High school football playoffs: Athens-area teams that are in and others on the bubble
This week marks the final dress rehearsal for Athens-area high school football teams ahead of the Georgia High School Football Association state playoffs.
For some, like undefeated North Oconee and defending champion Prince Avenue Christian, it's simply a formality. For others, like East Jackson, Athens Academy and Oconee County, it's their last chance to ensure they continue to play next week.
There have been few sure things so far, but a lot still needs to be decided across all classifications. Here are the Athens-area teams that have a chance at clinching a playoff slot.
It's important to note the regular season in Georgia Independent Athletic Association 8-Man ended last week. We'll take a look at those programs as well.
Athens-area football teams aiming for state playoff berths
Class 6A
Jackson County
Jackson County and Habersham Central are tied in Region 8-Class 6A standings. The Panthers meet undefeated Gainesville on Friday, the top team in the region, while the Raiders meet Shiloh. Both are 4-5 overall and 2-3 in region. Jackson County needs the win and a Habersham Central loss to move into a playoff spot. If both teams win or both teams lose, Habersham Central holds the tiebreaker over the Panthers. North Forsyth could also finish 3-3 in the region, but it holds the head-to-head tiebreaker over Jackson County, too.
Class 5A
Jefferson
There was no question the Dragons would reach the postseason behind the play of Sammy Brown and Company. Jefferson (9-0, 5-0) is at the top of Region 8-Class 5A, tied with Eastside (7-2, 5-0). The Dragons and Eagles meet on Thursday to decide for the top position and region title.
Clarke Central
Despite a 1-4 record in region play, including close losses to Flowery Branch, Loganville, Jefferson and Eastside, the Gladiators still have a shot to reach the postseason. They must first beat Winder-Barrow on Friday and need Heritage to beat Flowery Branch. That would create a three-way tie between Clarke Central, Flowery Branch and Heritage for the fourth and final playoff berth. The tiebreaker would come down to points differential in meetings between those teams.
Class 4A
North Oconee
North Oconee (9-0, 7-0) has earned the 1-seed with an undefeated record. They will be at the top as Region 8-Class 4A champions whether they win or lose to Cherokee Bluff on Friday.
Madison County
Madison County is tied with North Hall at 7-2 overall and 5-2 in the region. The Red Raiders will secure the 2-seed with a win against East Hall (2-7, 1-7) or no matter what if North Hall loses to East Forsyth.
If Madison County loses and North Hall wins, the Red Raiders will be the No. 3 seed because they hold tiebreaker over Cherokee Bluff.
Class 3A
Oconee County
There are a lot of scenarios for Oconee County based on their position in Region 8-Class 3A. They're 3-6 overall and 2-2 in region, tied with three other teams: Hebron Christian, Hart County and Monroe Area.
Oconee County has the head-to-head tiebreaker over Monroe Area (5-4, 2-2) and Hebron Christian Academy (5-4, 2-2), while Hart County (4-5, 2-2) has the tiebreaker over Oconee County.
Oconee County plays last-place Franklin County (1-8, 0-4) on Friday, so if they win, they get into the playoffs. Depending on results around the region — Hebron Christian hosts Stephens County and Monroe Area hosts Hart County — the Warriors could land either in the No. 2, 3 or 4 seed.
Class 2A
East Jackson
East Jackson faces a must-win as it enters the regular-season finale with 6-3 overall, 1-3 region records. A win at Athens Academy on Friday would move East Jackson in as a 4-seed.
Athens Academy
Athens Academy is also living dangerously with 5-4 overall, 2-2 region records. They need to defeat East Jackson on Friday to remain in the top four. A loss would move the Spartans out of the playoffs if Providence Christian defeats Banks County.
Class 1A-Division I-Region 8
Commerce
Commerce had a stellar run this year, going 9-1 overall and 3-0 in region. They earned the top seed for Class 1A-Division I in Region 8.
Athens Christian
Despite their 0-9 overall and 0-3 region records, the Eagles are eligible for the playoffs by default because there are only four teams in their region. They play Mount de Sales Academy on Friday in a non-region matchup and will enter the postseason as a 4-seed.
Class 1A-Division I-Region 5
Prince Avenue Christian
There was no question about the defending state champions returning to this year's playoff stretch. Prince Avenue Christian (8-1, 2-0) leads their region as the No. 1 seed, tied with Social Circle (4-4, 2-0). The Wolverines and Redskins meet on Friday to determine the top position and Class 1A-Division I Region 5 champion title.
Oglethorpe County
Despite the 3-6 overall and 0-2 region records, the Patriots are eligible for the playoffs by default due to only four teams playing in their region. They play Jasper County (5-4, 0-2) on Friday, and the winner will take the 3-seed, while the loser lands the 4-seed.
GIAA 11-Man Class 4A
Bethlehem Christian
Bethlehem Christian has one more regular season game against George Walton on Friday. The Knights and Bulldogs are tied at 3-0 in the region. The winner will secure the No. 1 seed in the GIAA Class 4A region and the region title, while the loser lands No. 2.
GIAA 8-Man
Westminster Christian
Westminster Christian ended their season 4-5 overall and third in their region with a 1-2 record. Seeded number seven in the GIAA 8-Man tournament bracket, they will play two-seed Windsor Academy on Friday at 7:30 p.m.
This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Athens-area high school football teams with state playoff hopes
