Video: Top 10 Games of the WeekLowndes (Valdosta, Ga.) at McEachern (Powder Springs, Ga.)
Friday, 7:30 p.m. Eastern timeWhy it's big: Georgia's Class AAAAAA playoffs get underway Friday night, and this could be one of the most competitive games on the board.
Although Lowndes went only 6-4 during the regular season, the Vikings played one of the state's toughest schedules and lost only to teams that qualified for the postseason.
McEachern (9-1) was — and still is — considered a top contender for the state title at the start of the season. The Indians reached the semifinals the last two years.
Names to watch: McEachern has several players on its roster likely to sign with FBS colleges, including a pair of players headed to in-state power Georgia. Senior defensive tackle
Julian Rochester has helped the Indians shut out four of their last six opponents. Junior quarterback
Bailey Hockman is the No. 4 pro-style prospect in the Class of 2017, according to 247 Sports.
A pair of big receivers makes the Lowndes offense tough to defend. Senior tight end
Gabe Nabers is an outstanding blocker who is committed to Georgia Southern. Junior receiver
Xavier Jenkins — who is 6-foot-5, 195-pounds — has tremendous upside and is leading the team in receptions.
McEachern will face Lowndes in a playoff game this week.
Photo by Michael Delrio
