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-Buford 45, Calhoun 21: The Calhoun Yellow Jackets (12-3) came close to knocking off another powerful Buford Wolves' (15-0) team but North Gwinnett school built a 45-21 and nurtured it through the final quarter. Final score: 45-21, Buford. The Wolves repeat as AA champs in Georgia.
-John McClellan goes 4 of 5 in his state football championship picks, missing only the ECI-Wesleyan game
WEEK 15 / JOHN McCLELLAN'S PICKS
John McClellan's High School Football Picks of the Week
-Helmet courtesy of the Georgia High School Helmet Project
>Dec. 5: John goes 5-5 on the penultimate night.
The Calhoun Yellow Jackets are the lone Northwest Georgia team left as the Georgia Dome hosts the state championships for the first time. Two games will be played Friday and three Saturday as the Georgia High School Association decides state championships in all five classifications.
Class AA
Friday—5 p.m.
Calhoun Yellow Jackets (12-2) v. Buford Wolves (14-0)
Media: WEBS 1030 AM, Webcast)
Media: Georgia Public Television, 5 p.m.
 Series History: Buford leads 1-0
Only Meeting: Buford defeated Calhoun 41-14 in the second round of the 1996 Class A playoffs.
State Titles: Calhoun defeated Fort Valley 19-14 to win the 1952 Class C state championship after going 6-1-1 during the regular season; Buford won Class A state championships in 1978 and 2001 and Class AA state championships in 2002, 2003, and 2007.
How They Got Here: Calhoun lost to Dalton 30-7, defeated Ridgeland 28-9, and lost to Cartersville 17-7. The Yellow Jackets then defeated Coosa 51-12, Gordon Central 48-14, Chattooga 32-3, Sonoraville 51-0, Dade County 35-12, Adairsville 49-21, Pepperell 28-27, Banks County 63-0, Westminster 38-20, Toombs County 41-14, and Brooks County 38-35. Buford defeated Mansfield Timberview (Texas) 42-21, North Hall 45-14, Lovett 41-0, Decatur 31-0, Avondale 49-7, Cross Keys 63-0, Thomson 29-0, Blessed Trinity 14-10, Westminster 29-7, Greater Atlanta Christian 34-6, Heard County 56-21, North Oconee 44-7, Dublin 44-10, and Fitzgerald 44-21.
The Calhoun Yellow Jackets held off Brooks County at the goal line on Friday night to win their 11th straight game and move into the state finals. The Buford Wolves continued their domination of Class AA with a win over Fitzgerald that was not as close as the score. This has been a great year for Calhoun, who won its only state championship 53 years ago. However, Buford is showing why it has won three state championships since 2002. Buford wins by 15.
Class AAAA
Friday—8 p.m.
Tucker Tigers (13-1) v. Marist War Eagles (13-1)
Series History: Tucker leads 10-7
Last Meeting: Marist defeated Tucker 38-0 on September 26, 2008
State Titles: Tucker lost to Dublin 13-12 in the 1963 state championship game but has never won a state title; Marist won state championships in Class AAA in 1989 and Class AAAA in 2003
How They Got Here: Tucker defeated Brunswick 26-12, Lakeside 50-0, Lithonia 35-0, and Miller Grove 27-19 before losing to Marist 38-0. The Tigers then defeated North Springs 49-7, Chamblee 20-13, Stone Mountain 37-6, Southwest DeKalb 10-7, Forsyth Central 49-0, Whitewater 33-7, Hillgrove 48-15, Westside (Macon) 31-20, and Griffin 34-0. Marist lost to St. Pius X 21-10. The War Eagles then defeated Stone Mountain 45-13, Chamblee 14-13, North Springs 45-20, Tucker 38-0, Forsyth Central 37-7, Miller Grove 35-13, Southwest DeKalb 27-21, Lithonia 41-7, Lakeside 48-0, Northgate 42-0, Sequoyah 28-12, Mount Zion (Jonesboro) 34-33, and Rome 19-17.
When these two teams met in September, Tucker was ranked Number 1 in both the Associated Press and Atlanta Journal-Constitution polls. Marist stunned Tucker 38-0. Neither team has lost since that date. Tucker totally dominated Griffin last week, while Marist scored on the final play of the game to stun Rome. The winning team in the regular season more often than not comes up short in state playoff rematches. Tucker has been playing lights out football, while Marist has been struggling. Tucker wins by 15.
Class A
Saturday—2 p.m.
Wesleyan Wolves (12-2) v. Emanuel County Institute Bulldogs (14-0)
Series History: First Meeting
State Titles: Wesleyan has never won a state championship. Its best finishes have been quarterfinal losses to Early County 35-13 in 2002 and Charlton County 44-13 in 2003. ECI won the 2007 Class A state championship. In addition, ECI, in the years before playoffs, laid unofficial claim to the 1923 state championship along with University School for Boys and Richmond Academy.
How They Got Here: Wesleyan defeated Clarkston 35-0 before losing to Darlington 21-14 and Holy Innocents 7-6. The Wolves then defeated Walker 41-19, Lakeview Academy 38-0, Social Circle 38-13, Prince Avenue Christian 38-0, Commerce 33-7, Athens Academy 17-7, Athens Christian 49-6, Warren County 42-19, Holy Innocents 21-7, Miller County 17-0, and Lincoln County 20-12. ECI defeated Savannah Country Day 28-13, Savannah Christian 28-21, Bryan County 36-8, Wheeler County 41-0, Jenkins County 52-6, Treutlen 49-22, Johnson County 35-12, Metter 40-14, Montgomery County 39-7, Calvary Day 45-7, Greenville 51-8, Clinch County 33-21, Bremen 13-7, and Wilkinson County 15-7.
The Wesleyan Wolves started the year ranked Number 1 in Class A before losing two of their first three games to Darlington and Holy Innocents. Wesleyan then won 11 straight games that included wins over Holy Innocents and Lincoln County. The ECI Bulldogs dominated the competition in the regular season on the way to a second unbeaten season in a row. Two weeks ago, ECI put together a 14 minute drive to come from behind and defeat Bremen to keep its hopes alive for a second straight state title. This may be the closest game of the weekend. ECI wins by 3.
Class AAA
Saturday—5 p.m.
Flowery Branch Falcons (12-2) v. Cairo Syrupmakers (13-0)
Series History: First Meeting
State Titles: Flowery Branch has never won a state championship. The Falcons lost to Dougherty 42-3 in the state quarterfinals in 2005. Cairo won state championships in 1946 in Class B and in 1990 in Class AAA.
