Class 4A Quarterfinal Playoff Previews
Riverdale Raiders (8-2) at Benedictine Cadets (8-2)
How They Got Here:
Riverdale defeated Cedar Shoals 44-7, NW Whitfield 42-17
Benedictine defeated Troup County 42-35, Cairo 45-23
Noteworthy: Riverdale has a young team that has come on really strong in the latter half of the season. Since an 8 point loss to 7A Pebblebrook, the Raiders have won six straight by an average margin of 42 points per game. Four of those six wins have been shutouts as the Raiders didn’t allow a point to any region opponents this year. Benedictine has had a solid campaign with its only losses of the season coming to quarterfinalist Appling County (3A) and Ware County (5A). The Cadets play a physical brand of football and are well balanced with an offense that can score in many different ways. Benedictine would love to get back to the state semifinals after winning two state championships this decade, while this Riverdale program doesn’t seem to be going away from games like this anytime soon!
Carver Tigers (10-0) at Jefferson Dragons (12-0)
How They Got Here:
Carver defeated Jenkins 26-3, Baldwin 8-0
Jefferson defeated Mt. Zion 65-0, Hapeville Charter 35-0
Noteworthy: Zero losses for either team tells you just about all you need to know in this one. This Carver defense is allowing just under 10 points per game while Jefferson is averaging close to 40 points per game. We think that how these two units matchup with each other will have a big effect on the outcome of this one. Throughout the regular season bot teams only had one team play them within single digits. Jefferson lost to Crisp County in the quarterfinal round a year ago, and so you know the Dragons will be looking to take the next step in making a deep playoff run!
Bainbridge Bearcats (9-3) at Cedartown Bulldogs (8-2)
How They Got Here:
Bainbridge defeated Westside 42-0, Islands 43-0
Cedartown defeated Arabia Mountain (Forfeit), North Oconee 56-0
Noteworthy: It is a good ole South Georgia versus North Georgia battle in this one! Ware County, Valdosta, and Coffee are the only losses for Bainbridge on the year. All of those teams are quarterfinalist and in a higher classification. During region play the Bearcats won each week by an average of three touchdowns, and scoring over 35 points per game. The Bulldogs lost two non-region games earlier this year and have now rattled off eight straight wins with most games being over by halftime. The Bulldogs offense has many different weapons of which they utilize in many different ways. With neither team allowing a touchdown in the playoff so far, it will be interesting to see who scores first and how the opponent responds. Should be a great one in Polk County Friday night!
Marist War Eagles (9-0) at Perry Panthers (8-4)
How They Got Here:
Marist defeated Central 49-0, Flowery Branch 24-0
Perry defeated Westover 30-14, LaGrange 34-4
Noteworthy: Marist has probably being eyeing this round after losing to Oconee County in the quarterfinals a year ago. Throughout the season the War Eagles have played as dominant of football as anyone in the state. They hadn’t allowed a touchdown until the last game of the year, and those were given up when the game was already well in hand. Marist gives up an average of 3 points a game which leads the state in any classification. A 2-4 start was not what Perry had envisioned when they started this season, but a testament to the character of this team they have now won six games in a row. Perry represents Region 4 as the number one seed, and has had two strong showings thus far in the playoffs. No doubt the Panthers are ready to defend home turf as the War Eagles come to town!