ITG Next broadcaster Phil Jones gives his score predictions for the top games being played in Round 4 of the 2024 Georgia high school football state playoffs.
Northeast vs. Fitzgerald (Class 1A-Division I)
The Fitzgerald Purple Hurricane battled back from a 17-point deficit in the third quarter last week to defeat the Worth County Rams 42-38.
Northeast poured on the points in their 48-39 win over Fannin County to set up this week’s semifinal matchup against the Purple Hurricane.
If you love old-fashioned football where the passing game gives way to running the ball, then this is your game. These teams feature two of the best rushers in the state: Nick Woodford for Northeast and Victor Copeland for Fitzgerald.
Take heart, Fitzgerald fans. I’m not picking against head coach Tucker Pruitt any more.
Phil’s Pick: Fitzgerald 28, Northeast 21
Dublin vs. Toombs County (Class 1A-Division I)
The Toombs County Bulldogs have flexed their playoff muscles with three straight playoff wins by margins of 54 points, 28 points, and 39 points. They defeated Southwest 62-8, Commerce 49-21, and Elbert County 56-17.
The Bulldogs have to go to the Shamrock Bowl and try to win by any margin possible against the hometown Dublin Fightin’ Irish, who have won in dominating fashion themselves. They have won three playoff games by an average of 38 points.
Neither team is looking to lose any time soon, but one will.
Phil’s Pick: Toombs County 19, Dublin 7
Buford vs. Carrollton (Class 6A)
Carrollton Trojans fans, and pretty much everyone that follows high school football in Georgia and even across the country, are keeping an eye and ear on the news of Julian “JuJu” Lewis.
The top-rated quarterback in the country left Carrollton’s playoff game against Hillgrove last week with an apparent hand injury. Some reports said that Lewis returned with a cast on his hand. However, backup quarterback Dylan Lewis went in the game and led the Trojans to the win.
When you’re going against Buford, the team many consider to be the best in Georgia, you want the best QB in the state in the game.
It may not matter. Buford is playing on another level right now.
Phil’s Pick: Buford 37, Carrollton 28
Milton vs. Lee County (Class 5A)
Many fans feel like these may be the two best teams in Class 5A, which may be the case, but only one of them gets the chance to prove it by winning and advancing to the state championship game.
Trying to pick this one is tough. Overall, Milton probably has the best talent from top to bottom, but Lee County has No. 32 Ousmane Kromah, who is a special player and a difference-maker.
But is he enough of a difference maker?
Phil’s Pick: Milton 28, Lee County 24
Bowdon vs. Irwin County (Class 1A-Division II)
Bowdon head coach Rich Fendley’s Red Devils are looking at a third straight state championship.
Irwin County head coach Casey Soliday’s Indians want to get back to the state title game after three straight trips to the finals in 2019, 2020, and 2021 yielded two state championships (2019 and 2020).
The key for Irwin County may be slowing down talented Bowdon receiver Kaiden Prothro, while Bowdon will look to bottle up Irwin County running back Jason Jackson for the chance to advance toward another title.
Phil’s Pick: Irwin County 16, Bowdon 13
Prince Avenue Christian vs. North Cobb Christian (Class 1A-3A Private)
The North Cobb Christian Eagles pulled off the biggest upset of these 2024 state playoffs last week with their stunning victory over Savannah Christian, who was undefeated entering the quarterfinal matchup.
North Cobb Christian will have to pull off another upset win as they travel to Bogart, Georgia, to take on the defending state champion Prince Avenue Christian Wolverines and head coach Greg Vandagriff.
Do the Eagles have another win in their upset bag?