How They Got Here: Flowery Branch lost to Stephens County 28-25 before defeating Lumpkin County 42-10, Creekview 20-18, Chestatee 24-7, Johnson (Gainesville) 41-7, West Hall 55-7, North Hall 35-7, East Hall 42-3, and West Forsyth 42-16. The Falcons lost the final game of the regular season 27-13 to Gainesville before getting playoff wins over Stephens County 42-21, Ridgeland 21-14, Baldwin 35-17, and LaGrange 28-0. Cairo’s scheduled opener against Bainbridge was canceled due to lightning. Cairo then defeated Thomas County Central 28-6, Thomasville 10-7, Monroe 21-0, Worth County 42-7, Peach County 16-7, Dougherty 42-7, Perry 42-10, Crisp County 38-6, Westover 30-6, Troup 48-0, Burke County 41-28, Eastside 23-6, and Carver (Columbus) 42-13.
The Flowery Branch Falcons lost to cross-county rival Gainesville to finish second in Region 7-AAA. Flowery Branch then won four playoff games and avenged a season opening loss to Stephens County to move into the state finals. The Cairo Syrupmakers were unbeaten against one of the toughest schedules of any team in Class AAA. Cairo then beat Carver in a rematch of last year’s state final in last week’s semifinal. The Syrupmakers are the better team. Cairo wins by 13.
Class AAAAA
Saturday—8 p.m.
Peachtree Ridge Lions (12-2) v. Camden County Wildcats (14-0)
Series History: First Meeting
State Titles: Peachtree Ridge was the 2006 Class AAAAA co-champion; Camden County was the 2003 Class AAAAA champion.
How They Got Here: Peachtree Ridge lost to Harrison 13-3 and Lowndes 23-7 before defeating Northview 25-14, North Forsyth 34-23, Duluth 37-0, Mill Creek 17-9, Collins Hill 21-0, South Forsyth 22-16, Norcross 20-7, North Gwinnett 19-7, Dacula 17-0, Harrison 17-7, Coffee 38-0, and Grayson (in double overtime) 17-10. Camden County defeated Norcross 21-6, Columbia (Fla.) 31-0, Hoover (Ala.) 44-16, Windsor Forest 69-7, Beach 50-13, Groves 42-21, Johnson (Savannah) 78-6, Jenkins 70-0, Savannah 63-8, Bradwell Institute 31-0, Creekside 49-0, Northside (Warner Robins) 28-20, Woodstock 18-17, and Newnan 27-7.
Peachtree Ridge is the most surprising team in the state finals after opening the year 0-2 and struggling in many of its eight wins. The Lions then avenged the regular season loss to Harrison and won their next two games to reach the state finals. Camden County defeated Alabama power Hoover and overpowered its region opponents to end the season unbeaten. The Wildcats had a close quarterfinal win over Woodstock before defeating previously unbeaten Newnan in last week’s semifinals. The Wildcats are the best team in the state in any classification. Camden County wins by 13.
WEEK 14 / JOHN McCLELLAN'S PICKS
John McClellan's High School Football Picks of the Week
-Helmets courtesy of the Georgia High School Helmet Project
>Dec. 5: John goes 5-5 on the penultimate night.
For Friday, Dec. 5: Only 20 teams are left to contend for state championships in Georgia’s five classifications as state playoff action moves to the semifinals. The Rome Wolves and Calhoun Yellow Jackets posted big wins last week with both teams going on the road Friday night. The Pepperell Dragons lost in the quarterfinals for the second straight year, this time at home to Fitzgerald.
Class AAAA
Rome (11-2) at Marist (12-1)
 Series History: Marist leads 2-1
Last Meeting: Rome defeated Marist 24-14 in the second round of the 2001 Class AAAA playoffs
How They Got Here: Rome defeated Apalachee 16-8, Sandy Creek 19-13, and Statesboro 41-21; Marist defeated Northgate 42-0, Sequoyah 28-12, and Mt. Zion-Jonesboro 34-33
Media: 95.7 FM The Ridge, Webcast
The Rome Wolves move into the semifinals for the first time in school history after soundly beating Statesboro 41-21 on the road last Friday. The Sid Fritts'-coached team has been solid in the playoffs on offense, defense and special teams in Rome’s best playoff run ever. The Marist War Eagles are in the playoffs for the 26th straight year and have not lost since their season opener against St. Pius X. Coach Alan Chadwick, in his 25th year at the helm, has not lost a home playoff game since 1994. Rome and Marist have played each other three times previously with Marist winning twice and Rome once. This Rome team has the talent, coaching and determination to get the job done. Rome wins by 2.
Griffin (10-3) at Tucker (12-1)
Series History: Tucker leads 2-0
Last Meeting: Tucker defeated Griffin 36-21 in 2003
How They Got Here: Griffin defeated Glenn Hills 26-0, Brunswick 34-30, and Southwest DeKalb 10-7; Tucker defeated Whitewater 33-7, Hillgrove 48-15, and Westside-Macon 31-20
The Griffin Bears, who last won a state championship in 1978, started the year 3-3 after being ranked sixth in the pre-season. The Tucker Tigers were ranked first in the state until getting drilled by Marist 38-0 in late September. Tucker pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the year last week over seemingly invincible Westside. The Tigers continue their season in style. Tucker wins by 18.
For larger image, click Bracket
Class AA
Calhoun (11-2) at Brooks County (12-1)
Series History: First Meeting
How They Got Here: Calhoun defeated Banks County 63-0, Westminster 38-20, and Toombs County 41-14; Brooks County defeated Tattnall County 41-13, Jefferson County 27-7, and Lovett 33-32
Media: WEBS 1030 AM, Webcast
The Calhoun Yellow Jackets are in the playoffs for the ninth straight year under Hal Lamb. Maurice Freeman returned after a 10 year absence to coach Brooks County and led the Trojans to their best season since Freeman and Brooks County won the state championship in 1994. Calhoun must make the long trip down Interstate 75 almost to the Florida line to face a Brooks County team that hasn’t lost since the third game of the season. The Yellow Jackets have overcome a 1-2 start and haven’t looked back. Calhoun wins by 5.
Fitzgerald (11-2) at Buford (13-0)
Series History: First Meeting
How They Got Here: Fitzgerald defeated Charlton County 39-7, Henry County 45-20, and Pepperell 41-19; Buford defeated Heard County 56-21, North Oconee 44-7, and Dublin 44-10.
The Fitzgerald Purple Hurricanes were 8-2 in the regular season, losing only to Brooks County and Thomasville. The Buford Wolves are seeking their fifth state title in this decade. Buford extends its winning streak to 29 games. Buford wins by 13.
