2nd Rd: Class 3A Matchups and Potential Game Changers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We take a look at the right side of the bracket in Class 3A with a potential game changer listed for each team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>#14 Baldwin at #3 Peach County</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Baldwin Braves (7-4) will make their 1st trip to the 2nd Rd since 2020 after holding on to beat West Laurens 26-24 last week. Their reward is to travel to the #1 ranked team by the AJC, Peach County. The Trojans are 10-1 and advanced with a 56-33 win over Chestatee.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Jaylen King","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"210","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2411","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Baldwin","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-673f211c08a86"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The 6'1 210 DE/TE could be a game changer is the Braves are in a situation late where they need to throw the ball for the win. King was Senior QB Lamar Pounds favorite receiver this year leading the team with 29 catches for 516 yards with 4 TDs. He topped the 100-yd mark twice this season with a game high 8 catches for 103 yards in a win over Westside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The multisport athlete can also contribute on defense where he had 4 TFL on the season from the DE spot. Good hands and blocker at the TE position but defense may be where he excels his Senior year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Ashton Barton","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'6u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"140","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Peach County","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-673f875b03978"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Strong compact RB with a lot of speed. Barton ran for just under 1000 yards this year with 16 TDs and averaged 6.67 ypc. He has outstanding agility and balance after contact, making him a dangerous runner between the tackles. Has the speed to get to the edge on the sweep and the acceleration to get past the defense at the 2nd level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Great option in the passing game as he has good hands and the ability to add yards after the catch. Baldwin will have to slow this guy down to have a shot at the upset. One to watch in the 2027 Class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>#11 Douglass at #6 Calhoun</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The #9 ranked Douglass Astros (8-3) would be a higher seed if not for a final week upset loss to Stephenson (15-9). They advanced to the 2nd Rd for the 1st time since 2019 with a 14-13 win over Cairo. The #8 ranked Yellow Jackets (8-3) started the season 1-3, with a tough non region schedule, before reeling off 7 straight wins and advancing with a 31-6 win over Spalding.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Andreco Griggs","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"180","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Douglass","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-673f875b03a19"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Andreco is a playmaker for Astros all over field. Good instinctive MLB that recognizes and reacts. He has the athleticism to drop back in coverage and the speed to come down hill on a blitz. On film he always seems to be around the ball and is a decisive tackler in the open field. Griggs has the natural athleticism and football IQ to play at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["409989"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-673f875b03a69"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Freshman signal caller has had a very good year for the Yellow Jackets. Hawkins has grown to 6'0 160 since this most recent update and is one of the top dual threat prospects in the 2028 class. He was selected 2nd Team All Region after passing for 1121 yards and rushing for 170 with 16 total TDs and leading the Jackets to a Region Title. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Great game manager with natural QB instincts. He is already on P4 radars and his stock will continue to rise over the next 3 seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>#10 Jenkins at #7 Stephenson</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Jenkins Warriors (9-2) have quietly gone about having a great season. They advanced to the 2nd Rd with a 28-14 win over NW Whitfield and will look to advance to the QF round for the 2nd straight season. Stephenson (8-3) has had a quiet year of their own winning 6 straight after starting the season 2-3. The 5-3A Region Champs advanced with a 44-37 win over Whitewater in the 1st Round.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1570127' first='Reico' last='Collins']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'11u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"215","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-673f875b03af2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Collins is a game changer for the Warriors at MLB. He had a huge impact for Jenkins in their 1st Round win over Northwest Whitfield recording 14 TT FF and rushed once for 10 yards. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Strong build with good speed. Collins is a natural at the LB position and reads plays quickly and gets down hill fast. He has the speed and quickness to pursue sideline to sideline and is a violent tackler. Recorded 95 TT with 13 TFL in '24 with 4 sacks and 2 INTs. He will make it tough to run between the tackles on Friday night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Will Chaney","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"185","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2410","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Stephenson","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-673f875b03b79"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the more underrated WR prospects in the Metro Atlanta Area. The 6'1 Junior led the Jags in receiving this season with 34 catches for 497 yards. A sure handed target that doesn't mind catching the ball in traffic. Is physical and does a good job at producing yards after the catch. He has good speed and is always a threat on the end around. He had a game high 6 catches for 110 yards in an early season win over Arabia Mtn. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One to watch next Fall that has the potential for a breakout Senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>#18 SE Bulloch at #2 Harlem</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>SE Bulloch (9-2) has reeled off 5 straight wins after losing to Jenkins 48-14 back in early October. They advanced with a convincing 35-9 win on the road at Heritage-Ringgold. Harlem (10-1), the 4-3A Region Champs, are unique in that they are the #2 seed but are unranked by the AJC. They advanced to the 2nd Rd with a 27-13 win over Cedar Grove.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Colby Smith","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"175","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Southeast Bulloch","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-673f875b03c02"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A 3 year varsity starter and a 4.0 student in the classroom, Smith gets it done on both sides of the ball for the Yellow Jackets. He rushed for 214 yards with 3 TDs in their 1st Round win over Heritage and has close to 1700 yards total offense on the season. He had 26 TT with an INT on defense in '24. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Strong physical back that has obviously spent some time in the weight room. A workhorse this Fall, especially down the stretch, averaging over 20 touches per game. Next level prospect that will become more widely known if SE is able to continue a deep run in the postseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Jayden Futrell","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'3u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2411","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Harlem","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-673f875b03c86"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">6'3 WR/SS that is a basketball player just starting to get his football legs under him. Long, wiry, with length, Futrell hauled 35 passes for 409 yards and scored 7 TDs, an impressive TD per 5 touches. On the defensive side he is one of the States leaders in INTs with 6. He had an outstanding game against West Laurens early in the season picking 3 passes, forcing a fumble and catching 2 passes for 24 yards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->