Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe is one of six northwest Georgia teams facing ranked programs in tonight's first round of the GHSA playoffs. The 7-3 Warriors go on the road to top-ranked Gainesville (10-0), a team loaded with high-profile recruits and the favorite to win the Class AAA state title.
LFO coach Todd Windham, whose team had to win on the road at Cartersville to make the playoffs, knows the Warriors will be heavy underdogs. It reminds him of another sport's postseason and the magic that often happens.
"I can't help but think of the NCAA basketball tournament," Windham said. "How many times do you turn on the TV on that Thursday and say, 'Whoa, this shocker is about to happen?' We want to be that team that comes into that opening-round game and pushes that No. 1 seed. You never know, if you stay in the game long enough, you might be the one to make the late play and seal the upset."
Playoff tidbits
As the second round of the TSSAA playoffs begin tonight, there are 10 undefeated teams still alive, including Polk County (3A) and Red Bank (4A), as well as three teams with losing records remaining.
Another Quarles record
Maryville coach George Quarles became the school's all-time wins leader with last week's first-round playoff victory. In only 11 seasons, Quarles has put together an overall record of 147-11 and won seven state championships.
Despite moving up to Class 6A this season, the Rebels have won 10 consecutive games after a season-opening loss to nearby rival Alcoa.
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