Senior defensive end Roderic Forts (18) leads the Cedar Saints defense against Pike County Friday night in an effort to reach the Class 3A semifinals for the third consecutive season. (Photo by Mark Brock)
A third consecutive Class 3A semifinal appearance is on the line Friday as the Class 3A No. 1 ranked Cedar Grove Saints entertain Pike County at Buck Godfrey Stadium at 7:00 pm
Cedar Grove, the defending Class 3A state champion, comes into the game riding a 22-game win streak after defeating Dawson County 58-13 last week. Coach Jermaine Smith is 52-12-1 in five seasons leading the Saints and is 12-3 overall in the state playoffs, including last year’s 5-0 run to the state championship.
The Saints are averaging 43.5 points per game led by the trio of quarterback Xavier Dennis, running back Darrell Neal and receiver Jadon Haselwood.
Dennis has over 1,400 yards passing with 23 touchdowns through the air and over 300 yards rushing and 7 touchdowns. Neal has hit the 1,200-yard rushing mark with 13 touchdowns to his credit through 12 games. Haselwood, a preseason All-State selection, has over 600 yards through the air with 14 touchdowns to go with a punt return and interception return both going for touchdowns.
Pike County’s defense is led by Tryston Passmore (53 tackles) and Robby Cox (50 tackles).
The Saints defense has been stingy this season as well allowing just 7.0 points per game and collecting over 110 tackles for a loss and over 30 sacks. Sophomore linebacker Isaiah Ratcliff and senior defensive end Roderic Forts have combined for over 35 tackles for a loss and over 10 sacks on the season.
Pike County keeps it on the ground most of the time led by running back C’bo Flemister who has over 1,700 yards rushing to go along with 20-plus touchdowns.
The Pirates knocked off No. 2 seed Southeast Bulloch (6-5) 43-28 and then upset No. 1 seed Crisp County (9-2) 26-25 to advance to the quarterfinals.
Tucker vs. Allatoona
A second consecutive trip to the Class 6A semifinals looms as the No. 1 ranked Tucker Tigers host the Allatoona Buccaneers on Friday night at 7:30 at Adams Stadium.
Tucker defender Malik Ransom (6) is one of the leaders on the Tiger defense as they play for a Final Four berth against Allatoona on Friday. (Photo by Mark Brock)
Coach Bryan Lamar is in his sixth season leading the Tigers with six consecutive playoff appearances and two state runners-up finishes. The Tigers are 66-14 under Lamar, including a 15-5 state playoff record.
The Tigers are scoring at a 43.7 point per game clip led by quarterback Trevon Ford, running back Taurean Taylor and All-State receiver Joshua Vann.
Ford has thrown for over 1,300 yards and 18 touchdowns on the season. Vann has been on the receiving end to the tune of 942 yards and 15 touchdowns on 55 receptions. Taylor has 15 touchdowns on the season and has gone over 1,000 yards rushing for the second consecutive season.
The Buccaneers are led on defense by senior Michael Romans with 108 tackles with 11 for a loss and 9 sacks.
Tucker’s defense has proved stingy all season allowing just 9.7 points per game and just 7.0 points per game in their playoff victories over Lakeside-Evans and Northside-Warner Robins.
All-Region 4-6A Defensive Player of the Year defensive end Antonio Showers (16 sacks) and Mike Harris (10 tackles for a loss) lead the gang tackling Tiger defense.
Allatoona is led on offense by sophomore quarterback Dante’ Marshall (1,140 yards passing, 11 TDs, 6 INTs) and running back Adrian Boyd (689 yards, 4 TDs).
DCSD ELITE 8 PLAYOFF SCHEDULE
Friday, Nov. 24
Class 6A
Allatoona (9-3) vs. Tucker (11-1), Adams, 7:30 pm
Class 3A
Pike County (9-3) vs. Cedar Grove (12-0), Godfrey, 7:00 pm