Expanded high school game previews

Records, rankings: Colquitt County is 9-2, the No. 2 seed from Region 1 and No. 3; North Cobb is 9-2, the No. 1 seed from Region 4 and No. 10.

Last meeting: This is the teams' first meeting.

Three things to know: 1. Both teams made the semifinals last season. Colquitt lost to Norcross, and North Cobb lost to Lovejoy. A victory would put Colquitt in the quarterfinals for the fifth consecutive season. North Cobb is trying to make the quarters for the second straight season and third time since making the state final in 1959. Colquitt County is 11-3 in playoff road games over the past five seasons. No other Georgia school has won more than 10 playoff road games since 2000. 2. Colquitt County RB Sihiem King rushed for 124 yards in the 41-10 first-round victory over Newnan and has 1,183 yards rushing on the season. QB Daniel Mobley was 25-of-36 passing for 236 yards, putting him over 2,000 yards on the season (2,025). 3. QB Tyler Queen passed for 190 yards and a touchdown and scored three touchdowns in North Cobb's 60-18 first-round victory over Luella. Queen has thrown for 1,971 yards this season. RB JeVonte Herrod has rushed for more than 1,100 yards.

Maxwell Ratings' projection: Colquitt County by 8

Winner plays: Peachtree Ridge/Dacula winner

Peachtree Ridge at Dacula

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Barron Field, Dacula

Records, rankings: Peachtree Ridge is 8-3, the No. 4 seed from Region 7 and unranked; Dacula is 7-4, the No. 2 seed from Region 8 and unranked.

Last meeting: Peachtree Ridge won 17-0 in the first round of the 2008 Class AAAAA playoffs.

Three things to know: 1. Peachtree Ridge RB Jordan Ellis rushed for 263 yards and scored six touchdowns in a 59-20 victory over Region 5 champion Lassiter last week. Ellis, who is committed to Virginia, has rushed for 1,546 yards on the season. Dacula had trouble stopping the run last week as West Forsyth RB Trevor O'Brien rushed for 188 yards. 2. Dacula is primarily a running team. QB Aaron Grove has about as many yards rushing (team-leading 624) as passing. Running backs C.J. Mayes and Jaqque Evangelister each have more than 500 yards rushing, but in the 36-30 victory over West Forsyth, it was Bijan Sirleaf (137 yards rushing, three touchdowns) and Kelan Fraise (105 yards rushing, 71-yard TD run) that got the most yardage. 3. Both teams had losing records last season. Peachtree Ridge was 4-6; Dacula was 1-9. This will be the sixth time in nine seasons that one or the other (but not both) has made the quarterfinals. Dacula advanced in 2005 and 2011, Peachtree Ridge in 2006, 2008 and 2009.

Maxwell Ratings' projection: Peachtree Ridge by 14

Winner plays: Colquitt County/North Cobb winner

Lowndes at Lovejoy

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Twelve Oaks Stadium, Lovejoy

Records, rankings: Lowndes is 8-3, the No. 3 seed from Region 1 and unranked; Lovejoy is 10-1, the No. 1 seed from Region 2 and No. 6.

Last meeting: Lovejoy won 43-3 in the first round of the 2002 Class AAAAA playoffs.

Three things to know: 1. These teams have played each other three times in the playoffs, with Lowndes winning in 1999 and 2001 and Lovejoy winning in 2002. The first playoff game that Lovejoy coach Al Hughes lost came against Lowndes in 2001, and the first playoff game that Lowndes coach Randy McPherson lost came against Lovejoy in 2002. Lovejoy's 43-3 victory in 2002 remains the most lopsided loss of McPherson's Lowndes career. 2. Lovejoy WR Preston Williams, a junior, caught seven passes for 275 yards and four touchdowns in the 27-23 first-round victory over Marietta. Williams, who has committed to Tennessee, has 50 receptions for 1,235 yards and 14 touchdowns on the season. His 47-yard reception in the final seconds was the winning touchdown. 3. Lowndes held East Coweta to 10 yards rushing in the Vikings' 38-10 victory in the first round. A.J. Harper had three tackles for losses, forced two fumbles and returned a third fumble (forced by LB Tre Jackson) 13 yards for a touchdown and a 20-0 lead. Lowndes is a run-oriented team (198.0 rushing per game to 65.5 passing) without a player with more than 500 yards rushing.

Maxwell Ratings' projection: Lovejoy by 4

Winner plays: Brookwood/Norcross winner

Brookwood at Norcross

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Norcross Stadium, Norcross

Records, rankings: Brookwood is 6-5, the No. 3 seed from Region 8 and unranked; Norcross is 9-2, the No. 1 seed from Region 7 and No. 5.

Last meeting: Brookwood won 34-24 in the second round of the 2010 Class AAAAA playoffs.

Three things to know: 1. Norcross, the defending state champion and preseason No. 1 team, has won eight consecutive games since a 36-17 loss to North Gwinnett on Sept. 13 and not allowed more than 20 points in a game in that time. That includes a 28-0 shutout of Etowah in the first round. Norcross allowed only 134 yards in total offense but did struggle on offense as the first half was scoreless, and 1,000-yard rusher Josh Boyd was not a big factor. 2. Brookwood RB Jesse Brown rushed for 239 yards and scored touchdowns on runs of 3, 56, 51 and 55 yards in a 35-16 first-round victory over Lambert. It was the fourth time in five seasons that Brookwood has won a first-round game on the road. The other wins were against McEachern (2009), Peachtree Ridge (2011) and Lassiter (2012). 3. Brookwood's first-round victory was its second must-win game in two weeks. The Broncos had to beat Grayson (30-27 in overtime) in the final week of the regular season to make the playoffs. Brookwood leads the series against Norcross 8-3, although they have played only four times in the past 20 years.

Maxwell Ratings' projection: Norcross by 30

Winner plays: Lowndes/Lovejoy winner

McEachern at Hughes

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Langston Hughes Stadium, Fairburn

Records, rankings: McEachern is 9-2, the No. 3 seed from Region 4 and unranked; Hughes is 10-1, the No. 1 seed from Region 3 and No. 9.

Last meeting: This is the teams' first meeting.

Three things to know: 1. McEachern freshman QB Bailey Hockman, the son of head coach Kyle Hockman, threw for 205 yards in his first varsity start in the Indians' 36-21 first-round victory over Newton. Hockman was playing for injured starter Ty Clemons. McEachern star RB Taj Griffin was hurt in the Newton game. Clemons and Griffin are not ruled out from playing this week. McEachern, a No. 3 seed, has not made the quarterfinals since 1999. 2. Hughes RB Keion Davis rushed for 202 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries in a 34-20 victory over Valdosta in the first round. Davis, who has committed to Marshall, has rushed for 1,614 yards, second-most in AAAAAA to the 1,735 of Campbell's Mike Rogers, whose season is finished. 3. Hughes, which opened in 2009, won its first region title and made its first playoff appearance last season but lost to one of McEachern's Region 4 rivals, third-seeded North Cobb, 42-14 at home in the second round.

Maxwell Ratings' projection: Hughes by 7

Winner plays: Collins Hill/Alpharetta winner

Collins Hill at Alpharetta

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Alpharetta Stadium, Alpharetta

Records, rankings: Collins Hill is 10-1, the No. 2 seed from Region 7 and No. 7; Alpharetta is 9-2, the No. 1 seed from Region 6 and unranked.

Last meeting: This is the teams' first meeting.

Three things to know: 1. Collins Hill has won five consecutive games since a 28-0 loss to Norcross on Oct. 11 and scored at least 41 points in each, including the 41-7 victory over Walton last week. RB Tyler Henderson rushed for 111 yards, giving him 1,410 on the season, and four touchdowns. QB Tyler Herman passed for 207 yards, giving him 2,530 on the season. 2. Alpharetta, which opened in 2004, won its first playoff game in history with a 41-23 victory over South Gwinnett after three first-round losses in three years. Austin King was 12-of-29 passing for 216 yards and three touchdowns, two in the fourth quarter. King has 2,252 yards passing this season. 3. Collins Hill, the only ranked team in its quarter of the draw, is seeking its third quarterfinal appearance in history. The others were 2001 and 2010, when the Eagles made it the semifinals. Collins Hill beat another region champion from north Fulton County (Roswell) on the road to make the quarters in 2010.

Maxwell Ratings' projection: Collins Hill by 22

Winner plays: McEachern/Hughes winner

Hillgrove at Camden County

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Chris Gilman Stadium, Kingsland

Records, rankings: Hillgrove is 10-1, the No. 2 seed from Region 4 and No. 8; Camden County is 10-1, the No. 1 seed from Region 1 and No. 2.

Last meeting: Camden County won 52-17 in the first round of the 2012 Class AAAAAA playoffs.

