Defending Class A public-school champion Hawkinsville (5-4) must win at Pacelli (5-3) on Friday to keep its playoff hopes alive. Even a victory is no guarantee, as Hawkinsville currently stand No. 21 in the GHSA's Class A public-school power ratings. Only 16 make the playoffs. If the Red Devils miss out, they will become only the second team this century (first since 2006) to miss the playoffs after winning a state championship. Five of the other six 2014 state champions are ranked No. 1 - Colquitt County, Northside (Warner Robins), Calhoun, Benedictine and Mount Paran Christian. Buford is No. 2. Here are the defending champions that failed to make the playoffs the next season since 1970.
2006 Lowndes
1999 Dougherty
1999 Valdosta
1993 Valdosta
1992 LaGrange
1991 Cairo
1991 Pepperell
1989 Clinch County
1989 R.E. Lee
1982 Douglass (Montezuma)
1982 Waycross
1981 Lowndes
1981 Mary Persons
1980 Redan
1979 Westminster
1977 Avondale
1977 Turner County
1976 Americus
1976 Irwin County
1976 Lyons
1975 Trion
1974 Mount de Sales
1974 Southwest (Atlanta)
1972 Bowdon
1972 Valdosta
1972 Westminster
1971 Lakeside (Atlanta)
1971 Lovett
1970 Coosa
1970 North Springs
1970 Vidalia
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