Quarterfinal previews: Classes A Division I, A Division II and 3A-A Private
Class A Division I
Fitzgerald (9-3) at Heard County (12-0)
Seeding: Fitzgerald is the No. 9 seed. Heard County is the No. 1 seed.
Rankings: Fitzgerald is ranked No. 8. Heard County is ranked No. 3.
Last week: Fitzgerald beat Dublin 28-7. Fitzgerald took a 14-0 lead in the second quarter on Vic Copeland's 69-yard run and R.J. Stanley's 25-yard fumble return, and Dublin didn't score until 4:28 left. Fitzgerald completed only two passes, both touchdowns, one that Copeland caught, the other that he threw. Fitzgerald led 274-240 in total yards in a game of only three completed passes. Heard County beat Social Circle 48-10. Ethan Tisdale passed for 174 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 126 yards and three touchdowns. Brody Buc Cofield had three receptions for 100 yards and two touchdowns.
Last meeting/series: Heard County won 38-30 in the 2018 semifinals. Fitzgerald leads the series 3-1.
Playoff history: This is Fitzgerald's sixth straight quarterfinal appearance. Fitzgerald is trying to reach the semifinals for the sixth straight time. Fitzgerald is 15-5 all-time in quarterfinals. This is Heard County's first quarterfinal appearance since 2018. Heard County is trying to reach the semifinals for the first time since 2018. Heard County is 2-2 all-time in quarterfinals.
Score vs. schedule: Fitzgerald's average score is 30-11 against the fifth-hardest schedule in Class A Division I. Heard County's average score is 41-12 against the 33rd-hardest schedule in Class A Division I.
Maxwell Ratings' projection: Fitzgerald 21, Heard County 20
Northeast (10-2) at Toombs County (11-1)
Seeding: Northeast is the No. 5 seed. Toombs County is the No. 4 seed.
Rankings: Northeast is ranked No. 4. Toombs County is ranked No. 2.
Last week: Northeast beat Swainsboro 26-14. Reginald Glover passed for 202 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 68 yards. His 62-yard pass to Tavares Tinsley gave Northeast a 26-7 lead with 2:43 left in the third quarter. Toombs County beat Thomasville 24-19. Justin Powell rushed for 223 yards and two touchdowns on 37 carries, and his 57-yard run in the final three minutes gave Toombs County a 24-13 lead.
Last meeting/series: Toombs County won 38-18 in the 2024 finals. The series is tied 1-1.
Playoff history: This is Northeast's second straight quarterfinal appearance. Northeast is trying to reach the semifinals for the second straight time. Northeast is 1-1 all-time in quarterfinals. This is Toombs County's third straight quarterfinal appearance. Toombs County is trying to reach the semifinals for the second straight time. Toombs County is 1-6 all-time in quarterfinals.
Score vs. schedule: Northeast's average score is 31-8 against the 20th-hardest schedule in Class A Division I. Toombs County's average score is 41-14 against the seventh-hardest schedule in Class A Division I.
Maxwell Ratings' projection: Toombs County 28, Northeast 10
Gordon Lee (11-1) at Worth County (12-0)
Seeding: Gordon Lee is the No. 6 seed. Worth County is the No. 3 seed.
Rankings: Gordon Lee is unranked. Worth County is ranked No. 1.
Last week: Gordon Lee beat Elbert County 17-12. Gordon Lee blocked two field goals, and Garrett Ross intercepted a pass deep in Gordon Lee territory to clinch the victory. Landon Norton had five receptions for 125 yards. Worth County beat Bleckley County 38-35. Brodey Hancock kicked a 20-yard field goal on the final play, breaking a 35-35 tie that had endured since the third quarter. Kaden Chester rushed for 140 yards. Lyndon Worthy was 13-of-22 passing for 272 yards, including an 89-yarder to Jayden Farley.
Last meeting/series: This is the teams' first meeting.
Playoff history: This is Gordon Lee's first quarterfinal appearance since 2002. Gordon Lee is trying to reach the semifinals for the first time since 1966. Gordon Lee is 0-2 all-time in quarterfinals. This is Worth County's second straight quarterfinal appearance. Worth County is trying to reach the semifinals for the first time since 1991. Worth County is 6-2 all-time in quarterfinals.
Score vs. schedule: Gordon Lee's average score is 39-12 against the 41st-hardest schedule in Class A Division I. Worth County's average score is 44-13 against the 27th-hardest schedule in Class A Division I.
