It’s the Sweet 16 of the Georgia High School Association playoffs and six of the 13 northeast Georgia teams are still alive and will try to keep the train rolling on Friday night. And five of the six teams will have familiar surroundings playing host in the second round.
All four region champs from the northeast Georgia area not only advanced, but did so in emphatic fashion in the first round. Buford, Jackson County, Jefferson, and North Hall all dominated their first-round opponents, winning by an average of 41.5 points/game, and will look to do so again at home on Friday.
However, the matchups ramp up this week for sure, especially in Class 5A. Gainesville heads to Brunswick and Jackson County plays host to two-time defending state champion Milton.
Class 3A No. 2 seed North Hall will see LaGrange come to The Brickyard for a second straight year, and No. 1 seed Jefferson brings Harlem into Memorial Stadium. Buford takes on Newton in Class 6A at Phillip Beard Stadium.
Rabun County, a No. 15 seed in Class A Division 1, has a surprise home game in the second round after No. 2 seed Lamar County was stunned last week.
In addition, in GAPPS 11-man, Lanier Christian will look for its second straight league title on Friday. They take on Creekside Christian in Newnan at Northgate High School.
With that, here are the GAMES2WATCH on Friday in the 2nd round of the GHSA playoffs, and GAPPS final.
CLASS 6A
Newton at Buford
Records: Rams (8-3, Region 7, Seed 3); Wolves (11-0, R8, S1)
Last week: Newton beat Peachtree Ridge, 33-14; Buford beat Richmond Hill, 45-0
Time: 7:30 p.m., Phillip Beard Stadium, Buford
Statisticals: Buford leads series, 2-0. The Wolves took wins in 2018 & 2019. All three meetings have been in Buford. It’s just the second time in program history (2014 & 2015) that Newton has made the Sweet 16 in consecutive seasons. Only once (2014) have they won consecutive playoff games to get into the quarterfinals in the modern playoff system. And the Rams have a huge challenge this week. The Wolves are 24-1 in 2nd round games this century and have won 7 straight playoff games vs. unranked teams (Bainbridge, 2018). But the one loss came in the state’s highest classification in 2022 (Walton). Newton is just 4-17 all-time in the playoffs, with 2 of those wins coming in 2014. The Rams have won 8 games for just the 6th time in program history (going back to 1949) and only three times (2015, 1987, 1964) have they won 9 or more. The 1987 team set the mark with the Rams’ only 10-win season. Newton has lost 5 straight to ranked teams. Its last win over a ranked team came against Grayson in 2023. They last beat a top 3 team in 2021 (Hughes).
Why watch it: The Buford defense. The Wolves put in another dominant defensive performance last week, shutting out a Wildcats team that came in averaging 25 ppg. They have surrendered just 27 points (3.85 ppg) over their last 7 games and no one has scored more than 26 (Douglas County) on them this season. As a unit, they have amassed 87 TFL, 16 sacks, 87 QB hurries, and forced 19 turnovers, including 12 INTs. Senior DL Bryce Perry-Wright has been nearly unblockable this season. He leads the Wolves in tackles (72), TFL (12.0), sacks (4), and hurries (19). The Rams have won 5 straight and scored 203 points (40.6 ppg) in that span. However, the last defense of this caliber they faced, they scored just 3 points against Grayson in a 50-3 loss during the regular season.
Next: vs. North Cobb-Douglas County winner
CLASS 5A
Gainesville at Brunswick
Records: Red Elephants (9-2, R7, S2); Pirates (9-2, R1, S1)
Last week: Gainesville beat Dunwoody, 48-3; Brunswick beat Winder-Barrow 78-30
Radio: 94.5 FM The Lake
Time: 7:30 p.m., Glynn Stadium, Brunswick
Statisticals: This is the first-ever meeting between the two programs. The defenses will be tested in this one for sure. The Pirates are in the top five in Class 5A in scoring (525 points, 47.73 ppg) and are averaging 551.8 yards/game (309.2 ypg rushing, 42 TDs; 242.6 ypg, 29 TDs passing). Big Red is in the top 10, averaging 42.64 ppg (469 points) and just under 500 ypg (278 rushing, 204 passing). This is the 6th time in the last 7 years the Pirates have advanced to the 2nd round. However, they are 0-9 this century in the Sweet 16. The last time they advanced past the 2nd round was in 1999, when they got to the Class 4A title game. Big Red is 10-4 in 2nd round games this century. A Red Elephants’ win would give them 3 Elite 8 appearances in Josh Niblett’s 1st 4 seasons. But Gainesville is 0-2 this season when yielding more than 30 points. In fact, going back to last season, Big Red is 0-6 in its last 6 games when giving up 30 or more. Brunswick also is 7-0 at Glynn Stadium in 2025.
