“The future is uncertain, but the end is always near.”
– Jim Morrison The future is for sure, uncertain, for several area high school football teams heading into the month of November. This Friday marks the end of the regular season in GHSA and GIAA.
Pretty much every school in Lake Country could make the state playoffs in their respective classifications.
The exception, however, is Lake Oconee Academy, which is playing a non-region schedule, and can’t compete in the GHSA’s postseason in football for the next two years.
Let’s start with Putnam County.
The War Eagles had a disappointing and uncharacteristic loss to Thomson two weeks ago, but they bounced back with a huge win over a tough Laney team this past Friday. Their game against Washington County this week is equally as important. If Shaun Pope’s squad can win this game, they lock up the No. 2 seed in Region 4-AA.
Now, let’s move on to Gatewood.
The Gators started out 2-0 but then hit a wall and lost four straight. They bounced back with a win over Edmund Burke Academy two weeks ago, but suffered their first region loss to an inferior Piedmont Academy squad this past Friday. A lot rides on this game with Class AA defending champion Brentwood Academy on Friday.
Speaking of Lake Oconee Academy, the Titans are nearing their second full season as a program.
Patrick Stewart took over for Drew Anthony, who is now at Putnam County as an assistant coach, and is doing just fine. LOA doubled its win total from two to four in 2022, so technically, Stewart is the winningest coach in program history.
Still, it’s good to see the Titans doing so well, especially in year two. They are really competitive.
Now, let us move on to Greene County.
The Tigers have been fun to watch under new head coach Terrance Banks. He has changed the culture in Greensboro and has the #BoroBoyz bought in.
However, his squad should have a better record than 5-4. They should’ve beaten Oglethorpe County in September and region foe Aquinas last Friday. This game against Washington-Wilkes Friday is huge. If they win, they can possibly finish third or fourth in the region.
Finally, Morgan County.
Clint Jenkins has flipped the script in Madison. A year ago, the ‘Dogs were limping into the Class AAA playoffs as the No.
4 seed in Region 4 after going 4-6 overall. This Friday, they are competing with Harlem at home for the region championship.
Jenkins is changing the brand of Morgan County football for the better. The Bulldogs will either be a No. 1 or No. 2 seed entering the Class AAA playoffs.
I have some mixed feelings about the end of the high school football season. At heart, I love it.
I enjoy writing about high school more than college and giving local kids the spotlight. However, I also enjoy having Friday nights off and sleeping.
Good luck to all of the Lake Country teams as you head into the final week of the regular season. Also, I am interested in seeing who makes a playoff run. Every one of you can do it.