Here’s a look at five things we learned from the second round of the state high school football playoffs on Friday...
1. Dawson County’s defense also up to the postseason task
Last week we gushed -- with good reason -- about the balance and quick-strike capability of the Tigers’ offense. During interviews both players and coaches were also to quick to point that Dawson’s defense was just as capable -- and the Tigers proved it on Friday, coming up with big plays and keeping Spencer’s attack relatively quiet in a 22-12 victory that sent Dawson to its first ever state quarterfinal. Dawson’s defense held up throughout a game that remained a one possession contest until just over a minute remained in the third quarter, and that can only be an encouraging thought for Tigers boosters -- especially with Blessed Trinity on the horizon. The Titans lost their starting quarterback and running back in Friday’s contest with Jefferson but still won going away, such is the depth of that squad. And you can bet Dawson County will be tested by Blessed Trinity’s own balanced attack. In fact the two squads may feel like they’re looking a little bit in a mirror -- and that should make for an exciting showdown in Dawsonville. Dawson County is already the surprise of the season in northeast Georgia, another win this week, and the Tigers will be the surprise of the season in Class AAA.
2. 2015 Gainesville team proved worthy of winning postseason tradition
Yes the Red Elephants ultimately fell in their Class AAAAA second round contest at Stockbridge, 40-34 in overtime. But the fact that they fought back from a 28-6 halftime deficit to force the extra frame speaks volumes about the heart and ability within Gainesville’s squad. No, they could not make it five straight state quarterfinal berths. But they came within a whisker. And when you consider how the season played out, with two straight losses at one point, it must be encouraging for both fans and underclassmen to know that they still have an edge about them come playoff time that they can travel to the No. 1-ranked team in Class AAAAA and produce the game of the playoffs so far.
3. Commerce plays like road warriors
The Tigers were an extremely unfortunate position heading into the postseason, labeled a No. 9 seed in the public half of the Class A bracket, Commerce had to be one of the best road playoff teams in all of the postseason last night. And the Tigers played like it. Not that we were shocked by Commerce notching the win -- all three of their regular season losses came against playoff teams, one of which won in the first round of the Class AAA postseason (Jefferson) and another that also won in the first round of the Class A Private bracket (Prince Avenue Christian). Commerce was certainly battle tested, but to trek almost 300 miles, take an early lead and then respond again late -- well, quarterfinal opponent Marion County (despite being almost 200 miles from Commerce) must be a little nervous.
4. Rabun County defense playing at another level
Like Dawson County, the Wildcats’ high-powered offense has taken most of the headlines this season. But anyone who has watched Rabun County this season knows that perhaps the biggest difference in its first quarterfinal run since 1998 is the play of its defense. And the Wildcats were downright nasty again in Friday’s 41-7 defeat of Early County in a game that could have been tricky otherwise. The visitors produced a flukey early touchdown and then helped keep Rabun’s offense in neutral, as they held a 7-0 lead at the half. But they could find no more traction against a Wildcats defense that clamped down, allowing just 1.8 yards per rush from Early County and 124 total yards. Rabun’s defensive play set the stage for its offense, which kicked into gear at the half to blow out Early County and set the Wildcats on their way. Rabun next faces its first road trip of the postseason after losing a coin flip to Jefferson County -- a team currently averaging 38.4 points per game. The Wildcats will most certainly be tested. But when you’re playing defense like they currently are, you can bet there will be little fear in Tiger this week.
5. Jefferson’s seniors finish careers with plenty to celebrate
Like Gainesville’s seniors, the Dragons walked off the field Friday wondering what might have been -- but once the initial sadness of seeing their season end at the hands of Blessed Trinity wears off, Jefferson’s standouts can look on with pride at their accomplishments -- the Dragons seniors, especially. Jefferson’s seniors will leave on the end of the program’s most successful ever four-year run -- one which started with a Class AA championship in 2012 and featured double digit win totals in each of the other three seasons. Jefferson also reached the state quarterfinals in two of those campaigns. So they leave the program on a major high -- and they will also feel that their legacy will be in good hands, as Jefferson returns a number of starters from this year’s team.
SECOND ROUND STATE PLAYOFF SCORES FOR AREA TEAMS, NOV. 20
CLASS AAAAAA
Mill Creek 44, Newnan 14
CLASS AAAAA
Stockbridge 40, Gainesville 34 OT
Northgate 41, Lanier 21
CLASS AAAA
Buford 42, Worth County
CLASS AAA
Dawson County 22, Spencer 12
Blessed Trinity 38, Jefferson 12
CLASS AA
Rabun County 41, Early County 7
CLASS A Public
Commerce 31, Charlton County 29
STATE QUARTERFINAL SCHEDULE FOR AREA TEAMS, NOV. 27
CLASS AAAAAA
Archer at Mill Creek
CLASS AAAA
Buford at Thomson
CLASS AAA
Blessed Trinity at Dawson County
CLASS AA
Rabun County at Jefferson County
CLASS A Public
Commerce at Marion County
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