Why watch it: Two of the best offenses in the state. The Pirates have scored 41 or more in six of their last seven games. Sr. QB Grant Moore (137-of-201 2,639 yards, 29 TD, 5 INT passing; 48-332 yards, 4 TD rushing) is a dangerous dual-threat. They have over 3,400 yards rushing, paced by Jr. RBs Josiah Gibbons (99-1,288 yards, 12 TD rushing; 22-358 yards, 3 TD receiving) and Nigel Gardner (101-1,205 yards, 17 TD). Jr. WR Waseem Murray (30-708 yards, 5 TD) and senior TE/WR Heze Kent (37-674 yards, 10 TD) give Moore a pair of big targets in the passing game. Gainesville counters with Jr. QB Kharim Hughley (142-of-218 2,119 yards, 27 TD, 5 INT passing; 44-221 yards, 6 TD rushing) and Jr. RB Nigel Newkirk (153-1,321 yards, 17 TD rushing; 11-119 yards, 1 TD receiving). Sr. WR Phillip Williams (38-603 yards, 5 TD) and Sr. Cameron James (19-274 yards, 6 TD) lead a receiving group where 9 different players have caught TD passes this season. GHS is giving up just 15.82 ppg on the year while the Pirates have allowed just 18.36 ppg. One stop or turnover could be the difference in this one.
Next: vs. Hughes-Lee County winner
Milton at Jackson County
Records: Eagles (8-3, R 7, S3); Panthers (10-1, R8, S1)
Last week: Milton beat Shiloh, 35-17; Jackson County beat Glynn Academy, 50-7
Radio: WDUN AM 550
Time: 7:30 p.m., Panther Stadium, Hoschton
Statisticals: This is the first-ever meeting between the two programs. The experience factor will definitely be on the side of the Eagles, who are making their 9th straight trip to the Sweet 16. They are 6-2 in that span and have won 5 straight 2nd round games. Jackson County was ranked 10th in the final AccessWDUN/Friday Game Night composite poll and Milton is just 1-3 this year vs. ranked teams. However, the Panthers are not ranked in several others and the Eagles have won 23 straight vs. unranked teams (2023, North Cobb). The Panthers are into their first-ever Sweet 16 after winning their first-ever playoff game last week. But these Panthers do not look the part of the inexperienced. Sr. QB RJ Knapp III (107-of-166 1,849 yards, 17 TD, 3 INT passing; 25-145 yards rushing) is a 3rd-year starter. Another 3-year starter in Sr. RB Daylon Maxwell (192-1,588 yards 24 TD rushing; 14-290 yards receiving), finished 2nd in Class 5A in rushing and is averaging 170 ypg from scrimmage. They will need big games from both. Despite losing more games so far in 2025 (3) than the last 2 seasons combined, the Eagles defense is as stout as ever. They have allowed just 146 points (13.27 ppg) playing the likes of Buford, Gainesville, Roswell (all losses), and Blessed Trinity. The Panthers have shattered every program offensive record, scoring 508 points (46.18 ppg). They have scored 30 or more in 10 games and are 10-0 in those games. But the best defense they played in 2025, Jefferson, held them to just a FG early in the season in a 10-3 loss.
Why watch it: The Panthers defense and special teams. Both are elite units. The defense is yielding just 10.0 ppg. with 72 TFL, 18 sacks, 57 QB hurries, and has forced 21 turnovers, including 12 fumbles. So. LB Noah Bade (98 tkls, 8 TFL, 4 sacks, 9 QB hurries, 4 blocked kicks) has had a breakout season. Sr. defensive linemen Deacon Wiley and Slade Swierczek have 36 TFL and 6.5 combined sacks. Seven different players have INTs this season. The special teams unit has blocked 8 kicks this season. The Eagles have averaged 36.5 ppg in their 8 wins, but have scored just 68 points (22.67 ppg) in their 3 losses. If the Panthers can get the early lead, they could force the Eagles to take chances.
Next: vs. Houston County-Rome winner
CLASS 3A
Harlem at Jefferson
Records: Bulldogs (9-2, No. 17 seed); Dragons (10-1, No. 1 seed)
Last week: Harlem beat Heritage-Catoosa, 35-28; Jefferson beat Dougherty, 55-13
Time: 7:30 p.m., Memorial Stadium, Jefferson
Statisticals: This is the first meeting between the two programs since 1969. The late Jim Lofton was the coach for the Dragons at the time. Jefferson leads the series 3-0-1. The Dragons are giving up just 10.64 ppg on the season and only once (North Oconee, 35) have they allowed more than 19 points. They have forced 18 turnovers, including 12 INTs. Harlem QB Mercer Barton has been picked off 8 times. The Bulldogs are surrendering just 13.36 ppg, although they gave up a season-high 28 last week to Heritage. But their 2 losses were to No. 4 seed West Laurens and No. 10 seed Westside-Augusta by just 12 total points. They have 53 TFL and have forced 14 turnovers. They also have blocked 4 kicks on the season. So. LB Jax Stadler is leading the way with 95 tkl, 8 TFL, 4 sacks, and 1 INT. Jefferson has turned the ball over just 7 times in 2025.
