The state baseball playoffs open Friday in ballparks across Georgia. Here's a look at the favorites and some of the contenders that could spoil the front-runners' fun.

Class AAAAA

• The favorite: Brookwood

The Broncos, 24-1 and ranked No. 1 in one national publication, have had stellar pitching all season, led by University of Georgia commit Chase Hawkins (10-0, 1.02 ERA). No. 2 starter Alex Beebe (7-0, 1.53) and No. 3 Matt Adams (5-0, 1.56) have been perfect complements to the left-handed Hawkins. Meanwhile, the offense has six hitters with at least 18 RBIs.

"We like our lineup top to bottom [and if] you go 24-1 you've got to have more than one kid step up," coach Rick Howard said.

• The contenders: Harrison, Lassiter, Valdosta, Walton.

Class AAAA

• The favorite: East Paulding

The Region 5-AAAA champions have a potent offense led by second baseman Erick Gaylord (.463 average, 26 RBIs, 15-15 SB) and outfielder Stuart Young (.400 average, 26 RBIs). On the mound, junior right-hander Zack Wheeler has 110 strikeouts in only 54 1/3 innings pitched, and Adam Hall is 8-0 with a 0.99 ERA.

• The contenders: Heritage, Greenbrier, Marist, Woodward Academy

Class AAA

• The favorite: Columbus

Junior left-handers Taylor Wolf (7-0, 1.18 ERA) and Matt Taylor (7-2, 1.75 ERA) lead the staff, while senior outfielder Will Howard (.420, 39 RBIs), senior first baseman Logan Dollar (7 HR, 25 RBIs) and junior outfielder Bryce Dial (8 HR, 31 RBIs) are all tough outs.

• The contenders: South Effingham, Cartersville, Flowery Branch, Dunwoody

Class AA

• The favorite: Wesleyan

Staff ace and Vanderbilt commit Grayson Garvin took a week off to rest his pitching shoulder and is ready to go and lead a program that has been to the Class AA final four the past two seasons. What might get the Wolves over the hump is a potent lineup, led by Georgia Tech commit Connor Winn (.507 average, 10 HR).

• The contenders: Pierce County, Holy Innocents', Cook, Calhoun, Pike County, Westside-Augusta, Jeff Davis

Class A

• The favorite: Jefferson

The sophomore duo of Jake Fields (.581 average, 13 HR, 38 RBIs) and Lucas Redd (.446 average) have helped the Dragons average more than nine runs per game. On the mound, junior Chris Beck is 7-0, while senior Cameron Blinn is 5-0 with a 1.24 ERA.

• The contenders: Landmark Christian, Calvary Day, Bowdon, Claxton, Bremen, Aquinas