Phil Jones gives his score predictions for the top six games being played in Round 3 of the 2025 Georgia high school football playoffs.
Thomas County Central vs. Woodward Academy
This is a rematch of the 2023 Class 6A state championship, which the Yellow Jackets won 49-28 after jumping out to a four-touchdown lead in the first half.
Both teams won their respective regions, with Woodward Academy winning Region 4-5A and TCC winning 2-5A. Woodward Academy is 10-2 while Thomas County Central is 12-0.
For TCC, this is their fourth straight quarterfinal appearance, while Woodward Academy is back in the quarterfinal round after missing the third round last season. They fell to Sequoyah in the second round of the 5A playoffs last season, finishing 8-4 on the season.
Phil’s Pick: Thomas County Central 48, Woodward Academy 14
Sequoyah vs. Roswell
This quarterfinal matchup features two region champions who have electric quarterbacks leading their offenses. Senior Trey Smith is having a sensational season so far for the Hornets, and the dual-threat QB showed off his passing prowess last week in Roswell’s win over Clark Central with a 12-for-14 passing night and three touchdowns. The Chiefs are led by Kolby Martin, who completed 17-of-20 pass attempts last week with two touchdowns in their 48-28 win over Newnan.
Phil’s Pick: Roswell 40, Sequoyah 31
Valdosta vs. Walton
Both teams are coming off big second-round wins in last week’s 2025 Georgia high school football playoff matchups.
Valdosta defeated the Brookwood Broncos 49-26 and in the process showed off their offensive firepower. The Cats are led by one of the best offensive backfields in the state with Deron Foster and Marquis Fennell at running back, along with quarterback Tyriek Wade. Walton defeated East Coweta last week 49-14, and the Raiders continue to be the surprise team from Class 6A after making the playoffs as the No. 4 seed from Region 5-6A. The Wildcats won Region 1-6A and have come on strong in the second half of the season, including so far in the playoffs.
Look for Valdosta to keep rolling through the playoffs and into the semifinals.
Phil’s Pick: Valdosta 45, Walton 14
Carrollton vs. Grayson
This is a semifinal or even state championship-caliber matchup involving two teams who are definitely contenders for the Class 6A state championship, but unfortunately they are matched up in a game that will see only one team’s season continue, while the other comes to a crushing end.
Grayson has actually battled through some adversity this season, with starting quarterback Travis Burgess going down to a knee injury in the second game of the 2025 season. But the Rams were able to turn to backup Deuce Smith, who has stepped in for the injured starter and has led the team to an undefeated 12-0 season.
Carrollton is also 12-0 and has looked awfully good without their starting quarterback from the previous four seasons, Julian “JuJu” Smith, who is in his first season at Colorado. The Trojans are now led by CJ Cypher at quarterback.
It’s a shame that a very good team’s season will come to an end when this one is said and done.
Phil’s Pick: Grayson 35, Carrollton 33
West Forsyth vs. North Gwinnett
The North Gwinnett Bulldogs of head coach Eric Godfree are 11-1 on the season. After a season-opening loss, they have reeled off 11 straight victories, including last week’s impressive 29-17 win over visiting Lowndes in their second-round matchup.
The West Forsyth Wolverines are 10-2 and, like the Bulldogs, won their region. West Forsyth was the top seed from Region 6, while North Gwinnett won Region 7-6A.
The Wolverines defeated Hillgrove last week in the second round of the playoffs in a close one 20-17.
Both teams are region champions, but with the coin toss going to the lower teams on each bracket, West Forsyth got the luck of the flip. They’ll need all the help they can get against the Bulldogs.
Phil’s Pick: North Gwinnett 38, West Forsyth 15
Buford vs. Douglas County
Anyone that follows Georgia high school football has heard the old adage, “It’s hard to beat a good team twice.” That theory will be tested this week as the Douglas County Tigers visit the Buford Wolves for the second time in 2025.
The first time it was in the regular season with Buford defeating the visitors 34-26 in a game that saw the Tigers make a furious comeback that fell just a little short for head coach Johnny White’s team.
Speaking of comebacks, that was exactly what Douglas County did last week after trailing North Cobb 21-0 in the first half. The Tigers came roaring back to tie the game and send it to overtime, where they won it on a 10-yard TD run.
Buford defeated the Newton Rams last week, and almost every fan seems to feel like the state championship will likely go through Buford. Count me among those fans.
Phil’s Pick: Buford 42, Douglas County 21
That’s our 2025 Georgia high school football playoff predictions for Round 3.
