The high school

football state playoffs begin tonight and all of the local teams in the

playoffs will be playing at home.

East Coweta

(10-0) hosts the Wayne County Yellow Jackets (7-3). The Indians went undefeated

during the season thanks to an outstanding offense that averaged 40.3

points per game and a defense that allowed an average of 8.9 points per

game. Wayne County's three losses during the season were to perennial

powerhouse Valdosta, Benedictine, who faces Starr's Mill tonight, and

Camden. Camden also handed Benedictine a loss this year.

If the Indians

are to win tonight, they must treat this game as they have treated their

other 10 games this year; business as usual. Follow the strenghts of Preston

Stricklin and Derek White and capitalize on any Yellow Jackets mistakes.

Starr's Mill

(8-2) returns to the state playoffs tonight with a game against the Benedictine

Cadets. The Cadets lost to Camden and Bradwell Institute this year but

outscored their opposition 278-62 in their wins. Starr's Mill outscored

their opponents 281-139. The Panthers have won five games in a row thanks

to a stifling defense and an offense that has a variety of weapons.

If the Panthers

are going to win tonight it will be because the defense thwarted the Cadet's

game plan, forcing them to make mistakes deep in their own zone. The Panther

offense will help out by coming up with big plays and grinding the ball

to wear down their opponents and the clock. Look for big games from Erik

Advincula and Jason Earwood on defense and Chris Strauch and Recarta Heard

on offense.

Landmark Christian

(6-3) is back in the playoffs this year as well, though much improved

from last year's one win season. The War Eagles, though young at some

skill positions, have an experienced defense and a new coach. Their opponent

tonight is Bremen, which lost to landmark, 12-7 on Oct. 5. The War Eagles

have outscored their opponents this season, 175-97. They have won two

in a row, scoring 58 points. This means the offense has some momentum

going into tonight's game.

If the War

Eagles win tonight it will be because the defense played an outstanding

game and the offense found yet another hero. Quarterback Alex Mortensen

has shown superior poise all season and the War Eagles have seen a number

of players turn in key performances, including Sean Hill and Dillon Haynes.

If Landmark is firing on all cylinders, they will be able to play against

anybody.

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