High school football teams open their seasons with goals of reaching the playoffs and an opportunity to play for a state title. Five DeKalb County teams have reached their playoff goals and open play this weekend.

StephensonThe No. 2 ranked Stephenson Jaguars (9-1) host the first home playoff game at 7:30 pm on Friday at Hallford Stadium as they entertain the Rome Wolves (7-3) in Class 5A state playoff action.

It is the 16th consecutive playoff appearance for the Jaguars who own a 17-15 record in state action in 20 seasons under the guidance of Head Coach Ron Gartrell (205-107, 28 years). Gartrell is the second all-time on the coaching victories list in DeKalb County and picked up his 200th victory in a 37-0 win over Miller Grove this season.

Stephenson is coming off a thrilling 10-9 Region 6-5A championship victory over previously undefeated Mays last weekend and the only loss is to nationally ranked American Heritage of Plantation, FL.

Junior running back Jaylen Marson-Knight (138-948 yards, 17 TDs) and senior running back Trestan Kinsler (68-481 yards, 5 TDs) lead a rushing attack that has accounted for 2,420 yards and 32 touchdowns on the season.

Senior defensive ends Michael Pitts (89 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 28 TFL) and Dennis Wonnum (71 tackles, 6 sacks, 16 TFL) join junior defensive lineman Aaron Sterling (74 tackles, 21.5 sacks, 32 TFL) in leading a defense that has allowed just 36.1 yards rushing per game and 152.3 yards per game total.

The defense had 12 sacks in the big win over Mays last week.

lakesidedekalb2.1Lakeside (4-6) at Westlake (8-2)
The Lakeside Vikings are 19-11-1 overall in state playoff games, but are making their first appearance in 18 years (1997) as they travel to face the Region 3-6A champion Westlake Lions in Atlanta at 7:30 pm on Friday in Class 6A state playoff action.

Junior Will Jernigan fuels the Viking offense with 481 yards rushing (11 TDs) and 1,323 yards passing (16 TDs). Jernigan’s main target are senior Michael Alexander (32-429, 2 TDs) and sophomores Damon Davis (18-269, 5 TDs) and DaMonte Pressley (17-33, 5 TDs).

The Viking defense is led by sophomore defensive lineman Miles Micichi (65 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 9 TFL) and senior defensive back Mike Malinovsky (73 tackles).

Westlake’s offense is led by senior quarterback Josh Jones (50-88, 555 yards, 6 TDs) and running backs senior Marquez Burdette (72-620, 6 TDs) and junior Malik Willis (420 yards, 8 TDs).

ColumbiaColumbia (5-5) at Cartersville (10-0)
The Columbia Eagles are making their second consecutive playoff appearance as they travel to No. 2 ranked Cartersville for a 7:30 pm kickoff on Friday in Class 4A state playoff action.

Senior running backs Michael Hector (102-784, 5 TDs) and Curtis Tucker (68-450, 3 TDs) along with senior quarterback Will Tomlin (40-258, 3 TDs) provide a triple threat on offense for the Eagles. Hector rushed for 167 yards and a touchdown in the playoff clinching 26-6 win over Arabia Mountain last week.

Tomlin also plays a big role on defense for the Eagles with 47 tackles and 7 interceptions as he teams up with senior linebacker Rasaan Johnson (89 tackles, 12 sacks, 17 TFL) and senior defensive end Terrance Snellings (71 tackles, 5 sacks, 6 TFL) to lead the Columbia defense.

The Hurricanes are led by sophomore quarterback Trevor Lawrence (2,610 yards, 33 TDs) and senior wide receiver Terrius Callahan (34-779, 12 TDs).

Cedar GrovePierce Co. (7-3) vs. Cedar Grove (8-1-1)
Region 4-3A co-champion Cedar Grove opens a doubleheader at Hallford Stadium on Saturday at 5:00 pm as the No. 3 ranked Saints host Region 1-3A No. 3 seed Pierce County in Class 3A state playoff action.

Cedar Grove is coming off a 13-13 tie in the Region 4-3A championship game against No. 2 ranked Blessed Trinity (9-0-1) in a game halted due to lightening as the teams were preparing for overtime.

Pre-season Class 3A All-State senior running back LaBron Morris (164-1,379, 17 TDs), junior quarterback Jelani Woods (1,339 yards passing, 14 TDs) and senior wide receiver Jesse Reverio (35-637, 5 TDs) are the catalysts for the Saints’ offense.

Preseason Class 3A All-State defensive lineman Antwaun Jackson (63 tackles, 8.5 sacks, 40 TFL) anchors a stout Saints’ defense that is allowing just 185.4 yards per game (77.2 rushing/game). Senior linebacker Elijah Bandy (95 tackles, 9 TFL0 leads the team in tackles.

Junior quarterback Stetson Bennett (2,718 yards passing, 23 TDs; 589 yards rushing) leads the Bears offense against the Saints as a big double threat. His main target when passing is junior wide receiver Chase Royer (66-954 yard).

tucker21Langston Hughes (5-5) vs. Tucker (7-3)
The nightcap at Hallford Stadium on Friday is set for 8:00 pm as the Tucker Tigers (Region 2-6A co-champs) host the Region 3-6A No. 3 seed Langston Hughes Panthers in Class 6A state playoff action.

Tucker has won four consecutive games to end the regular season following a region opening 37-20 loss to Newton (8-2).

The Tigers offense has rushed for 3,012 yards (301.2/game) this season led by junior Chris Broadwater (112-996, 17 TDs), senior Kymani Campbell (56-620, 6 TDs) and junior Samuel Bryant (58-505, 8 TDs). Senior quarterback Garrett Rigby is the director for the offense (41-91-7, 857, 12 TDs).

A young and improving Tiger defense is led by sophomores defensive end Antonio Showers (63 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 12 TFL) and linebacker Gerry Vaughn (47 tackles, 1 sack, 14 TFL, 2 INT).

Junior quarterback Isaiah Green (172-291-7, 2,380 yards, 15 TDs) leads a potent Panther offense along with receiver Sean Neslon (34-681, 3 TDs) and running back Demetrius Whitmore (126-581, 10 TDs).

DEKALB FOOTBALL PLAYOFF SCHEDULE
Friday, Nov. 13
Lakeside (4-6) at Westlake (8-2), 7:30 pm
Rome (7-3) vs. Stephenson (9-1), Hallford, 7:30 pm
Columbia (5-5) at Cartersville (10-0), 7:30 pm

Saturday, Nov. 14
Pierce Co. (7-3) vs. Cedar Grove (8-1-1), Hallford, 5:00 pm
Langston Hughes (5-5) vs. Tucker (7-3), Hallford, 8:00 pm