Defeat or Destroy?: Playoffs Round 3
Friday, November 22
Red Bank (10-1, 4-1) @ Loudon (12-0, 5-0)
The only blemish on Red Bank’s 10-1 record is the 24-7 loss they suffered to Loudon on November 1. The Lion offense, led by QB Madox Wilkey, and WR Lucas Brown Jr., was shut down by Loudon’s stout defense. The athletic duo will have to find a way to produce on the offensive side if the Lions want to avenge their only loss on the season.
Jay’s Pick: Loudon defeats Red Bank
Well’s Pick: Loudon defeats Red Bank
Oneida (8-4, 3-1) @ Meigs County (11-1, 4-0)
Meigs County’s defense shut down the Oneida offense that last time these two teams met, allowing only 3 points in a 24-3 win. Meigs has used its tough defense and the offensive production of Aaron Swafford all season, and will have to do the same if they want to advance in the TSSAA Class AA State Playoffs. The Oneida defense will have to contain Swafford, and muster up enough offensive production to escape Decatur with a win.
Jay’s Pick: Meigs County defeat Oneida
Well’s Pick: Meigs County destroys Oneida
Gordonsville (5-7, 3-2) @ South Pittsburg (11-0, 4-0)
South Pittsburg’s offense was firing on all cylinders last week as they torched a Clay County defense that had only allowed 67 points in eleven games. The Pirates will look to continue their offensive hot streak as they host Gordonsville Friday night. Gordonsville (5-8, 3-2) defeated Whitwell 17-7 last week to advance. The Tigers defense will have to slow down South Pittsburg’s Ronto Tipton and De’andre Kelly if they want to pull off the upset.
Jay’s Pick: South Pittsburg destroys Gordonsville
Well’s Pick: South Pittsburg destroys Gordonsville
Enswoth (8-3, 3-2) @ McCallie (9-2, 4-1)
Two of Division II-AAA’s best defenses will go toe-to-toe on Friday night as McCallie hosts Enswoth. Ensworth got the best of the Blue Tornado in their previous matchup, but McCallie’s Deangelo Hardy and the big blue offense will have revenge on their mind Friday. Expect this to be a physical football game much like the one that took place the last time these teams squared off.
Jay’s Pick: McCallie defeats Ensworth
Well’s Pick: McCallie defeats Ensworth
Calhoun (10-1, 7-1) @ Peach County (10-1, 6-0)
A rematch of the 2017 GHSA Class AAA State Championship game will take place Friday night as Calhoun travels to Peach County. These teams met last season in the semifinals with Peach County besting the Yellow Jackets 22-7. This is a different Yellow Jacket team, however. Led by first year head coach Clay Stephenson, the Jackets have been solid all year in all phases of the game, but they’ll need their best game in order to defeat the Trojans.
Jay’s Pick: Peach County defeats Calhoun
Well’s Pick: Peach County defeats Calhoun
Jackson (8-3, 5-1) @ North Murray (10-1, 8-0)
Its been a magical season for Preston Poag’s North Murray Mountaineers. The ‘Neers have won the school’s first football region title, and made it to the Sweet Sixteen in the GHSA Class AAA State Playoffs. North Murray quarterback Ladd McConkey is a big reason for the school’s success. McConkey accounted for three touchdowns last week against Monroe Area, rushing for one, passing for another, and topping it off with a pick-six. McConkey will have to have another successful Friday night if the Mountaineers want to advance to the Elite Eight.
Jay’s Pick: North Murray defeats Jackson
Well’s Pick: Jackson defeats North Murray