Three things to know: 1. Hillgrove's 2010 second-round victory over Camden County, 28-26, was one of the more memorable upsets in recent playoff history. Camden entered the game as two-time defending state champion and ranked No. 1. Camden won the rematch in the 2012 first round 52-17. Camden County is 26-5 in home playoff games since 2002 but has been eliminated at home each of the past three seasons (Hillgrove, Colquitt County, Norcross). 2. Hillgrove QB Elijah Ironside passed for 180 yards and five touchdowns - three to Justin Denton - in a 41-13 victory over Alcovy in the first round. Ironside has 2,269 yards passing on the season. RB Richardre Bagley ran for 187 yards against Alcovy and has 1,373 yards rushing on the season. 3. Camden County went over 3,000 yards rushing as a team for the season in a 36-7 victory over Westlake last week. Tyrone Rauls (569) and Antonio Wimbush (571) are the leading rushers. Camden has passed for 485 yards.

Maxwell Ratings' projection: Camden County by 10

Winner plays: North Gwinnett/Archer winner

North Gwinnett at Archer

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Archer Community Stadium, Lawrenceville

Records, rankings: North Gwinnett is 10-1, the No. 3 seed from Region 7 and No. 1; Archer is 11-0, the No. 1 seed from Region 8 and No. 4.

Last meeting: North Gwinnett won 49-3 in the first round of the 2011 Class AAAAA playoffs.

Three things to know: 1. This is one of three AAAAAA games matching Top 10 teams (No. 8 Hillgrove at No. 2 Camden County and No. 3 Colquitt County at No. 10 North Cobb are the others) and one of 11 in all classifications. But only one other (No. 4 Carrollton at No. 3 Monroe Area in AAAA) matches teams in the top four. The previous meeting between the two was Archer's first playoff game. 2. Archer QB Gabe Tiller (144-of-206 passing for 1,719 yards and 19 touchdowns) is completing more than 70 percent of his passes. He was accurate on his first nine last week in a 34-7 victory over North Forsyth. RB Randy Nails had 102 yards rushing and has 967 on the season. 3. North Gwinnett held Milton to 114 yards in total offense in the 34-10 victory in the first round. C.J. Leggett rushed for 138 yards, giving him 1,032 on the season. QB Hayden Sphire returned from injury and was 8-for-19 passing for 99 yards, 80 of that on a screen pass to Nate Brown. Sphire has thrown for 1,919 yards in nine games.

Maxwell Ratings' projection: North Gwinnett by 15

Winner plays: Hillgrove/Camden County winner

Class AAAAA

Harris County at Creekside

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Arrowhead Stadium, Fairburn

Records, rankings: Harris County is 9-2, the No. 2 seed from Region 1 and unranked; Creekside is 11-0, the No. 1 seed from Region 4 and No. 4.

Last meeting: This is the teams' first meeting.

Three things to know: 1. RB Bricen Terry rushed for 187 yards and three touchdowns in Creekside's 47-14 victory over Lakeside of Evans in the first round. Creekside had more than 300 yards rushing but is an effective passing team, too. QB Felix Harper was 6-of-8 passing for only 82 yards last week but has thrown for 2,174 yards on the season. 2. Harris County trailed Glynn Academy 21-17 in the fourth quarter of the first round until RB Esaias Chapman scored on a 61-yard run. Harris won 24-21. Chapman rushed for 102 yards, bringing his season total to 1,556. Chapman rushed for 2,164 yards last season. 3. Harris County is trying to reach the quarterfinals for the second consecutive season. Creekside has made the quarters in 2006, 2000 and 1988.

Maxwell Ratings' projection: Creekside by 19

Winner plays: Stephenson/North Paulding winner

Stephenson at North Paulding

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, The Den, Dallas

Records, rankings: Stephenson is 9-2, the No. 3 seed from Region 6 and unranked; North Paulding is 10-1, the No. 1 seed from Region 5 and No. 8.

Last meeting: This is the teams' first meeting.

Three things to know: 1. North Paulding RB Corn Collins rushed for 146 yards and a touchdown in the 50-14 victory over Riverwood in the first round. Collins has rushed for 1,173 yards on the season. QB Chase Noonan has passed for 2,241 yards and 27 touchdowns with only three interceptions. 2. North Paulding, opened in 2008, won its first region title this season. In 2012, North lost to Tucker, Stephenson's Region 6 rival, 40-21 in the second round. Stephenson made the quarters last season (lost to Ware County) and five other times since 2001. 3. Stephenson's defense held Flowery Branch to 183 yards in a 27-7 first-round victory. Flowery Branch had scored 45 points and amassed 524 yards in total offense the previous week against defending state champion Gainesville. Defensive leaders include South Carolina-committed junior DE Chauncy Rivers, who has 14 sacks and 24 tackles for losses, and senior DT Braxton Butler, who has nine sacks and 18 tackles for losses.

Maxwell Ratings' projection: North Paulding by 7

Winner plays: Harris County/Creekside winner

Richmond Hill at Warner Robins

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, McConnell-Talbert Stadium, Warner Robins

Records, rankings: Richmond Hill is 10-1, the No. 2 seed from Region 3 and unranked; Warner Robins is 10-1, the No. 1 seed from Region 2 and No. 6.

Last meeting: Warner Robins won 17-15 in the first round of the 2012 Class AAAAA playoffs.

Three things to know: 1. Warner Robins beat Richmond Hill in the first round last season on a 32-yard field goal in the final minute. 2. Warner Robins beat 2012 semifinalist Whitewater 34-27 in the first round last week after a fourth-and-goal stop from the 2-yard line in the final minute. Warner Robins trailed 27-7 at halftime. Caden Johnston threw three TD passes, but Warner Robins is better known for its run game that features running backs Danny Hite Jr. (1,076 yards rushing) and Jacquan Burns (977). 3. Richmond Hill's 6-foot-5 QB Nick Fitzgerald rushed for 134 yards in a 13-7 victory over Thomas County Central in the first round. Fitzgerald, who has committed to Mississippi State, rushed or passed on 23 of his team's 35 offensive plays. He has 1,317 yards rushing and 25 touchdowns on the season. He can lead his team to its first quarterfinal since 1996 with a victory.

Maxwell Ratings' projection: Warner Robins by 9

Winner plays: Mays/Kell winner

Mays at Kell

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, C.J. Kell Stadium, Marietta

Records, rankings: Mays is 8-3, the No. 2 seed from Region 6 and unranked; Kell is 11-0, the No. 1 seed from Region 7 and No. 2.

Last meeting: This is the teams' first meeting.

Three things to know: 1. Kell QB Cameron Rosendahl, making his third start in place of injured Matthew McGuigan (ankle), was 9-of-16 passing for 124 yards and two touchdowns in the 31-17 victory over Allatoona in the first round. RB Jay Moxey rushed for 100 yards, bringing his season total to 1,015 (unofficially). 2. Mays sophomore RB Randrecous Davis rushed for 156 yards on 23 carries in a 14-10 victory over Clarke Central in the first round. Davis has spent more time at wide receiver this season but won the job as feature back for the playoffs. 3. Kell is seeking its second quarterfinal appearance and first since 2010. Mays has never made the quarters and is 0-3 in second-round games, losing in 2003 (St. Pius), 2006 (Habersham Central) and 2007 (East Paulding).

Maxwell Ratings' projection: Kell by 18

Winner plays: Richmond Hill/Warner Robins winner

Northside (Warner Robins) at Ware County

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Memorial Stadium, Waycross

Records, rankings: Northside is 10-1, the No. 2 seed from Region 2 and No. 7; Ware County is 10-1, the No. 1 seed from Region 3 and No. 5.

Last meeting: Ware County won 24-17 in overtime in the 2012 Class AAAAA semifinals.

Three things to know: 1. This is a rematch of a 2012 semifinal game that Ware won in overtime. Northside drove 90 yards to pull within 17-14 with 18.4 seconds left, recovered an onside kick and made a 42-yard field goal to tie. Ware scored on its overtime possession to lead 24-17, and Northside was flagged for a personal foul on the extra point and had to start its overtime possession from the 30-yard line. Ware held. 2. Dedrick Mills rushed for 166 yards and three touchdowns on 12 carries in a 49-7 victory over Bainbridge last week. Ware held Bainbridge to 84 yards rushing and forced four turnovers. 3. Northside trailed 21-14 in the fourth quarter of its 31-21 victory over McIntosh in the first round. The game-winning touchdown came on a lateral to Glenn Smith, who threw a 75-yard TD pass to Jumon Weaver. The comeback clinched a state-record 16th consecutive 10-win season for Northside.

Maxwell Ratings' projection: Northside by 4

Winner plays: East Paulding/Tucker winner

East Paulding at Tucker

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Hallford Stadium, Clarkston

Records, rankings: East Paulding is 8-3, the No. 3 seed from Region 5 and unranked; Tucker is 11-0, the No. 1 seed from Region 6 and No. 1.

Last meeting: This is the teams' first meeting.