For larger image, click Bracket
Class AAAAA
Grayson (13-0) at Peachtree Ridge (11-2)
Series History: Tied 1-1
Last Meeting: Grayson defeated Peachtree Ridge 17-14 in 2007
How They Got Here: Grayson defeated Collins Hill 31-7, East Paulding 17-7, and Lowndes 17-7; Peachtree Ridge defeated Dacula 17-0, Harrison 17-7, and Coffee 38-0
The Grayson Rams pulled off the biggest upset of the quarterfinals with a win over the Lowndes Vikings. The Peachtree Ridge Lions started the year 0-2 with losses to Harrison and Lowndes before winning 11 straight that included a win over that Harrison team. Grayson continues its unbeaten year. Grayson wins by 6.
Camden County (13-0) at Newnan (13-0)
Series History: Camden County leads 2-0
Last Meeting: Camden County defeated Newnan 50-0 in the first round of the 2005 Class AAAAA playoffs.
How They Got Here: Camden County defeated Creekside 49-0, Northside-Warner Robins 23-20, and Woodstock 18-17; Newnan defeated Johnson-Savannah 55-0, Tift County 42-0, and North Gwinnett 20-3
This is the only game that matches unbeaten teams in the semifinals. The Camden County Wildcats have won 10 or more games for eight straight years. The Newnan Cougars were unbeaten in the regular season for the first time since 1992. This is one of the best games of the week. Newnan wins by 1.
Class AAA
Cairo (12-0) at Carver-Columbus (11-2)
Series History: Tied 1-1
Last Meeting: Carver defeated Cairo 16-13 to win the 2007 Class AAA state championship.
How They Got Here: Cairo defeated Troup 48-0, Burke County 41-28, and Eastside 23-6; Carver defeated Crisp County 28-0, Woodward Academy 21-6, and Gainesville 28-14
This is a rematch of last year’s Class AAA state championship game won by Carver. The Cairo Syrupmakers were unbeaten during the regular season for the first time since 1994. Carver started the year 2-2 before overpowering opponents the rest of the year. Cairo turns the tables on last year’s nemesis. Cairo wins by 9.
Flowery Branch (11-2) at LaGrange (11-2)
Series History: First Meeting
How They Got Here: Flowery Branch defeated Stephens County 42-21, Ridgeland 21-14, and Baldwin 35-17; LaGrange defeated Dougherty 28-6, Thomson 34-7, and Dunwoody 20-5
The Flowery Branch Falcons and LaGrange Grangers both pulled off surprise wins last week to reach the semifinals. Flowery Branch lost to Gainesville in its final regular season game. LaGrange is seeking the 12th state championship in school history. LaGrange wins by 1.
Class A
Lincoln County (12-1) at Wesleyan (11-2)
Series History: Lincoln County leads 1-0
Only Meeting: Lincoln County defeated Wesleyan 45-7 in the first round of the 2000 Class A playoffs.
How They Got Here: Lincoln County defeated Social Circle 32-0, Eagles Landing Christian Academy 7-0, and Wilcox County 27-12; Wesleyan defeated Warren County 42-19, Holy Innocents 21-7, and Miller County 17-0
The Lincoln County Red Devils have won 14 state championships, all under Larry Campbell, who has been at the helm since 1972. The Wesleyan Wolves have only been playing football since 1998 and have had three winning seasons. This game will be close. Lincoln County wins by 4.
Wilkinson County (10-3) at Emanuel County Institute (13-0)
Series History: Wilkinson County leads 3-2-1
Last Meeting: Wilkinson County defeated ECI 25-18 in 1999
How They Got Here: Wilkinson County defeated Commerce 21-7, Whitefield Academy 38-8, and Turner County 7-6; ECI defeated Greenville 51-8, Clinch County 33-21, and Bremen 13-7
The Wilkinson County Warriors, who started the year 1-2, had their first winning season since 2000. The ECI Bulldogs, who are defending Class A state champions, have won 28 straight games. ECI wins by 7.
WEEK 13 / JOHN McCLELLAN'S PICKSS
For Nov. 28: Four Northwest Georgia teams—Rome, Pepperell, Calhoun and Bremen—remain as the Georgia High School Association moves into the quarterfinal round of the 2008 playoffs. Three of the teams get to play at home, while the Rome Wolves load the buses on the Friday after Thanksgiving for the almost five hour trip down Interstate 75 and out Interstate 16. The winners in this weekend’s 20 games move a step closer to the Georgia Dome and a state title.
Class AAAA
Rome (10-2) at Statesboro (11-1)
Last Week: Rome defeated Sandy Creek 19-13; Statesboro defeated North Clayton 14-12
Records against Playoff Teams: Rome 4-2 (defeated Hillgrove, Sequoyah, Apalachee & Sandy Creek; lost to East Paulding & Sprayberry); Statesboro 6-1 (defeated Burke County, Thomson, Glynn Academy, Ware County, Harris County & North Clayton; lost to Brunswick)
Media: 95.7 FM The Ridge, Webcast
The Rome Wolves used a pressuring defense and good play from its special teams to defeat undefeated and second ranked Sandy Creek. It was the first road playoff win in Rome history and moved the Wolves into the quarterfinals for the sixth time in eight years. Rome after Friday night now will break the school record for most playoff games in any four-year period. Statesboro took advantage of a North Clayton decision to pass up a short field goal attempt in the fourth quarter that resulted in a failed first down attempt and held on for a close win. Rome suffered the second worst defeat in the last 10 years at Statesboro in 2001 when the Wolves lost a 35-7 quarterfinal game to the Blue Devils. This Statesboro team is not as good as that state championship team. Rome wins by 4.
Mount Zion-Jonesboro (8-4) at Marist (11-0)
Mount Zion has been the surprise playoff team in Class AAAA with back-to-back upsets of unbeaten Evans and traditional power Ware County. Marist, after a loss in its season opener to St. Pius X, has steamrolled opponents. Marist wins by 20.
Tucker (11-1) at Westside-Macon (12-0)
Tucker’s only loss came 38-0 early in the season to Region 6-AAAA champion Marist. Westside has dominated every team it has faced on the way to leading Class AAAA in scoring offense and scoring defense. This game will be close. Westside wins by 4.
Southwest DeKalb (9-3) at Griffin (9-3)
This game matches traditional state powers that struggled early but came on strong to make the playoffs. The Southwest DeKalb Panthers finished third in tough Region 6-AAAA. The Griffin Bears held off the Brunswick Pirates last week to pull off an upset. Southwest DeKalb wins by 4.
