Round Two of the Class AA playoffs is upon us, which means the field shrinks from 16 teams to eight when all is said and done. Heading into this week's matchups, only one region - Region 6 - has a chance of hoarding the state semifinals.
Here's a look at three of the more intriguing AA matchups:
Lovett (6-5) at Benedictine (11-0): If the No. 1-ranked Cadets are going to defend their state title, they're going to have to go through at least one Region 6 team. While GAC hopes to be waiting for Benedictine in the final, another of GAC's league rivals, the unranked Lovett Lions (Region 6, No. 2 seed), travel to Savannah to take on the Cadets. Benedictine – the No. 1 seed from Region 2 - took care of business Friday, beating Metter 63-14. The Lions withstood a comeback attempt from Chattooga and won 34-28. Benedictine beat Lovett 31-10 last year in the quarterfinals.
Wesleyan (9-2) at Jefferson County (9-2): This is perhaps a showdown happening too soon in the playoffs. The Wesleyan Wolves (Region 6, No. 3 seed) are the No. 8-ranked team in the state, while the Warriors (Region 3, No. 1 seed) are ranked No. 7. The Wolves earned a hard-fought road win over Model in the opening round, while the Warriors handled McIntosh Academy 36-19. Wesleyan and Jefferson County haven't played each other in the playoffs before, but the Warriors have won twice against the Wolves in 2012 and 2013 in non-playoff contests.
Fitzgerald (10-1) at Heard County (8-3): The Fitzgerald Purple Hurricanes (Region 1, No. 2 seed) are in the midst of a dynastic run, having won at least 10 games in 11 of the past 12 years. Fitzgerald has also beaten Heard County (Region 5, No. 1 seed) in the past two regular season meetings - and neither game was close. Fitzgerald won against the Braves 43-27 last year, and beat the Braves 29-7 this season. For Heard County to advance to the semifinals as it did last year, it must eliminate the team that has its number. Home field advantage figures to play a factor.
For the complete AA bracket, click here.
For my predictions, click here.
For the Maxwell Projections, click here.
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