Maxwell Ratings' projection: Worth County 38, Gordon Lee 14
Rabun County (10-2) at Pepperell (8-4)
Seeding: Rabun County is the No. 15 seed. Pepperell is the No. 10 seed.
Rankings: Rabun County is unranked. Pepperell is unranked.
Last week: Rabun County beat Berrien 35-0. Rabun County rushed for 326 yards as a team. Reid Giles rushed for 175 yards. Lake Evans rushed for 112. Pepperell beat Jasper County 28-17. Pepperell led 21-3, allowed two defensive touchdowns in the third quarter and re-stablished control the Moss Tant's 32-yard TD pass to Madoc Garcia in the fourth quarter. Tant was 7-of-8 passing for 121 yards and three touchdowns. Sam Ross rushed for 94 yards and caught a TD pass.
Last meeting/series: This is the teams' first meeting.
Playoff history: This is Rabun County's first quarterfinal appearance since 2023. Rabun County is trying to reach the semifinals for the first time since 2020. Rabun County is 2-8 all-time in quarterfinals. This is Pepperell's first quarterfinal appearance since 2016. Pepperell is trying to reach the semifinals for the first time since 1998. Pepperell is 3-3 all-time in quarterfinals.
Score vs. schedule: Rabun County's average score is 40-18 against the 28th-hardest schedule in Class A Division I. Pepperell's average score is 32-24 against the 18th-hardest schedule in Class A Division I.
Maxwell Ratings' projection: Rabun County 28, Pepperell 24
Class A Division II
Wheeler County (12-0) at Clinch County (12-0)
Seeding: Wheeler County is the No. 1 seed from Region 4. Clinch County is the No. 1 seed from Region 2.
Rankings: Wheeler County is ranked No. 6. Clinch County is ranked No. 2.
Last week: Wheeler County beat Warren County 28-20 after trailing 20-7 in the first half. Wheeler County went up 28-20 on Alvin Ricks' 26-yard run with 4:23 left at the end of an 80-yard drive that began after Jacorion Woodard's end-zone interception. Ricks rushed for 179 yards and three touchdowns and caught two passes for 64 yards. Clinch County beat Emanuel County Institute 28-18. Clinch County scored on a 67-yard kickoff return and a 97-yard fumble return. Traviian Miller rushed for 187 yards and passed for 105.
Last meeting/series: Clinch County won 12-0 in 1997. Clinch County leads the series 6-1.
Playoff history: This is Wheeler County's first quarterfinal appearance. This is Clinch County's fourth straight quarterfinal appearance. Clinch County is trying to reach the semifinals for the first time since 2020. Clinch County is 19-7 all-time in quarterfinals.
Score vs. schedule: Wheeler County's average score is 40-17 against the 36th-hardest schedule in Class A Division II. Clinch County's average score is 35-13 against the 21st-hardest schedule in Class A Division II.
Maxwell Ratings' projection: Clinch County 27, Wheeler County 21
Jenkins County (8-4) at Bowdon (10-2)
Seeding: Jenkins County is the No. 3 seed from Region 3. Bowdon is the No. 1 seed from Region 7.
Rankings: Jenkins County is unranked. Bowdon is ranked No. 3.
Last week: Jenkins County beat Schley County 41-20. Jenkins County took a 14-0 lead in the first half and led throughout. Justin Wright rushed for 183 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries. Bowdon beat Washington-Wilkes 54-24. Bowdon scored four third-quarter touchdowns after leading 21-12 at halftime. Joshua Hopkins was 7-of-9 passing for 196 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 131 yards and three touchdowns on 10 carries. Joshua Chandler rushed for 201 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries.
Last meeting/series: This is the teams' first meeting.
Playoff history: This is Jenkins County's second straight quarterfinal appearance. Jenkins County is trying to reach the semifinals for the first time since 1960. Jenkins County is 0-1 all-time in quarterfinals. This is Bowdon's fourth straight quarterfinal appearance. Bowdon is trying to reach the semifinals for the fourth straight time. Bowdon is 10-6 all-time in quarterfinals.
Score vs. schedule: Jenkins County's average score is 27-22 against the 25th-hardest schedule in Class A Division II. Bowdon's average score is 45-16 against the sixth-hardest schedule in Class A Division II.
Maxwell Ratings' projection: Bowdon 38, Jenkins County 12
Screven County (12-0) at Early County (9-3)
Seeding: Screven County is the No. 1 seed from Region 3. Early County is the No. 1 seed from Region 1.
Rankings: Screven County is ranked No. 7. Early County is ranked No. 8.