Three things to know: 1. Tucker is averaging 50 points per game. RB Elijah Sullivan has 11 rushing touchdowns, two receiving. RB/DB Dominick Sanders has 11 touchdowns rushing, two returning kicks and one returning an interception last week against East Paulding. Yaquis Sullivan has scored nine touchdowns, four on kickoff returns, including one in a 35-14 first-round victory against Heritage of Conyers. 2. East Paulding won its first-round game against Creekside 34-33 after nearly letting a 34-19 fourth-quarter lead get away. RB Tae Ray scored three touchdowns in the second half. 3. East Paulding is trying to reach the quarterfinals for the fifth time since 2006 and has won three times on the road in the second round to get there, most recently at Northgate in 2011. Tucker is bidding for its 10th quarterfinal since 2000 and fourth in a row. Tucker has won nine consecutive second-round home games, although all of those were at Adams Stadium. This game has been moved to Hallford Stadium.

Maxwell Ratings' projection: Tucker by 18

Winner plays: Northside (Warner Robins)/Ware County winner

Mundy's Mill at Lee County

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Trojan Field, Leesburg

Records, rankings: Mundy's Mill is 7-4, the No. 2 seed from Region 4 and unranked; Lee County is 10-1, the No. 1 seed from Region 1 and No. 10.

Last meeting: This is the teams' first meeting.

Three things to know: 1. Lee County QB Stephen Collier, who has committed to Ohio State, has thrown for 2,053 yards and rushed for a team-leading 867 with 17 touchdowns. But he has been prone to turnovers (12 interceptions, seven fumbles). His top receiver is J.Q. Quimbley (46 catches, 797 yards and 12 touchdowns). 2. Mundy's Mill RB Rodney Smith, a preseason all-state pick, rushed for 348 yards and four touchdowns in a 33-13 victory over Houston County in the first round. Smith has rushed for more than 1,000 yards each of the past two seasons (1,709 this season) despite an injury-shortened junior season and the ensuing recovery. 3. Neither team has reached the quarterfinals. Lee County is in the second round for only the third time (1999, 2005). Mundy's Mill's victory Friday was its first win in the state playoffs. Mundy's Mill, a Clayton County school, opened in 2003.

Maxwell Ratings' projection: Lee County by 8

Winner plays: South Paulding/Gainesville winner

South Paulding at Gainesville

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, City Park Stadium/Bobby Gruhn Field, Gainesville

Records, rankings: South Paulding is 10-1, the No. 2 seed from Region 5 and No. 9; Gainesville is 10-1, the No. 1 seed from Region 8 and No. 3.

Last meeting: This is the teams' first meeting.

Three things to know: 1. This game features two of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the state. Gainesville's Deshaun Watson has thrown for 2,810 yards and rushed for 849 with 48 touchdowns passing and rushing.  South Paulding's Chandler Burks has passed for 2,334 yards and rushed for 1,367 with 41 touchdowns passing and rushing. 2. Both teams have dual-threat running backs who are overshadowed in the backfield. Gainesville junior Michael Byrd has rushed for 878 yards and caught 49 passes for 477 yards and scored 13 touchdowns. South Paulding's Jae Bowen has rushed for 1,158 yards and caught 50 passes for 741 yards and scored 31 touchdowns. 3. South Paulding, which opened in 2006, is making its first state-playoff appearance. Gainesville is the defending state champion with a playoff record of 68-44 since the GHSA began running a statewide tournament in 1947.

Maxwell Ratings' projection: Gainesville by 9

Winner plays: Mundy's Mill/Lee County winner

Class AAAA

Statesboro at Griffin

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Memorial Stadium, Griffin

Records, rankings: Statesboro is 10-1, the No. 3 seed from Region 3 and No. 8; Griffin is 11-0, the No. 1 seed from Region 4 and No. 2.

Last meeting: Statesboro won 34-28 in the second round of the 2010 Class AAAA playoffs.

Three things to know: 1. Statesboro held Cairo to 226 yards in total offense and forced five turnovers in a 21-0 victory in the first round. Statesboro is allowing 8.6 points per game, second best in AAAA. Statesboro has held every opponent to less than 20 points, and seven to fewer than 10 points. 2. Griffin has the third-best scoring offense in AAAA (45.8 ppg) and has scored 34 points or more in every game. The Bears have won 27 consecutive games when scoring at least 20 points. Griffin QB Jaquez Parks, a candidate for AAAA offensive player of the year, was 18-of-25 passing for 312 yards against Rutland in a 34-0 first-round victory and has thrown for a AAAA-best 2,394 yards on the season. 3. Statesboro is 7-0 in second-round games since the GHSA expansion of the state playoffs to 32 teams in 1996. Griffin has lost its last two second-round games, including one to Statesboro in 2010.

Maxwell Ratings' projection: Griffin by 11

Winner plays: Chestatee/Sandy Creek winner

Chestatee at Sandy Creek

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, The Battlefield, Tyrone

Records, rankings: Chestatee is 9-2, the No. 2 seed from Region 8 and unranked; Sandy Creek is 10-0-1, the No. 1 seed from Region 5 and No. 1.

Last meeting: This is the teams' first meeting.

Three things to know: 1. Sandy Creek put up 564 yards of total offense in only 35 plays in a 63-10 victory over Cedartown in the first round. QB Cole Garvin was 9-of-11 passing for 259 yards, bringing his season total to 1,896 yards. Running backs Delvin Weems (1,156 yards) and Eric Swinney (1,056) are both over 1,000 yards rushing this season and have 37 rushing touchdowns between them. 2. Chestatee won its first playoff game in history with a 41-13 victory over Grady last week. The War Eagles trailed 13-0. Two-way starter Tray Bryant rushed for 155 yards and three touchdowns on 17 carries. Zac Cheshire rushed for 140 yards on 27 carries. Chestatee had 346 yards rushing as a team. 3. Sandy Creek has won 19 of its past 20 playoff games and 13 straight at home. Sandy Creek is trying to reach the quarterfinals for the fifth consecutive season.

Maxwell Ratings' projection: Sandy Creek by 30

Winner plays: Statesboro/Griffin winner

Wayne County at Veterans

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Perry High School's Herb St. John Stadium, Perry

Records, rankings: Wayne County is 9-2, the No. 2 seed from Region 3 and No. 7; Veterans is 8-3, the No. 1 seed from Region 2 and unranked.

Last meeting: This is the teams' first meeting.

Three things to know: 1. Veterans, making its first playoff appearance, held Locust Grove to minus-20 yards rushing in a 36-15 first-round victory. Desjuan Harris, a sophomore who has had career-high rushing totals the past two games, ran for 189 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries. 2. Wayne County WR Krenwick Sanders caught six touchdown passes in a 49-34 victory over Monroe last week. The touchdowns covered 60, 71, 20, 47 and 52 yards in the first half, 29 yards in the second. The six touchdowns receiving are believed to be a state record for the playoffs. Sanders has committed to Wisconsin. 3. Wayne County's victory over Baldwin last season was its first in the playoffs since 1996. A victory this week would put Wayne in the quarterfinals for the first time since 1993.

Maxwell Ratings' projection: Wayne County by 6

Winner plays: Alexander/Lanier winner

Alexander at Lanier

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Lanier Stadium, Sugar Hill

Records, rankings: Alexander is 7-4, the No. 4 seed from Region 5 and unranked; Lanier is 9-2, the No. 3 seed from Region 8 and unranked.

Last meeting: This is the teams' first meeting.

Three things to know: 1. Alexander junior RB Mikell Lands-Davis rushed for 198 yards on 39 carries in a 13-10 victory over Dalton last week. He has rushed for 1,957 yards this season, the most of any player remaining in the playoffs in any classification. The 39 carries were 10 shy of his career high against LaGrange on Oct. 11 (49 carries, 312 yards). 2. Lanier has a pretty good feature back of its own in Tario Fuller, also a junior. He has rushed for 1,458 yards, including 100 on 16 carries in a 26-7 victory over Carver of Atlanta in the first round. On defense, Lanier is led by LB Michael Shaw (14 tackles for losses, three forced fumbles), 6-foot-6 junior DE Trevon McSwain (nine sacks, three Division I scholarship offers) and Gary Lee Williams (six interceptions). 3. Lanier, which opened in 2010, got its first playoff victory last week. Alexander, opened in 1986, got its first since 1996. Alexander has won five other post-season  games, but none in the state playoffs.

Maxwell Ratings' projection: Lanier by 1

Winner plays: Wayne County/Veterans winner

Mary Persons at Burke County

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Bear Den, Waynesboro

Records, rankings: Mary Persons is 10-1, the No. 2 seed from Region 2 and unranked; Burke County is 8-2, the No. 1 seed from Region 3 and No. 6.

Last meeting: Burke County won 42-14 in the first round of the 2008 Class AAA playoffs.

Three things to know: 1. Mary Persons' 16-14 victory over Eagle's Landing in the first round featured a scoreless second half. The winning points came when Mary Persons was awarded a safety as  Eagle's Landing was called for intentional grounding in the end zone. Mary Persons has the third-rated scoring defense in AAAA (10.3 ppg). 2. Burke County is averaging 42.4 points per game (No. 5 in AAAA) led 35-0 in the second quarter of its 61-19 rout of Crisp County in the first round. Burke County QB Donquell Green rushed for 159 yards, increasing his season total to 1,394. 3. Burke County's senior class can claim an 11-2 playoff record in its four seasons. Burke is 9-0 in home playoffs games in that time and never failed to make at least the quarterfinals.

