And then there were TWO…As long expected, Jefferson and Rabun are both still alive and play in the Semifinals with a chance of going to the State Championship

THE LOCALS

#1 Rabun County (12-1) @ #1 Callaway (10-1)

The Wildcats travel a couple/few hours away to Callaway, who is coming off a win over Thomasville. Rabun is coming off a 27-24 OT win over Bleckley, though we stand behind the fact that the game was never really that close, or at least should not have been. Three missed field goals, a 60-yd TD called back, and giving up fluke TDs on a blocked punt and 96-yd TD run totally skewed the score. Rabun probably won’t be able to afford all of those things happening again to win against Callaway, but if they take care of the football, convert in the red zone, create timely turnovers or stops, and win at the line, they will win this game. Callaway has a stud running back in Charlie Dixon, and some solid defensive players, but the needle points to Rabun as the better team on paper and on the field. VERDICT: RABUN COUNTY // MAXWELL SCORE PROJECTION: RC 27, CALLAWAY 20

#1 Jefferson (13-0) @ #1 Benedictine (9-2)

The Dragons edged out a win in the quarterfinals to advance to their first semifinals since 2016. Jefferson is ranked #1 in the state, while Benedictine is #4. The Dragons are looking to get back into the title game for the first time since 2012. Benedictine won titles in 2014 and 2016. Malaki Starks and Paxton Corkery have been absolute gamers in the playoffs, while Benedictine’s LeShon Brooks has been a homerun threat on the ground. Traveling WAY down south hopefully won’t stiffen up Jefferson. If they play their game, this is theirs. VERDICT: JEFFERSON // MAXWELL SCORE PROJECTION: JHS 28, BENEDICTINE 19

THE OTHERS

Predicted winners are in bold

#1 Buford vs #2 Valdosta