Phil Jones gives his score predictions for the top six games being played in Week 9 of the 2024 Georgia high school football season.
Gainesville vs. Milton
The ITG Next live stream Game of the Week pits the defending Class 7A state champion Milton Eagles against one of the top 5A programs in the Gainesville Red Elephants.
Gainesville, led by head coach Josh Niblett, has spent the majority of the season away from home as their stadium underwent the completion of its refurbishing.
Will Gainesville roll out the “Red” carpet for its visitors from the Mpire?
Phil’s Pick: Milton 24, Gainesville 21
Valdosta vs. Colquitt County
The Valdosta Wildcats are looking practically unbeatable right now with quarterback Todd Robinson putting on a clinic. He led the offense to 587 total yards against the previously unbeaten Camden County last Saturday in a 56-37 victory.
Colquitt County is coming off a nail-biting victory over Lowndes. In the 38-35 win, Colquitt County kicker Brett Fitzgerald booted a 43-yard field goal as time expired to give the Pack the win.
Look for another high scoring game.
Phil’s Pick: Valdosta 35, Colquitt County 31
Ware County vs. Benedictine
The Benedictine Cadets are at the halfway point of a 2024 schedule that ITG Next dubbed one of the toughest in the state. They are 3-2 after defeating a very good Warner Robins team last week by a 35-21 final.
Ware County is struggling, with their last contest resulting in a 10-0 shutout loss against Lincoln (Tallahassee, Florida).
Phil’s Pick: Benedictine 38, Ware County 13
Irwin County vs. Charlton County
Irwin County has moved into the top spot of ITG Next’s Class 1A-Division II rankings following the loss of previous No. 1 Bowdon last week.
Irwin County does what they know best, which is running the football. The Indians did not complete a single pass in their 42-30 win over Turner County last week. They didn’t have to. They rushed for over 300 yards and six touchdowns in the win over the Titans.
Phil’s Pick: Irwin County 30, Charlton County 14
Fitzgerald vs. Thomasville
These two teams battled for the Class 2A state championship in 2021, with Fitzgerald taking home the title by a 21-7 final score.
Thomasville is coming off a stunning loss against Worth County and hoping to get back to their winning ways against Fitzgerald.
That won’t be easy, as Fitzgerald head coach Tucker Pruitt has his team playing well despite losing just about every skill position player and most linemen on both sides of the ball from last year to graduation.
The Purple Hurricane are 4-1 as they host the 5-2 Bulldogs of head coach Jonathan DeLay.
Phil’s Pick: Fitzgerald 28, Thomasville 21
Clinch County vs. Brooks County
Head coach Josh McFather has the Brooks County Trojans at 3-3 as they head into this big-time region battle with the Clinch County Panthers, who are undefeated under the direction of head coach Jim Dickerson.
Both teams were off last week, so you can bet both programs are chomping at the bit to get back at it.
This is a clash of the pass-happy Trojans and the run-heavy Panthers.
