The first round proved to be highly competitive across the classification and there were some especially noteworthy results, including Hapeville Charter’s win over Jefferson, Spalding’s win over Troup, LaGrange’s win over Baldwin and Dougherty’s big 44-17 win over Jenkins. Here’s a deeper look at each of the wins.
Dougherty was 0-5 last season and had a combined two victories in the three seasons prior to 2021. Friday’s 44-17 road win over Jenkins was the program’s first playoff win since the 2005 season and the Trojans are cruising into their second round matchup with Riverdale carrying an outstanding 9-2 overall record.
Bainbridge scored all 42 points in its 42-0 win during the first half against visiting Islands before a running clock brought the game to a quick close. The Bearcats are through to the second round of the playoffs for the sixth time in the last seven seasons and will host Northwest Whitfield with a spot in the quarterfinals at stake.
Jacorey Walker scored on a fumble recovery touchdown and teammate Larrence George returned a punt for a touchdown to give No. 9 ranked Riverdale a 14-0 lead in its 49-28 win over Central-Carroll. Marcus Polite rushed for a touchdown and sophomore Autavius Ison tallied three rushing touchdowns before Dacien Robinson iced the game with a late interception.
Luella went into the half tied 13-13 and got the go-ahead touchdown late in the third quarter in its 20-13 win over Heritage-Catoosa. Mychal Metcalfe’s interception set up Destin Ingram’s game-winning touchdown pass to Markelo Green. With the victory, Luella improved to 8-3—marking the most wins in school history.
North Oconee’s 56-21 sound victory over Miller Grove earns them a second-round spot where they’ll be matched up against Spalding. Dominic Elder led the ground game with a trio of touchdowns, and Rodrick Finch, Khalil Barnes and Louden Schnake each added one rushing score. Sophomore receiver Brooks Thompson caught the only touchdown reception of the game. On defense, senior Ryland Laturell scored off a fumble recovery and Jack Fabris had a blocked punt.
The Bruins escaped the first round with a narrow 36-33 victory over Fayette County and will face Bainbridge in the next round. Down 13-7 at the half, a 29-point second-half outing helped fuel the Northwest Whitfield comeback. Junior quarterback Owen Brooker finished the night with 19 completions for 229 yards and a passing touchdown to go with 94 rushing yards and two scores, and senior running back Adrian Reyes added a pair of touchdowns — including the go-ahead score with 13.3 seconds left in the game to secure the victory. Senior Ray Morrison led the Bruins in receiving with five catches for 74 yards, while Hudson Gray caught the only receiving score of the game.
No. 7 ranked Perry blocked two punts and returned one for a touchdown to go up 21-6 late in the third quarter and defeated Hardaway 31-12. With the win, Perry (10-1) achieved its first double-digit win season in school history.
No. 6 ranked Jefferson took a 10-0 lead into the fourth quarter before Hapeville Charter rallied back to stun the Dragons 12-10. Hapeville made it a 10-6 game early in the final frame and missed the 2-point try. The Hornets stopped Jefferson and got the ball back with 6:20 left. Hapeville eventually scored with 1:46 left and then stopped Jefferson’s last-second hail mary to score the upset. Hapeville Charter will visit Carver-Columbus in the second round.
Flowery Branch quarterback David Renard found Brody Jordan on a 10-yard touchdown pass with less than a minute left to give Flowery Branch a dramatic 33-28 road win over Mays.
Harlem Diamond scored a pair of touchdowns (26, 27) and Cedric Washington ran in an 8-yard touchdown to give No. 4 ranked Cedartown a 21-0 lead in the first quarter and the Bulldogs topped Hampton 55-14. Patrick Gardner tacked on an 8-yard touchdown and Diamond rushed in his third score to push the lead to 35-0 at the half.
SECOND ROUND PAIRINGS
Dougherty at Riverdale
Hapeville Charter at Carver-Columbus
Cairo at Cedartown
Flowery Branch at Perry
LaGrange at Marist
Luella at Benedictine
Spalding at North Oconee
Northwest Whitfield at Bainbridge