Class AA
Fitzgerald (10-2) at Pepperell (11-1)
Last Week: Fitzgerald defeated Henry County 45-10; Pepperell defeated Callaway 40-20
Records against Playoff Teams: Fitzgerald 3-2 (defeated Cook, Charlton County & Henry County; lost to Brooks County & Thomasville); Pepperell 5-1 (defeated Villa Rica, Rockmart, Coosa, Riverside Military & Callaway)
Media: 95.3 FM, Webcast
These two teams both were unbeaten and highly ranked until late in the year when Fitzgerald lost close games to Brooks County and Thomasville and Pepperell narrowly lost to Calhoun. Both former Pepperell head coach Lynn Hunnicutt and present Shorter College head coach Phil Jones are former head coaches at Fitzgerald. Coach Robby Pruitt has achieved a phenomenal record of 85-14-1 since taking over as head coach of the Purple Hurricanes in 2001. Jeff Shiflett has only four losses in two seasons as head coach of the Dragons. This will be one of the closest games in the state this week. Fitzgerald has enough to pull off the win on the road. Fitzgerald wins by 1.
Toombs County (9-3) at Calhoun (10-2)
Last Week: Toombs County defeated Cook 19-7; Calhoun defeated Westminster 38-20
Records against Playoff Teams: Toombs County 3-2 (defeated Laney, Southwest Macon & Cook; lost to Jefferson County & Dublin); Calhoun 5-1 (defeated Ridgeland, Coosa, Pepperell, Banks County & Westminster; lost to Cartersville)
Media: WEBS 1030 AM, Webcast
The Toombs County Bulldogs were 2-3 at midseason before winning five straight to make the playoffs under first year coach Shane Williamson for their best season since 2000. The Calhoun Yellow Jackets continued their domination of Region 7-AA after opening the year 1-2 following losses to Dalton and Cartersville. Calhoun has dominated both of its playoff opponents, including a very good Westminster team last Friday. Toombs County has close wins over two average teams in the first two playoff rounds. The Yellow Jackets are tough at home. Calhoun wins by 6.
Lovett (9-3) at Brooks County (11-1)
The Lovett Lions and Brooks County Trojans have played two of the toughest schedules in the state in Class AA in 2008. Lovett must make the long trip to Quitman this week. Brooks County wins by 2.
Dublin (11-1) at Buford (12-0)
This is a rematch of last year’s Class AA state championship game and pits two of the schools who have dominated the classification in this decade. Dublin’s only loss came to Laney in the second week of the year. Buford has not lost since a 2006 quarterfinal game against Charlton County and Blessed Trinity is the only team to come close to beating the Wolves this year. Buford wins by 13.
Class A
Emanuel County Institute (12-0) at Bremen (11-1)
Last Week: ECI defeated Clinch County 33-21; Bremen defeated Athens Academy 28-21
Records against Playoff Teams: ECI 5-0 (defeated Savannah Country Day School, Savannah Christian, Johnson County, Greenville & Clinch County); Bremen 6-1 (defeated Central-Carroll, Darlington, Gordon Lee, Bowdon, Landmark Christian & Athens Academy; lost to Rockmart)
Defending Class A state champion ECI completed its second straight unbeaten regular season and has scored 88 points in its two playoff games. Bremen lost to Rockmart but dominated the rest of its schedule on the way to the Region 6-A championship. These may be the two best teams in the state in Class A and it’s unfortunate that they must meet this week. Bremen is good; ECI is better. ECI wins by 2.
Wesleyan (10-2) at Miller County (11-1)
The Wesleyan Wolves have won nine straight after early season losses to Darlington and Holy Innocents. Miller County has been one of the more surprising teams in the state, losing only to Seminole County. Wesleyan wins by 8.
Wilcox County (12-0) at Lincoln County (11-1)
The Wilcox County Patriots are unbeaten after finishing second in the state in Class A in 2007. Lincoln County’s only loss came to Abbeville, S.C. Wilcox County wins by 1.
Wilkinson County (9-3) at Turner County (10-2)
The Wilkinson County Warriors had their first winning season since 2000 against a tough schedule in which it lost only to Twiggs County, Wilcox County and Lincoln County. The Turner County Rebels went 8-2 after going only 5-5 a year ago. Wilkinson County wins by 2.
Class AAAAA
Lowndes (12-0) at Grayson (12-0)
The Lowndes Vikings have been the most dominant team in Georgia this year in any classification. The Grayson Rams also are unbeaten but against a far easier schedule. Lowndes wins by 16.
Coffee (9-3) at Peachtree Ridge (10-2)
The Coffee Trojans are in the state quarterfinals for the third straight year. The Peachtree Ridge Lions have won 10 straight after an 0-2 start. Coffee wins by 8.
Woodstock (8-4) at Camden County (12-0)
Woodstock is in the quarterfinals after two straight non-winning seasons and started the year with a 2-4 record. The Camden County Wildcats have had one of the best years in the state that included a 44-16 win over Hoover (Ala.). Camden County wins by 15.
North Gwinnett (10-2) at Newnan (12-0)
North Gwinnett has won 10 of its last 11 games on its way to a 10-2 season. The Newnan Cougars have given up only 28 points in 12 games and are unbeaten for the first time since 1992. Newnan wins by 10.
Class AAA
Eastside (11-1) at Cairo (11-0)
The Eastside Eagles lost only to Hart County on their way to the best season in school history. The Cairo Syrupmakers are unbeaten against one of the toughest schedules of any Class AAA team in Georgia. Cairo wins by 17.
Gainesville (12-0) at Carver-Columbus (10-2)
The Gainesville Red Elephants were Region 8-AAA champions and had their third unbeaten regular season in the last decade. The Carver Tigers, who won the Class AAA state championship in 2007, had back-to-back early losses to Baldwin and Northside-Warner Robins but have not come close to losing since. Carver wins by 6.
Flowery Branch (10-2) at Baldwin (12-0)
The Flowery Branch Falcons are 10-2, losing only to Stephens County and Gainesville. The Baldwin Braves are unbeaten after failing to make the playoffs in Class AAAA in 2007. Baldwin wins by 3.
LaGrange (10-2) at Dunwoody (12-0)
The LaGrange Grangers lost only to Newnan and Carver-Columbus during a successful 2008 season. Dunwoody has used a potent offense to win 12 straight for its first unbeaten season since 1993. Dunwoody wins by 1.
WEEK 12 / JOHN McCLELLAN'S PICKSS
John McClellan's High School Football Picks of the Week
-Helmets courtesy of the Georgia High School Helmet Project
-Nov. 14 picks: John was 11-5 in the 16 "focus games," including the Northwest Georgia showdowns. Statewide, he went 58-22.
>For Nov. 21: John goes 4-0 in Northwest Georgia and 36-3 statewide.
Rome, Pepperell, Calhoun and Cartersville all were winners Friday night as nine of the 16 playoff teams representing the four Northwest Georgia regions moved into the second round. Bremen, Carrollton, Ridgeland, Hillgrove and Sequoyah also still are in the running for state titles, while the season is over for Sprayberry, Central of Carroll, Coosa, Rockmart, Bowdon, Darlington and Gordon Lee.
