Ladies and gentlemen, get ready for a hard-hitting end to the 2015 GHSA State Playoffs! Packer Nation, your team is one win away from claiming its second title in as many years. The offense has been clicking on all cylinders and the defense has been getting timely stops. The last obstacle in the way will be the Roswell Hornets on Saturday night. This primetime matchup will mark the first time since 2009 that no Gwinnett County football team will be in the final game of Georgia’s highest classification.
With 5 South Georgia teams left to do battle, these are my state championship breakdowns and predictions. Let us know what you think on Facebook, and remember STAY IN THE GAME!
Class AAAAAA – Colquitt County Packers vs. Roswell Hornets
The Packers lit up Mill Creek last Friday as Chase Parrish had himself a career night. Meanwhile, Roswell needed lady luck to upset Grayson, one of the strongest teams in the state. Despite their recent weeks, this game has all the makings of a classic. A high scoring offense goes up against the most talented back 7 in the state. As the old saying goes, defense wins championships. However, I don’t think it’ll be the case in this one. The Hornets get a taste of their last-minute medicine as Luis Martinez knocks one through as time expires as the Pack go back-to-back! Colquitt 32, Roswell 30
Class AAAAA – Glynn Academy Terrors vs. Allatoona Buccaneers
Glynn Academy is back to a state final for the first time in 51 years. Led by 2017 Georgia commit Deejay Dallas, the Terrors will be looking to knockoff the Buccaneers. Allatoona, a school just 7 years old, will be looking for its first and Cobb County’s first public school football championship. It’ll be nip and tuck for the majority of the contest, but I have to go with my Cobb County bias for this one. The Bucs will bring that title back home. Allatoona 24, Glynn 17
Class AA – Fitzgerald Purple Hurricanes vs. Pace Academy Knights
Last weekend it was Derrick Henry running wild in the Dome for Alabama, this weekend it will be JD King. After putting up a pedestrian 108 yards in the semis, King will bounce back strong. Pace will be playing in their first ever title game this weekend after a commanding 25-point win last week. I just don’t think they possess the manpower up front to slow down the physical Purple Hurricane run game. Fitzgerald will capture its first state title since 1948. Fitzgerald 40, Pace 30
Class A (Public) – Clinch County Panthers vs. Irwin County Indians
Two of the best South Georgia talents will be leading their squads into what will be a heated rematch. Chauncey Manac (Clinch) and DJ Pollard (Irwin) will be ready to capture a state championship. Irwin County took the regular season match-up between these two region rivals. Since these two are very familiar with each other, I believe it’ll be tight all game long. I think Panthers will emerge victorious to claim their 6th state title. Clinch 24, Irwin 19
The Finale: Championship Weekend
by: Lambert Bales
