GREENE COUNTY
After leaving Tiger Stadium with a shutout win last Friday, Greene County football has to prepare to travel to the other side of Atlanta to play Bowdon High School in the second round of the Class A Division II state playoffs this Friday.
These two programs have never played against one another, but it will be the Tigers’ toughest test to date.
The Red Devils are currently sitting at 9-2 on the season, ranked No. 2 in Class A Division II, only behind undefeated Schley County. For reference, the Tigers are currently ranked as the sixth-best team in Class A Division II.
After losing its first two games of the season, Bowdon has gone on a nine-game winning streak since Sept. 1. In that period, the Red Devils’ offense has been outscoring opponents by almost four touchdowns a game.
As a whole, Bowdon’s offense is averaging about 44 points per game, and its defense is only giving up a little over two touchdowns per contest.
Regardless of their quality, Banks believes his team matches up well with the Red Devils.
Greene County has a physical offensive mindset that will attempt to take some time away from Bowdon’s playmakers.
The Tigers have three running backs and a mobile quarterback that will contribute to moving the ball. Additionally, Greene County’s offensive line is currently playing its best football, so the team may be able to control the time of possession. If they can exploit Bowdon’s defensive weaknesses, they could potentially control the speed of the game.
On the flip side, this will be the best offense the Tigers have faced all season.
Red Devil senior quarterback Kyler McGrinn is the team’s leading rusher with over 1,300 yards on the ground, and he is accompanied by senior running back Jordan Beasley who has racked up over 900 yards this year.
Other players will participate in Bowdon’s deep rushing attack, and it is complemented by McGrinn’s ability to throw the ball. McGrinn has thrown for over 1,600 yards with a 63% completion rate.
This will be the first time the Tigers have had to go on the road since its only loss of the season to Aquinas High School, which occurred at the end of October.
Greene County is in for a dogfight to see if its dominant defense can contain Bowdon’s offensive attack.
With a win, the Tigers would have to play the winner of the Jenkins County/Dooley Country game in the Elite 8 in the next round.