Everything to know about Class 6A semifinal playoff matchups

Here is a preview — including predictions and historical information — of every semifinal matchup in Class 6A.

AJC Varsity will preview all eight playoff classifications ahead of this week’s games.

North Gwinnett (12-1) at Carrollton (13-0)

Seeding: North Gwinnett is the No. 1 seed from Region 7. Carrollton is the No. 1 seed from Region 2.

Rankings: North Gwinnett is ranked No. 8. Carrollton is ranked No. 3.

Last week: North Gwinnett beat West Forsyth 25-15. North Gwinnett broke a 15-15 tie on Eric Godfree’s 4-yard run from the wildcat formation with 6:23 left, and West Forsyth never got another first down. Elam Rahman was 11-of-16 passing for 233 yards and a touchdown. Braylon Jackson had five receptions for 164 yards. Wilson Taylor returned a kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown. Carrollton beat Grayson 34-14. Carrollton trailed 14-0 in the second quarter, scored the game’s final 34 points and ended Grayson’s 26-game winning streak. Cam Wood rushed for 173 yards (fifth straight game over 100) and scored three touchdowns.

Last meeting/series: This is the teams’ first meeting.

Playoff history: This is North Gwinnett’s first semifinal appearance since 2019. North Gwinnett is trying to reach the finals for the first time since winning Class 7A in 2017. North Gwinnett is 3-1 all-time in semifinals. This is Carrollton’s second straight semifinal appearance. Carrollton is trying to reach the finals for the second season in a row and was the 2024 runner-up. Carrollton is 15-11 all-time in semifinals.

Score vs. schedule: North Gwinnett’s average score is 39-10 against the 18th-hardest schedule in Class 6A. Carrollton’s average score is 48-13 against the 11th-hardest schedule in Class 6A.

Maxwell Ratings’ projection: Carrollton 33, North Gwinnett 14

Buford (13-0) at Valdosta (12-1)

Seeding: Buford is the No. 1 seed from Region 8. Valdosta is the No. 1 seed from Region 1.

Rankings: Buford is ranked No. 2. Valdosta is ranked No. 5.

Last week: Buford beat Douglas County 30-15. Buford led 9-7 entering the fourth quarter and scored three unanswered touchdowns, one on Dylan McCoy’s 75-yard run. McCoy rushed for 123 yards. Andrew Ivanciuc kicked field goals of 48, 43 and 39 yards. Valdosta beat Walton 45-42. Walton got within final margin by returning a blocked punt 51 yards for a touchdown with 13 seconds left but failed to recover an onside kick.