enters with its second straight six-win regular season. The Red Devils aren’t likely to know much about Taylor County, which will change that. Taylor County by 12.
Next: At No. 2 Irwin County.
No. 21 Dooly County (4-6) at No. 12 Trion (7-3)
Dooly County may be a 7-3 team in a 4-6 record. The Bobcats started off 0-5, with a one-point loss following a 70-27 loss. And the one loss down the stretch was by one to then-No. 10 Marion County, an 8-2 team. How improved is Dooly County? Despite giving up 70 to Dodge County, the Bobcats have scored more than they’ve given up. Trion will be keyed on Dooly County quarterback Bo Lawson, who has passed for 1,776 yards and 24 touchdowns, completing 62.3 percent of his passes with only four interceptions, and rushed for 1,337 yards and 13 scores. Malik Burns and Zepha Hill average 9.7 and 7.4 tackles a game for the Bobcats, who are 59-33 under Jimmy Hughes.
Maxwell Ratings margin: Trion by 2.
The Sports Report says: The biggest obstacle for Dooly County will be the 225-mile ride up I-75, that ends with more than 30 miles off the interstate. It’s the Bobcats longest ride for a game, regular season or playoffs, by a chunk, since the last time they visited Trion, in the 2003 quarterfinals, a 51-36 Trion win. A slow start after that long ride would all but doom Dooly County. Trion by 5.
Next: At No. 5 Clinch County.
Class A Private
No. 5 Stratford (9-1), bye
Next: Vs. No. 22 Fellowship Christian or No. 11 George Walton.
No. 18 Tattnall (7-3) at No. 15 FPD (7-3)
They crammed a couple Friday nights worth of action in the Oct. 20 meeting at Tattnall. They traded scores just about all night long, each scoring twice in a row once. And most notably, both teams made their PATs. Only 15 yards in total offense separated the teams, but Tattnall ran nine more plays. The Trojans are on a three-game losing streak that started with this meeting, and the Vikings are 1-1 since then. There’s little doubt to expect anything different in the contrasting styles, diversified FPD against one-dimensional Tattnall, although an even bigger, more amped crowd – FPD’s George S. Jones Stadium seats a few more than Tattnall – adds pressure. FPD beat Aquinas on the road in last year’s first round, and this is the Vikings’ first playoff home game since joining the GHSA.
Maxwell Ratings margin: Tattnall by 2.
The Sports Report says: Logic says that Tattnall is stumbling into the game with no momentum and FPD has a least a little, plus the confidence of that first-meeting win. The atmosphere will be phenomenal. FPD by 6.
Next: At No. 2 Athens Academy.
No. 20 Mount de Sales (6-4) at No. 13 Darlington (6-4)
Darlington is off a 6-0 crossover loss to Whitefield Academy while MdS took care of business with a 39-24 crossover win over Hancock Central. Both teams come from strong regions, although Darlington’s might have an edge this year. The Cavs, however, lost their three region games by 17, 21 and 14, while Darlington lost only to region champ Mt. Zion. Mount de Sales has to travel to Rome for its first playoff game since 2013, and hopes for its first win since 2010. The Tigers are in their 11th straight postseason game, and they are 5-5 in first-round games. The teams are fairly balanced, although the Cavs get about 64 more yards a game and spread it out with Josiah Cotton (897 yards), Adrian Hardwick (789) and QB Dexter Williams (313), the latter who has passed for 770 yards. Luke Leatherwood has three interceptions for the Cavs, and he leads the defense with Said Wanna, who gets 11 tackles a game while Dane Frier has 11 tackles for loss.
Maxwell Ratings margin: Darlington by 10.
The Sports Report says: Mount de Sales’ first playoff ride in awhile is a long one, through Atlanta on a Friday. The Cavs have been steady, and got things done last week. Darlington is more playoff tested, but this first postseason game in awhile is a good one for the Cavs. Mount de Sales by 4.
Next: At No. 4 Aquinas.