Benedictine (13-0), the top-ranked team in Class 4A, will take on Stockbridge (11-2) in the semifinals of the Georgia High School Association football playoffs on Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Bracket Courtesy ScoreAtlanta.com
The Cadets are coming off a physical 48-26 win over North Oconee in the quarterfinals, a game many consider the de facto state championship. Benedictine was led by senior quarterback Luke Kromenhoek, who had a career-high 104 rushing yards and a touchdown on 16 carries. He also threw for 193 yards on 12 of 16 pass attempts and a touchdown pass to La'Don Bryant.
Senior Bryce Baker had an outstanding performance for the Cadets, rushing for 156 yards and scoring four touchdowns on just 14 carries. He also contributed to the team's defense by making four tackles, a strip sack, and a fumble recovery. The junior defensive lineman, Third Scroggins, also played an impressive game with ten tackles and 3.5 sacks for Benedictine.
Stockbridge is heading into the semifinals after a dominant performance, having defeated previously unbeaten Spalding 35-14 in the quarterfinals. The team was led by Jayden "Duke" Scott, a senior running back who ran for 163 yards and scored three touchdowns on 17 carries. Scott, who has committed to play for North Carolina State, has had an outstanding season thus far, having rushed for 2,047 yards and scored 35 touchdowns.
Stockbridge averages 297 yards rushing per game and has three other players with more than 500 yards rushing on the year. Quarterback Cobey Thompkins has rushed for 584 yards and nine touchdowns and thrown for 1,655 yards and 18 touchdowns. Running backs Jordyn Mack and Mike Simms have rushed for 584 yards and nine touchdowns and 536 yards and six touchdowns, respectively.
The Cadets defeated Stockbridge last year, 31-14, in the GHSA Class 4A state quarterfinals and played at the Tigers' home. The game is expected to be close, with both teams evenly matched. Benedictine has the edge in experience, having played in the state championship game the past two years.
Stockbridge holds an advantage of playing at home, where they have remained unbeaten (6-0) and are on a winning streak of nine games. They lost their only two games of the season in the first two matches against Douglas County (35-28) and Colquitt County (47-27). It is worth mentioning that Douglas County is still in the semifinals of the GHSA Class 6A playoffs after defeating Lee County 59-45, while Colquitt County recently lost to Milton 39-37 in the GHSA Class 7A quarterfinal playoff game. The Cadets will have to face challenges in every game to win.
Benedictine Head Coach Danny Britt said, "Obviously we are playing a very good Stockbridge team with tremendous athletes. We will have to play very well for 4 quarters and in each phase of the game. Also we have to go there and have to come together as a team to play our best football together."
GHSA STATE SEMIFINAL SCHEDULE
Friday, December 1, 2023
The Final Four
Class 4A
Benedictine (13-0) at Stockbridge (11-2), 7:30 p.m.
Class 3A
Calvary Day (13-0) at Cedar Grove (8-5), 7:30 p.m.
Savannah Christian (11-2) at Carver Columbus (10-3), 7 p.m.
Class 3A
Bryan County (12-1) at Prince Avenue (12-1), 7:30 p.m.
Photo Credit: BC Communications Director Noell Barnidge
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