THOMASVILLE — As the GIAA playoffs begin this week, the Brookwood Warriors will host the 4-6 Pinewood Patriots in round one on Friday night. This game has the potential to turn into a shoot out as both teams struggle on defense and have a high scoring offense.

Pinewood doesn’t really struggle to score. They average 29.2 points a game and, other than their shut out loss to Savannah Country Day, the Patriots have scored at least 14 in every game. However, the defense has struggled all year. Pinewood’s opponents average 33.4 points per game.

The Warriors are in virtually the same boat. Brookwood averages 39.5 points per game, while allowing 41.5. The only difference is that the Warriors games are higher scoring affairs and Brookwood usually comes out on top.

Pinewood also has their own dynamic duo in the form of QB Banks Booth and Receiver Walker Todd. Booth has thrown 22 touchdowns this season and has completed 64% of his passes. Todd is averaging 85.9 yards per game and has caught 14 touchdowns.

Brookwood does essentially the same thing, but better. QB sensational Rodge Waldrop has thrown 34 touchdowns this season and the other half of the Warriors dynamic duo, TJ Thomas, is averaging 99.3 receiving yards per game and 12 receiving TDs, along with a team-leading 97 rushing yards per game and 16 rushing touchdowns.

However, Thomas is not the Warriors leading receiver at the moment. Junior Rex Schofill has had a remarkable season compiling 12 receiving touchdowns and averaging 119.4 yards per game.

With multiple threats in the vertical attack and a solid running game behind Thomas, Brookwood’s offense is truly dangerous.

It’s not absolutely essential that Brookwood’s defense be lights out to win this game. If the offense can do its thing then the Warriors should win. All Brookwood needs from their defense is a few key moments. Force a punt, snag an interception, stop the Patriots on one or two key possessions and the Warriors should come out with the victory.

Brookwood and Pinewood will go at it in round one of the 2023 GIAA state playoffs on Friday night in Thomasville at 7:30 p.m.