2nd Round: Class 3A Matchups and Potential Game Changers (Pt 1)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>#17 Oconee County at #1 Jefferson</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Interesting 2nd Rd game. Oconee County (7-4) will head to Jefferson (8-3) for a rematch of the Week 10 game that was won by Oconee Co 32-30 in OT. About as close as you can get on paper. Jefferson is ranked #3 by AJC and Oconee County comes in at #4. </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":"James Holland","_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":"170","_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":"Oconee 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-673d315155fac"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Warriors have been efficient in the putting the ball in the air this season. QB [player_tooltip player_id='1556409' first='Titus' last='Watkins'] has passed for over 1800 yards with Sophomore Mason Hall snagging 52 of the 132 completions. Holland could be a game changer on Friday if Hall is defended well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 5'11 170 WR is an outstanding route runner with good mobility and quick feet. Uses various techniques to create separation and has good hands, especially in traffic. He has 26 catches for 440 yards with a TD on the year and was a All Region selection after leading the Warriors last Fall in receptions. He had a season high 121 yards on 4 catches in an early season loss at Morgan County.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Has received some NAIA and D3 offers and interest at the D2 level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/JamesHollandFB/status/1847776886195110330">https://twitter.com/JamesHollandFB/status/1847776886195110330</a></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":"Darren Pinkard","_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":"6'2u0022","_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":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Jefferson","_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-673d315156062"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">If the Dragons are going to avenge their final week loss to Oconee Co they are going to need to get pressure in the backfield and 6'2 215 RB/LB will be a part of that.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pinkard gets off the ball quick and understands pursuit angles. Does a good job at fighting through blocks and is a decisive tackler. He ended the season with 46 TT 9 TFL with 5 sacks. He had 3 TFL with 2 sacks in the first meeting between these two teams and could be the game changer the Dragons need in Round 2. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Impressive prospect with good size who we are bound to hear more about this offseason and into his Senior year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/DarrenPinkard23">https://twitter.com/DarrenPinkard23</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>#24 Luella at #8 Cherokee Bluff</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Luella Lions (6-5) had one of the biggest upsets in the 1st Round knocking off 6th ranked Westover 25-24 to advance to make their 2nd start trip to the 2nd Round. Cherokee Bluff (11-1) has been one of the more surprising teams in '24 with their only loss coming to #1 overall seed Jefferson. The Bears advanced to Friday with a 28-7 win over Monroe Area. </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":"JaVon Bowser","_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":"2411","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Luella","_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-673d3151560f5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The 5'10 175 ATH has been a Swiss Army knife for the Lions this season, doing it in all 3 phases of the game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bowser leads the team in receptions (25), receiving yards (424), had over 300 yards in kick/punt returns and has contributed heavily on the defensive side of the ball. He had 69 TT with 4.5 TFL and added 5 INTs. Showed up big time in the 1st Round upset of Westover with 102 receiving yards, 2 TDs and 5 TT on defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A natural athlete with good speed. He has good instincts in the secondary and is able to use his athleticism to make plays on the ball over taller WRs. Dynamic with the ball in his hands and is not afraid to catch the ball in traffic. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Next level talent. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1555762"],"_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-673d315156143"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Brien had a breakout Senior season for the Bears passing for over 2200 yards with 24 TDs and leading the team to a 9-1 record and a #8 seed in the playoffs. He passed for a season 385 yards with 3 TDs in a win over Habersham Co. back in September. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Great game manager that delivers the ball with a good touch. Shows confidence in the pocket and processes check downs quickly. He has enough mobility to keep the play alive if things breakdown. Cherokee Bluff has the potential to go along way in the post season, giving Brien a chance to been seen on a Statewide platform. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>#12 Upson-Lee at #5 North Hall</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Upson-Lee Knights (8-3) started the season 2-3 but have reeled off 6 straight wins, including a 35-23 win over Long Co in the 1st Round. The North Hall Trojans (9-2) are on a streak of their own. After starting the season 0-2 they have won 9 straight, including a 21-14 OT win over Gilmer last week. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1201795"],"_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-673d315156189"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This guy is stock riser for sure. He has had an outstanding season on both sides of the ball. On offense he had 122 carries for 773 yards with 8 TDs. Absolute beast on the defensive side of the ball with 142 TT with 20 TFL including a sack and a INT.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Character has gained 15 pounds and has moved to the MLB spot since his profile was updated. He has P4 speed, is quick to read where the play is going, and gets downhill fast and delivers a decisive blow. His next level potential is defiantly on the defensive side of the ball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He picked up his first offer from Georgia Southern this past week after a visit. D1/P4 potential as he continues to grow. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["624161"],"_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-673d3151561cc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Prep Redzone Next Alumni has made the switch to WR this year as he waits his turn at QB. He has grown to 5'11 150 and was a sure handed go to target for the Trojans this Fall catching 51 passes for 720 yards with 11 TDs. Had a season high 192 yards on 8 catches and scored 3 TDs in a win over Pickens. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 3 sport standout is a natural athlete and a fierce competitor. Has the speed to beat you on the post route and is excellent making adjustments with the ball in the air. Good route running techniques to create separation with good hands on the out and slant routes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Interesting prospect that I feel could probably make an impact at any of the skill positions on field. It will be fun to follow his progress over the next 2 season. One to watch. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>#20 LaGrange at #4 Sandy Creek</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LaGrange (8-3) was ranked all season until a surprising loss Week 10 to Upson-Lee. They had a commanding 48-6 win over Lumpkin County to advance to the 2nd Round for the 2nd straight year. Sandy Creek (10-1) is back in form after winning the State Title 2 years ago. They advanced with a 48-23 win over Adairsville. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1561754"],"_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-673d31515620c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Render-Fannin had a big season for the Grangers rushing for over 1600 yards topping the 200 yard mark in 3 of LaGrange's games this season. He had a season high 268 yards in a win over Troup County. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 5'7 190 Liberty commit is a blazer with 4.44 speed. Great balance on contact and has next level acceleration when he hits the hole. If you don't get a hat on him at the LOS you are not going to catch him. A threat catching the ball out of the backfield and with his speed it creates matchup problems for the LBs trying to cover him. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Liberty fans will enjoy watching this guy! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["661460"],"_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-673d31515624b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hill had an outstanding Sophomore season under center for Sandy Creek. He passed for over 2100 total yards with 31 TDs and added 335 rushing yards with 5 additional scores. He had a game high 430 total yards 6 TDs in a win over Troup County week 9. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Long lean frame that gets the ball out of his hands quick. Does a great job at finding receivers when he is flushed out of the pocket and on the move. Good velocity on the short and intermediate throws and has the arm strength to put the ball over the top. Always a threat to run and has the speed and quickness to hurt you. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>More people will know his name as Sandy Creek has the potential to make a deep run in the post season. Next level talent. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->