The prediction from yours truly is that this year's Class AA state playoffs are a collision course for Benedictine and GAC to meet in the finals, with GAC winning.
The road for the Spartans and Cadets begins this week, so let's take a look at what both programs are up against:
Metter (6-4, 3-3 Region 3) at Benedictine (10-0, 7-0 Region 2): The No. 1-seeded Cadets' quest to repeat as state champions begins with the No. 4-seeded Tigers, a team that has two playoff appearances since 2003, with the last coming in 2013. The top-ranked Cadets edged out second-ranked GAC in double-overtime of this season's opener in Savannah and haven't been challenged since. The Tigers skid into the playoffs on a two-game losing streak and losers of three of their last five.
Dade County (6-4, 3-3 Region 7) at GAC (9-1, 7-0 Region 6): The Spartans are on a mission to avenge not only last season's loss to Benedictine in the state championship, but also their season-opening loss to the Cadets. Last season, GAC beat Benedictine in the season opener only to suffer through Benedictine getting the last laugh. This year, the Spartans would love to return the favor. The Wolverines were facing a win-or-go-home game in the season finale against Gordon Lee and won 30-14.
There are some other intriguing matchups in this week's opening round, including Pace Academy at Darlington, Early County at Lamar County and Wesleyan at Model. While the winners of those matchups should make deep tourney runs, all eyes should remain on the Spartans and Cadets.
Credit: Adam Krohn
Credit: Adam Krohn
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