Suwanee Football Playoff Predictions

Class AAAAA, First Round

Archer (5-5) at (9-1)

The new kid of the block (Archer) meets the big bad Bulldogs, who’ve been around the block a time or two.

Archer, which opened in 2009 and has secured its first playoff berth in just its third season, will have to get great performances out of running back Ernest Alexander and quarterback Jarvis Holley (1,500 rushing yards between them) against a North Gwinnett defense that’s often been overshadowed by its high-scoring defense.

That wasn't the case last week, however. North’s televised 28-0 win over Peachtree Ridge was a complete defensive domination. Peachtree Ridge had entered that game averaging 34 points per game.

North's offense, with quarterback Scotty Hosch (nearly 2,000 passing yards) leading the way, is as dynamic as they come. The Bulldogs can score through the air and on the ground, and even with Hosch’s great passing stats, running backs Donnie Miles and Joe Jones both rushed for more than 100 yards in last week’s win.

North should go far in the state playoffs and it begins this week. North Gwinnett 34, Archer 18.

Brookwood (7-3) at (8-2)

This is one of the best first-round matchups in the state in Class AAAAA.

The defending state-champion Brookwood Broncos play a Peachtree Ridge team that has looked like a title contender at times this season.

The Lions, who shared 2006 state championship with Roswell, can do a variety of things well. Quarterback Billy Best is among the county passing leaders, and running backs Diandre Atwater and Raham Dixon have combined for 18 rushing touchdowns.

The defense is allowing just 17 points per game.

Brookwood is its traditional self — run first, pass when you have to, and play shutdown defense.

Running backs Nick Tompkins (a 1,000-yard rusher) and Jamaal Cole can score anytime. The defense allows less than 14 points per game.

Both teams lost in their “region championship” games — Peachtree Ridge 28-0 to North Gwinnett last week; Brookwood 14-7 to Grayson two weeks ago.

Unfortunately someone has to lose this one. Go with the better D. Brookwood 17, Peachtree Ridge 14.

(5-5) at Grayson (10-0)

We know what you’re thinking — pencil in nationally ranked Grayson to play for the state championship.

The Rams are just too good, right?

Well, they’re pretty good, that’s for sure, but consider this: According to the Georgia High School Football Historians Association, the Collins Hill Eagles have been road warriors in the playoffs — reaching the semifinals twice (last year and in 2001) and winning a combined five road games in those two runs.

Collins Hill has a 1,000-yard rusher in Jordan Parker and a passing game that can do some damage with quarterback Brett Sheehan and wide receiver Nick England.

But Grayson has won five straight first-round playoff games, is big and tough on both lines and don’t make many mistakes.

Hard to pick against the Rams: Grayson 28, Collins Hill 17.

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