Class 6A Quarterfinal Playoff Previews
Valdosta Wildcats (6-4) at Carrollton Trojans (8-2)
How They Got Here:
Valdosta defeated Lovejoy 52-14, Evans 44-7
Carrollton defeated Winder-Barrow 55-7, Sprayberry 39-13
Noteworthy: Valdosta comes in at 6-4 but their strength of schedule will match up with anyone in the state. All four of their losses have come to teams still alive in the playoffs from 4A-7A. The Wildcats will be looking to make it back to the semi finals for the first time since their 2016 state championship. They will be facing a Carrollton program that lost in the 5A Quarterfinals a year ago. After some early season cancellations due to covid, Carrollton has rattled off an expressive back half of the season losing just one time by a point to Alexander. This matchup will be fun to watch with two perennial powers and Division 1 talent all over the field!
Langston Hughes Panthers (11-1) at Buford Wolves (10-1)
How They Got Here:
Hughes defeated Northside(WR) 27-0, Glynn Academy 35-0
Buford defeated 48-0, Cambridge 42-7
Noteworthy: Hughes is one of the best stories of the year from any classification. A year ago they were 2-8, and now they are 11-1 with an opportunity to go against one premier programs in the state, Buford. Buford is no stranger to big playoff games, they won the Class 5A state championship a year ago before moving up to 6A this season. Hughes’ lone loss on the year comes to Region 4 champion Westlake by 5 points. Buford lost its first game of the year to North Cobb who was ousted in the 7A playoffs a week ago. Since that loss, no team has come within 5, yes you read that correctly, 5 touchdowns of the Wolves!
Lee County Trojans (10-1) at River Ridge Knights (11-0)
How They Got Here:
Lee County defeated Tucker 49-17, Brunswick 48-21
River Ridge defeated Kennesaw Mountain 35-34(OT), Rome 42-10
Noteworthy: This game features another two teams where one has had an incredible turnaround facing a traditional Georgia powerhouse. Lee County once again find itself deep in the playoffs, and this time looking to jump back into the semi finals after losing to Dacula in this round a year ago. Their season has been impressive highlighted by a Region Championship where they beat fellow quarterfinalist Valdosta by a score of 41-7. River Ridge was 3-7 and missed the playoffs a year ago, which makes their 11-0 season even more impressive. A balanced offensive attack helps lead Knights who have won by large margins but also shown they can come away with a win in a close game. This should be fun when Lee County makes the trip up north of Atlanta to battle it out with one of the two unbeatens left in Class 6A!
Allatoona Buccaneers (10-0) at Westlake Lions (10-1)
How They Got Here:
Allatoona defeated Johns Creek 24-0, Dacula 31-6
Westlake defeated Houston County 42-10, Richmond Hill 55-13
Noteworthy: The Buccaneers are the other remaining unbeaten team in 6A and have not lost since last year’s state championship game against Harrison. The Bucs have used an explosive offensive and stout defense to get through the first two rounds of the playoffs. Westlake comes in with one of the state’s most impressive offensive units having scored over 40 points in every game except one since an early September loss to Hillgrove. We expect a lot of points in this one, but an opportunistic play on defense may be the difference in the ballgame!