Having passed the halfway mark of the 2022 Georgia high school softball season, we’ve seen some big games in non-region play during the first few months. Now, with the playoffs on the horizon, every contest matters much more. Here are five key matchups in October to keep an eye on – meetings that could possibly shake up the playoff picture.
Pope vs. North Gwinnett
Pope softball has picked up where it left off last season, beginning the 2022 campaign with 17 wins in the first 18 games. Pope’s only loss came in a region thriller against Lassiter, which currently fields one of the toughest schedules in its classification. After a 2-3 start, defending 7A state champion North Gwinnett has found its stride, losing only one game over the next month. This October 7 matchup between two top 10 squads is one of the key big games of the 2022 Georgia high school softball season.
Appling County vs. Jeff Davis
Both teams currently hold 15 wins this season, with Appling County losing twice and Jeff Davis falling only once. These teams played earlier this season, with Jeff Davis defeating the Pirates in a low-scoring, extra-innings thriller. Revenge will be on Appling County’s mind as the squads square off in the final regular season game on October 13. Will the Yellowjackets claim a victory again, this time on the road?
Whitewater vs. Lassiter
After a 16-8 finish to last season, the Wildcats amazingly remain undefeated at 17-0 so far this year. They have been tested by South Paulding and Trinity Christian, but their unbeaten record will truly be challenged by Lassiter on October 1. The two-time defending state champions have had to battle through a rigorous schedule and will continue that trend in another one of the big games remaining in the 2022 Georgia high school softball season.
Lassiter vs. North Paulding
The road continues to be rough for the Trojans. Nine days after the showdown with undefeated Whitewater, Lassiter will travel to North Paulding, which currently stands at 14-1-1. The Wolfpack are on fire after slipping up on the road against South Paulding’s softball team. They’re hoping to reach the quarterfinals for the first time in years. An experienced group of juniors has powered North Paulding so far, and they will need those contributions against Lassiter.
Cambridge vs. Wesleyan
Both teams have impressed in their respective classifications this season, and the two differ by only three spots in the latest rankings. This inter-class battle six days into October serves as a great warmup for an unpredictable playoff bracket ahead. Wesleyan’s pitching has been excellent all season but will have to face a Bears hitting lineup that averages over 7 runs per game. That includes keying in on Mason McDermott, who leads Cambridge in hits, RBIs, and home runs.
