I don’t know if THIS is what the Georgia High School Association exactly had in mind, but it truly does embody the spirit of what the playoffs should be, or could be, about.
Thirteen northeast Georgia area teams will be in action on Friday when the 2025 playoffs kickoff around the state. Of those 13 first round games, none will have area teams playing each other and 12 will be first time meetings between the two teams. Only Gainesville, who takes on Dunwoody in the Class 5A playoffs, has played its first round opponent in the past. But that was back in 2009 when Bruce Miller was coach and Blake Sims was the quarterback.
And two of our area teams — Jackson County and East Forsyth — come into the postseason having never won a playoff game.
Four area teams — Buford, Jackson County, Jefferson, and North Hall — come in as region champions. But all that guarantees anyone is playing at home.
There are several intriguing matchups in the opening round for area teams.
CLASS 6A
North Forsyth (Region 6, Seed 4) at Carrollton (R2, S1)
Records: Raiders (6-4); Trojans (10-0)
Radio: www.northgeorgiasportslink.com
Time: 7:30 p.m., Grisham Stadium, Carrollton
Statisticals: This is the first-ever meeting between the two teams. Carrollton has won 18 straight 1st round games going back to 2005, the last 6 at home. They did not make the playoffs in 2014. NoFo is 2-2 in 1st round games under Robert Craft and just 6-6 overall as a program in 1st round games. Only once, in 2001, have they advanced past the 2nd round.
What to watch for: The Trojans are yielding just 13.8 ppg on defense. The Raiders are averaging 21.9 ppg and have shown tremendous balance, averaging 166 passing yards and 164 rushing yards per game. They have turned it over 9 times, including 8 INT. Carrollton is one of the highest scoring teams in 6A, averaging 47.5 ppg and has turned it over just 4 times all season, with just 1 fumble. The Raiders are giving up just 17.4 ppg and have produced 20 takeaways on defense, including 11 fumble recoveries. IF NoFo can force some turnovers, they could make it interesting.
Richmond Hill (R1, S4) at Buford (R8, S1)
Records: Wildcats (6-4); Wolves (10-0)
Time: 7:30 p.m., Phillip Beard Stadium, Buford
Statisticals: This is the first-ever meeting between the two teams. The Wolves have won 26 straight 1st round games. Their last loss was in 1997 to Manchester in Class A. The Wildcats have not advanced past the 1st round (0-2) since 2020. Richmond Hill is riding a 3-game losing streak (Valdosta, Lowndes, Coquitt County) and this will be their fourth straight game vs. a top 10 team. The Wolves have won 8 straight playoff games vs. unranked teams (Bainbridge, 2018 Class 5A Elite 8). Buford is averaging 48.9 ppg with just 5 turnovers while the Wildcats have allowed 118 points (39.3 ppg) during their 3-game skid. However, they picked off 13 passes during the regular season. The Wolves are giving up just 10.1 ppg on defense. They have 68 TFL, 31 sacks, and have forced 26 turnovers (13 INT, 13 FR).
What to watch for: The Buford offense is averaging 48.9 ppg with just 5 turnovers while the Wildcats have allowed 118 points (39.3 ppg) during their 3-game skid. However, they picked off 13 passes during the regular season. Only turnovers and sloppy play could keep the Wolves from extending its long 1st round streak.
CLASS 5A
Dunwoody (R4, S3) at Gainesville (R7, S2)
Records: Wildcats (5-5); Red Elephants (8-2)
Radio: 94.5 FM The Lake
Time: 7:30 p.m., City Park Stadium, Gainesville
Statisticals: This is just the 2nd-ever meeting between the two teams, with the Red Elephants winning the only meeting, 41-10, in the 2009 playoffs. The 1st round has not been kind to Big Red, going just 2-6 in their last 8 postseason appearances, including a loss to Sequoyah last year. The Wildcats have not won a 1st round game since 2009 (0-2) with both losses coming in the last 2 years. The Wildcats defense improved by 2 TDs year-over-year (32.09 in 2024) and is allowing just 20.6 ppg in 2025. However, they are 0-4 when giving up more than 16 in a game. Big Red is averaging 42.1 ppg on the season.
