THOMASVILLE — With a win over Marist in the semi-finals, the Thomas County Central Yellow Jackets punched their ticket to the state championship game in Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on December 12. The Yellow Jackets will be facing the Woodward Academy War Eagles out of College Park, Ga. So, let’s get to know these War Eagles as Rogers and the Yellow Jackets get set for the biggest matchup of the 2023 high school football season.

Woodward went 8-2 in the regular season, winning all seven of their region games. Their two losses came at the hands of McCallie, a school out of Tennessee, and Marist, who Central just beat in the semi-finals. The losses were in back-to-back weeks in the early stages of the season and since then the War Eagles have gone on an 11- game win streak. Currently, MaxPreps has Woodward ranked 12 in Georgia and number four in 6A, while Georgia High School Football Daily has the War Eagles ranked tenth in 6A.

They cruised through the early rounds of the playoffs taking down Evans 31-14 and Houston County 27-7. They then took down powerhouse Gainesville in a very close three-point victory and took another three-point win over Douglas County to punch their ticket to the biggest stage in high school football.

The War Eagles last two victories are impressive. Both Gainesville and Douglas were ranked in the top 25 in the state of Georgia and the top ten in 6A. Woodward’s wins in round three and four also required a comeback, with the War Eagles coming back from 14-0 against Douglas. Woodward scored 18 points in the fourth quarter to take the win over the Tigers.

Overall, the War Eagles are a very dangerous team. They can pass and run effectively, and statistically it’s very impressive. They’ve passed for over 200 yards in five games this year, including a 353-yard performance in the first game of the season. Over the course of the season, Woodward has amassed 2,293 passing yards and 26 passing touchdowns, while throwing just seven interceptions. They also average over 13 yards per completion. On the ground they have gained 1,723 yards and 28 TDs, while averaging 4.9 yards per carry.

Defensively, the War Eagles are just as scary, if not more. The defense has allowed just over 11 points per game this year over 14 games and held nine of their opponents to eight points or fewer.

The d-line is formidable and have amassed 20 sacks on the year, well above the national average of 13.2. They have also recorded 52 QB hurries. In the playoffs, the War Eagles d-line has been excellent against the run, which could spell trouble for the Yellow Jackets, who tend to favor the run. They have held all four teams they have faced in the playoffs under 110 yards rushing, including holding Houston County to 11. In comparison, Central allowed the Bears 99 yards rushing when they played in game eight.

The secondary is also very good, but has been a bit vulnerable at times. They recorded 13 interceptions and defended 35 passes on the season, but those looking at their losses and playoff matchups can find a hole.

Against McCallie they allowed 18 completions for 325 yards and a TD. They got off to a good start in the playoffs holding Evans to just 25 yards passing and an interception. Since then, however, Woodward has allowed at least 160 yards passing in each of their games.

Houston County had 211 yards and a touchdown and Douglas lit up the War Eagles as QB Sire Hardaway threw for 325 yards on 20 completions and a touchdown. That being said, they should not be underestimated as they do have four interceptions and have allowed just three passing touchdowns in the playoffs.

This likely means that this game will be won in the same place many others are, in the trenches. Whoever can dominate the line of scrimmage and establish the run will have a distinct advantage.

Thomas County Central and Woodward Academy will meet in the 6A state championship game in Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 12 at 7:00 p.m.