GHSA Football Class 4A Semi-Final Playoff Previews
Jefferson Dragons (13-0) at Benedictine Cadets (9-2)
How They Got Here:
Jefferson defeated:
Mt. Zion 65-0
Hapeville Charter 35-0
Carver 28-22
Benedictine defeated:
Troup County 42-35
Cairo 45-23
Riverdale 48-13
Players to Watch
Jefferson:
QB Malaki Starks, RB Jordan Perry, WR Nick Evans, WR Spencer Neese, DL Jaheim Hardy, LB Paxton Corkery
Benedictine:
QB Holden Geriner, RB LeShon Brooks Jr., WR Trent Broadnax, OL Andrew DeFilipis, LB Holden Sapp, DB Ben Hollerbach
Noteworthy:
The Dragons are back in the semi-finals after losing in the quarterfinals a year ago. Benedictine returns to semi-finals after a few year and look to reach the state championship like they did earlier this decade. Jefferson is led by one of the state’s best athletes in Malaki Starks, and they have not had many games this season stay close beyond halftime. Last week, the Dragons were tested and always had an answer in their close 28-22 win over Carver. Benedictine has shown the ability to score points and in a hurry this postseason. They have great balance offense with Holden Geriner coming into his own at QB, and a complete back in LeShon Brooks Jr. in the run game. There should be points in this one, and two programs who are ready to add another trophy to an already full case!
Marist War Eagles (10-0) at Bainbridge Bearcats (10-3)
How They Got Here:
Marist defeated:
Central 49-0
Flowery Branch 24-0
Perry 36-7
Bainbridge defeated:
Westside 42-0
Islands 43-0
Cedartown 21-10
Players to Watch:
Marist:
QB Champ Davis, RB/LB Lincoln Parker, WR/DB Joshua Moore, TE/DE Derek McDonald, T Davis McKenna, LB Tyler Hare
Bainbridge:
QB Deyon Bouie, RB Rashad Broadnax, RB Caleb Lewis, OL Lawson Chandler, LB Tahari Tate, DB Zion Bouie
Noteworthy:
After a tough early season schedule the Bearcats have reeled off wins and in an impression fashion. Marist has been solid throughout the entire season even with a somewhat late start. The War Eagles defense has shut out half of their opponents, but will face their toughest test with an explosive offense on the other side of the ball. Deyon Bouie and Quayde Hawkins lead a Bainbridge offense that can do it on the ground or through the air. Marist is one of the most physical teams we have seen this season, and will look to disrupt the Bainbridge offense before its playmakers can get in space. This is a tough game to predict with both teams being so dominant in recent weeks!
