Quarterfinal Underdogs: Players to Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We take a look at the "underdog" team in each classification that has qualified for the QF Round. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class 6A: Walton Raiders </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Raiders were the 4 seed out of Region 5 and have reeled off back to back upset wins to advance. They beat 1 Seed McEachern 28-24 in Rd 1 and dominated East Coweta 49-14 in Rd 2 to advance to play Valdosta in the QF. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1637735"],"_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-6925e76563def"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The 5'9 170 SR ATH has had a breakout Senior season for the Raiders. He has rushed for over 1200 yards and added 350 receiving yards with 11 TDs. Thompson also handles the kick return duties accounting for over 200 return yards. He eclipsed the 100-yd all purpose yard mark in 11 of Walton's first 12 games with performance last week vs East Coweta, rushing for 266 1st half yards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thompson shows great instincts and elusiveness out of the backfield. A quick burst that gets him to the next level quickly. He does a excellent job catching the ball as a checkdown option. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class 5A: Woodward Academy War Eagles </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It was tough picking an underdog in 5A as all #1 Seeds advanced to the QF round. I gave the nod to Woodward as they are the biggest underdogs in the 3rd Round, having to make the trip to #1 Thomas County Central.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1698136"],"_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-6925e76563e55"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The 6'3 185 QB is making a solid case as one of the more under the radar QB prospects in the 2027 Class. The 3-sport standout has passed for over 1900-yds with 30 total TDs. Very efficient, completing 144 of 244 attempts to just 1 interception. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Harrigan is athletic in the pocket with quick feet and a fast release. A strong arm that can put zip on his throws. He has already received offers from high academic programs Cornell and Columbia and is a QB to keep on your radar heading into the 2026 season. Good upside. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class 4A: Lithonia Bulldogs </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 3 Seed out of Region 5 is the last underdog remaining in Class 4A in a field full of heavy weights. The Bulldogs upset Griffin 27-8 in the 1st Rd and put up a dominating performance in the 2nd Rd defeating Centennial 38-7. Next up: #1 Creekside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1680994"],"_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-6925e76563ebc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The 5'9 190 Senior RB is tough and physical and is great between the tackles. He doesn't mind lowering the shoulder and running through, rather than around, defenders. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Back to back 1000-yd seasons for Gooding. He led the Bulldogs this season with 1390-yds with 15 TDs, averaging 6.7 yards per carry. He stepped it up in the post season rushing for a season high 192 yards in the Bulldogs 2nd Round win over Centennial. Navy, Air Force and Kent St extended offers last Spring and Gooding has recent interest from Prairie View, Faulkner, and Arkansas Tech among others. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Has the physicality to play on Saturdays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class 3A: LaGrange Grangers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A stretch here as the Grangers were one of my personal SF predicted teams but the are the lowest seed, 15, still remaining in Class 3A. They have scored 114 total points in their two wins over Mt Zion (Jonesboro) and North Hall. Next Up: at #7 Seed Stephenson </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":"Dylan Barber","_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":"188","_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":"LaGrange","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"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-6925e76563f72"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Barber is an athletic dual threat QB that is dangerous with his arm and his legs. A work horse last week in their win over North Hall carrying the ball 26 times for 179 yards with 3 rushing TDs. We got to know him last season after he was selected MVP at the Georgia Elite Classic after a stellar performance vs top notch competition. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Under the radar in the PRZN rankings but were it counts, recruiting, Barber is on fire. He has received a couple of handful of offers to play at the next level including Wofford, Citadel, Kennesaw St, and Jacksonville State among many others. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class 2A: Hapeville Charter Hornets</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Hornets are the highest remaining seed remaining in Class 2A at #11. They shutout Columbus 48-0 in Round 1 then went on the road in Round 2 and upset Appling Co 35-27. Next Up: at #4 seed Morgan County</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":"Keylan Pope","_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":"5'10u0022","_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":"2409","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Hapeville","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"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-6925e7656400a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The multisport dual threat QB shows off his PG skills at the QB position. A quick decision maker that distributes the ball on target to all areas of the field. He has the arm strength to take the top off the defenses with the long ball and puts zip on throws to the middle of the field. Pope has had an outstanding post season throwing for over 700 yards with 8 passing TDs in the Hornets two wins. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Region 2A OPOY with Impressive film and a name we will hear more from heading into 2026. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class A D1: Rabun County Wildcats</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At #15 the Wildcats are the highest remaining seed left in Class A D1. They have won their 1st 2 games over Dodge and Berrien County by a combined score of 91-21. Next up: at #10 seed Pepperell</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1176292"],"_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-6925e76564053"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the best All Around athletes in North Georgia. A physical RB with speed that has good hands out of the backfield. He has rushed for close to 1300-yds this season with 20 TDs on the ground. His 53 receptions for 722 yards lead the Wildcats receiving unit. A 4 year starter on defense that racked up 51 TT this season with 4 INTs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Giles has been outstanding in the post season. He has 21 carries for 198 yards, 5 catches for 124 yards, while scoring 4 TDs in the Wildcats 2 wins. Giles holds offers from ETSU,VMI, and Andrews College. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class A D2 : Jenkins County War Eagles </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jenkins Co, the 3-seed out of Region 3, has pulled off back to back upsets to reach the QF Round. The War Eagles beat Wilkinson Co and Schley Co, both on the road, and now travel to 3x defending State Champ Bowdon. </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":"Calvin Adams","_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":"Jenkins County","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"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-6925e765640e0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jenkins County runs the triple option so they have a lot of play makers to choose from. Adams is long and lean and hits the whole quick. He shows good separation speed once he gets to the second level and is elusive in traffic, averaging close to 7 ypc on the season. A 2-way standout that does a good job at getting down hill and making tackles from his CB position. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A Diamond in the Rough from rural Georgia. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->