Football Prediction: Stephenson Will Edge Lowndes

High School Football Prediction

Class AAAAA Playoffs

Lowndes (7-3) at (9-1)

Wow, that 50-49 loss to M.L. King last week for the Region 2-AAAAA championship was a costly defeat for Stephenson

Instead of winning the top seed and playing Coffee (5-5) in this week’s first round of the Class AAAAA playoffs, the Jaguars are the second seed and play one of the state’s perennial powerhouses in Lowndes, which has won five state titles.

This is not to say the Jaguars can’t win, but come on, would you rather play Coffee or Lowndes?

Here’s what the Jaguars have going for them in this game — this may be as good a team ever fielded under Coach Ron Gartrell. It’s deep and talented on both sides of the line.

Running back Mike Davis (1,750 yards) may be the best rusher in the state. Raphael Kirby (17.5 sacks) and Jarontay Jones (11.5 sacks) lead a defense filled with Division 1 prospects.

Lowndes, led by the running and passing of quarterback Lance Jarriel, looks vulnerable — for a change. Stephenson 28, Lowndes 24.

Click here to see the Georgia High School Association football playoff brackets.