AA blog: A look at the quarterfinals

There isn’t a weak team left in the Class AA football playoffs. All the schools that might qualify to wear a Cinderella tag have already been escorted from the dance. There remains one overwhelming favorite (four-time defending champion Buford) and seven other very legitimate contenders.

Here’s a look at who’s left in Class AA:

No. 6 Elbert County (11-1) at No. 1 Buford (12-0): The Wolves have won 25 straight games thanks largely to its defense. Buford is No. 1 in Class AA in scoring defense (4.8) and last week limited Dontavious Kitchens, the featured back at Jefferson County, to only 34 yards. Elbert County’s only loss came to North Oconee, which had its undefeated season end last week. Elbert County brings a two-pronged attack to Buford, as it can strike with tailback Tyson Dye (1,300 yards rushing) and quarterback Hunter Blackmon. Plus, the Blue Devils have a very strong defensive club.

No. 2 Calhoun (12-0) at No. 9 Dublin (11-1): Since both teams won their respective regions, the home site was determined by a coin flip and won by Dublin. The Fighting Irish were able to run the ball with great effectiveness against Westminster; Cedric O’Neal rushed for 246 yards and Maurice Martin ran for 131 yards. But Calhoun will be the best defensive team that Dublin has seen. The 30 points allowed last week against Brooks County is misleading; all but one touchdown came against the second- and third-team defense. The teams have met only once, that a 48-37 Dublin victory in the 2004 quarterfinals. Dublin hasn’t lost a playoff game at the Shamrock Bowl since 2005.

Appling County (11-1) at No. 7 Lamar County (12-0): Both teams forced turnovers and took advantage of their opportunities in their quarterfinal matchups. Appling forced four turnovers against North Oconee and earned a spot in the quarterfinals for the first time since 1999. Lamar came up with a big interception at the end of the game and is making its first quarterfinal appearance since 2000. These two teams have never met.

No. 3 Fitzgerald (11-1) at No. 4 Carver Columbus (11-1): This has all the makings of a track meet, as both teams have well-earned reputations for their offensive prowess. Carver has not scored fewer than 26 points in its 11 wins and eight times has scored 38 or more points. Fitzgerald has scored 35 or more on seven occasions. Carver’s Marquez Holloway ran for 182 yards and two touchdowns last week and Fitzgerald’s Tolerance Shepherd (1,467 yards rushing) ran for 237 in the second round. This is the first meeting for the two teams.

About the semifinal sites: The Fitzgerald-Carver winner advances to play the Buford-Elbert County winner. If Buford wins, a coin flip would be required to determine the home team. If Elbert County wins, it would play on the road because of its No. 3 finish in Region 8. Both Carver and Fitzgerald were region champions and No. 1 seeds.

The Dublin-Calhoun winner advances to play the Appling County-Lamar County winner. If Lamar wins, a coin flip would be required to determine the home team. If Appling County wins, it would play on the road because of its No. 2 finish in Region 2. Both Dublin and Calhoun were region champions and No. 1 seeds.