What to watch for: After last year’s 1st round upset, the Red Elephants, who are among a handful of teams considered 5A title contenders, need a convincing win to open the postseason to show they are back. They have all the pieces in place with QB Kharim Hughley and RB Nigel Newkirk leading the offense and a half-dozen Division 1 standouts on defense, to make a deep run.
Glynn Academy (R1, S4) at Jackson County (R8, S1)
Records: Red Terrors (6-4); Panthers (9-1)
Time: 7:30 p.m., Panther Stadium, Hoschton
Statisticals: This is the first-ever meeting between the two teams. A streak is going to fall in this one. This is just the 7th-ever playoff appearance for the Panthers and the second straight home playoff game. However, they are still looking for their first-ever postseason win (0-6). The Terrors, meanwhile, are making their 18th consecutive postseason appearance, which includes four Elite 8s or better and one finals appearance (2015). But the Terrors have lost 4 straight 1st round games. After a 1-2 start, Glynn Academy went 5-2 down the stretch, with both losses by just a combined 7 points. The Panthers’ margin of victory has been 35.5 ppg in 2025.
What to watch for: The key matchup will be the Jackson County defense vs. the Terrors offense. The Panthers are giving up just 10.3 ppg and no one has scored more than 26 (Dacula) on them this season. The Panthers front-7 is as stout as any in Class 5A, amassing 62 TFL, 16 sacks, 55 QB hurries, and on the back end they have picked off 7 passes and forced 9 fumbles. The Glynn Academy offense was the issue early in the season when they scored just 66 points in their first three games. But they averaged 36.1 ppg over their final seven games.
Statesboro (R1, S3), at Habersham Central (R8, S2)
Records: Blue Devils (7-3); Raiders (7-3)
Time: 7:30 p.m., Raider Stadium, Mount Airy
Statisticals: This is the first-ever meeting between the two teams. The Raiders have made the playoffs for the third straight season, a first for the program since 2005-07. However, they are still looking for their first postseason win since 2018 and are 0-3 in their last three first round games. A win for the Raiders also would give them their most wins in a season since 2007, when they advanced to the Class 4A quarterfinals. The Blue Devils were a missed extra point from winning the Region 1-5A title last week and may be the best No. 3 seed in the 5A bracket. According to the Statesboro stats, they are averaging 230 yards/game on the ground with 451 carries without a fumble in 2025.
What to watch for: Whichever offense can establish itself will probably be the key to a win. The Blue Devils bring in one of the best RBs in 5A in Sr. Keon Childers, who has 1,172 yards on 250 carries with 25 TDs and 6 100-yard games. The Raiders have shown they can stop a high-caliber RB. They limited 5A’s leading rusher MJ Dowdy to just 2 runs over 20 yards in a 35-21 win over Winder-Barrow. But the Blue Devils defense has allowed 20 or more points in 8 of 10 games and given up 35.6 ppg in their three losses. Hab Central was averaging 31.6 ppg until its loss to Jackson County in the season-finale. Sr. RB Donnie Warren is 2nd in 5A in rushing (1,453 yards, 17 TD, 7 100-yard games) and QB Paris Wilbanks is averaging just under 150 yards/game passing.
CLASS 4A
East Forsyth (R8, S4) at Benedictine (R1, S1)
Records: Broncos (6-4); Cadets (7-2)
Time: 7:30 p.m., Savannah Memorial Stadium, Savannah
Statisticals: This is the first-ever meeting between the two teams. If this was next season, when the PSR would be employed for playoff seeding, the Cadets would be the 6-seed and the Broncos would be the 29-seed in the bracket. EaFo has been ultra-successful in just four seasons of varsity play, making the playoffs each of the past three years. But they are still looking for their first postseason win. This will be their toughest playoff assignment so far. The Cadets are making their 15th consecutive postseason, advancing to the quarterfinals or better each of the last 13 seasons with 4 state titles.
