We are now down to eight teams remaining in Class AA. One of them was never in the top 10 all season. But now that the quarterfinals have arrived, it's safe to say that any team still around, regardless of regular season performance, has a legitimate shot at reaching the Georgia Dome and winning a state title.
The surprise team still alive and kicking? The Chattooga Indians, who entered the postseason having never won a playoff game in 55 years as a program. With their 38-7 clubbing of Washington County on Friday, they are the lowest seed in the quarterfinals as a No. 3 from Region 7. No remaining teams have more losses than them - they're 8-4. They were the first team to knock off a No. 1 seed. They'll never see home again this season and will fend for themselves in a sea of seven No. 1 seeds, starting next week at the No. 10-ranked Hapeville Charter Hornets.
For the updated brackets, go here.
The Foster twins of Isaiah and Isaac, along aided by a stout offensive line, dominated for the Indians, as The Augusta Chronicle's Scott Michaux writes. The Fosters combined for 286 rushing yards - 235 in the first half - and five touchdowns.
The Hornets, a No. 1 seed out of Region 6, edged No. 7 Jefferson County 14-6 to continue their season of firsts. Making their postseason debut, the Hornets are proving each week they belong in the championship discussion.
The No. 4 Rabun County Wildcats continue to be an offensive juggernaut, hanging up 42 points to Vidalia's 7 to improve to 11-0. As Access WDUN's Morgan Lee reports, the Wildcats were led by a monster night from quarterback Bailey Fisher. They're one of three undefeated teams remaining and will face their biggest test of the season next week against the No. 2 Fitzgerald Purple Hurricane. The Purple Hurricane cruised to a 48-21 win over Rockmart to set up the marquee matchup of No. 1 seeds. A coin flip decided that the Rabun County-Fitzgerald game will be played at Fitzgerald.
The No. 5 Screven County Gamecocks edged out Douglass 28-20. As Chris Stanley of the Statesboro Herald reports, CJ Wright led the way with 190 yards of offense and three touchdowns. The Gamecocks will now face the No. 3 Callaway Cavaliers, another of the undefeated teams who beat Brooks County 28-14. The Callaway-Screven County game will be played at Screven County as decided by a coin flip since both teams are No. 1 seeds.
The Benedictine Cadets continue to play up to their No. 1 ranking, blowing past Banks County 49-0 to improve to 12-0. Highlights include Wesley Kennedy's two punts returned for touchdowns, the Savannah Morning News' Adam Van Brimmer writes.
Waiting for the Cadets is the No. 6 Pepperell Dragons, who posted a convincing 35-14 win over Dodge County. Tae Hammond led the Dragons with 128 rushing yards and two touchdowns, Tommy Romanach of NorthwestGeorgiaNews.com reports. The Pepprell-Benedictine game will be played at Benedictine. With both teams No. 1 seeds, Benedictine won the coin toss.
For further AA playoff analysis, check back on Tuesday.
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