Seniors lead Cedar Grove into quarterfinals against Westside

With 20 seniors on a roster that includes at least five players who will sign with Division I programs, Cedar Grove head coach Jermaine Smith had a good feeling that he had a team that could make a run in the GHSA Class AAA playoffs.

And after a 28-14 win last weekend over Oconee County, the third-ranked Saints are headed to the quarterfinals for a matchup against Westside. The game will be played Friday at James R. Hallford Stadium in Clarkston.

"At the beginning of the season, you always think that this might be the team that can make a run," said Smith, whose team is 10-1-1. "The Oconee County game was a big win for us because we had lost our second-round playoff game two years in a row. The fact that we could get by that game backs up all the preaching we have done about trying to improve every day.

"But we know that Westside will be another great challenge for this football team."

Cedar Grove is averaging 32.3 points per game and has the capability to run and throw the football. The Saints average 239 yards per game on the ground, led by Labron Morris, who has 1,561 yards rushing and 18 touchdowns. But junior quarterback Jelani Woods has added to the attack by throwing for 1,690 yards and 18 touchdowns. His leading receiver is Jesse Reverio, who has 42 receptions for 813 yards.

The Cedar Grove defense is also strong. The Saints are led by Army All-American Antwuan Jackson, who has 88 tackles and 47 tackles for loss, while fellow senior Adrian Fendell has 19 tackles for loss. Senior linebacker Elijah Bandy leads the team with 115 tackles, while highly recruited linebacker Elysee Mbem-Bosse has added 64 tackles and 11 tackles for loss.

"I know that we have some guys who are going to play DI football, but the thing that has been so great this year is that everyone is playing together," Smith said. "I really believe that a big key to our football team is the play of our center, Johnny Thomas. This guy may not play DI football, but he makes all the calls on the offensive line and never makes mistakes, and plays on both sides of the ball for us.

"We definitely would not be having all of this success without him."

Smith is also excited about getting a home playoff game this late in the season.

"It is always good to be able to play at home in familiar surroundings," Smith said. "The parents and the entire community are excited about this opportunity, and we will be ready to play."

This story was originally published November 24, 2015 at 8:33 PM with the headline "Seniors lead Cedar Grove into quarterfinals against Westside ."