Semifinals Update: State Leaders In Tackles

As we have just finished up the slate of semifinal games this season, it has been interesting seeing the stat totals adjust, and change for the better, and worst for those on the leaderboards. Regardless, one of the most fun categories to track, the state leaders in tackles, has managed to change up a good bit on the bottom half of the list. As you will see though, some players have managed to remain, and have also shown why they are some of the best for their team this season. <strong>Coleman Cauley (LB)-</strong> First Presbyterian Day (210 tackles) After Thanksgiving, Cauley and First Presbyterian witnessed their season end to Prince Avenue Christian in a heartbreaking 41-22 defeat. Regardless, Cauley and his defense went out fighting, as he himself finished the season with 19 total tackles, and a TD. This high level performance should come as no surprise though, as Cauley has been more than a defensive MVP for his school this season. He had games in which he totaled 16, 15, 19, and 25 tackles, which, when added over time, only further explains why he was able to achieve the title of state leader in tackles with such ease. When it is all said and done, even though the state championship games are approaching, it is highly unlikely that anyone will top Cauley as the leader of tackles in the state. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="34013" first="Shakai" last="Woods"] (LB)-</strong> Douglas County (180 tackles) Even though Douglas County fell to Northside on the 19th, before Thanksgiving, his high volume of tackles this season has withstood the performances of other players throughout the playoffs. Going into the week of state championship matchups, he sits with 180 tackles, and the second place in tackles in the state as it stands following the semifinals. In his last game of the season, Woods had 17 total tackles, with 11 of them being solo tackles. In addition to this, he also had a QB hurry. Before this, he had plenty of 15, 13, and 16 tackle games, making his tackle total jump before our very eyes. Before we knew it, he finished the season with 110 solo tackles, 2 sacks, 3 interceptions, and 1 caused fumble. Because he managed to accomplish these things as a junior, we have taken notice that the sky is the limit moving forward for him. <strong>Vincent Hill (LB)-</strong> Creekside (178 tackles) Because of a crushing 40-15 loss to Warner Robins last week, Vincent Hill and Creekside have found themselves out of the 2021 high school football playoffs. Nevertheless, he has had an impressive season, and his performances the last few weeks have put him in third place in the state in total tackles. For example, he has had 15, 20, and 18 tackle games, which have only further bolstered his tackle total. These games have brought him to a total of 178 tackles this year, which is scarily at risk of becoming 4th place in the state when things are all said and done. Regardless, his impressive season has also included 61 solo tackles, 2 caused fumbles, 6 sacks, and an average of 13.7 tackles a game. With this being said, he did an awesome job of finishing his senior year on a very high note. <strong>Ty Anderson (LB)-</strong> Thomasville (170 tackles) Out of all of the players on this list, Ty Anderson is the only player who is on a team that is currently rolling strong in the playoffs. This week, he and his team will make a statement as one of the best teams in the state, regardless of if they win the state championship or not. In addition to this, because every other player on this list is out of the playoffs, he has a chance to be the third, or even second leader in tackles in the state. Anderson has had a very consistent season so far, and he has managed to rack up a good amount of tackles each time he steps on the field. For example, last week, he accumulated 14 total tackles, with 8 of them being solo tackles. In addition to this, he had 2 sacks, adding to his sack total, which is now 15 on the season to this point. With this, Anderson's overall numbers have been great, as he 97 solo tackles, while averaging about 12.1 a game. He has also caused 4 fumbles, and has recovered 2 as well.