What to watch for: Can the EaFo defense slow down the Cadets offense? Benedictine has won 7 straight and is averaging 50.42 ppg in that span. They are averaging 422 yards/game on offense, including 238 on the ground, and have scored 50 TDs so far in 9 games. The Broncos are giving up a respectable 17.7 ppg but in their four losses, they have surrendered 147 points (36.75 ppg). But the Broncos have forced 11 turnovers with 61 TFL, 12 sacks, and 30 QB hurries.
Ware County (R1, S3) at Flowery Branch (R8, S2)
Records: Gators (8-2); Falcons (7-3)
Radio: WDUN AM 550
Time: 7:30 p.m., Falcon Field, Flowery Branch
Statisticals: This is the first-ever meeting between the two teams. The Falcons were 1 minute away from beating defending state champion North Oconee for the 8-4A title. The Gators, who have been ranked in the top 5 most of the season, were a late score by Benedictine and a late score by Warner Robins from winning the 1-4A title. They’ve won 18 straight 1st round games going back to 2007 and are easily the toughest 3-seed in the 4A bracket. Branch has not won a 1st round game since 2021 and is 3-6 in the opening round since 2011. There are some interesting, conflicting numbers in this one. Ware County is averaging 39.1 ppg and scored 71 points in their 2 losses. The Gators are 0-2 when allowing more than 20 points this season. The Falcons are 7-0 when scoring more than 14 points in 2025.
What to watch for: The Falcons’ defense vs. the Gators’ offense. Branch has forced 17 turnovers in 10 games, including 9 INTs, and has been tough at home, allowing just 15.6 ppg. According to their stats, Ware County has not committed a turnover all season. The Gators are averaging 197 yards rushing with 35 rushing TDs, and 162 yards passing on the season. If the Falcons can grind out some long drives behind Brett Sturm, Griffin Harper, and Tre Shields, they could be poised for an upset. The Falcons have shown they can win shootouts, going 3-3 when allowing 21 or more on defense.
CLASS 3A
Cherokee Bluff (21) at Peach County (12)
Records: Bears (6-4); Trojans (9-1)
Time: 7:30 p.m., Anderson Stadium, Fort Valley
Statisticals: This is the first-ever meeting between the two teams. A juicy matchup that neither team probably expected to happen this quickly in the postseason. Both teams are coming off quarterfinal appearances last season. The Bears had to survive a wild shootout two weeks ago against East Hall to get into the postseason while the Trojans were knocked off by Cairo to fall to 2nd in Region 1-3A in Week 11. They were ranked No. 2 in Class 3A at the time. It will be another challenging matchup for a Bears defense that was ravaged by injuries over the final month. The Bears allowed just 20.5 ppg over their 1st 7 games but have surrendered 108 points (36.0 ppg) over their last 3 games. The Trojans have scored 41 or more in 5 of their last 8 games and have compiled over 3,800 yards of offense and scored 47 TDs on the season.
What to watch for: IF the Bears have gotten healthier on defense during the postseason break, they have a defense that can slow down most offenses. However, it’s the Bluff offense that may be the key. If Bluff can grind out some long drives and keep the ball out of the hands of the explosive Trojans offense, they could make this interesting. QB Cooper Dean (1,722 yards, 19 TD, 6 INT) has plenty of weapons in Sr. WR Malcolm Millsap (40-666 yards, 5 TD receiving; 16-145 yards, 1 TD rushing), Jr. WR Dylan Haley (43- 508 yards, 5 TD), and Sr. RB Jackson Pirkle (156-874 yards, 5 TD rushing; 15-253, 3 TD receiving). It won’t be easy. The Peach County defense has forced 20 turnovers on the season, including 11 INTs, with 67 TFL, 27.5 sacks, and 51 QB hurries in 10 games.
