4A…*Disclaimer: I will be on the play-by-play call for some of the playoff coverage; therefore I will stop just shy of laying out a game by game prediction; that leads to a conflict of interest and breaks an unwritten broadcaster code. Just the same, here are some of the storylines we should expect to see unfold in the 2014 GHSA football playoffs…
Use the pictures as a point of reference and let’s begin in the bottom right corner of the bracket.

Bottom Right Quad:
The entire right side of the bracket is open for three teams to make a run. At bottom right, it feels like Woodward Academy is on a collision course with Cairo.

The War Eagles feature one of the most exciting players in the state, and one of the top players for 2016, in Elijah Holyfield. Evander’s boy can score from anywhere on the field; whether in the backfield, in the slot, or returning kickoffs. Arrington Farrar, the future Stanford Cardinal, anchors a defense that will be tested on the ground throughout each matchup. In every game they play, prior to the Final Four, they will be the most athletic team on the field.

The Cairo Syrupmakers not only have an incredible nickname, but also an experienced roster. They will use a balanced approach on both sides of the football and most likely power through. They are not overly impressive at first blush; but the “Makers” have played a surprisingly tough schedule. They have played five teams that have been ranked in either Georgia or Florida, and have been awfully clutch in winning five of their six games decided in the fourth quarter.

Lithonia, Gilmer, Locust Grove and Veterans deserve applause for reaching the playoffs in one of the most talent rich states in the country; unfortunately, these squads are most likely overwhelmed by the two aforementioned squads.

Sleeper: That’s easy; it has to be North Oconee. Kawon Bryant appears to be back to 100%. In 2013, he was a 2,500-yard rusher, led the state with 41 touchdowns, and was the 3A Offensive Player of the Year. Plus, Zantravious Shields will patrol the defensive side of the football and is as big of a player maker on that side as anyone in the state. Finally, they have playoff experience. This current class of senior Titans has won 35 games and reached the second round of state twice. If they took down Cairo in the Sweet 16, I don’t know if many experts would be shocked.

Top Right Quad:
The road may be clear for the Golden Lions. I do not believe any experts could debate whether this is the easiest draw for a title contender. The 2012 state runner-up will pile up 300-rushing yards on the best defenses in the state. And their defense is among the hardest hitting bunch in any classification. In fact, this could be THE most physical team in 4A football. The Golden Lions have three separate running backs that have eclipsed the 200-yard mark in a single game. Dalton Wilson, a really fine two-way player, is their star. This stat line for RB Ransom Klinger, versus Chamblee on October 17th, is typical of their backfield production: 247 all-purpose yards – 74 rushing, 37 receiving and 136 on two kickoff returns. And, oh by the way, Paul Standard’s club is passing more this year, than ever before.

Eastside and Thomson is a really interesting matchup for die-hards like me. I saw Eastside in the summer, at the National Select 7 on 7 passing tournament, and said to a colleague, “these guys have a chance to be pretty good. And they are going to throw on some good teams.”

The Thomson Bulldogs are steeped in history and always have a talented team. As the years have gone on, their talent pool has been depleted; a victim of the population shift and boom, reclassification and new school openings.

West Laurens is a bit of an enigma. They played seven really solid, playoff, or state title caliber teams; and they posted a 4-3 record in those contests. Seventeen young men have a rush attempt for the team from Dexter; and thirteen have a reception. Justin Smith, a senior wide-out, has 50 receptions for 823 yards and nine touchdowns. Sophomore Darius Bradford is the guy who has taken them to the next level; he is just shy of the 1,000-yard rushing mark and has reached the end zone nine times. As long as senior quarterback Garrel Quainton protects the football ( 1,500 yards, 13 touchdowns and eight interceptions), I really believe these guys can reach the Final Four.

Sleeper: Pickens is led by Minnesota commit Shannon Brooks. Last season, he combined for over 2,000-yards of offense with 1,700 on the ground. This year, Brooks is top two in the state in rushing yards. He has already broken the 2,000-yard rushing barrier and scored 31 touchdowns.

Top Left Quad:
Cartersville and Sandy Creek. It must be. The Gods command it.

This is not your older brothers Sandy Creek. With as much talent as they have had over the last decade, but three years especially, there was no way they could keep up that pace. However, they are still more experienced than most teams in the state; and they have one of the best backs in the country in Eric Swinney. The senior running back, who is committed to Ole Miss, has reached the 1,200 yard mark in each of the last three seasons. He did this on a team with another 1,000-yard rusher in 2012-13, a top 50 wide receiver in 2012-13, and a 2,500-yard passer in 2012-13. In other words, if they needed him to carry the ball more over the last two previous years, he could have threatened the all-time rushing mark, in my opinion.

For the Hurricanes of Cartersville, it’s bombs away. I ran into a Cartersville coach in the summer and we started talking. At one point he told me, “Chris, we’ve got a freshman coming in at quarterback that is legit. This kid will be a star if he continues to progress the way we think he can.” That kid was Trevor Lawrence (2,141 yards, 19 touchdowns and only four interceptions). Of course, for new head coach Joey King, the timing worked out perfectly. Meaning, the freshman leads an offense that is absolutely loaded. They have a pair of seniors, Kalin Heath and Taimon Pennymon, that were starting in the state quarterfinals, two years ago, in a game I called against Thomson.

Sleeper: Baldwin. They feature a a solid defense and senior running back Kentavious Thomas. The future Mississippi State Bulldog is a multiple 1,000-yard rushing man and one of the toughest kids you’ll find. This 2014 season could have been really special for the Braves. Tift County star quarterback Taj Chambers was slated to be the starter at Baldwin this season, but transferred.

Bottom Left Quad:
Remember during the World Cup this year, hearing the phrase “Group of Death?” Exactly. Most would agree to the thought process of 4A being in the hands of seven different teams: Buford, Marist, Griffin, Sandy Creek, Cartersville, Woodward, and St Pius. As you see, three of the “Big 6” are in this quad. And Mary Person’s would have won Region 2 if not for a five turnover season finale, and a seven point loss.

The defending state champion Bears may have the most weapons on offense as anyone in the state. And I think because of that, they are the best threat to take down Buford. Anforne Stroud has now settled in at QB and they have the best WR trio in the state in Mangham (Undecided), Owens (literally just flipped from Georgia to South Carolina, today) and Fuller (Duke). However, it is Malik Miller’s 2014 season that has taken them to the next level. The once unknown running back is up over 1,300-yards for the season.

On the other hand, Marist will ground and pound. But you knew that. Your dad knows that. No matter how old you are. That is because the War Eagles have been running things the same way since HC Alan Chadwick took over 30-years ago. And they ran a variation of this offense for years before the future Hall of Famer took over. Kenneth Brinson is one of the finest athletes in the country. That’s right…athletes…in the country. At 6’2, 210, the senior is a multiple time state champion in track and field and wrestling. He is also a National Champion wrestler. And he can play college football pretty much anywhere he wants. They have one of the best kickers in the country in Joey Gogol, who can knock it in from 50+. And, they feature pergaps the toughest fullback in the state, in senior Ian Gipson.

The Machine. Across the COUNTRY, you would be hard pressed to find “a lower classification team” that dominates at the level of the Buford Wolves. The 10-time state titlists will have a tougher road to hoe than in the past; especially with the step up into the 4A classification. Yet, they are the over-whelming favorites with a roster that resembles a 6A school. We’ll talk about them more next week.

Sleeper: With all due respect, none.