Rematch of last year’s title game highlights Round 3 of Middle Georgia football playoffs
Here’s a look at the top third-round playoff football games from around Middle Georgia.
Peach County vs Cedar Grove
7:30 p.m. Friday at Cedar Grove
Story of the game: These two squared off last season in the state title game. It was an instant classic with Cedar Grove scoring the go-ahead touchdown in the final 10 seconds of the game to win 14-13. Now they meet in the third round with a spot in the semifinals on the line.
Keys to the game for Peach County: The Trojans defense has yet to allow a point this postseason. Cedar Grove has scored 85 points so far in the playoffs. This game will come down to which side can gain an advantage early on. If this turns into a shootout then it likely favors Cedar Grove.
Keys to the game for Cedar Grove: The Saints will need to find a way to contain Peach County’s running back Noah Whittington. Whittington is an excellent runner who can beat you in a variety of ways. He can burst through the line or bounce outside but his real talent comes as a receiver out of the backfield. Cedar Grove must find a way to force someone other than Whittington to beat them.
Staff pick: Peach County
Warner Robins vs Clarke Central
7:30 p.m. Friday at Warner Robins
Story of the game: These two teams met last season in the third round with Demons taking that one by a score of 21-14. The Demons are coming off of a battle against Rome and have won eight straight games to earn a berth in the quarterfinals. Clarke Central knocked off Wayne County in the second round, 28-20. The Gladiators are riding a hot streak of their own with five straight wins.
Keys to the game for Warner Robins: The Demons have grinded out a pair of wins to open the playoffs behind a highly effective run game. Warner Robins will need to use that ground game to its advantage against Clarke Central. Look for running backs Jahlen Rutherford and James Smith to lead the way for the Demons.
Keys to the game for Clarke Central: The Gladiators have lost three games this season. Each time they were held to under four scores. Warner Robins just shut down a Rome team that was averaging 40 points per game coming into the contest. Clarke Central’s biggest challenge will be scoring on this defense.
Staff pick: Warner Robins
Jones County vs Griffin
7:30 p.m. Friday at Jones County
Story of the game: Jones County has gotten off to a slow start in the playoffs with a pair of low-scoring wins over South Effingham and Cedar Shoals. Griffin avoided an upset by Bainbridge in the first round and bounced back with a blowout win over Hiram in the second round.
Keys to the game for Jones County: Jones County showed in its game against Cedar Shoals last week that the high-powered offense doesn’t always have to lead the way. The Greyhounds won that game 17-6. If the offense can get back on track, this team will be a tough out in the playoffs with the defense playing at its peak right now.
Keys to the game for Griffin: The Bears are one of the few teams that can hang with the Jones County offense. This could turn into a track meet that favors whoever has the ball last. The Bears will need to avoid falling behind early, though, as it is hard to play from behind against Jones County.
Staff pick: Jones County