MOULTRIE – The Grayson Rams are determined to prove doubters wrong as they prepare to face the Colquitt County Packers in the second round of the playoffs on Friday. Many believed that the Rams would struggle to compete for a second consecutive state championship after losing their quarterback, Travis Burgess, who is committed to the University of North Carolina, in their second game of the season. However, Grayson enters this matchup boasting a 25-game winning streak and is ranked among the top teams nationally.
Replacing Burgess is Deuce Smith, who has stepped up remarkably. Smith has completed 132 of 198 passes for 1,989 yards and 24 touchdowns this season. His performance was pivotal in the Rams” recent 44-7 victory over Norcross, where he connected on 12 of 14 passes for 252 yards and two touchdowns. The Rams are averaging an impressive 44.1 points per game and have exceeded 50 points in five games this season, largely thanks to Smith”s contributions. The defensive efforts led by Tyler Atkinson, a linebacker heading to the University of Texas, further enhance Grayson”s championship aspirations.
If the Rams secure a title this year, they will be the first team since the 2014-2015 Colquitt County teams to achieve back-to-back championships. However, the Packers are intent on halting those dreams. “They”ve got college football players everywhere,” said Packers coach Sean Calhoun. “And they are well-coached. They”ve got it all. They”re No. 2 in the nation for a reason.”
When asked how the Grayson team compares to previous opponents that knocked the Packers out of the playoffs, Calhoun responded, “They are right there as one of the best teams we”ve played.” For the Packers to pull off an upset and advance to the quarterfinals, Calhoun emphasized the need for thorough preparation and a strong performance on game day. “We”ve got to make plays,” he noted. “To beat a team of this caliber, we must capitalize on our opportunities.”
Colquitt County demonstrated resilience in their last game, overcoming Mill Creek with a strong third quarter performance that resulted in a 35-24 victory. “We had chances to put the game away early and didn”t,” Calhoun mentioned, acknowledging that Grayson presents a greater challenge than Mill Creek.
The Rams” offensive strategy, led by coach Montavious Bryant, is fast-paced and utilizes run-pass options that play to Smith”s strengths. With three capable running backs and two strong receivers, the Rams are a multifaceted threat. “We have to minimize the big plays and tackle well,” Calhoun pointed out, highlighting the necessity of containing Grayson”s offense.
On the offensive side, the Packers will focus on neutralizing Atkinson and maintaining possession of the ball. After two costly turnovers against Mill Creek, Calhoun stressed the importance of protecting the football. “We were fortunate to win the game doing that,” he remarked. The Packers aim to avoid penalties as well, having escaped last week despite incurring 12 penalties for 110 yards. “We have got to stop giving our opponents so much,” Calhoun stated.
The Colquitt defense held Mill Creek to just two meaningful touchdowns and a field goal, with linebackers Brayden Ruis and Mckenzie Graham leading the charge. Ruis, despite playing with a shoulder injury that requires surgery after the season, recorded nine solo tackles, two assisted tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble that was returned for a touchdown. Graham”s impact has been significant, contributing several key plays throughout the season.
As the Packers prepare for this critical playoff matchup, they hope that running back Jae Lamar can make significant gains against the Rams” defense. Despite appearing in only nine games this season, Lamar has showcased remarkable skill, highlighted by his performance against Mill Creek where he rushed for 162 yards and four touchdowns on 14 carries.
Colquitt County has a storied playoff history, having reached the semifinals in 2022 and the quarterfinals in 2023. With a strong record in second-round playoff games, they aim to build on their success against a formidable opponent in Grayson, who is a 19-point favorite in this matchup.
