An annual playoff game between Warner Robins and Rome has become the latest tradition in Class AAAAA. This year is no exception, even though it’s coming earlier than the two previous seasons.
The hostilities began in 2017 when No. 1-ranked Rome had to go to No. 4 Warner Robins to play the state championship game when the Mercedes-Benz Stadium was set upon by an ice storm. The Wolves were steamed that they were already at the venue when the game was cancelled and further annoyed when learned a coin toss had landed them as the visiting team. Rome flexed its muscle that year, winning 38-0, and was considered by some the best team in the state, regardless of classification.
In 2018 the collision came in the semifinals. This time it was No. 3 Warner Robins that got the best of No. 1 Rome and ended the Wolves’ 40-game winning streak and their quest for a three-peat. The Demons won it 45-28 to exact their revenge, but wound up stumbling in the final against Bainbridge.
This year one of the teams will go home early. No. 2 Warner Robins (10-1) will host No. 3 Rome (9-2) in the second-round game at McConnell-Talbert Stadium on Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Warner Robins gets to host the game because it won Region 1. The Demons suffered their only loss to Class AAAAAAA No. 3 Colquitt County on Sept. 20. Since then coach Marquis Westbrook’s team has won seven straight and defeated Jonesboro 28-7 in the first round.
Rome finished second in Region 7 after losing to Carrollton. The Wolves also had a season-opening loss to Class AAAAAAA No. 6 Marietta. During their current seven-game winning streak, Rome has outscored its opponents 328-30. That includes a 52-0 win over Lithonia in the first round of the playoffs.
Warner Robins revolves around exciting junior quarterback Jalen Addie, who has thrown for 1,881 yards and 20 touchdowns and has rushed for 426 yards and three scores. The Double J Backfield has been solid – Jahlen Rutherford has rushed for 1,054 yards and James Smith has powered for 612 yards. All-state receiver Marcayll Jones has 33 catches for a 19.9 yard average.
The Rome backfield has been unstoppable of late. Ahijah Blackwell leads the team with 1,442 yards and 21 touchdowns and E.J. Burks has 740 yards and 17 touchdowns. Quarterback Caleb Ellard has grown into the role and has 1,028 yards passing with eight touchdowns and no interceptions.
Winner gets: Wayne County-Clarke Central winner.
Here’s a look at the other second-round games:
Cedar Shoals at Jones County: Unranked Cedar Shoals (8-3) is in the second round for the second straight season and are seeking to reach the third round for the first since 1995. Jones County (10-1) won the Region 4 championship, its first since 2001, and seemed to find the offensive groove that was missing when the Greyhounds lost the regular-season finale. The game will feature two good quarterbacks – Cedar Shoals' Jaylan Rusher (1,016 yards passing, 13 TDs; 648 yards rushing, six TDs) and Jones County's Hunter Costlow (2,495 yards, 26 TDs). Winner gets: Griffin-Hiram winner.
Hiram at Griffin: Hiram (6-5) was the only No. 4 seed to survive the first round, as the Hornets ended the season for No. 10 Southwest DeKalb. No. 9 Griffin (10-1) eliminated state champion Bainbridge with a fourth-quarter rally last week. Griffin has dangerous skill position players in quarterback Darshaveious Foster (2,046 yards, 23 TDs) and running back Aalijah "Mo" King (1,177 yards, 20 TDs). Hiram features breakaway running back Jalen Townser (893 yards, seven TDs) and dependable quarterback Zander May (1,058 yards passing; 214 yards rushing). Winner gets: Cedar Shoals-Jones County winner.
Buford at Ware County: No. 5 Buford (10-1) had no trouble win Decatur in the first round and must now make the long trip to Waycross, where No. 4 Ware County (8-3) survived a four-quarter battle against upstart Ola. Sophomore quarterback Thomas Castellanos makes Ware County go; he has thrown for 866 yards and six touchdowns and rushed for 966 yards and 18 touchdowns. The Buford offense has a typical deep group of running backs, led by Gabe Ervin and Xalan Taylor. Winner gets: Veterans-Carrollton winner.
Veterans at Carrollton: The No. 1-ranked Carrollton Trojans (11-0) should find this week's game against Veterans (9-2) a bit more challenging than last week's 42-14 opening win against outmanned Arabia Mountain. Both teams bring a balanced attack. Veterans, which quietly shut down Riverdale 28-6 in the first round, features quarterback Blake Ethridge (1,136 yards passing, seven TDs) and running back Lebon Fields (1,080 yards, nine TDs). Carrollton quarterback Myles "MJ" Morris did not play last week, but has thrown for 1,789 yards and 19 touchdowns and rushed for 148. Senior Brandon Marenco has rushed for 673 yards and has put together three straight 100-yard games. Trojan receiver Terrell Carmicheal (27 receptions, seven TDs) is a big-play machine. Winner gets: Buford-Ware County winner.
Wayne County at Clarke Central: Wayne County (8-2) hits the road after a 20-3 first-round win over Stockbridge. Clarke Central (8-3) eliminated Lithia Springs 63-34, posting more points than any other team in the classification last week. The Wayne County defense will be tested by a talented Clarke Central team that features quarterback Isaac Ward (2,158 yards, 27 TDs) and running back O'Brien Barnett (1,350 yards, 17 TDs), with big-play receiver Nono Mack (54 catches, 16 TDs). Wayne County features running back Kaliz Hadley and quarterback Trey Pierce. Winner gets: Rome-Warner Robins winner.
Dutchtown at Riverwood: No. 8 Dutchtown (10-1) is forced to go on the road, despite a 20-0 shutout over Statesboro. Riverwood (11-0) wants to continue its unprecedented season and must play better than a week ago, when the Raiders needed a last-minute touchdown to turn away a three-win Loganville team. Dutchtown's offense revolves around junior Arendez Fedd, who is effective with his feet and his arm, but the Bulldogs are best known for their sledgehammer defense. Riverwood quarterback Avery Smith (1,493 yards passing, 17 TDs) is accompanied by a bevy of backs that include freshman Quinterio Lawson and senior Elijah Kirby. Winner gets: Starr's Mill-Kell winner.
Kell at Starr's Mill: No. 6 Kell (9-2) found a way to score points last week, putting up 48 against Columbia. Region 3 champion Starr's Mill (8-3) has won six straight since an uncharacteristic three-game losing streak. The Kell defense will be challenged by the Starr's Mill triple option attack which features Kalen Sims (1,194 yards, 10 TDs), Ben Bodney (893 yards, 14 TDs) and quarterback Hunter Lawson (452 yards passing, 272 yards rushing). Kell's offense is led by quarterback Corbin LaFrance and tailback David Mbadinga, with two-way player Arthur Nwandu coming on strong.
Winner gets: Dutchtown-Riverwood winner.
About the Author