Maxwell Ratings' projection: Burke County by 11

Winner plays: Gilmer/Marist winner

Gilmer at Marist

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Hughes Spalding Stadium, Atlanta

Records, rankings: Gilmer is 9-2, the No. 2 seed from Region 7 and unranked; Marist is 9-2, the No. 1 seed from Region 6 and No. 5.

Last meeting: Marist won 56-0 in the first round of the 2012 Class AAAA playoffs.

Three things to know: 1. Marist averages exactly 300 yards rushing per game in its option-based offense. The four primary backs are QB Chase Martenson (873 yards, 12 touchdowns), and RBs Griffin King (680-8), Marcus Miller (674-8) and Matt Perez (507-10). DL Kendall Baker, who has committed to Georgia, had three tackles for losses in a 41-14 first-round victory over Stephens County, giving him a team-leading 10 on the season. 2. Gilmer FB/LB Tyler Bertolini has rushed for 1,013 yards and nine touchdowns. RB/DB Johnie Flakes has rushed for 903 yards and 13 touchdowns. TE/LB Austin Cole has 11 catches for 269 yards in a run-based offense. The three are two-way starters and Gilmer's top three tacklers. 3. Gilmer earned a home playoff game for the first time in its history, which dates to the 1950s, last week against Troup. It also was Gilmer's second state-playoff victory in history and fourth overall in the postseason. Gilmer is 2-9 all-time on the road in the postseason. Marist is 48-2 in home playoff games since 1987.

Maxwell Ratings' projection: Marist by 17

Winner plays: Mary Persons/Burke County winner

Stockbridge at Westover

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Hugh Mills Stadium, Albany

Records, rankings: Stockbridge is 10-1, the No. 2 seed from Region 4 and No. 9; Westover is 9-2, the No. 1 seed from Region 1 and No. 10.

Last meeting: This is the teams' first meeting.

Three things to know: 1. Westover held Liberty County to 19 yards rushing and 107 passing in a 27-7 first-round victory. Shannon Saunders rushed for 213 yards (giving him 981 on the season) and two touchdowns. DE Brenten Wimberly has 20 sacks, and DT Trenton Thompson, a five-star junior, has 11. Westover allows 10.9 points per game, fifth-best in AAAA. 2. Stockbridge has two Division I recruits at running back of similar size but different styles. RB Maetron Thomas (5-8, 172) is committed to Charlotte and is known for his speed. He rushed for 130 yards on eight carries and scored two touchdowns in a 41-20 first-round victory over Westside of Macon. Malik Bryan (5-7, 178) is the more physical back. He rushed for 75 yards on 15 carries. The team's top recruit is Super 11 WR/DB Kendarius Webster, who has committed to Ole Miss. 3. Both schools opened in the 1960s but only recently won their first state playoff games and region titles in football. In fact, neither had even made the state playoffs until Stockbridge qualified in 2011 and beat Washington County in the first round. Stockbridge got its first region title in 2012. Westover won its first state-playoff game in 2004 and won its first region title this year.

Maxwell Ratings' projection: Stockbridge by 7

Winner plays: Carrollton/Monroe Area winner

Carrollton at Monroe Area

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Purple Pit, Monroe

Records, rankings: Carrollton is 10-1, the No. 2 seed from Region 5 and No. 4; Monroe Area is 11-0, the No. 1 seed from Region 8 and No. 3.

Last meeting: This is the teams' first meeting.

Three things to know: 1. Monroe Area is averaging 52.6 points per game, the most in Class AAAA. QB Stanton Truitt and RB Kwan Brooks each averages more than 140 yards rushing. Truitt has 1,417 yards in 10 games, and Brooks has 1,584 in 11. They have 46 touchdowns between them. 2. Carrollton averages 45.6 points, second in AAAA. Carrollton averages 271.7 yards rushing. FB Malik Sheppard (695 yards rushing), HB Trey Chivers (658) and QB Will Garrett (421) have 12 rushing touchdowns each. Leading rusher Jarvis Terrell (736) has 11. 3. This is one of three games this week that matches teams ranked in the top five. The others are North Gwinnett-Archer in AAAAAA and Greater Atlanta Christian-Calhoun in AA.

Maxwell Ratings' projection: Carrollton by 7

Winner plays: Stockbridge/Westover winner

Class AAA

Pierce County at Callaway

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Callaway Stadium, LaGrange

Records, rankings: Pierce County is 10-1, the No. 2 seed from Region 1 and unranked; Callaway is 10-1, the No. 1 seed from Region 4 and No. 5.

Last meeting: This is the teams' first meeting.

Three things to know: 1. Callaway scored three touchdowns in its first six plays from scrimmage in a 62-28 first-round victory over Henry County. RB Eddie Culpepper scored on runs of 57 and 70 yards and had a third touchdown in the second half. DB/WR Terry Godwin, rated among the top 25 prospects in the nation among juniors, returned a punt for a touchdown. QB Tez Parks, being recruited by Georgia Tech and Tennessee, scored three touchdowns. 2. Pierce County returned a fumble and an interception for touchdowns in a 35-14 victory over Thomson last week. QB Tyler Harris has thrown for more than 2,500 yards. He is committed to SMU. 3. These are two of five AAA teams with average margins of victory of greater than 20 points. The other three are No. 1 Buford, No. 2 Cartersville and No. 3 Washington County. Callaway averages 40.9 points (fourth-best) and allows 13.7 (fifth). Pierce averages 36.8 (seventh) and allows 14.7 (ninth).

Maxwell Ratings' projection: Callaway by 15

Winner plays: St. Pius/Cartersville winner

St. Pius at Cartersville

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Weinman Stadium, Cartersville

Records, rankings: St. Pius is 8-3, the No. 3 seed from Region 6 and unranked; Cartersville is 11-0, the No. 1 seed from Region 5 and No. 2.

Last meeting: Cartersville won 34-31 in the first round of the 2008 Class AAA playoffs.

Three things to know: 1. Cartersville advanced to the second round with a 28-26 victory when West Hall missed a 41-yard field goal in the final seconds. West Hall ran back a kickoff and interception for touchdowns and also scored on a 99-yard pass. Cartersville QB Brooks Barden has thrown for 2,316 yards and 41 touchdowns, but he has been held to 73 and 59 yards the past two games. 2. St. Pius RB/LB Dalton Wilson rushed for 138 yards and had two sacks on defense for 18 yards in losses in a 31-21 victory over Hart County last week. Wilson has a team-leading 816 yards rushing on the season and has not been stopped for a loss in 128 carries. Nick Ruffin, who has committed to Auburn, is the leading tackler with 59.5 stops. 3. Both teams made the semifinals last season. St. Pius was ranked No. 2 in preseason, and Cartersville was No. 3. St. Pius played in what the Maxwell Ratings consider the state's toughest region and has the second-toughest schedule in AAA. Maxwell rates Cartersville's schedule 53rd, lowest among remaining playoff teams.

Maxwell Ratings' projection: Cartersville by 1

Winner plays: Pierce County/Callaway winner

Jefferson County at Carver (Columbus)

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium, Columbus

Records, rankings: Jefferson County is 8-3, the No. 2 seed from Region 3 and unranked; Carver is 10-1, the No. 1 seed from Region 2 and No. 4.

Last meeting: This is the teams' first meeting.

Three things to know: 1. Carver escaped with a 38-32 victory over B.E.S.T. Academy in three overtimes last week. B.E.S.T. trailed 20-7 with less than eight minutes left and rallied but missed two extra-point attempts, one that Carver blocked in overtime. 2. Jefferson County's 32-29 first-round victory was equally dramatic. Southeast Bulloch thought it had returned a punt 70 yards for the winning touchdown in the final seconds. The punt originally was muffed, and an inadvertent whistle blew as Jefferson County tried to recover. Jefferson County's Marquarious Patterson ran an interception 60 yards for a touchdown at the end of the first half, and Justin Smith returned a fumble 30 yards for a touchdown to open the second half. 3. Carver has won six consecutive second-round playoff games, all at home. Carver is 17-4 at home in the playoffs since 2006. Jefferson County is 0-3 on the road in the second round all-time. Jefferson County has made the quarterfinals once, in 2009.

Maxwell Ratings' projection: Carver by 12

Winner plays: Woodward Academy/Buford winner

Woodward Academy at Buford

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Tom Riden Stadium, Buford

Records, rankings: Woodward Academy is 9-2, the No. 2 seed from Region 6 and No. 8; Buford is 11-0, the No. 1 seed from Region 7 and No. 1.

Last meeting: This is the teams' first meeting.

Three things to know: 1. Led by Super 11 LB Korie Rogers, who has committed to Clemson, Buford allows only 5.9 points and 54 yards rushing per game. Buford also leads AAA in scoring offense (52.0 ppg) and has won each game by at least 24 points. No team has won every game by 21 or more points since Valdosta in 1971. 2. Woodward Academy gets two-thirds of its total yards from the running game. QB Terry Googer (6-4, 209), who is committed to South Carolina, has rushed for 1,112 yards and 16 touchdowns and passed for 1,005 yards and 11 TDs. Running backs Elijah Holyfield and Quincy Wolff each scored three touchdowns last week in a 53-21 victory over North Oconee. 3. Buford is 13-0 in the second round since 2000. Woodward is 0-5.