Class AAAA
Rome (9-2) at Sandy Creek (11-0)
Last Week: Rome defeated Apalachee 16-8; Sandy Creek defeated Chamblee 14-7
Records against Playoff Teams: Rome 3-2 (defeated Hillgrove, Sequoyah, & Apalachee; lost to East Paulding & Sprayberry); Sandy Creek 6-0 (defeated Shaw, East Coweta, Whitewater, Northgate, Villa Rica & Chamblee)
This game pits the state’s sixth best AAAA scoring offense from Rome against the second best AAAA scoring defense from Sandy Creek. Sandy Creek is led by two Division I players, defensive end Brandon Putnam, who is headed to Duke, and quarterback Rio Johnson, who will be going to East Carolina. The Patriots are one of two teams still unbeaten in AAAA but have had several close games in 2008 in winning the Region 5-AAAA championship. The Wolves have never won a playoff game on the road. However, this year’s Rome team has the talent on both sides of the ball to pull the upset. Rome wins by 1.
Hillgrove (8-3) at Tucker (10-1)
Last Week: Hillgrove defeated Loganville 27-21; Tucker defeated Whitewater 33-7
Records against Playoff Teams: Hillgrove 1-3 (defeated Loganville; lost to Rome, Sequoyah & Sprayberry); Tucker 4-1 (defeated Brunswick, Chamblee, Southwest DeKalb & Whitewater; lost to Marist)
The Hillgrove Hawks have pulled off back-to-back upsets of Dalton and Loganville to reach the second round. The Tucker Tigers have lost only to Marist and have been unstoppable in recent weeks. The season ends for Hillgrove. Tucker wins by 25.
Sequoyah (10-1) at Marist (10-1)
Last Week: Sequoyah defeated Clarke Central 34-13; Marist defeated Northgate 42-0
Records against Playoff Teams: Sequoyah 3-1 (defeated Creekview, Hillgrove & Clarke Central); Marist 4-1 (defeated Chamblee, Tucker, Southwest DeKalb & Northgate; lost to St. Pius X)
The Sequoyah Chiefs lost only to Rome during the regular season. The Marist War Eagles have rolled to 10 straight wins after losing their season opener to St. Pius X. Marist rarely loses at home in the playoffs. Marist wins by 7.
Class AAA
Cartersville (9-2) at Gainesville (11-0)
 Series History: Gainesville leads 2-0
Last Meeting: Gainesville defeated Cartersville 31-6 in 1953
Last Week: Cartersville defeated St. Pius X 34-31; Gainesville defeated Oconee County 49-21
Records against Playoff Teams: Cartersville 4-2 (defeated Rockmart, Calhoun, Central (Carroll) & St. Pius X; lost to Westminster & Carrollton); Gainesville 3-0 (defeated North Hall, Flowery Branch & Oconee County)
Media: WBHF 1450 AM, Webcast: Bartow Headlines
Media: NewsTalk AM 1270 Webcast: www.NewsTalk1270.com
Cartersville hasn’t looked back since its unexpected loss to Cedartown. The Purple Hurricanes pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the first round with a win over state ranked St. Pius X. Blake Sims, who transferred to Gainesville from Cass, has led the Red Elephants to an unbeaten season, including a win over traditional rival Flowery Branch to clinch the top seed from Region 8-AAA. Cartersville has played the tougher schedule but Gainesville gets better every week. Gainesville wins by 15.
Carrollton (8-3) at Eastside (10-1)
Last Week: Carrollton defeated Washington 23-7; Eastside defeated Creekview 20-6
Records against Playoff Teams: Carrollton 4-2 (defeated Whitewater, Cartersville, Central (Carroll) & Washington; lost to Westminster & Ridgeland); Eastside 4-1 (defeated Harris County, Stephens County, Oconee County & Creekview; lost to Hart County)
The Carrollton Trojans, who had struggled with late season injuries, defeated Washington to advance to this week’s second round. The Eastside Eagles are enjoying their best season ever after reaching the playoffs for the first time since 2001. The winner of this game must face top-ranked Cairo next week. Eastside wins by 1.
Flowery Branch (9-2) at Ridgeland (9-2)
Last Week: Flowery Branch defeated Stephens County 42-21; Ridgeland defeated Carver (Atlanta) 33-0
Records against Playoff Teams: Flowery Branch 3-2 (defeated Creekview, North Hall & Stephens County; lost to Stephens County & Gainesville); Ridgeland 3-2 (defeated Gordon Lee, Carrollton & Carver (Atlanta); lost to Calhoun & Darlington)
The Flowery Branch Falcons avenged a regular season loss in beating the Stephens County Indians on the road in the first round of the playoffs. The Ridgeland Panthers won their eighth straight game in the first round meeting with the Carver Panthers. Flowery Branch wins by 16.
Class AA
Pepperell (10-1) at Callaway (10-1)
 Last Week: Pepperell defeated Riverside Military Academy 38-10; Callaway defeated Greater Atlanta Christian 19-14
Records against Playoff Teams: Pepperell 4-1 (defeated Villa Rica, Rockmart, Coosa & Riverside Military; lost to Calhoun); Callaway 5-1 (defeated Lovett, Heard County, Macon County, Pike County & Greater Atlanta Christian; lost to Troup County)
Media: 95.3 FM, Webcast
The Pepperell Dragons have the second highest scoring offense in the state in Class AA on the way to their best record in the last decade. Quan Bray and Tharius Tigner have piled up the yards on the ground in leading the Callaway Cavaliers to the best record in their young history. This will be a far more demanding test for the Pepperell than last week, and the Dragons will be on the road. Pepperell’s season continues. Pepperell wins by 11.
Westminster (9-2) at Calhoun (9-2)
Series History: Westminster leads 1-0
Only Meeting: Westminster defeated Calhoun 32-0 in 1957
Last Week: Westminster defeated Pike County 33-7; Calhoun defeated Banks County 63-0
Records against Playoff Teams: Westminster 5-2 (defeated Carrollton, Woodward Academy, Cartersville, Greater Atlanta Christian & Pike County; lost to Lovett & Buford); Calhoun 4-1 (defeated Ridgeland, Coosa, Pepperell & Banks County; lost to Cartersville)
Media: WEBS 1030 AM, Webcast
This should be the Game of the Week in the state in Class AA. The Westminster Wildcats have played seven games against playoff teams in 2008, losing only to Lovett and top-ranked Buford. The Calhoun Yellow Jackets have won eight straight games and scored points than anybody else in the state in any classification in last week’s first round. Westminster already has decisive wins over Cartersville and Carrollton and would like another win over a northwest Georgia school. Calhoun has the advantage at home. Calhoun wins by 1.
