Class 2A Blog: A look at an unpredictable first round of the playoffs

The Class 2A playoffs are here, fresh off the heels of an exciting regular season. Class 2A enters the postseason with many more questions than expected.

In Region 3, No. 8 Appling County (7-3, 4-0) secured the region title with a dominant 31-14 win over Pierce County (8-2, 2-2). The Pirates have turned their season around, winning six straight games after starting 1-3. Pierce County was the favorite heading into the season. The Bears have won two state championships in the 2020s, the first in 2020 and the second in 2023. However, Appling County has now won four straight in the series dating back to 2022.

Region 6 saw Redan (4-6, 2-2) come away with a big 22-20 win over South Atlanta (3-7, 1-3). The win over South Atlanta put Redan into the playoffs for the third year in a row. The playoff streak is the longest in school history and marks a level of consistency not seen since the 1990s. The Raiders will face No. 1 Carver-Columbus in the first round of the playoffs.

In the first round, Crisp County (4-6, 3-1) will face off with Stephens County (5-5, 3-2). The Indians have made the second round or better four straight years. Crisp County is having a solid season under first year coach Justin Newman. Stephens County, in its first year under head coach Thomas Flowers, has rounded into form down the stretch and finished 3-2 in region play. Crisp County has played well in region competition after going 1-5 in non-region games.

In another big game, Callaway (7-3, 4-1) will face off with Franklin County (7-3, 2-3). Callaway is the No. 11 seed and will host the No. 22 Lions in Hogansville. Franklin County is having its best season since 2015 and is looking to win its first playoff game since 2000. Callaway is aiming to advance to the second round of the playoffs for the 12th straight year. While the Cavaliers are not the top seed in the region for the first time since 2021, they remain one of the top programs in Class 2A.

Class 2A first round schedule

#32 Butler at #1 Carver-Atlanta

#17 Ringgold at #16 Pierce County

#24 KIPP Atlanta at #9 Sumter County

#25 Cook at #8 North Murray

#28 Hart County at #5 Appling County

#21 Columbus at #12 Hapeville Charter

#20 Spencer at #13 Miller Grove

#29 Westside-Macon at #4 Morgan County

#30 Redan at #3 Carver-Columbus

#19 Stephens County at #14 Crisp County

#22 Franklin County at #11 Callaway

#27 Jackson at #6 Thomson

#26 East Jackson at #7 Columbia

#23 Sonoraville at #10 Burke County

#18 Laney at #15 Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe

#31 South Atlanta at #2 Rockmart

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