Game Preview: South Forsyth at Walton

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The playoffs are finally here, and there are plenty of intriguing matchups across the state in all classifications. One big matchup in 7A is between two talented teams in South Forsyth and Walton. The 6-4 War Eagles have won three of their last four games while the Raiders have one of thee best offenses in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are some big-time players to watch for in the game...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Walton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>QB Jeremly Hecklinsi</em>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Raiders have scored over 40 points in seven games this season and the play of junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='137483' first='Jeremy' last='Hecklinski'] is a big reason why. One of the breakout quarterbacks across the state this year, the big-armed gunslinger has thrown the ball well all season and has shown leadership, accuracy, big-play ability, and one of the strongest arms of anyone in metro-Atlanta and across the 2024 class. He's thrown 2,692 yards this season with 30 touchdowns and another two rushing touchdowns. Look for him to continue airing it out this upcoming weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>RB [player_tooltip player_id='165722' first='Makari' last='Bodiford']</em>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A tough, tackle-breaking back who had a giant junior season this fall, Bodiford lead the Raiders to a big season on the ground, Bodiford has rushed 176 times for 1,249 yards and 16 touchdowns this season. As good as Hecklinski has been through the air, Bodiford has been just as good on the ground. He gets tough yards, keeps the chains moving, and always looking to score. He's one of the top 2024 QBs in the metro-Atlanta area and will have plenty of chances to make plays this weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>LB [player_tooltip player_id='137459' first='Ashton' last='Woods']</em>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the top college prospects in the ballgame, Woods is a hard-hitting, instinctive linebacker who has had a really impressive junior season this fall. He's physically imposing at 6-foot-3 210-pounds and knows how to make a secure tackle. He's quick, smart, and has led the Raider defense this season at linebacker. He's made 97 tackles, 9 TFLs, and three sacks on the season, making him one of the more productive 2024 linebackers in Cobb County and all of 7A.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Matthew Traynor:</em> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A tough, veteran safety who has a knack for making plays, Traynor has had a big senior season for the Raiders this fall and will be asked to lead the secondary this weekend. Thee 2x 1st team all region 7-6A ATH has a lengthy frame, ball skills, and the ability to help against both the run and the pass from the secondary. He's made 90 tackles this season, 10 TFLs, and two INTs. Look for him to make a big impact against a strong South Forsyth offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>South Forsyth </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>QB [player_tooltip player_id='97693' first='Ty' last='Watkins']</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A big, strong, experienced quarterback, Watkins has continued to play winning football and shows the ability to push the ball down the field. At6-foot-3 220-pounds, he's tough to bring down, has impressive pocket presence, and mobile enough to stay upright while looking down the field. He's a leader, has plenty of games under his belt, and has reliable weapons at his disposal. He's attempting to end his War Eagle career on a high note and the first test will be a against a tough Walton defense. He has plenty of talent, and he's always capable of having a monster game. If the War Eagles want to pull the upset, Watkins will have to show up in a big way. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>ATH Maverick Schippmann</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A two-way athlete with big-play potential, Schippman is a tough kid who plays the game the right way. He's an excellent runner and can make plays in the passing game out of the backfield. He runs hard, runs behind his pads, and shows good burst in the open field. He's a leader and a true playmaker every time he's on the field. He's going to be counted on a lot in this one and he has the ability to really punish a defense. Defensively, he's quick, instinctive, and a sure tackler in the open field. He's just a football player. Look for him to have a strong game this weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>OL/DL [player_tooltip player_id='124923' first='Nathan' last='Efobi'] </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A dominant lineman and a true bully in the trenches on both sides of the ball, Efobi is an easy D1 prospect with a handful of impressive offers. A strong, powerful young man with plenty of size at 6-foot-4 and over 300-pounds, he's tough, physical, and a true game-changer on the interior of the War Eagles defensive line. He holds his position well, clogs the running lanes, and has the ability to get off blocks and make plays in the backfield. As good as he is on the defensive side, he's also an outstanding offensive tackle who is having a great season as a senior. He opens up a lot of holes and does a great job of protecting Watkins. He's another senior leader and he'll look to have the game of his life in this opening playoff weekend. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->