Dougherty (32) at Jefferson (1)
Records: Trojans (2-8); Dragons (9-1)
Time: 7:30 p.m., Memorial Stadium, Jefferson
Statisticals: This is the first-ever meeting between the two teams. It’s an absolute mismatch based on records, and the stats back it up. The Trojans are averaging a modest 20.6 ppg on offense but the Dragons are yielding just 10.4 ppg on defense. They have forced 18 turnovers, including 12 INTs. Only North Oconee (35) scored more than 19 against Jefferson. Meanwhile, Dougherty is giving up a whopping 35.2 ppg on defense. The Dragons are 10-3 in their last 13 1st round games and are 11-2 in their last 13 home playoff games going back to 2018. The last 10 times the Dragons won their 1st round game, they advanced to the quarterfinals or better 9 times. The Trojans have gotten past the 2nd round of the playoffs just twice (2005, 2021) this century.
What to watch for: Can the Trojans make any progress vs. the Dragons defense? Odds are doubtful, as Jefferson has smothered every opponent it has played this season, except North Oconee. They held a Jackson County offense that is averaging 45 ppg to just a field goal. They shut out an East Hall offense that scored 38 or more 6 times in 2025. A couple of early scores by the Dragons should be more than enough to put this one away early.
Lumpkin County (27) at Calhoun (6)
Records: Indians (6-4); Yellow Jackets (8-2)
Radio: www.northgeorgiasportslink.com
Time: 7:30 p.m., Phil Reeve Stadium, Calhoun
Statisticals: This is the first-ever meeting between the two teams. The Indians have the classification’s and state’s No. 2 rusher in Nolan Matthews (236-1,922 yards, 26 TD rushing; 11-142 yards, 1 TD receiving) who benefitted from a solid offensive line. But the Calhoun defense has given up just 51 points (8.3 ppg) over its last 6 games. This also is the first road playoff game for Lumpkin since 2003. The Indians are 0-4 all-time in road playoff games. The Yellow Jackets are the defending 3A state champion and are 11-2 at home the past two seasons, with their only losses coming to Cambridge and Cartersville. The Yellow Jackets have won 7 straight playoff games at home.
What to watch for: With Matthews, the Indians have a puncher’s chance if they can establish their run game and grind out some drives. That could open up some space for QB Mason Hester (124-for-217 1,436 yards, 12 TD, 7 INT; 4-157 yards, 1 TD rushing) and WRs McLane Powell (40-517 yards, 4 TD) and Martin Hulsey (44-470, 6 TD) to make some plays. The problem could be on defense for the Indians. After allowing just 18.4 ppg over their first 7 games, they surrendered 88 points (29.3 ppg) over their last 3 games. Calhoun has scored 35 or more in 9 straight coming into the playoffs behind So. QB Trace Hawkins (138-of-298 2,139 yards, 22 TD, 2 INT passing; 26-149 yards, 3 TD rushing) and the state’s leading receiver in Sr. Justin Beasley (69-1,380 yards, 15 TD). The Indians have picked off 6 passes but no one has been able to effectively slow down Hawkins and Beasley so far this season. If they can limit Beasley, anything is possible.
Mt. Zion-Jonesboro (31) at North Hall (2)
Records: Bulldogs (4-6); Trojans (10-0)
Radio: WDUN 102.9 FM
Time: 7:30 p.m., The Brickyard, Gainesville
Statisticals: This is the first-ever meeting between the two teams. This is another game that looks like a classic mismatch on paper. The Bulldogs are yielding a respectable 23.3 ppg on defense but the Trojans are one of the highest-scoring teams in the state at 46.9 ppg behind Jr. QB Alex Schlieman, who finished the regular season as the state’s leading passer (183-of-243 2,823 yards, 24 TD, 4 INT). He’s got weapons all over the field in guys like Smith McGarvey, Cole Cable, Parker Carlson, Wyatt Tumlin, Ty Kemp (when he’s back from injury). They have scored 35 or more in every game this season. Mt. Zion is 1 of 5 teams from 5-3A to get into the playoffs but comes in on a 3-game losing streak.
What to watch for: The Trojans defense has allowed some points at times this season, but is giving up just 16.5 ppg on the season. The Bulldogs have scored just 57 points (9.5 ppg) in their 6 losses. Schlieman and Co. have proven they can score on anyone and the Bulldogs have surrendered 86 points during their 3-game losing streak and North Hall has punted just 8 times all season. The Trojans are a heavy favorite and a couple of quick scores should set the tone that they are ready to prove that their No. 2 seed is the real deal. A running clock in the second half is a strong bet.
