The Sprayberry (Marietta, GA) varsity football team will host Lanier (Sugar Hill, GA) in a home playoff matchup tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Sprayberry High School. This game is part of the 2024 Georgia High School Football Playoff Brackets: GHSA – Class 5A tournament.

Lanier vs Sprayberry High School Football Game Info:

What: Georgia High School Football
Who: Lanier vs Sprayberry
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:30p p.m.
Bracket: 2024 Georgia High School Football Playoff Brackets: GHSA – Class 5A
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Lanier vs Sprayberry

The Sprayberry Yellow Jackets (9-1) are set to face the Lanier Longhorns (5-5) in a first-round clash of the 2024 Georgia High School Football Playoff Brackets: GHSA – Class 5A. The game will take place tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Sprayberry High School in Marietta, GA, with high stakes as both teams aim to make a deep playoff run.

Sprayberry: A Season of Dominance

Ranked 48th in Georgia and 12th in Class 5A, Sprayberry enters the game riding a strong 9-1 record, with their only loss coming in a closely contested regional matchup. Known for their balanced attack, the Yellow Jackets average 32.7 points per game while holding opponents to just 13.9 points, showcasing a stifling defense.

Offensively, quarterback Jaden Duckett has been the team’s heartbeat, averaging 191.9 passing yards and 263.0 total yards per game. Duckett’s primary target, Mark Manfred, leads the receiving corps with 82.3 yards per game. On the ground, Duckett also contributes alongside a consistent rushing attack. Defensively, standout Everett Currie leads with 8.1 tackles per game, supported by Jaymarion Cooper, who anchors the pass rush with 0.7 sacks per contest.

Sprayberry’s undefeated 5-0 home record provides additional confidence as they prepare to defend their turf.

Lanier: The Upset-Minded Longhorns

Lanier’s season has been a tale of resilience. Ranked 69th in Georgia and 16th in Class 5A, the Longhorns battled through a tough schedule to finish 5-5 overall and 3-3 in regional play. While their record might suggest an underdog status, Lanier boasts a potent offense led by Tojuan Peyton Jr., a dynamic playmaker who averages an impressive 169.3 rushing yards and 187.5 total yards per game.

Though Lanier averages 30.0 points per game, their defense has struggled at times, allowing 33.7 points per contest. However, key contributors like Carson Cowart, who averages 6.8 tackles per game, and Shorrod Wallace, a capable pass rusher, will aim to disrupt Sprayberry’s rhythm.

The Longhorns’ 3-2 road record indicates they are no strangers to performing under pressure in hostile environments.

Key Matchups to Watch

• Sprayberry’s Passing Game vs. Lanier’s Secondary: Duckett and Manfred form a lethal duo that could test Lanier’s pass defense, which must rise to the occasion.
• Tojuan Peyton Jr. vs. Sprayberry’s Front Seven: Peyton Jr.’s ability to break big plays on the ground could be a game-changer if Sprayberry’s defense doesn’t contain him early.
• Turnovers and Field Position: Sprayberry’s efficiency and Lanier’s opportunistic nature will make turnover battles a crucial determinant in this matchup.

What’s at Stake

This playoff game marks the beginning of what both teams hope will be a long postseason journey. For Sprayberry, a victory would reinforce their status as a top contender in Class 5A. For Lanier, a win would not only upset a higher-ranked opponent but also provide momentum for a deep playoff push.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m., and fans can expect an electric atmosphere as these two teams leave it all on the field in pursuit of playoff glory.