The Fannin County Rebels (Blue Ridge, GA) are gearing up for an exciting home playoff matchup against the Northeast Raiders (Macon, GA) today at 7:30 p.m. at Fannin County. This game is part of the 2024 Georgia High School Football Playoff Brackets: GHSA – Class A Division I tournament.
Team Overview
Fannin County enters the game with an undefeated record of 12-0, boasting a perfect 7-0 region record. Their powerful offense has scored an average of 39.5 points per game, and their defense has been equally impressive, allowing just 137 points throughout the season. The Rebels’ strong offensive line, featuring standout players like Carson Callihan, who has rushed for 143.8 yards per game, and Lawson Sullivan, with 160 passing yards per game, has led the team to dominant victories.
On the other hand, Northeast is riding high with a solid 10-2 record, and a strong 8-1 showing in region play. The Raiders have an average of 34.1 points per game and are known for their strong ground game, led by Nick Woodford, who averages 163.1 rushing yards per game. Northeast’s defense, which has allowed just 153 points this season, will certainly present a challenge for the Rebels.
Key Matchups
- Rushing Offense: Fannin County leads in rushing yards, averaging 298.2 yards per game compared to 270.8 for Northeast. Fannin’s running game has been led by Carson Callihan, while Nick Woodford is Northeast’s key rusher.
- Passing Game: The Rebels also have an edge in passing yards, with Lawson Sullivan averaging 160 yards per game, compared to Reginald Glover’s 78.9 yards per game for Northeast.
- Defense: Fannin County has been strong on defense, particularly in tackling, with Cooper Born leading the team with 11 tackles per game. The Rebels’ defense has allowed fewer points throughout the season, making them one of the toughest teams to break through.
Special Teams
Fannin County has also excelled in special teams, with key players like Isaac Watkins adding strength to their pancake block totals. Northeast has not been as dominant in this area, but Santana Balkcom leads the Raiders with 8.7 tackles per game, ensuring they will be competitive in all facets of the game.
Game Outlook
Fannin County has been a dominant force all season, and with a perfect record, they will look to continue their strong play in front of their home crowd. However, Northeast has a talented team with explosive players like Nick Woodford, and they will certainly bring their A-game to this high-stakes playoff matchup. The Rebels will need to maintain their offensive efficiency while staying disciplined on defense to neutralize the Raiders’ dynamic rushing attack.
With both teams boasting impressive records and talented players, this game promises to be an intense and exciting matchup in the Class A Division I playoffs. Fans of Fannin County will be hoping to see their team extend its unbeaten streak, while Northeast will aim to pull off the upset and advance further in the tournament.