Five area teams continued their seasons into Thanksgiving week after round two victories Friday night.
Here are five things we learned from the second round of the GHSA playoffs.
1. Jackson County IS a legit contender.
Last week, we said that the Panthers look like a legit contender to win the Class 5A state championship. Well, when you knock off the defending state champion in dominant fashion (the final score made it look closer than it actually was), you stamp your name in the short list of teams that can win it all. Thanksgiving week is always a difficult one to predict, but if Jackson County can maneuver to another home win this week, Jackson County will be on everyone’s radar.
2. Buford does Buford things.
So, the Wolves are really good. We all knew that. What we continue to wonder is what happens in this bracket against the opposition that comes from the second hardest state playoff bracket in the country. Buford continues to shut down opposing offenses, grind down their defenses and win in the special teams battle. This week is the first time that Buford faces a familiar opponent in Douglas County, a game that in Week 4 was a 34-28 contest. It’s hard to beat a team twice, but Buford is a MUCH different team this time around.
3. Jefferson’s offense has come ALIVE.
We knew when Max Brown went down with injury that Jefferson’s offense would have to rely on different people. Did the Dragons have growing pains through the season because of that? Of course, but this offense is fully grown now. Averaging over 50 points per game in the playoffs while allowing just 13.5 in their two games? This looks like old school Dragon football, and if trends hold, Jefferson will make a repeat trip to the Benz.
4. Rabun County holds serve.
The Wildcats are back in the quarterfinals, a place they are accustomed to being. Was it a normal trip there? Not really, after they dragged themselves to the finish line in the regular season, looking very vulnerable. That hasn’t been the case, however, in the playoffs. It will be a road trip for the first time this postseason this week, though, so how will Rabun respond to a bus trip? Last long road trip they took to Oglethorpe County wasn’t great. The Wildcats need a fast start Friday to continue their season.
5. Lanier Christian, kudos to you!
The Lightning are very overlooked in our area because of all the great football we have in Northeast Georgia. The relatively new program has made great strides in their short time, even opening their own stadium this year. And, oh by the way, they are now back-to-back GAPPS 11-man state champions after their win Friday night. LCA has challenged Lakeview and Riverside over the past couple of years and has been very competitive. The Lightning are making noise and getting on everyone’s map heading into 2026.
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