During an illustrious 30-year career at Marist, coach Alan Chadwick has led the War Eagles to the playoffs 29 times. He knows what to do when he gets there too, having won nearly 70 percent of his postseason games. But does he know how to slow down the defending champions?
Marist travels to Griffin tonight to face the explosive Bears, who may or may not have their senior starting quarterback. Anforne Stroud, Griffin’s prolific dual-threat QB, is a game-time decision with an injured thumb on his throwing hand, according to Bears’ coach Jarrett Laws. Stroud injured the thumb in practice two weeks ago and was expected to be out at least another week, but Laws said he’s progress better than expected. If Stroud can’t go, sophomore Tylan Morton will get the start.
Chadwick is wary of the Bears’ offense, regardless of who’s under center.
“We have to somehow limit the big plays,” Chadwick said. “That’s easier said than done. They’re just so dynamic, so explosive.”
Chadwick’s right. The Bears are averaging 45.27 points per game, including 47.0 in the last two games with Morton at the controls. Griffin running Malik Miller and wide outs Christian Owens and Keyston Fuller are big-play threats for speedy Bears.
Chadwick said his War Eagles are “1,000 percent” slower than the Bears and will need 11 players around the ball on defense at all times.
“We’ve got to shorten (the game) a lot,” Chadwick said. “Need to control the ball and take advantage of red zone opportunities. I think our kids are ready for the challenge that is Griffin.”
Marist and Griffin, two perennial state powers, have met 15 times, with the War Eagles owning a 10-5 series advantage. Marist beat the Bears 38-14 in the 2002 quarterfinals in their last meeting. The winner of tonight’s game in Griffin will face the Mary Persons-Buford winner.
--Mary Persons’ top running back Dee High is considered a game-time decision for tonight’s game against Buford. High was injured in the Bulldogs’ first-round 14-0 win over Westover. Buford has won 36 straight games and has outscored opponents 47.2-4.7 on average this season.
--St. Pius X has won nine straight games and is looking to reach the quarterfinals of the state playoffs for the fourth straight season, when the Golden Lions host Eastside (Covington) tonight. Eastside overcame a 21-point deficit in last week’s dramatic overtime win over Thomson.
--Cartersville hosts Baldwin tonight in a battle of first-year coaches. Baldwin’s Lee Hannah helped the Braves reach the playoffs for the first time since 2010. Baldwin defeated Worth County 17-7 in the first round. Cartersville coach Joey King was the offensive coordinator for last year’s Carrollton team that reached the AAAA state championship game. The Purple Hurricanes have shut out three of their last four opponents, allowing only a safety in a 27-2 win over Pickens.
--Coming off its first playoff win in 20 years, West Laurens hosts Stephens County, one of three Region 8-AAAA teams still alive. The Raiders got a career-high 210 yards rushing from running back Darius Bradford in a 23-17 win over Bainbridge in the first round. Stephens County advanced to the second round with a 42-14 win over Pickens. The Indians were led by running back Desmond Wheeler’s 198-yard, three-touchdown performance.
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