Why watch it: It could be a titanic defensive battle. Harlem is 1 of 4 4-3A teams to reach the Sweet 16 and Region 4-3A had the classification’s highest winning percentage (.667) in non-region games. The Bulldogs will not be an easy out and have been a solid winner the past three seasons, with two 10-win campaigns since 2022. However, they have never gotten past the 2nd round in the modern playoff era (2-9 all-time in the playoffs, 0-2 in 2nd round). The Dragons are 9-1 in their last 10 2nd round games going back to their title season of 2012. Jefferson has won 27 straight games vs. non-ranked teams (Cass, 2022 playoffs).
Next: vs. Troup-Cairo winner
LaGrange at North Hall
Records: Grangers (9-2, No. 15 seed); Trojans (11-0, No. 2 seed)
Last week: LaGrange beat North Clayton, 48-27; North Hall beat Mt. Zion-Jonesboro, 62-26
Radio: FM 102.9 WDUN
Time: 7:30 p.m., The Brickyard, Gainesville
Statisticals: The Grangers won the only meeting between the two teams in last year’s quarterfinals, 49-17, at The Brickyard. LaGrange is 1 of 4 teams from Region 2-3A to advance into the 2nd round. The Trojans are the only public school in 6-3A to advance past the 1st round. This time, North Hall brings in the state’s leading passer in Alex Schlieman (206-of-271 3,129 yards, 28 TD, 4 INT) and an offense that is averaging over 500 yards/game (299 passing, 205 rushing) and 48.27 ppg. They have scored 35 or more in every game, including hitting the 50-mark five times. They are setting new records with each game it seems. But the Grangers are the best defense they’ve seen (17.73 ppg) since their opener against Wesleyan. LaGrange has allowed teams to score more than 23 just twice, but both have come over their past 3 games, where they have surrendered 79 points (26.3 ppg) in that span. The Grangers’ two losses came to No. 3 seed Sandy Creek (23-7) and to No. 9 seed Troup (38-24). However, they are just 1-5 in their last 6 games vs. ranked Class 3A teams. The Trojans were ranked 4th in the final AccessWDUN/Friday Game Night composite poll.
Why watch it: The rematch. Revenge. Call it whatever you want. But all Trojans fans remember Malachi Render-Fannin running wild for 261 yards and LaGrange taking a 42-3 lead into the fourth quarter at The Brickyard last year. Render-Fannin is now at Liberty University and the Trojans have Schlieman and an offense that no one has been able to slow down. But the Grangers held Sandy Creek, which is averaging over 41 ppg, to a season-low 23 points earlier in the season. North Hall is also looking to make back-to-back Elite 8’s for the first time since 2006-07 and just the 2nd time ever. The last time the Trojans were 12-0 also was in 2007.
Next: vs. Stephenson-Westside-Augusta winner
CLASS A D1
Berrien at Rabun County
Records: Rebels (4-7, No. 31 seed); Wildcats (9-2, No. 15 seed)
Last week: Berrien beat Lamar County, 7-0; Rabun County beat Dodge County, 56-21
Time: 7:30 p.m., Frank Snyder Stadium, Tiger
Statisticals: This is the first-ever meeting between the two programs. The Rebels won their 2nd-ever playoff game last week and now will get the Wildcats, who have advanced to the quarterfinals each of the last 9 times they have won a 1st round game. Berrien had lost 39 straight to ranked teams going back to a 13-12 win over Clinch County in 2014 until last week’s shocking win over the 9th-ranked Trojans. Rabun County, meanwhile, put together perhaps its most complete game of the season last week. They got a special teams TD, forced 5 turnovers (3 on downs), and Ty Truelove threw for 202 yards and 2 TDs to pace the offense. The Rebels were giving up 36.2 ppg until last week and have allowed 36 or more points 6 times in 2025. The Wildcats are averaging 40.36 ppg on offense and have scored less than 31 just twice.
Why watch it: Ty Truelove, Reid Giles, and an underrated defense. Also, Rabun County will be on the road the remainder of the playoffs if they advance so this will be the home finale for the season. A win for the Wildcats would give them their 10th quarterfinal appearance since 2015. Only Buford (9 times) can match that among other northeast Georgia programs over that same spam.
Next: vs. Jasper County-Pepperell winner
GAPPS 11-MAN FINALS
Creekside Christian vs. Lanier Christian
Records: Cougars (7-4, No. 2 seed); Lightning (8-3, No. 1 seed)
Semifinals: Creekside Christian beat Rock Springs Christian, 16-14; Lanier Christian beat Cherokee Christian, 42-14
Time: 7:30 p.m., Northgate High School (Newnan)
Statisticals: Lanier Christian is the defending GAPPS 11-man state champs. The Lightning beat the Cougars 24-13 in the season-finale and has won all 3 meetings over Creekside Christian since 2022. The Cougars have never won a GAPPS title in football.
Why watch it: The Lightning are trying to become the first back-to-back champs in GAPPS since Central Fellowship Christian Academy out of Macon (now in the GIAA) last did it in 2020-21. If the Cougars win it, it will be the 5th straight different champion in GAPPS 11-man.
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