Round 2 featured several local teams playing, including Cherokee Bluff, Commerce, Elbert, Jefferson, North Hall, and Stephens County. Here’s what transpired on a cold Friday night.
MORE State Playoff matchups – Quarterfinals
#1 Jefferson 42, #17 Oconee County 6 (3A)
It was pure dominance in every facet of the game. The Dragons avenged the loss from a few weeks ago at Oconee, winning 42-6. This time at home, Jefferson got it started on a Dalton Dye 45-yd punt return TD at the end of the first. Gavin Markey added a rushing TD in the second to make it 14-0 at the half. In the third, Oconee got life on a Titus Watkins TD pass to Mason Hall. Rett Hemphill blocked the XP, and Markey added a couple more rushing TDs to pad the lead. In the fourth, Hemphill had a rushing TD and then a pick six, and added about a dozen tackles.
#6 Toombs 49, #11 Commerce 21 (1A DI)
The Tigers were down 14-0 after the first until Jaiden Daniels scored from 12 yards out. By the half, Toombs was up 28-7. Daniels had a pick six to lead off the second half and narrow the deficit to 28-14. The home team got it back and then some with a 42-14 lead going into the final quarter. Tysean Wiggins had a late 2-yd TD. Commerce’s season comes to an end.
#14 Stephens County 35, #3 Callaway 33 (2A)
In a wild barn-burner, the Indians pulled off a massive upset down at Callaway after driving nearly 175 miles for it. That gets Stephens County back into the Quarterfinals for first time since 2005. They led 28-7 at the break, and held on for the big win, and are set to play Appling County on the road in the next round.
Elbert County 26, Heard County 24
Elbert County advanced to the quarterfinals for the second consecutive season as the Blue Devils defeated the Heard County Braves 26-24 in the second round.
Other area scores
#2 Lowndes 42, #1 Buford 7 (6A)
#5 North Hall 27, #12 Upson Lee 20 (3A)
#8 Cherokee Bluff 21, #24 Luella 14 (3A)
#3 North Oconee 35, #11 Ware County 6
SEE ALSO
Hemphill, Markey lead Jefferson in route of Oconee, avenging prior loss [VIDEO]
