South Georgia Players To Know In Week 4

Week 4 of the high school season looks to be one of the best this fall, with some top programs in South Georgia going head to head this weekend. Rivalry games are so important in this area of the state, as entire communities come out to rally on their team against their crosstown rivals. Here are some of the biggest South Georgia matchups this weekend along with players to know in the games... &nbsp; <strong>Lowndes at Lee County</strong> A major 7A program, Lowndes is 2-1 so far this season with wins against Lake Gibson (FL) and Griffin. They lost a close game to Walton in overtime, but the offense, led by QB [player_tooltip player_id="33889" first="Jacurri" last="Brown"], has been clicking. The four-star dual-threat QB is headed to play for the Miami Hurricanes, but he’s hoping to get Lowndes to the state title game before that all happens. The big 6-foot-4 205-pounder has thrown for 523 yards so far this season with 8 passing touchdowns. He’s also rushed for 277 yards and three more scores. His ability to take off for a big gain makes him one of the more dangerous offensive weapons in the state. His arm continues to develop and he’s playing his best football of his career. If Lowndes want to come out with a big win over Lee County, Brown will have to bring his "A" game. Lee County, a state-title contender in 6A, is 3-0 so far this season and hasn’t given up a point since week one against Carver. Their outstanding defense is led by four-star linebacker, [player_tooltip player_id="95146" first="Jaron" last="Willis"]. The future Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket, Willis is one of the best linebacker prospects in the state and can be physically imposing at 6-foot-2 230-pounds. He’s a tough defender, hits with authority, and moves really well for his size. He can cover in the back end, but what he does best is coming downhill and helping against the run. It will be a great matchup to watch him flying around to help stop the high-powered Lowndes offense. &nbsp; <strong>Tift County vs Appling County</strong> At Tift County, the big name to know is four-star defensive tackle, [player_tooltip player_id="33859" first="Tyre" last="West"]. One of the top defensive line prospects not only in South but Georgia, but across the South, West is a big interior defensive lineman at 6-foot-3 280-pounds with an outstanding motor. He can get sideline to sideline well for someone his size and has lived in the backfield throughout his Tift County career. The future Georgia Bulldog has led Tift County to a 3-0 record, and their defense has been outstanding, giving up just 7 points total in the last two games. At Appling County, the player to know is outside linebacker, [player_tooltip player_id="95151" first="Darris" last="Smith"]. An elite pass rusher, the future Georgia Bulldog has great length and athleticism at 6-foot-6 225-pounds with the frame to continue adding more solid weight. He’s explosive off thee edge as a defender, but he can turn around and play some tight end of offense when needed. He runs extremely well for a taller, longer prospect, and his best football is still in front of him. Offensively for Appling County, 2023 ATH Jaylen Johnson is the one making the plays. He’s dangerous with the football and can play some RB, WR, and play some special teams as well. He’s one of the top overall athletes in the region and he holds offers from Florida State, Arkansas, Michigan State, among others. He and Smith have helped lead Appling County to a strong 3-0 start to the season. &nbsp; <strong>Colquitt County vs Valdosta</strong> Another impressive 7A program, the Packers are 2-1 and are coming off a big win against Cedar Grove. On offense, running back Charlie Pace has been excellent so far this season, rushing for 385 yards against three quality defenses. He’s also been a weapon in the passing game, catching 7 passes so far for 85 yards and one touchdown. Look for him to continue getting quality touches and being a reliable back throughout the season. The 2023 back is one of the top junior running backs in all of South Georgia. Sophomore tight end Landen Thomas is one of the top 2024 prospects in the state with a great frame and athleticism. At 6-foot-4 210-pounds, Thomas is a mismatch problem for defenses. He’s a big-bodies pass catcher who is only scratching the surface of his potential. So far this season, Thomas has caught 8 passes for 93 yards.