Class A
Athens Academy (10-1) at Bremen (10-1)
Series History: Athens Academy leads 1-0
Only Meeting: Athens Academy defeated Bremen 25-8 in the first round of the Class A playoffs in 1998.
Last Week: Athens Academy defeated Washington-Wilkes 24-14; Bremen defeated Landmark Christian 40-14
Records against Playoff Teams: Athens Academy 4-1 (defeated Whitefield Academy, Commerce, Social Circle & Washington-Wilkes; lost to Wesleyan); Bremen 5-1 (defeated Central (Carroll), Darlington, Gordon Lee, Bowdon & Landmark Christian; lost to Rockmart)
The Athens Academy Spartans have lost only to Wesleyan in finishing second in Region 8-A. The Bremen Blue Devils have exercised total dominance in taking first place in Region 6-A. Bremen looks to be a serious contender for a state championship. Bremen wins by 12.
The predictions on the 40 second round playoff games:
Class AAAAA
Lowndes over Bradwell Institute by 31
Grayson over East Paulding by 6
Coffee over Chapel Hill by 25
Peachtree Ridge over Harrison by 1
Woodstock over Norcross by 7
Camden County over Northside (Warner Robins) by 5
North Gwinnett over Lassiter by 9
Newnan over Tift County by 2
Class AAAA
Westside (Macon) over Jonesboro by 48
Tucker over Hillgrove by 25
Brunswick over Griffin by 4
Southwest DeKalb over Cedar Shoals by 10
Marist over Sequoyah by 7
Ware County over Mt. Zion (Jonesboro) over 14
Rome over Sandy Creek by 1
Statesboro over North Clayton by 7
Class AAA
Cairo over Burke County over 20
Eastside over Carrollton by 1
Carver {Columbus} over Woodward Academy by 10
Gainesville over Cartersville by 15
Flowery Branch over Ridgeland by 16
Baldwin over Shaw by 4
Dunwoody over North Hall by 11
LaGrange over Thomson by 7
Class AA
Brooks County over Jefferson County by 1
Lovett over Jefferson by 10
Toombs County over Cook by 3
Calhoun over Westminster by 1
Buford over North Oconee by 40
Dublin over Thomasville by 1
Pepperell over Callaway by 11
Fitzgerald over Henry County by 12
Class A
Savannah Christian over Miller County by 5
Wesleyan over Holy Innocents by 4
Wilcox County over Schley County by 28
Lincoln County over Eagles Landing Christian Academy by 22
Bremen over Athens Academy by 12
Emanuel County Institute over Clinch County by 6
Wilkinson County over Whitefield Academy by 6
Turner County over Brookstone by 6
WEEK 11 / JOHN McCLELLAN'S PICKSS
John McClellan's High School Football Picks of the Week
-Helmets courtesy of the Georgia High School Helmet Project
-Nov. 14 picks:-John was 11-5 in the 16 "focus games," including the Northwest Georgia showdowns. Statewide, he went 58-22
The final week of the regular season was one filled with upsets. The last two unbeaten teams in Northwest Georgia—Pepperell and Bowdon—went down to defeat. Favored teams like Rome, Carrollton and Dalton went down to defeat with Dalton missing the state playoffs for the fourth time in seven years. State playoffs start this week with 18 northwest Georgia teams looking to bring back state championships.
Class A Playoffs
Darlington (6-4) at Eagles Landing Christian (8-2)
 Last Playoff Appearances: Darlington lost to Buford 41-0 in the second round of the 2007 Class AA playoffs; Eagles Landing Christian lost to Warren County 42-29 in the first round of the 2007 Class A playoffs.
Records against Playoff Teams: Darlington 3-3 (defeated Wesleyan, Ridgeland & Gordon Lee; lost to Murphy (N.C.), Bowdon and Bremen); Eagles Landing Christian 3-2 (defeated Holy Innocents, Warren County & Landmark Christian; lost to Henry County & Whitefield Academy)
Media: WLAQ 1410 AM, Webcast
The Darlington Tigers make their 14th playoff appearance since 1992 as they travel to McDonough to take on Eagles Landing Christian. Darlington closed the year with three straight wins to take the third seed in Region 6-A. The Chargers lost to Whitefield Academy in the final week to take second place in Region 5-A. This should be one of the closest games of the first round. The Tigers continue their streak. Darlington wins by 2.
Holy Innocents (7-3) at Bowdon (9-1)
Last Playoff Appearances: Holy Innocents lost to Pepperell 14-7 in the second round of the 2007 Class AA playoffs; Bowdon lost to Jefferson 24-13 in the first round of the 2007 Class A playoffs.
Records against Playoff Teams: Holy Innocents 2-2 (defeated Wesleyan & Landmark Christian; lost to Eagles Landing Christian & Whitefield Academy); Bowdon 3-1 (defeated Woodland (Ala.), Darlington & Gordon Lee; lost to Bremen)
The Holy Innocents Golden Bears, who are only in their third year of playing varsity football, had another successful year. The Bowdon Red Devils saw their hopes of their first unbeaten season since 1992 fall short in the season ending loss to Bremen. Holy Innocents wins by 14.
Gordon Lee (5-5) at Whitefield Academy (9-1)
Series History: Gordon Lee leads 2-0
Last Meeting: Gordon Lee defeated Whitefield Academy 47-21 in 2007
Last Playoff Appearances: Gordon Lee lost to Fellowship Christian 49-21 in the second round of the 2007 Class A playoffs; Whitefield Academy lost to Athens Academy 21-7 in the second round of the 2007 Class A playoffs.
Records against Playoff Teams: Gordon Lee 0-5 (lost to Ridgeland, Fyffe (Ala.), Bowdon, Bremen & Darlington); Whitefield Academy 3-1 (defeated Landmark Christian, Holy Innocents & Eagles Landing Christian)
The Whitefield Academy Wolfpack have won nine of 10 games on their way to the Region 5-A championship. The Gordon Lee Trojans have not beaten a quality opponent. Whitefield Academy wins by 13.
Landmark Christian (6-4) at Bremen (9-1)
Series History: Bremen leads 11-3
Last Meeting: Bremen defeated Landmark Christian 27-7 in 2007
Last Playoff Appearances: Both teams lost to Lincoln County in the 2007 Class A playoffs, Landmark Christian in the first round 36-15 and Bremen in the second round 19-7.
Records against Playoff Teams: Landmark Christian 1-4 (defeated Warren County; lost to Brookstone, Whitefield Academy, Holy Innocents & Eagles Landing Christian); Bremen 4-1 (defeated Central (Carroll), Darlington, Gordon Lee & Bowdon; lost to Rockmart)
The Landmark Christian War Eagles are making their eighth straight playoff appearance. The Bremen Blue Devils won the Region 6-A championship and posted their best regular season record since 1982. Bremen is tough to beat at home. Bremen wins by 14.