Maxwell Ratings' projection: Buford by 26

Winner plays: Jefferson County/Carver (Columbus) winner

Peach County at Washington County

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, House of Pain, Sandersville

Records, rankings: Peach County is 8-3, the No. 2 seed from Region 2 and unranked; Washington County is 10-0, the No. 1 seed from Region 3 and No. 3.

Last meeting: Peach County won 29-6 in the second round of the 2009 Class AAA playoffs.

Three things to know: 1. Peach County QB Greg Williams scored on a 15-yard run with 45 seconds left in a 28-21 first-round victory over Chapel Hill. Williams passed for 148 yards, giving him 2,135 on the season. RB Keyshawn Lowe rushed for 138 yards, giving him 851 on the season. 2. Washington County is averaging 51 points per game. Peach County is allowing 22.8, which is the most among the remaining AAA playoff teams. RB Melvin Hill has more than 1,200 yards rushing. 3. Peach County leads the series 10-0-2. That includes a 43-29 victory in the 2006 semifinals. Peach has won eight consecutive second-round games, all since 2003. Washington County is 9-2 in second-round games since 1996, when the GHSA expanded the playoffs to 32 teams.

Maxwell Ratings' projection: Washington County by 40

Winner plays: White County/Blessed Trinity winner

White County at Blessed Trinity

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Blessed Trinity Stadium, Roswell

Records, rankings: White County is 9-2, the No. 2 seed from Region 7 and unranked; Blessed Trinity is 8-3, the No. 1 seed from Region 6 and No. 10.

Last meeting: Blessed Trinity won 30-0 in the regular season on Sept. 20.

Three things to know: 1. White County RB Dalton Whitfield rushed for 237 yards and three touchdowns on 25 carries in a 52-28 first-round victory over Adairsville. White County had 450 yard rushing in the game. 2. Blessed Trinity sophomore TB Milton Shelton was lost to a knee injury in a 41-14 victory over Jackson County last week, but senior Chad Manthey replaced him and rushed for 228 yards on 37 carries. 3. Neither team has made the quarterfinals. Blessed Trinity lost in the second round in 2011 and 2012. White County fell a game short in 1983 and 2010.

Maxwell Ratings' projection: Blessed Trinity by 8

Winner plays: Peach County/Washington County winner

Central (Carrollton) at Appling County

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jimmy Swain Stadium, Baxley

Records, rankings: Central is 9-2, the No. 2 seed from Region 4 and unranked; Appling County is 9-2, the No. 1 seed from Region 1 and No. 9.

Last meeting: This is the teams' first meeting.

Three things to know: 1. Central sophomore RB Demarius Owensby has rushed for 797 yards, including 116 in a 31-0 victory over Pike County last week. The leading tackler is DB Josh Dunson with 45 solo stops, 10 for losses. Central has shut out five opponents. 2. Appling County QB Vernon Dasher had 170 yards in total offense and scored two touchdowns in a 30-8 victory over Dodge County last week. Dasher has rushed for almost 1,000 yards this season. Maurice Paulk has rushed for about 800 yards, and Derrix Henry has more than 500 in Appling's spread offense. 3. Central is in the second round for the first time since 2005. Central hasn't made the quarterfinals since its 1986 and '87 state championship teams. Appling County has made the playoffs each of the past six seasons. A victory would put the Pirates in the quarters for the second time in history and first since the 2011 Class AA semifinal team.

Maxwell Ratings' projection: Appling County by 4

Winner plays: Cedar Grove/Ringgold winner

Cedar Grove at Ringgold

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Don Patterson Stadium, Ringgold

Records, rankings: Cedar Grove is 7-4, the No. 4 seed from Region 6 and unranked; Ringgold is 9-2, the No. 2 seed from Region 5 and unranked.

Last meeting: This is the teams' first meeting.

Three things to know: 1. Ringgold QB Slade Dale is 101-for-183 passing for 1,663 yards and 17 touchdowns. He has rushed for 1,199 yards and 19 touchdowns. LB Dakota Baer has a team-leading 95 tackles, 10 for losses. DL Zach Morris has 10 sacks. 2. Cedar Grove has a 1,000-yard rusher (Deion Sellers) and a 1,000-yard receiver (Brandon Norwood). The Saints' marquee player is LB Bryson Allen-Williams, who has more than 100 tackles. He has committed to South Carolina. 3. Ringgold won its first state-playoff game in history last week. The school first played in the GHSA in 1949. Cedar Grove is trying to reach the quarterfinals for the fourth time and first since 2010.

Maxwell Ratings' projection: Cedar Grove by 3

Winner plays: Central (Carrollton)/Appling County winner

Class AA

Thomasville at Lamar County

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Trojan Field, Barnesville

Records, rankings: Thomasville is 8-3, the No. 2 seed from Region 1 and unranked; Lamar County is 11-0, the No. 1 seed from Region 4 and No. 1.

Last meeting: This is the teams' first meeting.

Three things to know: 1. Thomasville's Mario Cherry rushed for 252 yards on 16 carries and had touchdown runs of 16, 61 and 66 yards in a 45-20 first-round victory over Westside of Augusta. Vantez Gordon added 129 yards and two TDs on 10 carries. The Bulldogs finished with 543 yards, including 174 passing, while holding Westside to 228. 2. Lawrence Austin rushed for 183 yards and four touchdowns on eight carries in Lamar County's 58-15 victory over Metter in the first round. He has a team-best 945 yards this season for a team averaging 281.4 rushing yards per game. Austin's brother, Lance, is second with 779 yards rushing and has passed for 706. Both players have committed to Georgia Tech. 3. Lamar County is in the second round for the third consecutive season and can tie the school record for victories with a win on Friday. Thomasville, under first-year coach Leroy Ryals, is in the second round for the first time since 2010.

Maxwell Ratings' projection: Lamar County by 21

Winner plays: Jefferson/Heard County winner

Jefferson at Heard County

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Staples Stadium, Franklin

Records, rankings: Jefferson is 9-2, the No. 2 seed from Region 8 and No. 8; Heard County is 10-1, the No. 1 seed from Region 5 and No. 10.

Last meeting: Jefferson won 21-13 in the first round of the 2009 Class AA playoffs.

Three things to know: 1. Tristen Jackson rushed for 84 yards and scored three touchdowns and Isaiah Blake ran for 144 yards and a TD in Jefferson's 28-0 first-round victory over Westminster. The Dragons have held four of their past five opponents to three points or less. They have three shutouts in that span and five for the season. 2. Heard County junior RB Duranta Dunson rushed for 200 yards and three TDs (1, 11 and 82 yards) in a 27-14 victory over Pepperell in the first round, giving him 1,730 yards for the season. He also broke the school's career rushing record, according to the Heard Citizen, with 4,588 yards. 3. Jefferson won its first state title last year in T. McFerrin's final season as head coach. Heard County has been playing football since 1972 but has advanced past the second round only once, in 1990 when it lost to Dacula 20-14 in the Class A quarterfinals. The Braves lost to GAC 52-21 in the second round last year.

Maxwell Ratings' projection: Jefferson by 2

Winner plays: Thomasville/Lamar County winner

Fitzgerald at Benedictine

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Savannah State University's T.A. Wright Stadium, Savannah

Records, rankings: Fitzgerald is 6-4-1, the No. 3 seed from Region 1 and unranked; Benedictine is 11-0, the No. 1 seed from Region 2 and No. 6.

Last meeting: This is the teams' first meeting.

Three things to know: 1. Fitzgerald ran for 454 yards on 49 carries in its 41-21 victory over Dublin in the first round on Saturday. The Purple Hurricanes spread the workload as seven players had at least six carries and 29 yards. Antonio Wilcox led the way with 97 yards and a touchdown on eight carries, followed by Trey Graham (six carries, 80 yards, one TD) and Taeylon Gaulden (7-76-2). Fitzgerald was 1-of-3 passing for six yards. 2. Chance Jackson rushed for 171 yards and three touchdowns in Benedictine's 56-12 first-round victory over Metter. Jackson is second on the team in rushing for the season with 636 yards, behind J.J. Gaines with 683. Benedictine averages 236.6 yards per game rushing, while QB Stevie Powers has passed for 1,312 on the season. 3. Benedictine is 11-0 for just the second time in school history and trying to advance to the quarterfinals for the first time since 1996, when it played in the highest classification. A victory would put Fitzgerald in the quarterfinals for the sixth consecutive season.

Maxwell Ratings' projection: Benedictine by 30

Winner plays: Greater Atlanta Christian/Calhoun winner

Greater Atlanta Christian at Calhoun

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Phil Reeve Stadium, Calhoun

Records, rankings: Greater Atlanta Christian is 10-1, the No. 2 seed from Region 6 and No. 3; Calhoun is 10-1, the No. 1 seed from Region 7 and No. 5.

