Georgia high school football state playoffs: Augusta-area teams and first-round opponents

The state high school football playoffs are here.

Everyone is 0-0. For teams like Thomson, it's a chance to defend its Georgia High School Association 2A state championship. For everyone else, it's a chance to get their program to prominence by reaching the top of the mountain.

Many Augusta-area programs will have to go on the road to play spoiler against higher seeds. Burke County, for instance, finds itself as a No. 3 seed thanks to residing in one of the most difficult regions in the state. Something similar could be said of Evans, as the Knights clinched the No. 4 seed with a win over South Effingham in the regular-season finale.

Going down the list of classifications, Laney will get to bring a state playoff matchup to The Boulevard and region champion Aquinas will have somewhat of a home atmosphere while its home field continues to undergo renovations.

Here are the Augusta-area teams that qualified for the playoffs in their respective leagues, including each of their matchups for next week. One thing of note: GHSA first-round games will take place Friday, Nov. 10 and Saturday, Nov. 11 because of a shortage of officials.

GHSA Class AAAAAA

Evans (4-6) at Woodward Academy (8-2)

Columbia County foes: Here's why Evans-Lakeside is the most underrated football rivalry in the Augusta area

Class AAAA

Burke County (8-2) at Perry (8-2)

Rivalry game: Late goal-line stand pivotal in another Burke County-Thomson football thriller

Pressure cooker: Burke County football coach Franklin Stephens preaches performing under pressure

'He's been growing up all year:' Sophomore Augusta-area quarterback earning his stripes

Lessons learned: Here's why a loss to Benedictine could be good in the long run for Burke County football

Class AAA

Thomasville (5-5) at Harlem (7-3)

Dynamic duo: See how these twin playmakers are taking Harlem football offense to new levels

Richmond Academy (4-6) at Carver Columbus (7-3)

Coach G: Here's how this former Augusta QB is leading the Richmond Academy football rebuild

Hephzibah (7-3) at Crisp County (6-4)

Class AA

Jeff Davis (5-5) at Thomson (9-1)

Worth County (5-5) at Laney (7-2-1)

Feature back: Pair of CJ Holmes touchdowns leads Laney football over Hephzibah in high temperatures

Class A-D2

Glascock County (4-6) at Aquinas (8-2)

'I'm so proud of him': This freshman defensive standout steps up for Aquinas football

GIAA 8-man

State semifinal: David Emanuel Academy (7-2) at Westminster Schools of Augusta (9-1)

Wildcats to the semis: Westminster QB making plays on both sides of ball for GIAA football title contender

GIAA Class AA

Augusta Prep (2-9) at TBA

'It’s hard to sit and watch': Augusta football star learns to lead from the sideline

SCHSL Class 4A

North Augusta (7-4) fell to Greenwood 17-16 in the first round.

Hunt life: Beans Hunt on transferring to play for North Augusta football & what his new coach said

Family ties: North Augusta kicker follows in brother's footsteps, comes up big in win over Lakeside

SCHSL AAAA: North Augusta football falls to Midland Valley for first time in 25 years

SCISA Class 4A

Augusta Christian (4-7) fell to Cardinal Newman 41-24 in the first round.

Signal caller: Here's how Wilson Donnelly performed after winning Augusta Christian football QB battle

Coaching change: An Augusta-area high school football program & coach have parted ways. Here's what we know

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Augusta-area teams to qualify for GHSA state football playoffs