State football playoffs begin tonight

By MICHAEL BOYLAN
mboylan@TheCitizenNews.com

The high school football state playoffs begin tonight and all of the local teams in the playoffs will be playing at home.

East Coweta (10-0) hosts the Wayne County Yellow Jackets (7-3). The Indians went undefeated during the season thanks to an outstanding offense that averaged 40.3 points per game and a defense that allowed an average of 8.9 points per game. Wayne County's three losses during the season were to perennial powerhouse Valdosta, Benedictine, who faces Starr's Mill tonight, and Camden. Camden also handed Benedictine a loss this year.

If the Indians are to win tonight, they must treat this game as they have treated their other 10 games this year; business as usual. Follow the strenghts of Preston Stricklin and Derek White and capitalize on any Yellow Jackets mistakes.

Starr's Mill (8-2) returns to the state playoffs tonight with a game against the Benedictine Cadets. The Cadets lost to Camden and Bradwell Institute this year but outscored their opposition 278-62 in their wins. Starr's Mill outscored their opponents 281-139. The Panthers have won five games in a row thanks to a stifling defense and an offense that has a variety of weapons.

If the Panthers are going to win tonight it will be because the defense thwarted the Cadet's game plan, forcing them to make mistakes deep in their own zone. The Panther offense will help out by coming up with big plays and grinding the ball to wear down their opponents and the clock. Look for big games from Erik Advincula and Jason Earwood on defense and Chris Strauch and Recarta Heard on offense.

Landmark Christian (6-3) is back in the playoffs this year as well, though much improved from last year's one win season. The War Eagles, though young at some skill positions, have an experienced defense and a new coach. Their opponent tonight is Bremen, which lost to landmark, 12-7 on Oct. 5. The War Eagles have outscored their opponents this season, 175-97. They have won two in a row, scoring 58 points. This means the offense has some momentum going into tonight's game.

If the War Eagles win tonight it will be because the defense played an outstanding game and the offense found yet another hero. Quarterback Alex Mortensen has shown superior poise all season and the War Eagles have seen a number of players turn in key performances, including Sean Hill and Dillon Haynes. If Landmark is firing on all cylinders, they will be able to play against anybody.

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