Most of the participants in the state playoffs are the same usual suspects. You’ve got the big boys like Calhoun, Callaway, Jefferson and Peach County. But this year there are several teams who are returning to the playoffs for the first time in a while.
At the top of the list is Spencer, which completed a 7-3 season with a 48-9 win over Kendrick on Saturday night. The victory ensured the Greenwave would finish third in Region 2-AAA and make the playoffs for the first time since 1993.
Tyrell Smith ran for three touchdowns and Khalil Thomas had a touchdown run and a reception, as Spencer took care of business early and built a 28-0 lead against their fellow school from Columbus.
Other teams who didn’t make the playoffs a year ago, but who were able to extend their season this year are Southeast Bulloch, Josey, Butler, Pepperell and Dawson County.
Josey: The Eagles (6-4) are returning to the playoffs for the first time since 1999, when they went 10-2. During the interim the team had endured three winless seasons and failed to post a winning record during any season.
Butler: The Bulldogs (4-6) are going to the playoffs for the first time since 2011. They sealed the deal with a 42-0 win over Hephzibah on the final week of the season.
Southeast Bulloch: The Yellow Jackets (7-3) lost their Region 1 play-in game a year ago, but got the job done this time. They made the playoffs in 2013, which broke a nine-year drought.
Dawson County: The Tigers are 7-3 under first-year coach Sid Maxwell. Dawson was 2-8 last season and had not made the playoffs since 2012.
The Dragons (7-3) missed last year to end a streak of nine consecutive seasons in the playoffs.
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