Jeff Hart

Before every game, Jason Elam envisions himself lining up for a game-winning field goal. That scenario played out plenty of times with the Denver Broncos. Come Sunday, he'll imagine beating the team where he established himself as one of the best clutch kickers in NFL history.

Jefferson scored 21 unanswered points in the second half to blow open a close game en rout to a 31-13 win over Coosa in the Class AA state playoffs.

The Buford Wolves picked up right where they left off in the regular season blowing out Heard County 56-21 in the first round of the Class AA state football playoffs Friday night at Tom Riden Stadium.

Pepperell took advantage of five Riverside Military Academy turnovers to blow open a close game at halftime in a 38-10 win Friday night in the first round of Class AA state football playoffs.

After winning three straight games to end the season and advance to the Class A playoffs, Commerce found the going rough Friday night in the opening round against Region 7-A champion Wilkinson County.

Those doubting the strength of Region 7-AAA in the Class AAA state football playoffs should take another look. Three teams – Gainesville, North Hall, and Flowery Branch - advanced Friday night after first round action against what was considered a strong group of teams from Region 8-AAA.

Despite a season-opening 28-25 loss to Stephens County, Flowery Branch football coach Lee Shaw said he would have no problem if his Falcons played a similar game Friday night against the Indians in the first round of the Class AAA playoffs.

While rookie Matt Ryan put in another solid day, Drew Brees threw a season-high three interceptions, the last of them returned 95 yards for a touchdown by Chevis Jackson, and Atlanta beat up on the New Orleans Saints 34-20 Sunday.

Georgia Tech guard Lewis Clinch will miss at least the first seven games of his senior season because he is academically ineligible.

Samford survived a sluggish start and got strong performances from Chris Evans and Dustin Taliaferro to beat Georgia Southern 27-17 Saturday.