The 2021 football state title games were played last week, and one of Emanuel’s high schools may breathe a sigh of relief of sorts knowing its deep playoff run was ended only by the eventual state champion.
Fitzgerald came to town and broke the hearts of Swainsboro faithful—but the Purple Hurricanes’ heartbreaker season would continue on after the Final 4 on Highway 1.
Fitzgerald downed Swainsboro 27–6 on December 3, earning a spot in the championship game against Thomasville. The Purple Hurricanes upended the Devils in Atlanta at Center Parc Stadium last Friday, December 10, 21–7.
Throughout the year, Fitzgerald amassed a 13–2 record and finished second in Region 1-AA.
Meanwhile, Class A powerhouse Brooks County continued to impress as the Trojans won the championship at Center Parc Stadium on Thursday, December 9.
The Class A Public state championship set up a major clash between the Trojans and another common name in single A football, Irwin County. It would be Brooks on top this year, winning 56–28.
The Trojpans finished 12–2 on the year, and second in Region 2-A Public.
Irwin County played through a tough bracket to get to this year’s title game, defeating Macon County (ECI’s eliminator in mid-November) and Wilcox County for a berth to the state championship. Brooks defeated Washington-Wilkes, Warren County, and Metter to solidify their spot in the game for all the marbles.