Tonight, the Trion Bulldogs (9-2) travel to McRae, GA, to take on the Telfair County Trojans (9-2) in a highly anticipated Class A Division II GHSA playoff game at 7:30 p.m. Both teams have enjoyed strong seasons and are looking to advance deeper into the 2024 postseason.

Season Overview

Both Trion and Telfair County share identical records of 9-2, but their paths to success have been quite different. Trion has thrived with a balanced offense, scoring 365 points while allowing 240. The Bulldogs went undefeated at home (6-0) but faced challenges on the road with a 3-2 away record.

Telfair County, on the other hand, dominated its region, finishing a perfect 6-0 in league play and excelling both at home (5-1) and on the road (4-1). The Trojans boast a defense that has been a key to their success, holding opponents to just 181 points this season while scoring 341 themselves.

Offensive and Defensive Comparisons

• Trion Bulldogs
  The Bulldogs average 33.2 points per game, with quarterback Kade Smith leading the charge. Smith averages an impressive 213.8 passing yards per game and contributes significantly to the team’s total offense, racking up 245.2 total yards per game. Wide receiver Ethan Willingham has been Smith’s favorite target, averaging 104 receiving yards per game.On defense, Trion relies on linebacker Dillard Stricklin, who averages 9.1 tackles per game, and running back Lane Harris, who contributes on both sides of the ball.
• Telfair County Trojans
  While specific individual stats for Telfair County remain unavailable, the Trojans average 31 points per game, with steady scoring throughout all four quarters. They have shown a knack for controlling games with their defense and balanced offensive production.

Head-to-Head and Playoff Outlook

This will be the first meeting between the two teams this season. Trion has displayed strong playoff potential with an 8-2 record against in-state opponents and a playoff-opening win. Meanwhile, Telfair County’s undefeated region record and home-field advantage make them a formidable opponent.

Key Storylines

• Trion’s High-Powered Passing Attack: Can Kade Smith and Ethan Willingham continue their explosive connection against a stout Telfair County defense?
• Telfair’s Home Dominance: Will the Trojans’ comfort at home be enough to overcome Trion’s balanced attack?
• Defensive Stalwarts: Both teams will look to their top defenders—Stricklin for Trion and a solid Trojans’ defensive unit—to make game-changing plays.

What’s at Stake

The winner of tonight’s game will advance in the 2024 GHSA Class A Division II playoffs, bringing them one step closer to a state title. For both teams, it’s a chance to prove themselves against a tough opponent and showcase why they deserve a deep postseason run.

Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. at Telfair County. Football fans won’t want to miss this clash between two well-matched teams with everything on the line.