It’s playoff season, and in GHSA, South Georgia will be represented thoroughly in each region as we hit the most exciting games of the season. With the brackets now set, here are the state title contenders from South Georgia for each classification.
7A – Lowndes and Colquitt County are the top two projected teams in 7A. They played just two weeks ago and may be on a crash course for the rematch in the state championship. The Lowndes defense is the best in the state, while Colquitt County has one of the top offenses. Camden County has a talented offense that could be a sleeper in the bracket, with only two losses on the season to both Lowndes and Colquitt County.
6A – Again, the top two teams in this classification are projected to come from South Georgia. Valdosta and Lee County had an absolute classic three weeks ago, with Lee County winning on a field goal as time expired. What is interesting is that Lee County is the top seed, but Valdosta is projected to win state and avenge their regular season loss. If not, Coffee has a top-rated defense that can make a run to the final, as they did two years ago, and Houston County has a lot of great individual talent if they can put it together.
5A – Buford is the favorite of this class, but there are worthy adversaries from the south. Ware County is battle tested and has a defense that can stop anyone; they’ll be a tough out for anyone. Along with the Gators, two Warner Robins schools in Warner Robins and Veterans are the top challengers for the title, with the Warner Robins offense and Veterans defense paving the way. Don’t count out Bainbridge just yet, either. The defending state champions struggled in the regular season, but surely can beat anyone in the playoffs.
4A – This class looks like it will be dominated by North Georgia, but there are several schools that can challenge the top. West Laurens, Carver (Columbus), and Cairo all have explosive offenses that can challenge the best defenses. Robert Matthew Peters of Cairo is one of the most talented players in the class, while Devin Riles and Khiari McCoy are a dynamic duo for Carver. They’ll make this tournament interesting.
3A – Cedar Grove have won the state championship two of the last three years, but Peach County looks like the team to beat in this one. Clemson commit Sergio Allen is the team’s leading tackler, and quarterback Jaydon Gibson and running back Noah Whittington create a dynamic rushing attack. I like the Trojans’ chances with Pierce County and Crisp County falling just behind Peach.
2A – This is another tough region for South Georgia, but Dublin is one of the top teams in the class. Their rushing attack is historically good, led by star running back JaQues Evans. They represent the best chance, with Swainsboro also performing well this season. Keep an eye on Thomasville. The Bulldogs won six of their last seven to finish the season and win Region 1. Ronnie Baker has proven himself a talented quarterback and will look to keep the win streak going.
1A (Public) – If I had to guess one region that would for sure get a South Georgia championship, it would be Class 1A. The top four teams are all from South Georgia, with Irwin County, Clinch County, Pelham, and Wilcox County all looking dangerous, and Mitchell County not far behind.
The question in the class is if someone can break through the Irwin and Clinch stranglehold. Pelham offers the best chance, with a defense that creates a lot of turnovers and Kendrick Patterson leading the offense. Wilcox County may have the best player in the class in Desmond Tisdol. This will be a fun region to watch.
That’s where South Georgia stands. Now, let’s get on with the playoffs!