Last week: Screven County beat Charlton County 35-14. AB Hilton rushed for 165 yards. Screven County rushed for 348 yards and attempted only two passes. Early County beat Mount Zion 13-7. Devonis Lee rushed for 85 yards, and his 2-yard run with 6:49 left stood up as the winning score. Early County stopped two more nonthreatening drives and held Mount Zion to 130 total yards. Early County was 1-for-3 passing.
Last meeting/series: Early County won 28-7 in the 2012 second round. Early County leads the series 1-0.
Playoff history: This is Screven County's first quarterfinal appearance since 2017. Screven County is trying to reach the semifinals for the first time since 2002. Screven County is 2-3 all-time in quarterfinals. This is Early County's first quarterfinal appearance since 2023. Early County is trying to reach the semifinals for the first time since 2006. Early County is 9-5 all-time in quarterfinals.
Score vs. schedule: Screven County's average score is 33-8 against the 35th-hardest schedule in Class A Division II. Early County's average score is 31-16 against the 30th-hardest schedule in Class A Division II.
Maxwell Ratings' projection: Screven County 21, Early County 13
Brooks County (7-5) at Lincoln County (12-0)
Seeding: Brooks County is the No. 2 seed from Region 2. Lincoln County is the No. 1 seed from Region 8.
Rankings: Brooks County is ranked No. 5. Lincoln County is ranked No. 1.
Last week: Brooks County beat Johnson County 14-7. With 2:28 left and the score 7-7, Brooks County stopped Johnson County on a fourth-and-2, then drove 51 yards for the winning touchdown on Damari Baynard’s 21-yard run with 38 seconds left. Johnson County then got to Brooks County’s 15 but no farther. George Lamons had 114 yards from scrimmage on 13 touches. Brooks County led 217-189 in total yards. Lincoln County beat Hawkinsville 56-0. Lincoln County led 35-0 at halftime and rushed for 372 yards and seven touchdowns. Kelby Glaze rushed for 96 yards and two touchdowns on six carries.
Last meeting/series: Brooks County won 33-29 in the 1994 first round. Brooks County leads the series 1-0.
Playoff history: This is Brooks County's third straight quarterfinal appearance. Brooks County is trying to reach the semifinals for the third straight time. Brooks County is 12-6 all-time in quarterfinals. This is Lincoln County's second straight quarterfinal appearance. Lincoln County is trying to reach the semifinals for the first time since 2022. Lincoln County is 27-11 all-time in quarterfinals.
Score vs. schedule: Brooks County's average score is 22-14 against the hardest schedule in Class A Division II. Lincoln County's average score is 44-7 against the 24th-hardest schedule in Class A Division II.
Maxwell Ratings' projection: Lincoln County 25, Brooks County 12
Class 3A-A Private
Savannah Christian (7-4) at Fellowship Christian (9-1)
Seeding: Savannah Christian is the No. 8 seed. Fellowship Christian is the No. 1 seed.
Rankings: Savannah Christian is ranked No. 4. Fellowship Christian is ranked No. 2.
Last week: Savannah Christian beat Christian Heritage 35-23. Athen Hudspeth rushed for 160 yards and three touchdowns. Quarterback Blaise Thomas rushed for 142 yards and two touchdowns. Fellowship Christian beat Mount Vernon 56-27 after leading 49-7 at halftime. Jonathan Granby was 9-of-9 passing for 194 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 53 yards and two touchdowns.
Last meeting/series: Fellowship Christian won 52-21 on Sept. 12 this season. Savannah Christian leads the series 2-1.
Playoff history: This is Savannah Christian's fourth straight quarterfinal appearance. Savannah Christian is trying to reach the semifinals for the first time since 2023. Savannah Christian is 10-8 all-time in quarterfinals. This is Fellowship Christian's eighth straight quarterfinal appearance. Fellowship Christian is trying to reach the semifinals for the second straight time. Fellowship Christian is 5-4 all-time in quarterfinals.
Score vs. schedule: Savannah Christian's average score is 31-26 against the third-hardest schedule in Class 3A-A Private. Fellowship Christian's average score is 45-14 against the eighth-hardest schedule in Class 3A-A Private.
Maxwell Ratings' projection: Fellowship Christian 33, Savannah Christian 19
Whitefield Academy (9-2) at Calvary Day (10-1)
Seeding: Whitefield Academy is the No. 5 seed. Calvary Day is the No. 4 seed.
Rankings: Whitefield Academy is ranked No. 10. Calvary Day is ranked No. 3.
