As the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) flag football state playoffs begin Thursday, November 4, teams set out on a clear route toward a state championship, ultimately concluding at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
GHSA flag football is divided into five divisions, with 11 local teams competing in Divisions 1, 2, and 3. Each team earned its place in the bracket by finishing among the top four in its area, creating a 32-team state tournament in every division.
Local teams competing in the GHSA flag football state playoffs include Richmond Hill, South Effingham, and Effingham County in Division 3; Jenkins, New Hampstead, Groves, and Calvary Day in Division 2; and St. Vincent’s Academy, Savannah Christian, Savannah Country Day, and Woodville-Tompkins in Division 1.
Under the state playoff format, the first and second rounds are played on the same date, with the higher seed hosting a four-team pod. Winners advance later that same night. Quarterfinal and semifinal games are also hosted by the higher seed, with a coin toss used to determine host sites in the event of equal seeds.
Richmond Hill, Jenkins, and St. Vincent’s Academy won their areas and will host first and second-round playoff games. From here on out, it’s simple: win and move on, or lose and the season ends. Here’s the full breakdown below.
GHSA Division 3
Division 3 features several local teams and a busy opening night.
Richmond Hill (12-1) hosts Rounds 1 and 2 in its quadrant, featuring Peach County vs. Douglas and Lithonia vs. Richmond Hill, with winners advancing later that evening.
In the Whitewater quadrant, South Effingham (11-4) faces Winder-Barrow, while Whitewater meets Luella.
At North Oconee, Effingham County (8-8) meets the host school, while Ola faces Trinity Christian. One night will determine which teams advance.
GHSA Division 2
Division 2 brings state playoff football to Savannah, with Jenkins hosting a first-round quadrant.
At Jenkins (17-1), Drew Charter and Pike County are joined by Jenkins and Mt. Zion (Jones County), with winners advancing to round two the same night.
On the road, New Hampstead (14-5) faces Jonesboro, while Stephenson meets Mary Persons in the same quadrant.
At Redan, Groves (18-2) faces Lovejoy, along with Central (Macon).
In the Westside–Macon quadrant, Calvary Day (13-7) meets Riverdale, along with Westside–Macon and Cedar Grove.
GHSA Division 1
In Division 1, St. Vincent’s Academy (9-4) hosts Rounds 1 and 2 with LaGrange vs. Telfair County and Richmond Academy vs. St. Vincent’s Academy.
On the road, Savannah Christian (4-8) travels to Washington-Wilkes, where Savannah Christian plays Dodge County, and Washington-Wilkes plays Heard County.
At Fitzgerald, Savannah Country Day (8-5) faces Jefferson County, while Fitzgerald meets Troup.
Woodville-Tompkins (11-5) travels to Harris County, where Woodville-Tompkins plays Hephzibah, and Harris County faces Wheeler County.
Every game is earned, with no margin for error.
Championship Schedule
The postseason concludes at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
- Division 1 Championship: Dec. 15, 11 a.m.
- Division 2 Championship: Dec. 15, 1 p.m.
- Division 3 Championship: Dec. 16, 10 a.m.
Win four times, and a team becomes a state champion.
Bottom Line
This playoff format doesn’t reward potential — it rewards execution.
You have to be ready on the first night, handle pressure, and win twice in one day to keep your season alive.
That’s why getting to the state matters. And that’s why winning means everything.
Photo Credit: Courtesy Birk Herrath Photography
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