GHSA, GIAA football playoff preview: Nine things to know about Augusta-area teams

The Georgia high school football state playoffs are here.

Several teams in the Georgia High School Association and Georgia Independent Athletic Association begin postseason journeys Friday and Saturday.

Several teams play at home, including Harlem (Friday), Aquinas (Friday), Thomson, (Saturday), Laney (Saturday), Augusta Prep (Friday) and Westminster Schools of Augusta (Friday).

We've taken a look at the individual players from each team to keep an eye on. Now, here's what you need to know about each specific first-round matchup before the action begins Friday evening.

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Nine things to watch for Augusta teams in the GHSA, GIAA state football playoffs

Most likely to win a state championship

Thomson

This wasn’t a particularly difficult choice. The defending GHSA 2A state champions brought back a ton of stars from last year’s team and Thomson (9-1) has looked as dominant on its way to another Region 4-AA championship. What’s different this time around? Quarterback Jahkiaus Jones has settled in as a passer. While the Bulldogs will always be a team that pounds the rock with a stable of talented backs, they can rely on Jones to get yardage through the air if needed. That said, the three-headed monster of Anthony Jeffery, Jamere Roberts and Jordan Lane would be enough to carry most teams to Atlanta.

Best chance to pull off an upset

Burke County

The Bears quickly found themselves on the bubble following an Oct. 26 loss to New Hampstead but weren’t going to be denied a state playoff berth. Burke County knocked off Southeast Bulloch in the regular-season finale to punch its ticket to the postseason. Now, the Bears find themselves as an eight-win team on the road in the first round taking on top-seeded Perry (which also has eight wins). Many No. 1 seeds are rewarded with cupcake games in the first round, oftentimes against teams with sub-.500 records. Perry likely drew the toughest No. 3 seed in the state and Burke County’s gauntlet run through Region 3-AAAA (and going toe-to-toe with two-time state champ Benedictine) will likely pay off in a tough road environment.

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Best chance to get upset

Harlem

The Bulldogs (7-3) returned to the state playoffs coming off what was arguably the best season in program history. Harlem earned a Region 4-AAA title and won a home playoff game for the first time ever. The fact they made it back to the state after losing more than 20 seniors and completely changing offensive philosophies is remarkable. They’re facing a balanced opponent in Thomasville this week, who has been one of the more balanced offenses in Class 3A this season. With nearly 3,000 offensive yards posted in 10 games, it’s split down the middle between passing and rushing. They can beat you multiple ways and while the Harlem defense may be the difference, this could turn into a shootout like the Bulldogs experienced against Aquinas earlier in the season.

Toughest matchup

Evans

The Knights successfully navigated a win-and-get-in scenario, defeating South Effingham 35-20 in the regular-season finale. They’ve been rewarded with a road trip to top-seeded Woodward Academy in the first round. Evans is facing a War Eagles team that has surrendered just 99 points in 10 games. Offensively, Woodward can throw it around with three different receivers having at least 24 receptions and a pair over the 500-yard mark. It could be a long night if the Knights get down by multiple scores early. That’s why keeping the football out of Woodward’s offense will be the name of the game if Evans is to pull off the upset.

Biggest home game

Laney

We’re seeing state playoff football on The Boulevard for the first time in eight seasons. That would be huge on its own, but considering Laney has one of the most passionate fanbases in the state, it’s safe to say there won’t be many empty seats in that stadium on Saturday. Clinching that No. 2 seed was also another step in Ronnie Baker’s rebuild of the Wildcats’ football program, which has been improving every season since he took over. There will be several generations worth of Laney alums watching their team take on Worth County with a chance at the GHSA 2A sweet 16.

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No home? No problem

Aquinas

While the Region 8 champion Fightin’ Irish are hosting Glascock County Friday, the game will take place at Greenbrier. Aquinas’ home stadium is under renovations, thus multiple home games have been played at Greenbrier this season. Including a game against the Wolfpack, Aquinas is 3-0 at Greenbrier this year with two of its biggest wins (Lincoln County and Greene County). It may not be Highland Avenue, but the Irish faithful travels well and James Leonard’s squad has no problem feeling at home wherever it goes.

Most unlikely playoff team

Richmond Academy

The Musketeers are on their third head coach in three years. Most of the contributors are underclassmen and they had to get through a Region 4-AAA with the likes of Morgan County, Harlem and Hephzibah. Those are just some of the reasons Richmond Academy probably shouldn’t be playing this week. Despite all that, here they are. Keenan Grissett and Company are in the big dance and for the first time since winning a region championship in 2020. Richmond Academy is traveling to Columbus to take on a strong Carver team and will likely end up in the loss column, but this is a big first step in getting this historic program back to prominence.

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Sneaky exciting team

Westminster Schools of Augusta

If you like offense and quick tempo, maybe 8-man football is the game for you. No, seriously. It is for Westminster Schools of Augusta. The Wildcats cruised past Crisp Academy in their GIAA playoff opener 69-0 in a game filled with big plays. Junior quarterback Levi Murphey is one of the most talented passers in the area and could be the starter for a number of public schools right now. Westminster hosts defending 8-man state champ David Emanuel Academy in the semifinals and are looking for their first title since 2019.

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Team with the most to gain

Augusta Prep

This Augusta Prep team has a chance to do something great this week. The Cavaliers haven’t won a GIAA state playoff game in eight tries since joining the league, a streak they’re hoping to break Friday against Georgia Christian. Coach Todd Booker’s roster is mainly comprised of freshmen and sophomores, so a win this week is something that can catapult this group of players as they continue to gain experience.

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This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: What to know about Augusta teams in GHSA, GIAA football playoffs