Class AA Playoffs
Coosa (6-4) at Jefferson (10-0)
 Last Playoff Appearances: Coosa lost to Charlton County 28-7 in the quarterfinals of the 2004 Class AA playoffs; Jefferson lost to Warren County 28-7 in the second round of the Class A playoffs.
Media: Q102
Records against Playoff Teams: Coosa 0-4 (lost to Central (Carroll), Calhoun, Rockmart & Pepperell); Jefferson 4-0 (defeated Commerce, Riverside Military, Banks County & North Oconee)
The Coosa Eagles defeated Sonoraville to earn their first state playoff appearance since 2004. The Jefferson Dragons completed their first unbeaten regular season since 1950 in taking first place in Region 8-AA after moving up from Class A. This has been a great year for the Coosa program against a tough schedule. However, Jefferson is unbeaten for a reason. Jefferson wins by 19.
Banks County (6-4) at Calhoun (8-2)
 Last Playoff Appearances: Banks County lost to Crawford County 12-0 in the first round of the 1997 Class A playoffs; Calhoun lost to Greater Atlanta Christian 26-7 in the second round of the 2007 Class AA playoffs.
Records against Playoff Teams: Banks County 0-4 (lost to Washington-Wilkes, Riverside Military, North Oconee & Jefferson); Calhoun 3-2 (defeated Ridgeland, Coosa & Pepperell; lost to Dalton & Cartersville)
Media: WEBS 1030 AM, www.webs1030am.com
The Calhoun Yellow Jackets make their ninth straight state playoff appearance after defeating Pepperell to win the Region 7-AA championship. The Banks County Leopards defeated Union County in their final regular season game to earn their first playoff berth since 1997. Calhoun is hungry for the school’s first state championship in 56 years. Calhoun wins by 21.
Riverside Military (7-3) at Pepperell (9-1)
 Last Playoff Appearances: Riverside Military lost to Pinewood Christian 28-19 in the first round of the 2007 Georgia Independent Schools Association (GISA) Class AAA playoffs. Pepperell lost to Dublin 27-13 in the quarterfinals of the 2007 Class AA playoffs.
Records against Playoff Teams: Riverside Military 1-2 (defeated Banks County; lost to North Oconee & Jefferson); Pepperell 3-1 (defeated Villa Rica, Rockmart & Coosa; lost to Calhoun)
Media: 95.3 FM, Webcast
The Pepperell Dragons saw their bid for an unbeaten season and region championship fall just short in the narrow loss to Calhoun. Riverside Military returned to the Georgia High School Association for the first time since 2001 after a successful run in the less competitive GISA that included a state championship in 2005. The Dragons must put last week behind them as they open the state playoffs at home. Pepperell wins by 23.
Rockmart (7-3) at North Oconee (8-2)
 Last Playoff Appearances: Rockmart lost to Buford 52-0 in the first round of the 2006 Class AA playoffs; North Oconee is making its first playoff appearance.
Records against Playoff Teams: Rockmart 2-2 (defeated Bremen & Coosa; lost to Cartersville & Pepperell); North Oconee 2-1 (defeated Riverside Military & Banks County; lost to Jefferson)
The Rockmart Yellow Jackets went into double overtime to defeat Chattooga and return to the state playoffs after narrowly missing a berth in 2007. The North Oconee Titans, in only their fifth year as a school, have earned their first playoff berth. Rockmart will have a successful trip to Bogart. Rockmart wins by 4.
Class AAA Playoffs
Washington (7-3) at Carrollton (8-2)
Last Playoff Appearances: Washington lost to North Forsyth 21-17 in the first round of the 2005 Class AAAA playoffs; Carrollton lost to Carver of Columbus 14-7 in the quarterfinals of the 2007 Class AAA playoffs
Records against Playoff Teams: Washington 1-1 (defeated Carver (Atlanta); lost to St. Pius X); Carrollton 3-2 (defeated Whitewater, Cartersville & Central (Carroll); lost to Westminster & Ridgeland)
The Washington Bulldogs, under new head coach Stanley Pritchett, reached the playoffs after dropping down from Class AAAA. The perennial power Carrollton Trojans were upset by Ridgeland in the Region 6-AAA championship game. Carrollton must play better than it has in the past three weeks. Carrollton wins by 9.
Cartersville (7-3) at St. Pius X (9-1)
 Last Playoff Appearances: Cartersville lost to Hart County 35-31 in the second round of the 2006 Class AA playoffs; St. Pius X lost to Rome 14-10 in the second round of the Class AAAA playoffs
Media: WBHF 1450 AM, Webcast: Bartow Headlines
Media: News Talk 1270 AM, Webcast
Records against Playoff Teams: The Cartersville Purple Hurricanes overcame a late season upset loss to Cedartown to reach the playoffs. St. Pius X had its unbeaten season end in its final game of the regular season against Dunwoody. The Golden Lions still are one of the best teams in the state. St. Pius X wins by 18.
Central of Carroll (5-5) at Dunwoody (10-0)
Last Playoff Appearances: Central lost to Flowery Branch 30-7 in the second round of the 2005 Class AAA playoffs; Dunwoody lost to McEachern 28-6 in the first round of the 1998 Class AAAAA playoffs.
Records against Playoff Teams: Central 1-4 (defeated Coosa; lost to Villa Rica, Bremen, Cartersville & Carrollton); Dunwoody 3-0 (defeated Griffin, Troup & St. Pius X)
The Central Lions defeated LaFayette to reach the playoffs after going 0-10 in 2007. The Dunwoody Wildcats completed their first unbeaten season since winning the state championship in 1993. Dunwoody’s unbeaten streak stays alive another week. Dunwoody wins by 19.
Carver of Atlanta (6-3) at Ridgeland (8-2)
Last Playoff Appearances: Carver lost to Cairo 48-6 in the quarterfinals of the 2007 Class AAA playoffs; Ridgeland lost to East Paulding 40-21 in the first round of the 2007 Class AAAA playoffs
Records against Playoff Teams: Carver 0-2 (lost to St. Pius X & Washington); Ridgeland 2-2 (defeated Gordon Lee & Carrollton; lost to Calhoun & Darlington)
The Ridgeland Panthers, who dropped from AAAA to AAA, defeated Carrollton to win the first region championship in their history. The Carver Panthers played only a nine-game schedule but reached the Class AAA playoffs again. Carver wins by 10.
