So, now we’re at 144…

The Single-A class had their play-in games (which mainly went to the higher-ranked teams), but there were some surprises- and there were some top seeds that were sent home in Round One.

Let’s take the mad dash through it all and show you why we’re where we are…

In 7A, South Forsyth and Westlake- both one seeds- got bumped out by Mountain View and Marietta. At the same time, a lot of the top-ranked teams put up big numbers. Lowndes had 60. Tift had 59. Hillgrove had 49. North Gwinnett had 55 and Colquitt had 49 in their win over Pebblebrook.

In 5A, one of the big matchups was over in Gray. And the match-up had some irony involving Jones County head coach Justin Rogers playing his old team- Griffin. Big Marvin and Mr. Collinsworth tell us: LEHGO!

In AAA, Jenkins and Jackson went at it- and it was another showcase for Jenkins QB Javonte Middleton. Big Frank and The Snowman have a look as the Warriors advance to Round 2.

((HT: WJCL-TV/@TheBigGuyWJCL)

We mentioned big numbers- and there were plenty of them in east Georgia and the CSRA. Zach and Nathan give us the examples of Evans, Burke, Screven, Thomson, and a lot of schools in the Single-A Public playoffs…

((HT: WJBF-TV))

Which brings us to Intermission and the Question of the Week: What was the biggest surprise for you in Round 1…? Could be an “upset…” could be an individual effort that surprised you… could be something else entirely that I missed…

So, check in with us on Social Media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and whatever else is used these days… We’re on the verge of 15,000 followers on Twitter. If you’re the lucky one at that number- you get GPB SWAG! We’re on the verge of 30,000 followers on Facebook. If you’re the lucky one there- you get GPB SWAG!

You see where I am going with this…

As a bit of a tease for this week’s “Backroads and Backfields” segment, Ridgeland played Chapel Hill in Round One and put up a big number on their own. Dave Staley and John Madewell have your recap of a big Panthers win.

((HT: Newschannel9/WTVC))

Which now, leads us to this week’s “Football Fridays in Georgia” we go to Raider Valley where Walton hosts Colquitt County. Two high-powered offenses square off in Round 2 in 7A.

We also may have some bonus coverage from another location as well…

We’ll keep you posted on that as the week goes along…

The “All-Access Pass” pregame show with Nikky Williams and me starts at 7 with kickoff a little after 7:30. Paul Crane, Tommy Palmer and Sam Crenshaw are calling the action for you and we’ll keep you posted on all the other action as well.

So, Round 2 means we’re one step closer as we’re all #Bound4TheBenz!

Play it safe, everyone… We’ll see you at the stadium!