I asked which games you wanted me to pick for Round 3 of the 2024 Georgia high school football state playoffs, and you responded. Here are the top requests of games you wanted me to pick and my score predictions for each. Plus, don’t miss my special upset pick at the end!
Worth County vs. Fitzgerald (Class 1A-Division I)
Once again, the Worth County Rams were one of the most requested teams when I asked who you wanted to see me pick. Head coach Jeffrey Hammond’s Rams are red hot after scoring 117 points in their first two playoff games.
This week they will host the Fitzgerald Purple Hurricane led by head coach Tucker Pruitt. Fitzgerald’s approach is no secret: They’re just going to line up and run it right at you.
Who’s going to stop who?
Phil’s Pick: Worth County 35, Fitzgerald 31
Carver (Columbus) vs. Pierce County (Class 2A)
This is a first-time battle between these two programs. Both Carver (Columbus) and Pierce County are 11-1 on the season, but Carver received the higher seed to determine overall playoff position, with Carver seeded at No. 2 and Pierce County seeded at No. 10.
None of that matters now.
Pierce County is looking to defend its state championship.
Phil’s Pick: Pierce County 24, Carver 14
Langston Hughes vs. Thomas County Central (Class 5A)
I just don’t see how anyone can stop Thomas County Central’s freight train of an offense, and the defense is pretty solid too.
However, this Langston Hughes team is really good, especially at home.
Phil’s Pick: Thomas County Central 35, Langston Hughes 28
Lee County vs. Sprayberry (Class 5A)
This was another most-requested game as Lee County hosts its third straight playoff game with Sprayberry serving as this week’s visiting opponent.
This will be Sprayberry’s deepest run in the state playoffs in 42 years; they reached the quarterfinals in 1982.
Sprayberry has an uphill battle as they travel south for the first time in, well, a long time. They haven’t traveled south of Atlanta all season. In fact, they haven’t been south of Macon for any game ever, and they’ve never faced Lee County.
Keep those buses warm.
Phil’s Pick: Lee County 42, Sprayberry 16
Brooks County vs. Jenkins County (Class 1A-Division II)
A lot of Trojans fans asked me to pick the Brooks County versus Jenkins County game this week.
Last week, I picked head coach Josh McFather’s Brooks County team to defeat Miller County, and they got it done in a defensive effort with a final score of 12-10.
Will we see another game like that one this week? No.
Phil’s Pick: Brooks County 35, Jenkins County 12
Bowdon vs. Clinch County (Class 3A)
Many of you requested this one featuring the Clinch County Panthers and the Bowdon Red Devils.
These two teams and their coaches are no strangers to playing in big games, including state championship contests. Under head coach Rich Fendley, Bowdon is aiming for its third straight state championship, while head coach Jim Dickerson and his Clinch County team are hoping this season will end in a sixth state title.
Only one coach moves on toward his goal.
Phil’s Pick: Bowdon 27, Clinch County 21
Dublin vs. Thomasville (Class 1A-Division I – Upset Special)
These are not easy to pick. That’s why they’re called upsets.
But I like head coach Jonathan DeLay and his Thomasville Bulldogs in this one at the Shamrock Bowl.