Last meeting: GAC won 26-7 in the second round of the 2007 Class AA playoffs.

Three things to know: 1. Micah Abernathy rushed for 156 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries in Greater Atlanta Christian's 34-7 first-round victory over Rabun County. QB Rafe Chapple ran for two touchdowns and a two-point conversion and threw a TD pass to Chris Williams. Abernathy had 1,252 yards rushing in the regular season. 2. Calhoun was tied 3-3 at halftime against Manchester last week but broke the game open with a 21-point third quarter and went on to a 42-9 victory. The Yellow Jackets, who have won 13 consecutive region titles, took the lead for good on a 59-yard touchdown pass from Fields Chapman to Chandler Curtis early in the third quarter. 3. Calhoun has won 19 consecutive home playoff games since its loss to GAC in the teams' most recent meeting. The Yellow Jackets have played in five consecutive state championship games since then, losing three to Buford, beating Buford in 2011 and losing to Jefferson last year. GAC also lost to Jefferson last season, 42-14 in the semifinals.

Maxwell Ratings' projection: Greater Atlanta Christian by 8

Winner plays: Fitzgerald/Benedictine winner

Vidalia at Laney

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Lucy C. Laney Memorial Stadium, Augusta

Records, rankings: Vidalia is 10-1, the No. 2 seed from Region 2 and No. 9; Laney is 9-2, the No. 1 seed from Region 3 and unranked.

Last meeting: Vidalia won 25-6 in the 2009 regular season.

Three things to know: 1. The focus of the Vidalia offense is RB Tra Hardy, who rushed for 1,486 yards and 22 touchdowns during the regular season. Hardy had 108 yards and a TD in the Indians' 52-14 victory over Taylor County in the first round. QB DeJarius Mincey attempts about 11 passes per game and has thrown for 1,291 yards this season, including a season-high 196 against Taylor County. 2. Laney QB Horatio Keller rushed for 152 yards on 22 carries and had touchdown runs of 46 and 20 yards in an 18-13 victory over Cook in the first round. He also was 7-of-15 passing for 176 yards and threw a 26-yard TD pass to Vicente Thompkins. Laney has four shutouts this season and has held seven of its 11 opponents to six points or less. 3. Neither team has advanced beyond the second round since 2004, when Laney beat Vidalia 34-28 in the quarterfinals. Vidalia has lost twice in the first round and twice in the second round since then. Laney has lost four times in the first round and three times in the second in that same stretch.

Maxwell Ratings' projection: Vidalia by 3

Winner plays: Kendrick/Lovett winner

Kendrick at Lovett

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Martin E. Kilpatrick Stadium, Atlanta

Records, rankings: Kendrick is 7-4, the No. 3 seed from Region 5 and unranked; Lovett is 10-1, the No. 1 seed from Region 6 and No. 2.

Last meeting: This is the teams' first meeting.

Three things to know: 1. Kendrick's Reno Lee rushed for 102 yards and a touchdown in a 12-0 victory against Dade County in the first round. Brandon Wade added 67 yards, and Triston Dowdell scored on a 15-yard run for the Cherokees, who rushed for 239 yards on 44 carries. The shutout was one of four in Class AA in the first round and one of eight in any classification. 2. Jay Harris and Grant Haley each ran for two touchdowns as Lovett built a 42-0 lead in the first quarter and cruised to a 56-21 victory over Union County in the first round. Harris finished with 127 yards on five carries and Haley had 121 on two carries for the Lions, who rushed for 384 yards and finished with a 464-171 advantage in total offense. 3. Kendrick is trying to reach the eight-victory mark for the first time since 1995, which also was the last time it won a playoff game. Lovett has won 10 games for the fifth time in eight seasons and reached at least the state semifinals the four previous times.

Maxwell Ratings' projection: Lovett by 39

Winner plays: Vidalia/Laney winner

Bleckley County at Brooks County

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Veterans Stadium, Quitman

Records, rankings: Bleckley County is 9-2, the No. 2 seed from Region 4 and unranked; Brooks County is 10-1, the No. 1 seed from Region 1 and No. 7.

Last meeting: Bleckley County won 16-14 in the 1985 regular season.

Three things to know: 1. Antavias Robertson scored on a 14-yard run in overtime to give Bleckley County a 20-14 victory over Bryan County in the first round. Bleckley County missed a potential game-winning field goal with seven seconds remaining in regulation. It was Bleckley County's first playoff victory since beating Fitzgerald and Savannah Christian in 2006. 2. Brooks County QB Malkom Parrish (committed to Georgia) was 7-of-9 passing for 174 yards and a touchdown and rushed five times for 43 yards and another score in a 54-22 victory over Screven County last week. The 54 points were the most Brooks County has ever scored in a playoff game. 3. Bleckley County, which would tie the school record for victories with a second-round victory, is 17-5 in Tracy White's two seasons as coach. It's the best two-year stretch in school history. Maurice Freeman is 59-16 in his second stint at Brooks County and trying to get the Trojans into the quarterfinals for the fourth time in six years.

Maxwell Ratings' projection: Brooks County by 13

Winner plays: Bowdon/Washington-Wilkes winner

Bowdon at Washington-Wilkes

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Tiger Stadium, Washington

Records, rankings: Bowdon is 10-1, the No. 2 seed from Region 5 and unranked; Washington-Wilkes is 11-0, the No. 1 seed from Region 8 and No. 4.

Last meeting: Washington-Wilkes won 66-28 in the first round of the 2012 Class AA playoffs.

Three things to know: 1. Marcus Holland rushed for 88 yards and a touchdown and recovered a block punt for another TD in Bowdon's 20-10 victory over Model in the first round. Chris Keith led the Red Devils with 114 yards on 26 carries. QB Marcus Thurman, who recently committed to Kennesaw State, had a 34-yard touchdown run and finished with 49 yards. 2. Washington-Wilkes QB DeAndre Harris ran for two touchdowns and threw TD passes of 30 and 32 yards in a 46-14 first-round victory over Wesleyan. Washington-Wilkes is 11-0 for the first time since 2000, when it lost 14-0 to Americus in the state championship game. 3. This will be the fourth time in nine seasons that these teams have met in the playoffs. Washington-Wilkes rallied to win the first game 18-14 in the 2005 semifinals. The other two meetings came in the first round, with Bowdon winning 49-35 in 2009 and Washington-Wilkes winning 66-28 last season.

Maxwell Ratings' projection: Washington-Wilkes by 19

Winner plays: Bleckley County/Brooks County winner

Class A-Public

Wilkinson County at Seminole County

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Seminole Stadium, Donalsonville

Records, rankings: Wilkinson County is 4-6, the No. 16 seed and unranked; Seminole County is 10-0, the No. 1 seed and ranked No. 2.

Last meeting: Seminole County won 28-7 in the second round of the 2011 Class A playoffs.

Three things to know: 1. Three of Wilkinson’s four victories were blowouts against Region 7 non-playoff teams, but one of the Warriors’ best performances came in a loss to third-place First Presbyterian on Oct. 25. QB Devon Dilson was 28-of-48 passing for 403 yards and three touchdowns in the 41-40 loss. 2. Seminole County’s Javonte Smith had seven tackles and a sack, rushed for 45 yards on six carries and scored the go-ahead touchdown on a 10-yard run in an 18-12 victory over Mitchell County two weeks ago that clinched the Region 1 championship. Seminole County gets more than 80 percent of its yardage from the running game and attempts only about five passes per game. 3. Seminole County went 10-0 in the regular season for the first time since 1973 and second time in school history. Wilkinson County finished with a losing regular-season record for the first time since the 2007 team went 4-5-1. The Warriors made the playoffs that season, too, but lost to Fellowship Christian 3-0 in the first round.

Maxwell Ratings’ projection: Seminole County by 33

Winner plays: Charlton County/Commerce winner

Charlton County at Commerce

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Tiger Field at Ray Lamb Stadium, Commerce

Records, rankings: Charlton County is 6-4, the No. 9 seed and unranked; Commerce is 7-3, the No. 8 seed and unranked.

Last meeting: This is the teams’ first meeting.

Three things to know: 1. Charlton County will have the longest first-round road trip of any team in either of the Class A brackets, according to mapquest.com. The Indians will travel 287.5 miles from Folkston to Commerce, narrowly edging out Trion’s 283.4-mile trip to Ocilla to face Irwin County. 2. Charlton County is making its 24th consecutive playoff appearance, the fifth-longest active streak in the state. The streak began in 1990, which was current coach Rich McWhorter’s first season leading the Indians. Last season, the Indians finished with the only losing record of McWhorter’s tenure (5-6) but made the playoffs as the No. 10 seed. 3. Commerce is primarily a running team that attempts only about five passes per game. The leading rushers are Jamir Walton (689 yards, eight touchdowns) and Chance McClure (664, five TDs). Caleb Brooks, who took over at quarterback early in the year after an injury to starter Drew Whitfield, has 363 yards rushing and six touchdowns.

