The landscape in Class AAAAA has gotten serious. All the longshots have been dismissed and each of the eight remaining teams can be considered a potential state champion.
There are five region champions still standing: Warner Robins (Region 1), Starr’s Mill (Region 3), Jones County (Region 4), Carrollton (Region 7) and Clarke Central (Region 8). The other three are No. 2 seeds ranked among the top 10 in the classification: No. 5 Buford, No. 8 Dutchtown and No. 9 Griffin.
Should be a fun week for the quarterfinalists.
Here's a look at what happened on Friday night:
Demons take care of Rome: No. 2 Warner Robins (11-1) got two running touchdowns from Ahmad Walker and one each from James Smith and quarterback Jalen Addie to turn back No. 3 Rome 25-17. Rome (9-3) scored on a run by Ahijah Blackwell, a pass from Caleb Ellard to Adam Peterson and a field goal from Alonzo Rodriguez.
Starr's Mill overwhelms Kell: Starr's Mill made a big second quarter stand up and advanced to the third round for the second time in three years with a 45-28 win over Kell. The Panthers (9-3) got three rushing touchdowns from quarterback Hunter Lawson, two touchdowns from Ben Bodney, a field goal from Nate Kearns and a score on a fake punt from Gavin Necessary to Cole Bishop in the final minutes. No. 6 Kell (9-2) was paced by Corbin LaFrance, who threw three touchdown passes, and Tyler Barrett scored on a run.
Buford continues playoff blitz: No. 5 Buford had no trouble on the road, running past No. 4 Ware County 34-6. The Wolves (11-1) scored on offense, defense and special teams. Gabe Ervin ran for a 41-yard touchdown, Jarvis Evans connected with Treyton Rank for a 34-yard touchdown and Victor Venn added a 39-yard touchdown run. Ervin carried 19 times for 159 yards. The defense produced points Jalen Huff blocked a punt and Victor Payne recovered it in the end zone. The special teams provided a pair of Hayden Olsen field goals (47 and 38 yards) and a blocked punt for a score. Ware (8-4) scored its only points in the fourth quarter when Thomas Castellanos threw a 35-yard pass to Brandon Mills. Castellanos was limited to 4 yards after being sacked or tackled for loss on seven carries.
Returners spark Carrollton win: Myles Morris and Mecose Todd came off the injured list to help No. 1 Carrollton (12-0) to a 21-10 win over Veterans. Morris scored on a 33-yard run and threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Melvin Edwards and Todd scored on a 1-yard run. Morris threw for 119 yards and ran for 32. Todd carried 20 times for 125 yards. Veterans (9-3) scored on Daniel Gibbs' 54-yard field goal and a 1-yard run from Lebron Fields. The Carrollton defense limited Veterans to 2.5 yards per rush and only 85 yards with Brock Bibbee totaling 11 tackles and Zantavious Graham and Kevin Swint getting six each.
Four Ward TD passes pace Glads: Quarterback Isaac Ward had big night, throwing four touchdowns as Clarke Central (9-3) outlasted Wayne County 28-20. Ward connected with Nono Mack for 39 yards, Jalen Gary for 2 yards, Justin Hodges for 49 and Chris Johnson for 8 yards. The game was tied 14-14 at the half but Wayne County (8-3) could not score in the second half.
Jones relies on defense for win: No. 7 Jones County (11-1) got a running touchdown from Hunter Costlow, a 90-yard kickoff return from Maleek Wooten and a 40-yard field goal from Evan West to prevail and advance. Cedar Shoals (8-4) managed only a pair of field goals from William Fang, from 22 and 32 yards, even though quarterback Jalen Rusher threw for 92 yards and ran for 115.
Griffin puts away upstart Hiram: No. 9 Griffin (11-1) got three touchdown passes from Darshaveious Foster and two touchdowns from Mo King, one running and one passing, in a 49-14 win over Hiram. But the Bears put the game on ice thanks to Jeffrey Johnson's blocked punt that went for a touchdown and a 90-yard pick-six from Brandon Callaway. Foster was 22-for-31 for 300 yards. Jamoi Mayes caught seven balls for 121 yards. Hiram finished the season 6-6 and reached the second round of the playoffs for the first time.
Dutchtown defense eliminates Riverwood: The Dutchtown defense was too much for Riverwood, beating the Raiders 31-7 to eliminate one of two undefeated team remaining in the classification. Javorri Mack led No. 8 Dutchtown (11-1) with two touchdown runs and Nate McCollum scored twice, once on a run and again on a 61-yard pass from Arendez Fedd. Dutchtown had its 16-quarter scoreless streak end in the third quarter when Riverwood (11-1) scored its lone touchdown. The loss ended the dream season for Riverwood, which won its first region title and completed its first perfect regular season.
Quarterfinal matchups:
- Griffin (11-1) at Jones County (11-1)
- Buford (11-1) at Carrollton (12-0)
- Clarke Central (9-3) at Warner Robins (11-1)
- Dutchtown (11-1) at Starr's Mill (9-3)
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