Phil Jones gives his score predictions for the top six games being played in Week 7 of the 2024 Georgia high school football season.
Richmond Hill vs. Tift County
Our ITG Next live stream Game of the Week features two Region 1-6A teams hoping to get the upperhand in what will be a fight for one of four playoff spots as region play opens this weekend.
Tift County head coach Jeff Littleton has Blue Devils fans believing. They already have as many wins this season as the team had all of last year.
Richmond Hill comes in with a 5-0 record after a 35-28 win against Buchholz (Florida) last week.
None of what has happened so far matters with either team. This game could determine the season.
Phil’s Pick: Richmond Hill 28, Tift County 14
Valdosta vs. Camden County
This matchup is between the two teams that many feel are the favorites to win the region in Region 1-6A. The winner certainly takes the upperhand in claiming the top spot. It’s not like the loser is eliminated from being the No. 1 seed, but the winner would sure feel better about their chances.
Head coach Travis Roland has Camden County averaging over 50 points per game, but Valdosta will be their toughest opponent so far.
Phil’s Pick: Valdosta 35, Camden County 31
Colquitt County vs. Lowndes*
A Lowndes win could be just what this program needs to get Vikings fans believing again. A Colquitt County win keeps Packers fans believing they are still the team to beat in Region 1-6A. The winner takes a big step toward securing a playoff spot.
Both Lowndes head coach Adam Carter and Colquitt County head coach Sean Calhoun know what it takes to prepare their teams for a big game. They’ve each taken teams to deep runs in the state playoffs over their careers. It’s a battle of two good teams and two great coaches on this one.
The Vikings are off to a 5-0 start. Has Lowndes arrived at the point of being able to knock off the Pack at the Hawg Pen?
Phil’s Pick: Colquitt County 33, Lowndes 30
Coffee vs. Northside (Warner Robins)
Coffee and Northside (Warner Robins) enter region play after tough games last week to wrap up their challenging non-region schedules. Northside took on Peach County and lost 50-7. Coffee is coming off a 10-7 win against Mainland (Florida), their third straight out-of-state opponent.
Region 2-5A is tough as nails, and the winner of this one takes a big step toward earning a postseason spot.
Coffee is tough at home, but this is Northside (Warner Robins), one of the state’s all-time great programs. Can the Eagles go to Douglas and win this one?
Phil’s Pick: Coffee 33, Northside 14
Glynn Academy vs. Brunswick
Glynn County Stadium is one of the largest high school football venues in the state with a capacity of approximately 11,000, and you can count on every available one of those seats being occupied as these two cross-town rivals go at it. This is always a big game no matter how either team is doing, but this year it’s bigger than normal.
Brunswick is 4-1 and undefeated in region play, while Glynn Academy is 3-2 overall and tied for a playoff spot with Effingham at 1-2 in the region.
The fun begins!
Phil’s Pick: Brunswick 14, Glynn Academy 10
Cairo vs. Bainbridge
After starting the season with a tough loss against Thomas County Central in Week 1 and an overtime loss to Thomasville in Week 2, head coach David Coleman’s Syrupmakers have bounced back with impressive wins over Cook and Kathleen.
Bainbridge has a young team and has played one of the toughest schedules in the state with games against defending state champions Thomas County Central and Coffee.
But none of that matters now. What does matter is this one region opener.
Phil’s Pick: Cairo 33, Bainbridge 32
*Game canceled or postponed
