A look at the Final 8 Quarterbacks

Buford quarterback Mic Roof

Credit: Stan Awtrey

Credit: Stan Awtrey

Buford quarterback Mic Roof

It isn’t possible for a team to reach the quarterfinal round of the state football playoffs without a good quarterback. The position requires skill, leadership and the ability to come up big when it matters most.

The quarterbacks remaining in Class AAAAA are no exception. Each of the eight teams remaining in the postseason has a player who fills all those descriptions and each will be asked to step up again this week if they want to reach the Final Four.

Here is a look at each remaining quarterback in Class AAAAA (alphabetical by team):

Buford - Mic Roof: The senior doesn't have gaudy numbers because the Wolves prefer to run the ball, spread the scoring opportunities around and not run up the score. Roof has thrown for 969 yards and eight touchdowns in the regular season. He has committed to East Carolina.

Carrollton – Mark Wright: He has thrived under first-year coach Sean Calhoun and has seen his stock rise. Wright has thrown for 1,770 yards and 20 touchdowns and rushed for 489 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Griffin – Tylan Morton: The senior has thrown for 4,314 yards and 40 touchdowns and needs only 247 yards to surpass Hutson Mason for the state record. Morton threw for 318 yards last week and is fortunate to have an excellent cadre of receivers. He's also run for 208 yards and four touchdowns.

Kell – John Lampley: The second-year starter brings steadiness and skill to the job. He's thrown for 1,732 yards and 15 touchdowns and picked up an additional 367 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground. Others may be flashier, but Lampley's consistency cannot be overlooked.

Rome – Knox Kadum: The sophomore  has stepped up and played like a veteran. He's thrown for 1,311 yards and 12 touchdowns and rushed  for 515 yards and five touchdowns. He's playing well at the right time; the Wolves have scored 95 points in two playoff games.

Stockbridge – Kenderick Duncan:  Then senior returned last week after missing three games with an injury. He's thrown for 949 yards and five touchdowns in nine games and rushed for 602 yards and seven touchdowns for the Tigers.

Ware County – Jemar Lincoln: The senior is a double threat who can beat you with his arm and legs. Lincoln has thrown for 747 yards and eight and has rushed for 1,014 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Woodland  -- Reid Larsen:  He has effectively taken advantage of his two wide receivers, both big-time prospects, and has thrown for 2,555 yards and 20 touchdowns. Last week he outdueled highly regarded Grady quarterback Caylin Newton in a second-round win.