GHSA playoffs ‘23: Brunswick, Camden County, Pierce County, Ware County win in openers

Four South Georgia programs moved on in their high school football openers, including defending Class 5A state champ Ware County.

The Gators thumped Decatur 49-0 to win their sixth straight playoff game. Ware (8-3) will travel to face Warner Robins (8-3) in the second round next week. Also winning in the Class 6A playoffs was Brunswick, which went on the road and surged back to beat Munday’s Mill 28-22. The Pirates (7-3) trailed 22-7 at halftime before their second-half rally. Brunswick will visit 10-1 Marist in the second round. On Saturday night, Pierce County had no trouble with Academy for Classicial Education, crushing the Gryphons 42-7 in Class 2A. The Bears will host Laney (8-2-1) next week.

In Class 7A on Saturday night, Camden County overcame a 15-8 halftime deficit to surge back and beat Newton on the road, 29-15. The Wildcats are back on the road in the second round at top-seeded McEachern (7-4).

The news wasn’t as good for Glynn Academy. The Red Terrors dropped their Class 6A opener on the road, 32-31 to Jonesboro. Glynn Academy finished its season 8-3. In Class A Division II, Charlton County lost its opener to Jenkins County, 20-6. The Indians finished 2-9.

Georgia playoffs, Week 1

Friday’s results

Class 6A

• Brunswick 28, Mundy’s Mill 22
• Jonesboro 32, Glynn Academy 31

Class 5A

• Ware County 49, Decatur 0

Class 1A

• Jenkins County 20, Charlton County 6

Saturday’s games

Class 7A

• Camden County 29, Newton 15

Class 2A

• Pierce County 42, Academy for Classical Education 7

Second round

Friday, Nov. 17

Class 7A

• (3) Camden County (8-3) at (1) McEachern (7-4)

Class 6A

• (3) Brunswick (7-3) at (1) Marist (10-1)

Class 5A

• (2) Ware County (8-3) at (1) Warner Robins (8-3)

Class 2A

• (2) Laney (8-2-1) at Pierce County (10-1)