Jeff Hart

The playoff picture became much clearer for some teams while others played themselves into the opportunity for post-season play after Friday night's high school football action.

East Hall clinched a spot in next week's Region 8-AA play-in games with a stunning 34-17 win over Banks County at East Hall Stadium Friday night.

Apalachee continued its strong play in the second half of the season with a 47-0 pasting of Winder-Barrow Friday night in Region 8-AAAA.

Lakeview Academy completed its season on a strong note Friday with a 21-0 win over Towns County on the road.

Buford saw its 14-game win streak in the state playoffs come to an end Friday in a tough 3-2 loss to Pike County in the semifinals of Class AA state tournament.

Last year, Buford continued one of the all-time great runs in Georgia softball history winning its fourth straight Class AA state title. Beginning Thursday, the Lady Wolves will begin a quest to put themselves in a class all by themselves as they go for an unprecedented fifth consecutive state championship in Columbus.

JoJo Nicholas recovered a fumbled punt for a touchdown plus added an interception, Lamar Miller ran for 93 yards and a score and Miami's banged-up defense was dominant as the Hurricanes topped No. 20 Georgia Tech 24-7 on Saturday.

Gainesville's longest-ever run in the Class AAA state volleyball tournament came to an abrupt end Saturday. The Lady Elephants fell to No. 2 St. Pius 25-9, 25-13, 25-13 in the quarterfinals.

Georgia Southern erupted for 31 points in the second quarter Saturday and coasted to a 48-14 win over Presbyterian.

Donald Russell rushed 20 times for a school-record 137 yards and scored on an 8-yard run in the second overtime to help Georgia State beat South Alabama 27-20 and snap a five-game losing streak Saturday.