Much like every other classification, the bracket layout for the 2023 Georgia Class 4A playoffs includes the kind of unpredictability and parity Peach State high school football is known for. From this year’s slate of first-round games, we break down three high-powered matchups that stand above the rest.
Wayne County at Spalding
Much of the Yellow Jackets’ success this season has been due to the explosion of running back Matthew Fuller, who has already posted over 1,600 yards and 21 touchdowns on the ground. Wayne County’s defense has suffered at times on the scoreboard, but much of that has been the result of offensive turnovers.
Regardless, the Jackets will have to contend with an undefeated Spalding squad led by Carl Kearney. The Jaguars are fueled offensively by QB Curt Clark, who leads the team in both passing and rushing. The Spalding defense has experience stuffing great rushing attacks this season: The Jaguars held Perry’s star running back, Ahmad Gordon, to less than 150 yards on 31 carries, and they limited Howard’s Cam Taylor to just 25 yards on 15 attempts. This game will be strength on strength for two teams looking to advance in the Georgia Class 4A playoffs.
Troup County at Cairo
The Tigers haven’t been the same without all-purpose star Taeo Todd. His impact was dearly missed in their regular season-ending loss to LaGrange, when Troup County turned the ball over four times and only managed seven points. Fortunately, the Tigers defense has been solid all year, led by Qua Birdsong and Noah Dixon, two Power 5 commits
Now it’s do-or-die in the Georgia Class 4A playoffs, and Troup County will have to contend with a balanced Cairo rush offense that powered the Syrupmakers to 35 or more points in seven games. Cairo’s two losses have come in blowout fashion against Thomas County Central and Bainbridge, but the Syrupmakers are also responsible for Thomasville’s early-season struggles, as they upset the 8th-ranked Bulldogs on the road. Troup County, the 2022 region champion, may be favored in this matchup, but Cairo’s 19-4 home record dating to 2020 could prove to be the difference.
Burke County at Perry
These teams hail from the same regions as the aforementioned Wayne County and Spalding, and this matchup may prove to be just as exciting as the Georgia Class 4A playoffs get underway. Burke County has had a tumultuous 2023 season, beginning with an upset of the defending 2A state champions, Thomson, and continuing with a win over Wayne County, an eight-point loss to top-ranked Benedictine, and a shocking upset loss to New Hampstead.
Defensive inconsistency has made the Bears a tough team to predict, and they will surely need a strong showing against Perry. The Panthers have been without their starting quarterback, Colter Ginn, for several weeks now, and a timetable for his return is largely undecided. In the meantime, Perry has leaned more on its rushing attack, led by Ahmad Gordon, but that has already proven to be unsustainable, as evidenced in a loss to Spalding. With Ginn healthy, Burke County’s defense must contain two explosive threats. If he remains out, the job is simple for the Bears: contain the rushing attack.
