By Ken K. Green Lamar County opens the GHSA Class AA playoffs the week hosting Metter. The Trojans (10-0) are the champions and top seed from Region 4-AA while the Tigers (7-3) are the number four seed from Region 2-AA. UPDATE: The JROTC members will present the large Rotary Club flag on the field prior to the game. Veterans among fans from both teams will then be asked to come onto the field and help hold the flag for the National Anthem. Veterans who wish to participate should get to the stadium early. The flag ceremony will take place between 7-7:15 p.m. When and Where: Friday 7:30 p.m. at Trojan Field. Tickets: All tickets are $8, down from last year’s Georgia High School Association’s mandated $10 for first round. There will be no discounted admission but advance tickets will be available at all four schools and at Slice’s Pizzeria on Main Street all day Thursday and until one o’clock Friday. Only card carrying GHSA members and babies in arms will be admitted free of charge. Weather: Mostly cloudy with comfortable temperatures in the mid-50s throughout the game. There is a very slight chance of precipitation but a 100% chance of Thunder rolling. Last week: The Trojans beat Crawford County 53-0 in Roberta. The Tigers scored twice in the final five minutes to beat Long County 14-0 in Ludowici. Metter also boasts wins over Emanuel County Institute (21-20), Bacon County (14-9), Toombs County (43-21), Jeff Davis (35-8), Atkinson County (27-6) and McIntosh County Academy (20-13). The Tigers losses came at the hands of Benedictine (44-7), Vidalia (55-26) and Bryan County (27-14). About Metter: Metter is a town of just over 4000 located 140 miles southeast of Barnesville off Interstate 16 in Candler County near Statesboro. Metter High School has an enrollment of 558 students. The Tigers have been playing football since 1925 and are 423-350-19 over the years. Series, etc.: First meeting between the two schools. The winner will play the winner of Thomasville/Westside Augusta in round two. The Tigers improved from 2-8 a year ago and are making their first post-season appearance in ten years. Trojan offense vs. Metter defense: Lamar is scoring 45 points per game while the Tigers, who count on a quick, aggressive style of attacking defense to make up for a lack of size, are yielding 20.1. Metter offense vs. Trojan defense: The Tigers shotgun wing offense is averaging 22.1 points per game while Lamar yields 9.5. Top Tiger players: Metter is led by 5′ 9’, 175 pound junior running back Justin Parrish (#3). Parrish is a quick, elusive runner who is considered one of the fastest athletes in Region 2-AA. First year quarterback junior LaQuavis Kelly (6′, 200) is a fine athlete as well who is more confident in his legs than in his arm. Metter coach: Mike West in his 4th season at Metter is 19-21. Rankings: Lamar County is 2nd in Class AA in a composite ranking of six polls including a number one ranking by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Georgia Sports Writers Association and Georgia Public Broadcasting. Metter is the 22nd best team in AA according to Max Preps. Prediction: Lamar County 45 Metter 7. The Trojans are 34 point favorites per Maxwell Ratings.
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