Steve Carter/Assistant Managing Editor
CNHI
TIFTON —
After an impressive 41-14 opening round playoff win over the McIntosh County Academy Buccaneers Friday, the Fitzgerald High Purple Hurricanes are in familiar territory. That recognizable area is the second round of the state Class AA playoffs, a spot coach Robby Pruitt’s team has been nine of the past 11 years.
Being among the final 16 teams in the state means the competition only gets tougher though. This week’s foe proves that as the Adairsville High Tigers will invade Fitzgerald’s Jaycee Stadium with the same 10-1 record as the homestanding Hurricanes.
Adairsville is a member of Region 7-AA, and that region is sub-divided. Even though the Tigers have only one loss, 34-14 to Pepperell Oct. 14, the Tigers were a No. 3 seed due to the one loss.
While the Tigers do post an impressive 10-1 record, the Hurricanes will have playoff experience on their side as 2011 marks Adairsville’s first postseason appearance in eight years.
The other area team still alive in the state playoffs, the Cook High Hornets, will have to travel a long way for the second round.
Following its 43-22 win in the opening round over Pierce County, coach Ken Cofer’s Cook High squad will be in Elberton to face the 10-1 Elbert County Blue Devils.
Elbert, the No. 3 seed from Region 8, advanced to the second round with a 33-20 win over Pepperell Friday.
The Hornets would appear to be the underdog in the contest as Cook is the No. 4 seed from Region 1. However, the Georgia High School Football Daily e-mail newsletter rated Region 1 the toughest in the state, and all four teams advanced to the second round.
