The three defending state champions have all played their way back into this year’s tournament and have their eyes focused on returning to the title game.

Blessed Trinity in Division 3, Lithia Springs in Division 2 and Southeast Bulloch in Division 1 are all in the field for the state playoffs, which begin Dec. 5.

The state championship games will be played Dec. 11-13 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. All state championship games will be televised live on GPB-TV.

Blessed Trinity is 17-2 and ranked No. 2 in Georgia by MaxPreps. The Titans have lost games to Allatoona and No. 1-ranked McEachern in October, but take a 10-game winning streak into the final regular-season game against Villa Rica and Walton on Nov. 27. Blessed Trinity, the Area 5 champion, will open the playoffs on Dec. 5 against Brookwood.

The Titans top players include quarterback Julia Geis, the school’s all-time passing leader, receiver Clark Hamilton and defensive back Mary Stunda.

Lithia Springs is 14-1 and has lost only to St. Anne-Pacelli in overtime. Its playoff opponent for the first round has not been determined. The Lions are in first place in Area 6 thanks to its regular-season win over Central Carroll, the team they defeated in last year’s title game. Lithia Springs will play Hughes and Tucker on Nov. 29 in the final regular-season games.

Lithia Springs’ top players include quarterback Rashyia Minnex-Moss, running back Nevaeh Shedrick, receiver Hannah McIver and Emmani Roberts.

Southeast Bulloch is looking for a three-peat in Division 1. The Yellow Jackets are 17-0 and ranked No. 1 in Georgia by MaxPreps. They open the playoffs on Dec. 5 against South Effingham.

Top returning players for Southeast Bulloch are quarterback Korine Talkington, running back Jaci Kitchings and receivers Natalya Odom, Alex Odom and Chloe Cochran. Top defensive players are Jadyn Williams and Kelsey Johnson.

Click here to watch the 2022 state championship games on GPB.org: Division 3: Blessed Trinity vs. Milton. Division 2: Lithia Springs vs. Central Carroll. Division 1: Southeast Bulloch vs. Harris County.