Good first-round matchups await
The first round of the state playoffs is usually co-sponsored by the local humane society because there are lot of dogs involved. But this year the opening weekend has more appealing matches than most previous years.
Here’s a look at some of the top first-round games:
Dawson County Football Helmet Left
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Ringgold may present a big challenge for the Dawson County defense. The Tigers, who are making their fourth straight trip to the postseason, and have scored at least 28 points in six of their last seven games. Quarterback Devin Lancaster, who has thrown for more than 2,000 yards. Dawson County completed its first season under coach Sid Maxwell and won the first region championship in school history. These Tigers have shown the ability to put up points, too, and scored 35 points in four of its five most recent wins. Quarterback Coey Watson has thrown for more than 1,500 yards and rushed for nearly 400 yards. Hunter Mitchell is a 1,000-yard rusher. These two teams have never played.
Pierce County (7-3) at Cedar Grove (8-1-1): This is the classic matchup between Pierce County's offense and Cedar Grove's defense. Pierce County has scored at least 33 points in each of its games and averages 42.8 points. Quarterback Stetson Barrett has thrown for more than 2,700 yards. Cedar Grove has two shutouts and held eight opponents to single-digit points. The Saints answered a lot of questions last week by battling No. 2 Blessed Trinity to a 13-13 tie in the Region 4 championship game.
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Both these teams come into this game with hurt feelings. No. 7 Elbert County lost its season finale to Oconee County and dropped to third in Region 8-AAA, while No. 4 Central lost its showdown with Callaway for first place in Region 5. This game should be determined on the ground. Elbert County features 1,300-yard rusher Mecole Hardman and Tra “The Rocket” Barnett. Central rolls behind Damarious Owensby, who has surpassed 1,200 yards. This will be the first meeting between the two schools.
Hart County (7-3) at Callaway (9-1): Hart County may be the best fourth seed in the state, but the Bulldogs will have their hands full with a No. 8-ranked Callaway team that has won nine in a row. Hart features quarterback Robert Allen, running back Trae Stowers and Zach Maldonado, who last week surpassed 1,000 receiving yards. Callaway is led by running back Cedric Maynard, who is nearing 2,100 rushing yards this season, and defensive back Dre Martin, who had the game-clinching interception in the Region 5-AAA title game with Central Carroll. These two teams will be playing for the first time.
Cook (7-3) at Blessed Trinity (9-0-1): Cook may be the best No. 4 seed in the playoffs. The Hornets are making their 16th straight trip to the state playoffs and once again pack a heavy offensive punch. Cook has won six of its last seven games and scored at least four touchdowns in each win. Blessed Trinity has survived an ambitious schedule and brings a strong defensive team to the table. The Titans also have an explosive back in Milton Shelton, who has rushed for more than 1,200 yards. This is the first meeting between the two teams.
Westminster (6-4) at Southeast Bulloch (7-4): Two excellent running backs will be in the spotlight: Westminsters' Zay Malcome and Southeast Bulloch's Chase Walker. This could be a shootout. Westminster's offense has been on a roll, scoring at least 32 points in five of its last seven games. Southeast, which has won six straight, has scored at least four touchdowns in each of those games and has scored 38 or more in five of them. These two teams have never played.
Other first-round games this weekend:
Jackson (Atlanta) at Dodge County, Butler at Jackson, Josey at Peach County, Spencer at Washington County, Westside-Macon at Laney, Pepperell at Jefferson, Cedartown at Oconee County, Sonoraville at East Hall, Franklin County at Adairsville, West Hall at Calhoun.