Last week: Whitefield Academy beat Aquinas 48-21. Whitefield Academy intercepted four passes and recovered a fumble. Mason Hollingsworth rushed for 130 yards but did not return after a second-quarter injury. Amos Robinson rushed for 112 yards. Landon Ryan passed for 139 yards. Calvary Day beat King's Ridge Christian 56-17 after leading 56-7 at halftime. James Mobley was 12-of-13 passing for 190 yards and five touchdowns. Calvary Day scored on a kickoff return and a fumble return.
Last meeting/series: This is the teams' first meeting.
Playoff history: This is Whitefield Academy's first quarterfinal appearance. This is Calvary Day's sixth straight quarterfinal appearance. Calvary Day is trying to reach the semifinals for the first time since 2023. Calvary Day is 5-12 all-time in quarterfinals.
Score vs. schedule: Whitefield Academy's average score is 42-19 against the 17th-hardest schedule in Class 3A-A Private. Calvary Day's average score is 46-15 against the 18th-hardest schedule in Class 3A-A Private.
Maxwell Ratings' projection: Calvary Day 34, Whitefield Academy 20
Greater Atlanta Christian (9-2) at Athens Academy (10-1)
Seeding: Greater Atlanta Christian is the No. 6 seed. Athens Academy is the No. 3 seed.
Rankings: Greater Atlanta Christian is ranked No. 8. Athens Academy is ranked No. 5.
Last week: Greater Atlanta Christian beat Landmark Christian 48-16. GAC returned two interceptions (Denzell Watkins, Grant Johnson) and one kickoff (Jack Griggs) for touchdowns and kicked a 60-yard field goal (Graham Anand). Pierce Wilson rushed for 100 yards. Athens Academy beat Holy Innocents' 48-37. Keyon Standifer had 12 receptions for 282 yards and four touchdowns. Chap Chapman was 17-of-24 passing for 388 yards and five touchdowns. Zay Prince rushed for 177 yards and a touchdown on 30 carries.
Last meeting/series: Greater Atlanta Christian won 17-14 in 2001. Greater Atlanta Christian leads the series 3-1.
Playoff history: This is Greater Atlanta Christian's first quarterfinal appearance since 2020. Greater Atlanta Christian is trying to reach the semifinals for the first time since 2020. Greater Atlanta Christian is 9-3 all-time in quarterfinals. This is Athens Academy's first quarterfinal appearance since 2019. Athens Academy is trying to reach the semifinals for the first time since 2018. Athens Academy is 4-5 all-time in quarterfinals.
Score vs. schedule: Greater Atlanta Christian's average score is 37-26 against the ninth-hardest schedule in Class 3A-A Private. Athens Academy's average score is 44-22 against the 12th-hardest schedule in Class 3A-A Private.
Maxwell Ratings' projection: Athens Academy 33, Greater Atlanta Christian 28
Prince Avenue Christian (8-3) at Hebron Christian (9-1)
Seeding: Prince Avenue Christian is the No. 7 seed. Hebron Christian is the No. 2 seed.
Rankings: Prince Avenue Christian is ranked No. 6. Hebron Christian is ranked No. 1.
Last week: Prince Avenue Christian beat Wesleyan 41-6. Freshman Gavin Hollum was 19-of-28 passing for 261 yards and two touchdowns. Starting quarterback Ben Musser was out, recovering from appendicitis. Andrew Beard rushed for 178 yards on 20 carries. Hudson Hill had seven receptions for 126 yards. Hebron Christian beat Trinity Christian 53-20. The teams scored 49 points in the first quarter, with Hebron Christian leading 29-20. Trinity Christian didn't score again. Devon Caldwell rushed for 168 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries. Javaris Mathurin had five receptions for 101 yards.
Last meeting/series: Hebron Christian won 43-6 on Oct. 31 this season. Prince Avenue Christian leads the series 11-3.
Playoff history: This is Prince Avenue Christian's sixth straight quarterfinal appearance. Prince Avenue Christian is trying to reach the semifinals for the sixth straight time. Prince Avenue Christian is 11-2 all-time in quarterfinals. This is Hebron Christian's second straight quarterfinal appearance. Hebron Christian is trying to reach the semifinals for the second straight time. Hebron Christian is 1-1 all-time in quarterfinals.
Score vs. schedule: Prince Avenue Christian's average score is 39-22 against the fifth-hardest schedule in Class 3A-A Private. Hebron Christian's average score is 41-16 against the hardest schedule in Class 3A-A Private.
Maxwell Ratings' projection: Hebron Christian 36, Prince Avenue Christian 16