NORTH OCONEE TITANS (8-3) at CALHOUN YELLOW JACKETS (11-0)

NORTH OCONEE TITANS (8-3) at CALHOUN YELLOW JACKETS (11-0)

Tonight, 7:30

Playoff paths: North Oconee defeated Lamar County (34-14) in round one. Calhoun defeated Avondale (42-14).

Playoff power: The Titans, in just their second season of playing a region schedule, lost their last three regular-season games but began the playoffs with a win. North Oconee, which averages 27 points per game while allowing 11, runs a mulitple offense but is a run-first team. Top-ranked Calhoun, after a slow start, eased past Avondale as its underrated defense stole the show with two touchdowns. The spread attack offense is averaging more than 40 points and 450 yards per game.

Playoff performers: North Oconee's main offensive threat is RB Brandon Whitlock (5-9, 170), who has rushed for 1,430 yards this year, including 255 and three touchdowns last week. The Titans rotate three QBs: Kevin Lowring is the better runner, Blake Gauber the better passer and Lane Thompson the wildcat version. DEs Jesse Webb (6-2, 190) and Ryan Smith (6-2, 175) have combined for 25 sacks and lead a defense that is strong up front and green in the secondary. Calhoun has a three-headed offense triggered by QB Nash Nance (6-4, 210), who has passed for 2,171 yards and 22 touchdowns; WR Da'Rick Rogers (6-4, 215), who has 1,025 yards receiving and 13 TDs; and RB Dustin Christian (5-9, 175), who has 1,200 yards rushing and receiving and 16 TDs. University of Georgia-bound Rogers led the win over Avondale by scoring on an interception return, a reception and a run.

Playoff possibilities: The winner of this game will play the winner of Jefferson County-Thomasville in next week's Class AA quarterfinals. Calhoun would host Thomasville, but Calhoun and Jefferson County wins would result in a coin flip. North Oconee, as a No. 3 seed, would travel.