Maxwell Ratings’ projection: Charlton County by 1

Winner plays: Wilkinson County/Seminole County winner

Emanuel County Institute at Johnson County

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Herschel Walker Field, Wrightsville

Records, rankings: Emanuel County Institute is 6-4, the No. 12 seed and unranked; Johnson County is 9-1, the No. 5 seed and ranked No. 10.

Last meeting: Johnson County won 65-29 in the regular season on Oct. 25.

Three things to know: 1. This is a rematch of last month’s regular-season game that Johnson County won to clinch the subregion title in Region 3-A Division B. Johnson County QB Markel Horne had a career night, rushing for 332 yards and six touchdowns on 16 carries and passing for 157 yards and two TDs. Horne got 42 percent of his rushing yards for the season and 37 percent of his passing yardage in that game. 2. Emanuel County Institute, the defending Class A public-school champion, runs for more than 300 yards per game, and it is led by two 1,000-yard rushers in Michael Sutton and James Brown. Sutton had 152 yards in the season finale against Claxton two weeks ago after being out for three weeks. 3. Both teams come into this game off a loss in the Region 3 crossover games. Johnson County lost to Calvary Day 40-14 in the championship game, and ECI lost to Claxton 21-14 after having beaten the Tigers 32-14 earlier in the season.

Maxwell Ratings’ projection: Johnson County by 11

Winner plays: Trion/Irwin County winner

Trion at Irwin County

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Indian Field, Ocilla

Records, rankings: Trion is 5-4, the No. 13 seed and unranked; Irwin County is 8-1-1, the No. 4 seed and ranked No. 6.

Last meeting: Trion won 31-6 in the first round of the 2012 Class A public-school playoffs.

Three things to know: 1. This is a rematch of last year’s first-round game, which Trion won as a No. 11 seed. Trion QB Cory Bethune rushed for 59 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries and threw a 24-yard touchdown pass to Scotty Lively. Agustin Navarro kicked a 38-yard field goal in the first half that put the Bulldogs ahead for good at 9-6. 2. Irwin County’s Eric Contreras kicked a 33-yard field goal with 3.3 seconds remaining in the regular-season finale to give the Indians a 29-26 victory over Charlton County that clinched second place in Region 2-A and secured the No. 4 spot in the power rankings. Irwin County finished with 373 yards rushing, led by Ryan Peterson with 147 yards on 20 carries and Jakyron Young with 125 yards on 18 carries. 3. Trion’s first-round victory last year was the Bulldogs’ only playoff win since they reached the semifinals in 2003. They lost in the first round in their other five appearances since then. Irwin County is 0-5 in the playoffs since beating Southeast Bulloch in the first round in 2002.

Maxwell Ratings’ projection: Irwin County by 18

Winner plays: Emanuel County Institute/Johnson County winner

Claxton at Clinch County

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Donald Tison Field at Panther Stadium, Homerville

Records, rankings: Claxton is 6-4, the No. 14 seed and unranked; Clinch County is 7-3, the No. 3 seed and ranked No. 4.

Last meeting: Clinch County won 47-20 in the first round of the 2007 Class A playoffs.

Three things to know: 1. Claxton comes into the game off its best victory of the season, 21-14 against ECI in a Region 3 crossover game that likely clinched a playoff. Claxton is led by QB Cornelius Taylor, who passes for about 62 yards per game and is one of four players with the majority of rushing attempts, along with Khalil Brewton, Devontay Bacon and Darvis Small. 2. Clinch County is the only team in the state that played the No. 1 seeds in both the private-school and public-school brackets. The Panthers lost 30-0 to Eagle’s Landing Christian and 21-14 to Seminole County on consecutive weekends in early September. 3. Clinch County had a streak of 17 consecutive playoff appearances broken last year when it finished 4-6, the team’s worst record since going 4-7 in 1985. The Panthers rebounded with the Region 2 title this season. Claxton is in the playoffs for the first time since 2007. The Tigers were 2-8 in the regular season that year and lost to Clinch County in the first round.

Maxwell Ratings’ projection: Clinch County by 22

Winner plays: Mitchell County/Hawkinsville winner

Mitchell County at Hawkinsville

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Bobby Gentry Stadium, Hawkinsville

Records, rankings: Mitchell County is 6-4, the No. 11 seed and unranked; Hawkinsville is 7-3, the No. 6 seed and unranked.

Last meeting: This is the teams’ first meeting.

Three things to know: 1. Mitchell County gets 76 percent of its offense from a rushing game led by QB Bruce Bryant and RB Anfreenee Williams, who both average about 85 yards per game. Bryant also passes for 63 yards per game. Mitchell County scored 20 points or less in seven of its 10 games but had 80 against Stewart County in an October game. 2. Hawkinsville’s best victory of the season was a 14-10 game against Marion County that was Marion’s only loss. Dontavious Grace and Dakota Sloan scored touchdowns for the Red Devils, who finished in third place in Region 4 behind Marion and Dooly County. 3. Hawkinsville had five consecutive seasons beginning in 2002 in which it reached the quarterfinals or better, including state titles in 2003 and 2004, but the Red Devils are 0-2 in the playoffs since 2006. Mitchell County is 0-2 in the playoffs since the split of Mitchell-Baker High in 2007. Mitchell-Baker’s last playoff victory came against Macon County in the Class AA first round in 2003.

Maxwell Ratings’ projection: Hawkinsville by 9

Winner plays: Claxton/Clinch County winner

Dooly County at Lincoln County

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Buddy Bufford Field, Lincolnton

Records, rankings: Dooly County is 7-3, the No. 10 seed and unranked; Lincoln County is 7-3, the No. 7 seed and unranked.

Last meeting: Dooly County won 10-7 in the 2012 Class A public-school semifinals

Three things to know: 1. This is a rematch of the teams’ semifinal game last year, which Dooly County won to reach the championship game for the third time in the program’s history. Dooly County got all of its points in the second quarter on Diego Cruz’s 32-yard field goal and Mark Clark’s 75-yard return of a blocked field goal on the final play of the half. 2. Dooly County’s only loss in region play was a 27-25 game against Marion County that essentially decided the Region 4 title, which Marion has won or shared for four consecutive seasons. Dooly County QB Kereon Merrell threw a 62-yard touchdown pass to Cortney Clark with 1:07 remaining, but Marion County stopped the two-point conversion to preserve the victory. 3. Lincoln County’s offense is led by RB Mike McIntire, who has rushed for 1,506 yards and 23 touchdowns on 173 carries. QB Ben Turner, who took over midway through the season, is 39-of-67 passing for 578 yards and eight TDs. Jamar Morgan (24 receptions, 385 yards) and Jalen Smith (12-235) are the only receivers with more than seven catches.

Maxwell Ratings’ projection: Dooly County by 2

Winner plays: Turner County/Marion County winner

Turner County at Marion County

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Eagle Stadium, Buena Vista

Records, rankings: Turner County is 4-6, the No. 15 seed and unranked; Marion County is 9-1, the No. 2 seed and unranked.

Last meeting: Marion County won 64-26 in the first round of the 2010 Class A playoffs.

Three things to know: 1. Turner County WR Nate Martin has 39 receptions for 738 yards and seven touchdowns, and he has returned three kickoffs and two punts for touchdowns. CB Quan Hillmon has four interceptions and 12 pass breakups, 23 receptions for 387 yards and four scores on offense, and two kickoff returns for TDs. QB Quan Williams has passed for 1,358 yard and 16 touchdowns and rushed for 380 yards and six TDs. 2. Marion County is primarily a running team that is averaging 31 carries and nine pass attempts per game. The Eagles have rushed for 1,854 yards and 31 touchdowns, led by Johnny Royal’s 1,153 yards and 18 TDs. QB Justin Eckert has passed for 772 yards and nine touchdowns and rushed for 356 yards and three TDs. 3. Marion County, which became a separate program in 2006 after the breakup of Tri-County High, is in the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season. The Eagles were 3-1 in their previous first-round games. Turner County is seeking its first playoff victory since 2008.

Maxwell Ratings’ projection: Marion County by 15

Winner plays: Dooly County/Lincoln County winner

Class A-Private

Athens Christian at Eagle’s Landing Christian

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Commitment Field, McDonough

Records, rankings: Athens Christian is 5-5, the No. 16 seed and unranked; Eagle’s Landing Christian is 9-0, the No. 1 seed and ranked No. 1.

Last meeting: Eagle’s Landing Christian won 50-28 in the 2007 regular season.

Three things to know: 1. Athens Christian is making its second GHSA playoff appearance. The Eagles were 3-5 before beating George Walton Academy (42-14) and Athens Academy (21-3) – teams that had been ranked in the Top 10 of Class A but failed to make the playoff. In the victory over George Walton, Athens Christian drove 80 yards in the final minute, and QB Brett Branton threw a TD pass to Stephen Logan on the final play of the game. Athens Christian coach Steve Brooks called it a “once-in-a-lifetime kind of game.” 2. ELCA QB Dalton Etheridge had 454 yards in total offense in the regular-season finale against Landmark Christian. For the season, he is 71-of-109 passing for 1,132 yards and 12 touchdowns. He has rushed for 851 yards and 17 touchdowns on 115 carries. DL Andrew Williams, whose college favorites reportedly are Clemson and Ole Miss, has 25 tackles behind the line of scrimmage. 3. ELCA has won each of its games by at least 20 points and is the most heavily favored to win a championship among any Georgia team, according to the Maxwell Ratings, which project ELCA as the winner in 76.1 percent of 1 million computer simulations.

