Only seven schools in Georgia still remain undefeated after nearly a month of high school softball action. Mostly familiar names make up those seven teams without a loss, but a few newcomers have the opportunity to take the state by storm with a strong finish to the year. Here’s a look at the remaining teams without a blemish on their record.
Westfield School
At 11-0, the Hornets are off to a fast start this season. Four shutout wins in their first six games add to an already impressive resume that includes six double-digit victories. Westfield has outscored its opponents 124 to 19 so far, including a 22-run performance against West Laurens in late August. The Hornets’ undefeated record was challenged by George Walton in extra innings, but Westfield escaped with two runs in the bottom of the ninth to win. This success is expected by now, as the Hornets have won 73 of their last 76 games dating back to 2019.
Buford
Regardless of the sport, is it really surprising to see Buford on a list of undefeated teams? A rocky start to the season featured two one-run victories against North Gwinnett and Lambert, but since then the Wolves have been untouchable. Buford has scored double-digit runs in its past five games, extending its win streak to 10 on the year. Quality wins over Cambridge, Walnut Grove, and Mill Creek have dotted the Wolves schedule so far, but the road will only get tougher with squads like Dacula and Wesleyan on the horizon.
Whitewater
One of this Georgia high school softball season’s more notable surprises is the Wildcats’ undefeated record so far. Last year, Whitewater managed only a 16-8 mark and fell in the first round of the state playoffs. So far this season, the Wildcats are undefeated at 11-0. Excellent pitching has been key, as Whitewater has only allowed 11 runs. That has come in handy in close matchups, one of which the Wildcats experienced just last week against Trinity Christian when they escaped with a 4-3 victory in extra innings. With an easier region slate, there’s a strong possibility that Whitewater heads into the playoffs without a loss.
Lanier County
The Bulldogs have exploded to a 14-0 start behind some powerful hitting. Lanier County averages over 10 runs a game and has won its last two games by a combined score of 25 to 0. Consistency has been the Bulldogs’ calling card so far. Only one Georgia high school softball team has come within striking distance of Lanier County, and that came in the season opener. The undefeated Bulldogs have won 10 games by seven or more runs, preventing any team from matching their success. On par with previous seasons, Lanier County is once again a threat for the title.
Effingham County
Sure, the Rebels have played only seven games this season. However, they’ve won in dominant fashion. No opponent has come within four runs, and recent blowouts over Brunswick and Evans have been the ultimate confidence boost. Last year, Effingham County started the season with four losses in its first five games, eventually leading to an overall 18-8 record. This season, though, a hot start could power the Rebels through that midseason slump. With a favorable schedule the rest of the season, could Effingham County be a sleeper pick for the 6A title?
Wilcox County
This has been the most well-rounded team in A-D2 so far. The Patriots average over 10 runs per contest while allowing just over one run through suffocating pitching and fielding. Four double-digit victories to open the season set the tone for Wilcox County, and they’ve built on it, bulldozing opponents through the month of August. A one-week break before their next matchup could either add to the firepower or cause a mid-season collapse. The Patriots control their destiny for the rest of the season, with the probability of locking up the top seed in region play rising by the week.
Pataula Charter
The Panthers rarely garner attention on a state level, but their dominance in Georgia high school softball has been simply shocking. They’re not only undefeated, they’re averaging a whopping 17.5 runs per game and have scored 20 or more runs on four of their 10 opponents. Besides a one-run win over Clinch County, no team has come close to knocking off Pataula Charter. However, their easy schedule might be deceiving. None of the Panthers’ 10 opponents so far currently hold a winning record. Will they hold up against the better, more battle-tested squads in A-D2 like Wilcox County in the playoffs?
