Everything to know about Class 3A semifinal playoff matchups
Here is a preview — including predictions and historical information — of every semifinal matchup in Class 3A.
AJC Varsity will preview all eight playoff classifications ahead of this week’s games.
West Laurens (13-0) at Jefferson (12-1)
Seeding: West Laurens is the No. 4 seed. Jefferson is the No. 1 seed.
Rankings: West Laurens is ranked No. 7. Jefferson is ranked No. 3.
Last week: West Laurens beat Jenkins 21-16. Jenkins got within 21-16 in the final minute, but West Laurens never trailed in the game. Ty Cummings rushed for 195 yards, putting him at 2,557 for the season. Jefferson beat Cairo 47-28. Jefferson trailed 21-0 in the first quarter but led 23-21 at halftime and never trailed again. Darren Pinkard rushed for 120 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries.
Last meeting/series: Jefferson won 21-0 in the 2016 second round. Jefferson leads the series 1-0.
Playoff history: This is West Laurens’ first semifinal appearance. This is Jefferson’s third straight semifinal appearance. It is trying to reach the finals for the second season in a row and was the 2024 runner-up. Jefferson is 5-2 all-time in semifinals.
Score vs. schedule: West Laurens’ average score is 39-15 against the 42nd-hardest schedule in Class 3A. Jefferson’s average score is 34-12 against the seventh-hardest schedule in Class 3A.
Maxwell Ratings’ projection: Jefferson 24, West Laurens 17
LaGrange (11-2) at Sandy Creek (13-0)
Seeding: LaGrange is the No. 15 seed. Sandy Creek is the No. 3 seed.
Rankings: LaGrange is ranked No. 8. Sandy Creek is ranked No. 1.
Last week: LaGrange beat Stephenson 24-7. LaGrange held Stephenson to 170 total yards and intercepted two passes. Caydin Thomas rushed for 83 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries. Sandy Creek beat Douglass 34-0. Amari Latimer rushed for 155 yards (13th straight game over 100 and 2,171 on the season) and two touchdowns. Sandy Creek held Douglas to 161 total yards.
Last meeting/series: Sandy Creek won 23-7 in the regular season. Sandy Creek leads the series 8-1.
Playoff history: This is LaGrange’s second straight semifinal appearance. It is trying to reach the finals for the first time since winning Class 3A in 2004. LaGrange is 9-6 all-time in semifinals. This is Sandy Creek’s first semifinal appearance since 2022. It is trying to reach the finals for the first time since winning Class 3A in 2022. Sandy Creek is 4-1 all-time in semifinals.
Score vs. schedule: LaGrange’s average score is 34-18 against the fifth-hardest schedule in Class 3A. Sandy Creek’s average score is 41-9 against the ninth-hardest schedule in Class 3A.
Maxwell Ratings’ projection: Sandy Creek 28, LaGrange 14
About the Author
Todd Holcomb covers high school sports across the state. He rejoined The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2025 and has worked with the AJC in varying capacities since 1985. He is a co-founder and editor of Georgia High School Football Daily.
