Second-round playoff action delivered big wins, tough exits, and dominant performances across Northeast Georgia Friday night. Several local teams were left standing. Here’s how the night unfolded.
#15 Rabun County 35, #31 Berrien 0
The Wildcats, with their bonus playoff game, made no drama in a 35-0 beatdown, ending Berrien’s Cinderella run. Rabun County went up 14-0 in the first quarter on a Ty Truelove TD pass to Reed Lafevers, then a 46-yard TD run by Lake Evans. In the second, after a Reid Giles interception, Truelove rushed in for a 14-yard TD and the 21-0 lead. With the ball to start the second half, Reid Giles rushed in an 88-yard TD. Truelove then found Ethan Hopper on a 3-yd TD. Giles, Reed Burrell, and Shaun Fruster all had interceptions.
#1 Jefferson 49, #17 Harlem 14
The Dragons advance to the Quarterfinals for a third straight year and 10th time in the last 14 seasons with a 49-14 beatdown of Harlem. Darren Pinkard had another huge game. He started the scoring with a 2-yard TD, then added another rushing score for a quick 14-0 lead. His third one from nine ticks out made it a 21-0 lead in the second. It was a 28-7 game at halftime. Pinkard then rumbled in for a fourth TD, and Eli Primm added a rushing TD to cap the scoring.
#3 Carver (Columbus) 56, #19 Stephens County 0
Stephens County’s season ends at Carver in a 56-0 shutout. The home team and defending State Champions were fielding about nine Power Five DI players, and had yet to lose a game in their last 25 tries.
Other games of interest
#1 Buford 31, #2 Newton 14
#2 Gainesville 42, #1 Brunswick 0
#1 Jackson County 24, #3 Milton 19
#15 LaGrange 52,, #2 North Hall 28
#6 Gordon Lee 17, #11 Elbert County 12
