Northeast Georgia football flexed its muscles in the quarterfinals on Friday.
While just four area teams competed in the third round of state three of those moved on to the Final Four, including one for the first time in program history.
(NOTE: Visit our Friday Game Night page for in-depth game stories and video highlights from northeast Georgia's programs in the quarterfinals.)
Rabun County will not only make its first ever state semifinal appearance next week, the Wildcats will do so on the heels of an astounding performance, as Rabun levelled Screven County 56-14 on the road in Class AA.
Meanwhile, North Gwinnett is back in the fourth round of state for the first time since 2013 after fending off upstart Marietta 51-41 in the Class AAAAAAA playoffs in Suwanee.
And in Class AAAAA, Buford is set for its 11th straight state semifinal after turning around a two-touchdown deficit in a 20-17 victory at Stockbridge.
The Wolves' reward is a rematch with Rome -- the team that denied Buford in last year's state championship contest. Buford will trek to Rome next week.
The only setback amongst area teams on Friday was Jefferson's 51-32 defeat at Mary Person's in Class AAAA. The Dragons season is now complete after a 10-3 record and reaching the third round of state for fifth time in six seasons.
Looking ahead, Rabun County will play host to Brooks County next week. Brooks slammed Callaway 31-0.
And in Class AAAAAAA, North Gwinnett will play host to McEachern, which took out Parkview 43-28 on Friday.
STATE QUARTERFINAL SCORES, NOV. 24
CLASS AAAAAAA
North Gwinnett 51, Marietta 41
CLASS AAAAA
Buford 20, Stockbridge 17
CLASS AAAA
Mary Persons 51, Jefferson 32
CLASS AA
Rabun County 56, Screven County 14
STATE SEMIFINAL SCHEDULE, DEC. 1
CLASS AAAAAAA
McEachern at North Gwinnett
CLASS AAAAA
Buford at Rome
CLASS AA
Brooks County at Rabun County
