Playoff Preview: GHSA playoffs begin; Deerfield-Windsor, Sherwood need wins to play for championships

The GHSA football playoffs kick off Friday night with several area teams competing, while the GIAA playoffs move to the state semifinal round, where two local schools look to secure a spot in the championship game.

Friday night’s matchups:

Luella (5-5) at No. 6 Westover (9-1)

Luella travels to Albany after finishing 4-2 in Region 5, capping their regular season with a 35-25 win over traditional powerhouse Cedar Grove.

Westover completed its best regular season in school history with a win over Cairo last week and now heads into the playoffs with high hopes. The Patriots’ offensive line, led by Pitt commit Torian Chester and top 2027 prospect Kyson Mallard, was named Georgia’s Offensive Line of the Week. This recognition should further energize Westover’s ground game, featuring Dominique Ball, the state’s leading scorer with 206 points and 1,793 rushing yards.

Westover Head Coach Corey Joyner recognizes the strengths of his team but sees room for improvement in the passing game.

“We will have to improve our passing game and stop their running attack,” Joyner said. “They have three running backs that can start at any high school in Georgia. On defense, they hustle to the ball and hit hard. Don’t be fooled by their record; they’re a pretty good team.”

Kickoff at Hugh Mills Stadium is set for 7:30 p.m.

Habersham Central (4-6) at No. 2 Lee County (10-0)

The No. 2-ranked Lee County Trojans are heavily favored against Habersham Central. Lee County has remained unbeaten through a grueling Class 5A schedule, never trailing in a game all season.

In contrast, Habersham Central has not faced any ranked opponents, finishing 3-3 in Region 8. Their offense, however, is powered by sophomore quarterback Paris Wilbanks, the region’s top passer with 2,158 yards and 22 touchdowns. Junior running back Donovan Warren adds…


Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/playoff-preview-ghsa-playoffs-begin-045900685.html

Author : The Albany Herald, Ga.

Publish date : 2024-11-13 04:59:00

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