Monday Afternoon Quarterback, the polls: Some shakups at No. 2, newbies in both divisions
MMQB: The Polls
Coming Tuesday: ranking all 45 Central Georgia GHSA and GISA teams in one poll.
Top 5
Division I
1.Warner Robins
So much for the distraction of having to forfeit. The Demons took care of business and Veterans to win the 1-5A title again, throwing their third shutout in four weeks, although technically the Harris County 41-0 score doesnāt count. But it happened.
2. Mary Persons
The Bulldogs were up only seven against Howard, and proceeded to put 60 on the board. Mary Persons, which set the program record for points in a season and did so in 10 games, is really clicking in all three phases.
3. Jones County
Getting home field for at least one round is huge, and the Greyhounds couldnāt quite pull it off, thanks to themselves and perhaps, well, never mind. But the Greyhounds have been pretty respectable on the road in the playoffs under Justin Rogers. And sometimes the timing of an annoying loss ā¦
4. Northside
There are a lot of 5-5 teams in the playoffs, and the Eagles are among the top two or three in the ādang, we didnāt want them in the bracketā teams in all classifications.
5. Upson-Lee
You start the season losing 31-0 to a team nobody expected to beat anybody 31-0 this year, and end it with three straight wins, two against teams youāre battling for second? Pretty good. And now the first home playoff game in 25 years.
Top 10
Division II (3A-2A-A-other)
1. Peach County
The Trojans were banged up for the region title game against a hungry Westside group, and held off the Seminoles. The score was closer than expected with the Trojans, but they got better in the process.
2. Dublin
Dublin did pull the double-dip it hadnāt pulled since 2011, by pulling away from Washington County after trailing early. And the Irish still probably have a better game left in them.
3. Westside
The region title game was a solid one, a good showing for the Seminoles, who should have some quality confidence entering the playoffs.
4. Dodge County
A week to heal up for a physical team is nice entering the playoffs.
5. Washington County
The Golden Hawks suffered the rare convincing home loss, and have to make sure that doesnāt lead to a second loss in the first round.
6. Dooly County
The Bobcats are maybe an 8-2 team in a 6-4 body.
7. Mount de Sales
Not playing for the region title didnāt seem to bother them in the crossover game.
8. Northeast
The Raiders may be a little underrated, a team that could be .500 and has showed signs.
9. John Milledge
The Trojans have a week off, which isnāt good news for the second-round opponent.
10. Stratford
Most were waiting for a Stratford-like performance, and it sure came at the right time, knocking off Aquinas on the road. And a week later, the rematch.