Class AAAA Playoffs
Apalachee (6-4) at Rome (8-2)
 Last Playoff Appearances: Apalachee lost to Carver (Atlanta) 21-7 in the second round of the 2007 Class AAA playoffs; Rome lost to Northside (Warner Robins) 30-0 in the quarterfinals of the 2007 Class AAAA playoffs
Records against Playoff Teams: Apalachee 1-2 (defeated Cedar Shoals; lost to Clarke Central & Loganville; Rome 2-2 (defeated Hillgrove & Sequoyah; lost to East Paulding & Sprayberry
Media: 95.7 The Ridge, Webcast
The Rome Wolves fell short in their bid for a Region 7-AAAA championship in the 27-6 loss at Sprayberry. The Apalachee Wildcats came out as the third seed in a competitive Region 8-AAAA in which eight teams were in playoff contention until the final week. Rome is at home and is focused in getting past the quarterfinals. Rome wins by 12.
Hillgrove (7-3) at Loganville (9-1)
Last Playoff Appearances: Hillgrove is making its first playoff appearance; Loganville lost to Cedartown 25-7 in the first round of the 1999 Class AAA playoffs
Records against Playoff Teams: Hillgrove 0-3 (lost to Rome, Sequoyah & Sprayberry); Loganville 3-0 (defeated Clarke Central, Cedar Shoals & Apalachee)
The Hillgrove Hawks upset Dalton to reach the state playoffs in the school’s third year in existence and first year playing a region schedule. The Loganville Red Devils won only the second region title in their history. This is one of the upset specials. Hillgrove wins by 4.
Cedar Shoals (6-4) at Sprayberry (7-3)
Last Playoff Appearances: Cedar Shoals lost to Mays 40-14 in the first round of the 2007 Class AAAA playoffs; Sprayberry lost to Brookwood 34-0 in the first round of the 2007 Class AAAA playoffs
Records against Playoff Teams: Cedar Shoals 0-3 (lost to Apalachee, Loganville & Clarke Central); Sprayberry 2-1 (defeated Hillgrove & Rome; lost to Lassiter)
The Sprayberry Yellow Jackets capped their seven game winning streak by beating Rome to win the Region 7-AAAA championship. The Clarke Central Jaguars took the fourth seed out of Region 8-AAAA. Sprayberry wins by 7.
Sequoyah (9-1) at Clarke Central (9-1)
Last Playoff Appearances: Sequoyah lost to Dacula 18-13 in the first round of the 2006 Class AAAA playoffs; Clarke Central lost to Tucker 24-0 in the first round of the 2007 Class AAAA playoffs
Records against Playoff Teams: Sequoyah 2-1 (defeated Creekview & Hillgrove; lost to Rome); Clarke Central 2-1 (defeated Apalachee & Cedar Shoals; lost to Loganville
Two 9-1 teams meet in the first round of the playoffs. Sequoyah lost only at Rome. Clarke Central’s lone defeat was to Loganville. Sequoyah wins by 8.
The predictions on all 80 playoff games:
Class AAAAA
Lowndes over Luella by 37
East Coweta over Bradwell Institute by 7
Grayson over Collins Hill by 21
East Paulding over Milton by 11
Stephenson over Coffee by 4
Chapel Hill over Windsor Forest by 12
Peachtree Ridge over Dacula by 14
Harrison over Kell by 12
Woodstock over Walton by 4
Parkview over Norcross by 1
Camden County over Creekside by 24
Northside (Warner Robins) by 22
Etowah over Lassiter by 19
North Gwinnett over Brookwood by 5
Newnan over Johnson (Savannah) by 55
Tift County over M.L. King by 4
Class AAAA
Westside (Macon) over Glynn Academy by 28
Hephzibah over Jonesboro by 1
Hillgrove over Loganville by 4
Tucker over Whitewater by 6
Brunswick over Bainbridge by 1
Griffin over Glenn Hills by 12
Sprayberry over Cedar Shoals by 7
Southwest DeKalb over Villa Rica by 2
Marist over Northgate by 14
Sequoyah over Clarke Central by 8
Evans over Mt. Zion (Jonesboro) by 11
Thomas County Central over Ware County by 6
Sandy Creek over Chamblee by 4
Rome over Apalachee by 12
North Clayton over Richmond Academy by 22
Statesboro over Harris County by 15
Class AAA
Cairo over Troup by 20
Burke County over Mary Persons by 18
Eastside over Creekview by 15
Carrollton over Washington by 9
Carver (Columbus) over Crisp County by 27
Washington County over Woodward Academy by 13
Gainesville over Oconee County by 15
St. Pius X over Cartersville by 18
Carver (Atlanta) over Ridgeland by 10
Flowery Branch over Stephens County by 5
Baldwin over Eagles Landing by 36
Peach County over Shaw by 11
Dunwoody over Central (Carroll) by 19
Hart County over North Hall by 5
Thomson over Jackson by 7
LaGrange over Dougherty by 9
Class AA
Brooks County over Tattnall County by 11
Jefferson County over Northeast Macon by 7
Jefferson over Coosa by 19
Lovett over Macon County by 25
Appling County over Cook by 2
Toombs County over Southwest Macon by 16
Calhoun over Banks County by 21
Westminster over Pike County by 25
Buford over Heard County by 46
Rockmart over North Oconee by 4
Dublin over Central Macon by 25
Thomasville over McIntosh County Academy by 1
Greater Atlanta Christian over Callaway by 3
Pepperell over Riverside Military Academy by 23
Laney over Henry County by 9
Charlton County over Fitzgerald by 2
Class A
Miller County over Dooly County by 6
Savannah Christian over Chattahoochee County by 18
Wesleyan over Warren County by 17
Holy Innocents over Bowdon by 14
Wilcox County over Seminole County by 17
Johnson County over Schley County by 7
Lincoln County over Social Circle by 34
Darlington over Eagles Landing Christian Academy by 2
Bremen over Landmark Christian by 14
Washington-Wilkes over Athens Academy by 1
Emmanuel County Institute over Greenville by 28
Clinch County over Twiggs County by 7
Whitefield Academy over Gordon Lee by 13
Wilkinson County over Commerce by 17
Brookstone over Savannah Country Day School by 14
Turner County over Terrell County by 15
WEEK 10 / JOHN McCLELLAN'S PICKSS
John McClellan's High School Football Picks of the Week
-Helmets courtesy of the Georgia High School Helmet Project
-Nov. 7: Lots of upsets as John goes 13-11.
Quick schedule:
-Calhoun beats Pepperell 28-27
-Chattooga lost to Rockmart 40-34
-Sonoraville lost to Coosa, 17-8.
-Rome lost to Sprayberry, 27-6. Next Friday: Apalachee at home.
-Cartersville beat Ringgold 30-14
-Trion lost to Darlington 28-7
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