Only four teams remain in the GHSA state football playoffs within each classification. For some programs, an appearance in the Georgia high school semifinals is an historic moment, while others expected to reach this stage since the offseason. Here’s a look at the last four teams standing and the exciting matchups ahead in each classification.
Class 7A
Four successful programs make up the Georgia high school 7A semifinals, with only one, Mill Creek, having never won a state championship. Carrollton will take on Colquitt County in a battle of unbeatens, with both squads coming off impressive home wins. The Trojans routed Walton, which was fresh off an upset win over top-ranked Buford.
The other semifinal matchup features Milton and Mill Creek. The Hawks have played complete football since their loss to Buford, but Milton’s defense has fueled a deep playoff run, allowing only 16.3 points per game in the postseason.
Class 6A
A marquee quarterfinal matchup between Roswell and Thomas County Central lived up to the hype. The Hornets overcame an 18-point road deficit to end the Yellow Jackets’ undefeated season and will have another chance to hand a team its first loss when they play Gainesville this Friday.
Besides the Red Elephants, the only other undefeated 6A program is Langston Hughes, who have won all 13 of their games by at least 26 points. They will take on a suffocating Rome defense that has allowed just 31 points in their last eight outings.
Class 5A
A rematch of the 2020 5A state championship will take place Friday as Warner Robins takes on Cartersville. The Demons crushed the ’Canes then; now Cartersville has a shot at revenge, but they’ll have to slow down a Warner Robins offense that scored 31 on the classification’s best defense, Creekside.
On the other side of the bracket, Ware County will take on Dutchtown. The Gators are undefeated and have beaten four ranked opponents this season. The Dutchtown defense, which nearly cost them the game against Mays last week, will have to stand tall as they have all season long.
Class 4A
Cedartown and North Oconee are two of the best teams in the classification. This Georgia high school semifinals matchup is guaranteed to be defensive-oriented, as both squads have held their opponents to 8.3 points per game or less.
The winner of this physical battle will meet either Benedictine or Troup County in the state championship. The Cadets defense has been impressive but will face a tall task against Troup’s Taeo Todd, who has accounted for over 4,000 yards of offense this season. The Tigers defense has been worrisome recently, allowing 112 points in their last four games.
Class 3A
Region 5’s dominance has been on full display, as Cedar Grove, Carver-Atlanta, and Sandy Creek all reached the Georgia high school 3A semifinals. The Carver Panthers and the Sandy Creek Patriots will face off in a huge region rematch, where the Panthers are seeking sweet revenge after a 10-point loss over a month ago.
Cedar Grove draws Oconee County, which has struggled at times under new head coach Ben Hall. If the Saints can defeat the Warriors, a Region 5 rematch would decide the state title in back-to-back years.
Class 2A
Excellent defense has helped all four teams reach the Georgia high school 2A semifinals. That comes as no surprise for Fitzgerald, which has held all but one opponent to fewer than 21 points. After a 2-3 start to the season, Fellowship Christian has rattled off eight straight wins, enough to earn a final four matchup with the Purple Hurricanes.
Despite a rough showing in the quarterfinals, Thomson’s defense has been mostly reliable, holding 11 opponents to two touchdowns or less. They’ll need another stifling performance against an Appling County program that has never reached the state finals.
Class A-D1
Irwin County and Prince Avenue Christian are semifinals staples, and a unique state championship matchup between the two teams would provide excitement. However, each team has a tough challenge ahead. The Indians must overcome a record-setting Swainsboro defense that allows only 5.8 points per game. A canceled regular season matchup between both teams is finally realized on the biggest stage.
PACS will take on St. Francis, a program that won only one game two years ago. Now the Knights have a chance to slay a giant even after three regular-season losses.
Class A-D2
It seemed like Early County would clinch its first semifinal berth since 2006, but a 19-0 lead evaporated and Bowdon pulled off a stunning comeback. The Red Devils’ potent rush attack will face Lincoln County (also the Red Devils), who pulled off back-to-back ranked upsets during the season.
On the other side of the bracket is a must-watch game between Johnson County and Schley County. Trojans RB Germivy Tucker has rushed for nearly 2,700 yards and 37 touchdowns and has yet to be held in check. Schley County has topped the half-century mark in each of its last five games.
