Here are our top 10 performers from Round 2 of the 2025 Georgia high school football playoffs.
Top Overall Performances
Cairo athlete Bryian Duncan caught five passes for 157 yards and three TDs and came up with a blocked field goal to lead the Syrupmakers to a big second-round playoff win over Troup County.
Top Offensive Performances
Houston County quarterback Ryan Maxwell completed 64% of his passes, connecting on 23-of-36 attempts for 300 yards and two TDs in the Bears’ second-round playoff game versus Rome.
Rome quarterback Aiden McPherson passed for 318 yards and rushed for 117 yards while passing for five TDs to lead the Wolves to a win over Houston County in the second round of the Class 5A state playoffs.
Deerfield-Windsor wide receiver Gabe Daniel had 13 receptions for 174 yards and two TDs in the GIAA state championship game versus John Milledge Academy.
Cairo quarterback Bryce Puckett completed 18-of-28 pass attempts for 356 yards passing and three TDs to lead Cairo to a second-round playoff win over Troup County.
Top Defensive Performances
North Gwinnett inside linebacker Jake Godfree contributed to the Bulldogs’ win over Lowndes on offense by throwing an 18-yard pass completion and on defense with 19 tackles, three QB sacks, and three tackles for loss.
North Gwinnett inside linebacker Ethan Robinson contributed to the Bulldogs’ win over Lowndes on both sides of the ball with 16 tackles, including two tackles for loss; two QB hurries; one recovered fumble; and a TD reception on offense.
Gainesville defensive back Elijah Watson intercepted a third-quarter pass by Brunswick and returned it 56 yards for a TD to add to the Red Elephants’ lead over the Pirates in their Class 5A second-round state playoff game.
Carver-Columbus safety Damarcus “Booba” O’Neal came up with 11 tackles, including two tackles for loss; one interception; one pass deflection; and a blocked field goal attempt to lead the Tigers to a win in their second-round playoff game versus Stephens County.
Top Special Teams Performances
Gainesville kick returner Legend Wilmont returned the second-half kickoff 90 yards for a TD to extend Gainesville’s lead over Brunswick to 28-0 and help secure the win over the Pirates.
Congratulations to all of the ITG Next Georgia top performers from Round 2 of the 2025 state playoffs.
