The Georgia High School Association implemented a new playoff system for all classifications of fast-pitch softball this season. The old format, which included two playoff rounds of three-game series before the state tournament, was discontinued in favor of a double-elimination bracket featuring four-team regionals, similar to that of the NCAA Baseball Tournament. This new format has already led to some interesting results.
Buford, the state’s top-ranked team, entered the Class 7A playoffs undefeated at 24-0. The Wolves suddenly found themselves in the elimination bracket after being stunned by Lambert, but they recovered well with two close wins over the Longhorns, advancing them to the state tournament in Columbus. In the same classification, top-seeded Colquitt County fell in its regional after settling into the elimination bracket and subsequently losing to 3rd-seeded Hillgrove.
The state’s two lowest classifications, A-D1 and A-D2, saw numerous 2-seeds reach the state tournament. Hawkinsville used an offensive explosion to win every match in the softball playoffs, while Georgia Military did the opposite, allowing only one run through the three games it played. Social Circle and Dade County each had to face off against the No. 1 seeds in their respective regionals at least twice, but both squads came out on top.
The new Georgia high school softball playoff format was not kind to region champions Sandy Creek and Thomson. The latter immediately fell into the elimination bracket and was sent home by 2-seed Dodge County a day later. Sandy Creek’s road was much rougher, as they were blown out by Ringgold in the first round, then Oconee County, which had also suffered a first-round loss, in the elimination bracket. All opponents faced by the Patriots and the Bulldogs had worse records than them.
Class 6A featured the most surprising result of any playoff series so far. Fourth-seeded River Ridge stunned East Paulding in the first round and continued its charge through the winner’s bracket with a win over North Forsyth and another victory over the Raiders to earn a spot in the state tournament. Eastside accomplished a similar feat in 5A, but had to face 2nd-seeded Kell in three games to secure a tournament berth.
So far, the new Georgia high school softball playoff format has brought about several exciting results and given underdogs a chance to build momentum and knock off perennial powers. All teams have clinched bids for the state tournament, which begins on October 26 and conclude by the end of the month. Will there be any shocking upsets in Columbus or will the title favorites live up to the regular-season hype?
