I asked which games you wanted me to pick for Round 2 of the 2024 Georgia high school football state playoffs, and you responded. Here are the top requests from each classification and my score predictions for each game. Plus, don’t miss my special upset pick at the end!
Worth County vs. Dodge County (Class 1A-Division I)
The Worth County versus Dodge County game had the most requests, and it’s going to be a good one. Head coach Jeffrey Hammond’s Rams are red hot. Can Dodge County stop Worth County and move on to the next round of the playoffs?
Phil’s Pick: Worth County 35, Dodge County 22
Rome vs. Thomas County Central (Class 5A)
The Thomas County Central versus Rome game was another highly requested matchup. I see that a lot of you have designated this as the “revenge game.”
Whatever happens, we tip our hat to Rome head coach John Reid for rallying his team after their preseason bus accident.
Phil’s Pick: Thomas County Central 49, Rome 28
Brooks County vs. Miller County (Class 1A-Division II)
The Brooks County Trojans of head coach Josh McFather were my preseason pick to win the state title. Can they get to the finish line? They’ve got to win this one against Miller County first.
Phil’s Pick: Brooks County 42, Miller County 14
Sandy Creek vs. LaGrange (Class 3A)
I’m glad to see this was the most requested Class 3A game for Round 2 of the 2024 Georgia high school football state playoffs, and for good reason.
This is a rematch of the Aug. 30 contest between these two teams, which Sandy Creek won 27-7. However, LaGrange is 7-1 since that loss.
Oh, did I mention that Sandy Creek is the defending Class 3A state champion?
Phil’s Pick: Sandy Creek 28, LaGrange 14
Perry vs. Eastside (Class 4A)
Perry versus Eastside had a lot of requests to be included in this week’s picks, so here you go.
Everyone knows about the Perry Panthers of head coach Kevin Smith. They’re the defending state champs and won the Region 1-4A title against some tough competition this year.
No one knows a lot about Eastside, even with the Eagles soaring to a 10-1 record so far this season, with their only loss coming to North Oconee. Eastside could change that anonymity by knocking off the champs.
Phil’s Pick: Perry 28, Eastside 25
Collins Hill vs. Colquitt County (Class 6A)
Collins Hill versus Colquitt County was a popular choice with many of you, and it’s a tough one for this guy to pick.
I admire Colquitt County head coach Sean Calhoun and Collins Hill head coach Drew Swick so much. They are as classy of coaches and men as you will find.
I think I’ll just flip a coin.
Phil’s Pick: Collins Hill 21, Colquitt County 17
Buford vs. Lowndes (Class 6A – Upset Special)
No one is giving the Lowndes Vikings much of a chance in this one, which is exactly what head coach Adam Carter wants.
Defeating Buford is going to take a big effort and a whole lot of heart, but if any team can pull it off, it’s Lowndes.