CLASS 2A
East Jackson (26) at Columbia (7)
Records: Eagles (5-5); Eagles (4-6)
Time: 7:30 p.m., Pathersville, Decatur
Statisticals: This is the first-ever meeting between the two teams. Don’t let Columbia’s record fool you. And the No. 7 seed is no fluke. Columbia lost all 6 of its non-region games to the likes of Cartersville, Carrollton, Callaway, Douglas County, and Kell. But then stormed through Region 6-2A, allowing just 27 points (6.75 ppg) with two shutouts over its last four games. Nine teams on Columbia’s schedule advanced to the playoffs. They lost just 6-0 to Class 6A Douglas County on the road. East Jackson and Sr. QB and Army commit Drew Richardson (101-of-209 1,282 yards, 14 TD, 11 INT passing; 170-1,104 yards, 9 TD rushing) bring in an offense that is probably the best they have seen since the Douglas County game. Sr. WR Branturan Callahan has a huge year (35-477 yards, 6 TD receiving; 25-225 yards, 2 TD rushing; 13 returns, 362 yards, 1TD) and could be an X-factor if he can find space in the passing game. East Jackson plays in the toughest region (8-2A with Hebron Christian, Prince Avenue, Stephens, etc) in the classification so has seen what it takes against high-caliber defenses, averaging 17 ppg in the region.
What to watch for: Can East Jackson give Richardson time to weave his magic? East Jackson is not big up front and Columbia can offer a DL that averages 288 pounds. East Jackson struggled against bigger teams in region play and being able to protect Richardson and give him time to throw will be the key. Richardson has the ability to make plays with his legs but if Columbia is able to contain him, it could be a long night in Panthersville for East Jackson. But if Richardson is able to have some early success, they could be primed for an upset.
CLASS A D1
Dodge County (18) at Rabun County (15)
Records: Indians (7-3); Wildcats (8-2)
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Statisticals: This is the first-ever meeting between the two teams. Rabun County came into this season as a fringe state title contender. Despite the low seeding, they still could be. It will be a tough road to The Benz but they have all the pieces in place, and healthy, for this year’s postseason. Last year saw the Wildcats’ 10-year streak of 1st round wins come to an end and you know they want to avenge that loss. But Sr. QB Ty Truelove was not 100% and they were battling several other injuries as well. This year, Truelove has been healthy all season (119-of-197 1,500 yards, 15 TD, 1 INT passing; 57-541 yards, 6 TD rushing) and RB Reid Giles (121-1,080 yards, 17 TD, 5 100-yard games rushing; 48-609 yards, 3 TD receiving) has had another monster season out of the backfield. Sr. RB Lake Evans (114-699 yards, 9 TD, 3 100-yard games; 12 rec., 107 yards, 1 TD) has been a great complement to give Giles a rest. The Indians are 1 of 7 Region 2-A D1 teams to get into the field and are led by 6-foot-4, 205-pound Jr. QB Kain Mincey (129-of-233 2,044 yards, 21 TD, 8 INT passing; 21-105 yards, 3 TD rushing) and a pair of of shifty junior WRs in Jauriel Bray (40-697 yards, 8 TD) and Jerimiah Burns (34-663 yards, 7 TD). Defensively, Dodge County is giving up just 17.6 ppg, however, they surrendered 149 points (29.8 ppg) over their last 5 games. The Wildcats are allowing 20.0 ppg on the season.
What to watch for: Both teams can score in bunches and will look to take shots downfield. It could come down to whoever has the final possessions. But the key may be in the ground game, and give a huge edge to the Wildcats. Rabun County is averaging 249 yards/game behind Giles and Evans while the Indians have rushed for just 1,297 yards on the season. If Rabun can grind out some long drives, they can keep the ball out of Mincey’s hands. In Dodge County’s 7 wins, they have averaged 38.8 ppg. In their 3 losses, they have scored just 45 total points. They have thrown 11 INTs on the season while the Wildcats have picked off 12 passes as a unit.
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