Playoff football is in full effect as the state of Georgia shifts their focus to the semifinal round of their state football playoffs.
At the AAA level, No. 1 Calvary Day School (13-0) will face off against No. 2 Cedar Grove (8-5) in what should prove to be an epic battle.
Despite their record showing five losses, the Saints are 6-0 against AAA teams with only one game staying within one possession. All five losses — and two wins — came to opponents from a higher class.
Meanwhile, the Cavaliers have held six of their 13 opponents scoreless, highlighted by a complete shutout in the month of October. However, Friday night will undoubtedly pose the biggest test yet for AAA's only remaining undefeated program.
On the recruiting front, 25 athletes between both teams hold at least one scholarship offer. Eight athletes have already committed to Division I programs, while 13 more hold offers at the same level.
Below is a list of all players with college offers, along with a hyperlink to their recruiting profile if available.
Calvary Day School
2024 four-star quarterback Jake Merklinger (Tennessee commit)
2024 four-star tight end Michael Smith (South Carolina commit)
2024 wide receiver Caden Arnold (two Division I offers)
2024 defensive back Trevor Strowbridge (two Division I offers)
2024 long snapper Ross Rambo (one Division I offer)
2024 edge rusher Jordan Davis (four Division II offers)
2024 running back/linebacker Chase Lucas (Division II, Division III and NAIA offer)
2025 four-star wide receiver Thomas Blackshear (20 Division I offers)
2025 three-star defensive lineman Walter Mathis Jr. (24 Division I offers)
2025 three-star wide receiver Edward Coleman (19 Division I offers)
2027 athlete Emerson Lewis (one Division I offer)
Cedar Grove
2024 three-star cornerback Lakhi Roland (Maryland commit)
2024 three-star safety Jakyre Horton (Western Kentucky commit)
2024 three-star defensive lineman Kyle Mosley (UAB commit)
2024 linebacker Wesley Brown (five Division I offers)
2024 offensive lineman Jaylen Slaughter (four Division I offers)
2024 defensive tackle Andre Calhoun (one Division I offer)
2024 athlete Malachi Miller (one Division I offer)
2024 offensive tackle Jordan Thornton (two Division II offers)
2024 linebacker Keith Bass (one Division II offer)
2024 athlete Chase Kerns (one Division II and one Division III offer)
2025 four-star running back Bo Walker (Georgia commit)
2025 three-star quarterback EJ Colson (UCF commit)
2025 wide receiever Andrew Leslie (three Division I offers)
2026 four-star wide receiver Devin Carter (Florida State commit)
Analysis and Pick
While both programs are loaded with talent, I give a clear edge to the Saints in Friday's matchup.
Cedar Grove is arguably more battle tested than any program in the state of Georgia. Outside of their regional play and playoff opponents, the program has only faced teams from a higher division — and held their own in almost every matchup, even coming away with two wins.
Calvary Day's regular schedule consisted of just four teams with a record above .500, allowing the Cavaliers to somewhat coast to their current record of 13-0. A blowout win against fellow semifinalist Savannah Christian does give me hope, but I just think the Cavaliers are outmatched in this one.
In conclusion: Give me the Saints, big.
Disclaimer: Prep Ballers will be in attendance for Friday's matchup and will provide a post-game story.
Opmerkingen