Clint Thompson
“On the Road Again.”
That’s the song Thomasville and Cairo fans will be singing tonight when they go on long, long, long road trips in the second round of the playoffs.
Thomasville, coming off an impressive rout of Henry County, is bound for Jefferson County. Break out the atlas — there is no easy way to get to Louisville. It will be a fun ride back, however for the Bulldogs and their fans.
Last week, Thomasville overwhelmed Henry County with its speed. The Bulldogs harassed Henry County’s quarterback all night, delivering one punishing blow after another.
Thomasville’s offense could not be stopped, especially junior Jeffery Dyson. Thomasville will need a repeat performance from Dyson tonight with Charles Hayes sidelined. Dyson rushed for more than 200 yards. While I’m not predicting another 200-yard rushing day, Dyson could have his way again.
Thomasville may miss Hayes in the secondary even more than at quarterback. His speed and quickness make him a valuable defender against the pass. In his absence, Thomasville will look to Darius Wyche, Quintez Spear and Josh Davis. Thomasville can and will win this game. The Bulldogs have their swagger back and it will show tonight.
Say goodbye to Jefferson County’s perfect season.
Thomasville 27,
Jefferson County 20
Cairo at Baldwin
This year’s version of the Cairo Syrupmakers is starting to look more and more like the team that’s been to back-to-back championship games. It’s found its rushing attack to go along with a solid aerial assault, led by quarterback Brian Walker. Laquinton Williams is tough to bring down. Miguel Smiley is extra elusive in the open field. The Syrupmakers’ offensive line is opening holes along the line of scrimmage. Cairo’s offense will be hard to stop. Cairo’s defense has been terrific all season. It flies to the ball. It delivers punishing hits. It’s a confident group that can shut down the Braves’ offense. These teams have played similar schedules. Both have lost to Region 1-AAA champ Peach County. Peach beat Cairo 24-13 and Baldwin 17-7. Baldwin also lost to Carver-Columbus, one of the top teams in the state, 28-19. Cairo also has a loss to Region 1-AAAA champion Thomas County Central 14-3. Baldwin enters tonight’s showdown having won seven straight. Cairo is on a five-game winning streak. It’ll be six games by tonight’s end. The only thing that might hurt the Syrupmakers is a long road trip to Milledgeville. Cairo does play pretty well on the road, though. Tonight’s no exception.
Cairo 20, Baldwin 10
Richmond Academy at Thomas County Central
The only area team playing at home tonight is looking to improve upon a sub-par performance last week. Though Central defeated Alcovy 15-8, the Yellow Jackets know they can play better. Maybe that can be a positive for the Yellow Jackets. They won their first playoff game in two years and did it not playing anywhere close to their best. Central can ill-afford to do that two weeks in a row. Richmond Academy is an upstart team in unchartered territory. It hasn’t been this far in the postseason in 40 years. Don’t be fooled, however. The Musketeers are big, can run and will not be intimidated coming to play the tradition-rich Yellow Jackets. If Central can avoid turnovers, however, this game will not be close. Fumbles and interception have been the Yellow Jackets' bugaboo. The miscues are a thing of the past, however — hopefully.
Central 28,
Richmond Academy 13