Maxwell Ratings’ projection: Eagle’s Landing Christian by 37

Winner plays: Christian Heritage/Darlington winner

Christian Heritage at Darlington

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Chris Hunter Stadium, Rome

Records, rankings: Christian Heritage is 8-2, the No. 9 seed and unranked; Darlington is 8-2, the No. 8 seed and unranked.

Last meeting: Darlington won 18-14 in the regular season on Oct. 11.

Three things to know: 1. Christian Heritage, which opened in 1986 and moved into its Dalton campus eight years later, is playing its second full varsity season. QB Trevor Brown leads Class A in passing yards with 2,304, and WR Nich Bartley leads in receiving yards with 1,195. 2. Darlington won a regular-season game between the two on Oct. 11. Trey Edge scored the winning touchdown on a 7-yard run with 38 seconds left. The biggest play on the drive was QB Logan Rice's 33-yard pass to Jeremiah McClure to the 15-yard line. 3. While Christian Heritage is playing in its first playoff game, Darlington has been a playoff regular since 1998, when the Rome school won a state championship. A victory would put Darlington in the quarterfinals for only the second time since 1998. The Tigers made the semifinals in 2009.

Maxwell Ratings’ projection: Darlington by 10

Winner plays: Athens Christian/Eagle’s Landing Christian winner

Brookstone at Prince Avenue Christian

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Brad Akins Field, Bogart

Records, rankings: Brookstone is 6-4, the No. 12 seed and unranked; Prince Avenue Christian is 9-1, the No. 5 seed and ranked No. 9.

Last meeting: This is the teams’ first meeting.

Three things to know: 1. Prince Avenue averages 310.3 yards rushing per game. Kevon Hudson has rushed for 833 yards and 11 touchdowns, and Zantravious Shields has run for 663 and eight scores. Both have 60 carries. Prince Avenue passes less frequently than perhaps any other team in the state – only 15 completions this season. But eight of those went for touchdowns. 2. Brookstone’s quarterback is a freshman, Jaqwon Roberts, who became the starter on Oct. 11 and has led Brookstone to a 4-1 finish. In those five games, he is 63-of-128 passing for 915 yards and 12 touchdowns with only one interception. 3. Prince Avenue reached the final in 2012 (Eagle’s Landing Christian) and the semifinals in 2011 (Savannah Christian), each time losing to the eventual champion. Brookstone is trying to reach the quarterfinals for the fifth time but first since 2007.

Maxwell Ratings’ projection: Prince Avenue Christian by 18

Winner plays: First Presbyterian/Calvary Day winner

First Presbyterian at Calvary Day

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, M.C. Anderson Field, Savannah

Records, rankings: First Presbyterian is 6-4, the No. 13 seed and unranked; Calvary Day is 8-2, the No. 4 seed and ranked No. 8.

Last meeting: First Presbyterian won 30-0 in the 1987 GISA Class AAA quarterfinals.

Three things to know: 1. Calvary Day QB Michael Peterson is a candidate for Class A offensive player of the year. He is 131-of-184 passing for 2,151 yards, second-most in Class A. He has thrown 27 touchdown passes and only three interceptions. 2. First Presbyterian is a deep team without stars. No player has more than 550 yards rushing or receiving or 1,000 yards passing. Ryan Lindsey rushed for 158 yards and two touchdowns in a 33-32 loss against third-ranked Aquinas in the regular-season finale. Missed extra points were the difference. 3. Two of the top recruits in Class A are in this game. First Presbyterian OL/DL Caleb Samuel has committed to North Carolina. Calvary Day TE/DE Milan Richard has committed to Clemson.

Maxwell Ratings’ projection: Calvary Day by 20

Winner plays: Brookstone/Prince Avenue Christian winner

Savannah Christian at Aquinas

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aquinas Stadium, Augusta

Records, rankings: Savannah Christian is 5-4-1, the No. 14 seed and unranked; Aquinas is 10-0, the No. 3 seed and ranked No. 3.

Last meeting: Savannah Christian won 14-3 in the 1991 regular season.

Three things to know: 1. Aquinas junior RB Ruben Garnett has rushed for 1,590 yards, the most of any player in the Class A private playoffs. But Aquinas is effective passing as sophomore QB Liam Welch has 20 TD passes, six to Daniel Lindsey and five to Garnett. 2. Youth is the primary reason that Savannah Christian could be headed for its first non-winning season since 2005, when Donald Chumley (90-22-1) arrived as head coach. Nine of the top 10 tacklers are juniors or sophomores. Senior QB Brandon Thomas is the leading rusher (462 yards). He has thrown for 553 yards. 3. Aquinas reached the Class A quarterfinals in 2011 but otherwise has not won a playoff game. Aquinas is 10-0 for the first time, and James Leonard is the only unbeaten coach in the GHSA. An Aquinas graduate, Leonard was promoted to head coach this season.

Maxwell Ratings’ projection: Aquinas by 17

Winner plays: Our Lady of Mercy/Mount Paran Christian winner

Our Lady of Mercy at Mount Paran Christian

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Mount Paran Stadium, Kennesaw

Records, rankings: Our Lady of Mercy is 5-5, the No. 11 seed and unranked; Mount Paran Christian is 8-2, the No. 6 seed and unranked.

Last meeting: Mount Paran Christian won 36-7 in the regular season on Aug. 30.

Three things to know: 1. Our Lady QB Jameson Vest leads the team in rushing with 675 yards on 133 carries. He is 107-of-187 passing for 1,364 yards. 2. Mount Park WR Emoni Williams was second in Cobb County in the regular season with 825 yards receiving on 38 catches. He had eight TD receptions. QB Jake Allen is 71-of-106 passing for 1,276 yards and 12 touchdowns. 3. Neither team has won a playoff game. Our Lady lost in the first round in 2004 and 2012, and Mount Paran lost in 2010 and 2011. Mount Paran began football in 2008, and this will be the school's first home playoff game. Our Lady of Mercy started football in 2001.

Maxwell Ratings’ projection: Mount Paran Christian by 7

Winner plays: Savannah Christian/Aquinas winner

Holy Innocents’ at Landmark Christian

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Bill Thorn Stadium, Fairburn

Records, rankings: Holy Innocents’ is 6-4, the No. 10 seed and unranked; Landmark Christian is 8-2, the No. 7 seed and ranked No. 7.

Last meeting: Holy Innocents’ won 29-28 in the regular season on Nov. 1.

Three things to know: 1. This is a rematch of a Nov. 1 game that ensured Holy Innocents' a berth in the playoffs. Holy Innocents' trailed 20-7 in the third quarter and 28-21 with 5:21 left. QB Luke Wright converted two fourth-day plays on the game-winning 80-yard drive, once on a pass, the other a scramble. He passed to Jackson Miller for a two-point conversion. 2. Landmark Christian has a Division I prospect at quarterback in 6-foot-3 Stockton McGuire, a sophomore. He's a good passer but also rushed for 178 yards in one game this season. He’s also a place-kicker. His 52-yard attempt in the final seconds fell just short of winning the first Holy Innocents’ game. 3. Landmark Christian is 5-2 against Class A playoff teams. No other school has more victories. But Holy Innocents' leads this series 3-1 with victories in 2008, 2009 and 2013. Landmark won in 2012.

Maxwell Ratings’ projection: Landmark Christian by 10

Winner plays: Pacelli/Mount Pisgah Christian winner

Pacelli at Mount Pisgah Christian

When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Savior Field, Johns Creek

Records, rankings: Pacelli is 7-3, the No. 15 seed and unranked; Mount Pisgah Christian is 10-0, the No. 2 seed and ranked No. 5.

Last meeting: This is the teams’ first meeting.

Three things to know: 1. Mount Pisgah QB Aaron Winchester, a junior, is 117-of-215 passing for 1,803 yards and 24 touchdowns with only four interceptions. Senior DB Jacob Delk is fourth in tackles and has six interceptions in the last six games. 2. Pacelli QB Wyatt Peterson has thrown for 1,201 yards and rushed for a team-leading 551 and scored 13 touchdowns. Pacelli has four running backs between 351 and 501 yards rushing, all underclassmen. Junior DE Chris Rehak has 24 tackles for losses and six sacks. 3. Pacelli has achieved its first winning season since 2007, also the last time the Vikings made the playoffs. It has come under Randy Grace, formerly an assistant during Pacelli's back-to-back 11-1 seasons in 2003-04. Mount Pisgah had never won more than seven games until this season. Its coach is Mike Forester, promoted from defensive coordinator this year.

Maxwell Ratings’ projection: Mount Pisgah Christian by 23

Winner plays: Holy Innocents’/Landmark Christian winner