Class A Div. I Blog: Heard meets Toombs, Worth plays Pepperell in semifinals showdowns

The GHSA Class A-Division I state championship is around the corner, with all eyes focused on making it to Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Four teams remain with two spots up for grabs to make it to the state championship as Heard County, Toombs County, Worth County and Pepperell gun for glory.

Some of the attention will turn to tonight’s game in Sylvester, where the Worth County Rams will be playing in one of their biggest games in the program's long history as they will face off against Pepperell for its first finals appearance since 1990. The Rams have had an incredible 2025 season as they are currently undefeated (13-0,6-0) and are the Region 1-ADI champions. This year, the Rams have taken down McNair, Bleckley County and Gordon Lee on their road to the semifinals, with the Pepperell Dragons next up on the docket.

“This has been our goal all year long,” said Worth County head coach Jeff Hammond. “To play in December, this is the first time it has been done at Worth County since 1991, and the team is excited for this opportunity.”

The Dragons accomplished their first nine-win season since 2019 and have made it to the semifinals for the first time since 1998. They will have a tough test going up against a Rams defense that has only allowed 158 points so far this season. Pepperell has defeated Bremen, Jasper County and Rabun County as the Dragons look for their first state championship berth since 1990.

On the other side of the bracket, Heard County (13-0,6-0) and Toombs County (12-1,4-0) will be facing off in a heavyweight showdown of their own.

Heard County is seeking its first state championship berth since 2018 and is in the midst of one of the programs best seasons since the program's lone state championship victory seven years ago. After defeating East Laurens, Social Circle and Fitzgerald, the Braves look to take down the defending champion, Toombs County Bulldogs for a chance to play in Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Their opponent, Toombs County, has one blemish on the season in a 49-28 loss to Rome but has found its stride in the later part of the season as they have rattled off nine-consecutive wins including postseason victories over Temple, Thomasville, and Northeast. Now with a semifinal matchup against the Braves, the Bulldogs will be putting their title defense on the line this more as they are seeking back-to-back state championships for the first time in school history.

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