Playoff Preview: Players to Watch in the 16 v 17 Matchups

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>GHSA has adopted a Power Ranking system this season to seed the playoffs in Class AAA, AA, A and lower-level Private schools. In a 32 team field the 16 seed v 17 seed should be the most competitive matchup of the first round. Prep Redzone takes a look at the players to watch in these key matchups from the public school brackets. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Class AAA</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>#17 Oconee County at #16 Westside Augusta</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Calpreps Favorite: Oconee County by 12</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1319913"],"_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-673195238f637"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The 5th overall ranked LB by Prep Redzone in the 2026 class, Weeks has had an outstanding junior season. The 4-Star National recruit leads the Warriors with 87 TT with 4 TFLs and 3 sacks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Great instinctive LB with good genes for the position. Both of his older brothers play LB at the P4 level. His recruitment has really picked up this season and recently took a visit to Ohio State. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">If Oconee County is going to make a deep run in the post-season Weeks and the rest of the Warrior defense will play a huge part. </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":"Joshua u0022JCu0022 Crawford","_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":"2495","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Westside Augusta","_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-673195238f705"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">An All-Region selection last season as a sophomore, Crawford has proven to be one of the most productive 2-way players in the Augusta Metro Area. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lean frame at 6'0 180, Crawford is a ball hawk in the secondary for the Patriots. He has 60+ TT with 5 INTs on the defensive side of the ball. Very efficient on the offensive side with 7 catches for 229 yards with 3 TDs. The 32.7 yards per catch average is one of the best in the Augusta Metro. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Good upside. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Class AA</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>#17 Spencer at #16 Westside Macon</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Calpreps Favorite: Westside Macon by 7</em></strong></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":"Demarcus Horne","_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":"6'1u0022","_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":"Spencer","_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-673195238f7a2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Two-way player for the Greenwave that displays some natural athletic ability. The 6'1 WR has made some dynamic catches this season in traffic and has a knack at getting open, especially on the dig and out routes. Is dangerous with the ball in his hands, very shifty. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Horne showed off his versatility in a game vs Hardway. He took the pitch and threw a dart for a 35 yard TD. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Good 1v1 cover DB. Plays with good instincts with the ball in the air. </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":"[player_tooltip player_id='1555593' first='Kadiphius' last='Iverson'] ","_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":"6'0u0022","_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":"2408","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Westside Macon","_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-673195238f858"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">If the Seminoles are going to make a deep playoff run they will rely heavily on the legs of Iverson. The 210-pound senior eclipsed the 1000-yard mark for the 3rd straight year. He totaled 1665 yards with 24 TDs on 256 carries. A workhorse for Westside Macon. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Iverson is a power back that loves to drop that shoulder and run over defenders. Not many defenders at this level can square up on him but he does have enough finesse to make cuts when necessary. Patient at the line of scrimmage waiting for running lanes to develop. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Next level back. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Class A D1</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>#17 Washington County at #16 Jeff Davis</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Calpreps Prediction: Jeff Davis by 12 </em></strong></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":"Mack May","_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":"6'4u0022","_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":"2409","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Washington 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-6731a31959d7c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The 6'4 215 QB did a good job stepping into the QB1 role this season for the Golden Hawks. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The multisport standout passed for 1710 yards, finishing 6th in Class A D1, with 12 TDs. The pro style passer is a physically intimidating presence in the pocket. A quick decision maker that gets the ball out fast, letting his playmakers go to work. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Washington County's post season success will rely on May being a good game manager and moving the chains for the Hawks. </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":"[player_tooltip player_id='1679525' first='Latrell' last='Sellers']","_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":"210","_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":"Jeff Davis","_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-6731a31959e08"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The 6'2 210 LB/TE has seen his stock rise this Fall. A weight room warrior that has a 275 PC max and a verified 4.7 40 time. He leads the Yellow Jackets in TFL, sacks, and pass deflections. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Quick reaction time and gets downhill fast. Violent tackler that has the athletic ability to pursue sideline to sideline. Shows some promise at the TE position as well. Good route runner with soft hands that doesn't mind getting physical when blocking. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He was recently on campus at Georgia Southern and received an offer from Central Michigan earlier this year. Definite stock riser with D1 potential. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->