GHSA state semifinals: Pierce County rolls on, Camden County falls in final four

Pierce County is the lone peach state survivor in the Georgia High School Association playoffs.

Quarterback Caden McGatha and the Bears continued their tear through the postseason, crushing Fitzgerald 35-7 in the Class 2A state semifinals on Friday night. One week after rushing for five touchdowns McGatha had four more on the ground in the dominant win. The Bears (13-1) face Rockmart for the title on Dec. 12 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium with a shot to give coach Ryan Herring his second crown with the Bears. Pierce County won its only title in a 13-6 overtime slugfest with Oconee County in 2020.

In Class 7A, Camden County’s best season in coach Jeff Herron’s second act in Kingsland came to an end against a powerful Walton. The Raiders got six touchdown passes from Jeremy Hecklinski to beat Camden 41-25.

The Wildcats were victim to three Hecklinski touchdown passes in the first half to fall into a 21-0 hole. But Camden stormed back to cut the deficit to 21-17 but Hecklinski put separation back between them quickly. Camden’s season finishes at 10-4.